Itinerary
- Day 1
Tel Aviv
A driver picks you up at Ben Gurion Airport and takes you to your Tel Aviv hotel. Later in the day, you'll meet up with the rest of your group for a Welcome Reception where you'll get a quick overview of what's ahead during your time in Israel.
- Meals
- Welcome Drink (Welcome Drink and mingle with fellow travel companions)
Included Activities
- Welcome Reception with introduction to Israeli adventures
- Day 2
Tel Aviv to Tiberias
The day follows the coastal road north to Caesarea where you'll walk through Roman and Crusader ruins, including the old amphitheatre. From there, head to Acre to see the fortress and explore the harbor area with its Crusader crypt. Grab falafel for lunch at the market, then continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of the Annunciation before ending in Tiberias. The evening brings a Kibbutz introduction and Shabbat dinner.
- Meals
- Lunch (Falafel lunch at Acre market), Dinner (Friday night Shabbat dinner with traditional challah bread)
Included Activities
- Explore Roman and Crusader ruins at Caesarea archaeological park including amphitheatre
- Visit fortress and old harbour area in Acre including Crusader crypt
- Falafel lunch at Acre market
- Visit Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth
- Brief introduction to life on a Kibbutz
- Shabbat dinner
Landmarks Caesarea Acre Church of the Annunciation 
- Day 3
Tiberias
Join a local ranger at the Agmom Hahula nature reserve to learn about the rare plant species found in the Hula Valley. This area sits along an important route for birds migrating between continents, so you might see various species depending on the season.
Included Activities
- Guided ranger tour of Agmom Hahula nature reserve including ecological garden
Landmarks Agmom Hahula Nature Reserve - Day 4
Tiberias to Dead Sea
Choose between two activities: take a boat out on Lake Kinneret for views of the Golan Heights, or visit the museum where they keep a 1st century fishing boat discovered at the lake's bottom. After that, check out Capernaum and Mount of Beatitudes, then travel through the Jordan Valley to Jericho. The day wraps up at the Dead Sea where you can float in the extremely salty water.
Included Activities
- Visit Capernaum synagogue where Jesus is said to have taught
- Visit Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount
- Dip in the Dead Sea
Optional Activities
- Cruise on Lake Kinneret for views of the Golan Heights
- Learn about the 1st century Ancient Galilee Boat with archaeologist
Landmarks Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) Capernaum Mount of Beatitudes Jericho Dead Sea 
- Day 5
Dead Sea to Jerusalem
Ride a cable car up to Masada, the fortress where Jewish zealots resisted King Herod's armies centuries ago. Drive through the Judean Hills to Mount Scopus for views over Jerusalem, then visit King David's Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Walk through the Old City's narrow stone streets to reach the Wailing Wall.
Included Activities
- Cable car ride to Masada fortress
- Explore Masada fortress complex
- Mount Scopus viewpoint
- Visit King David's Tomb
- Visit Room of the Last Supper
- Explore Old City alleyways
- Visit Wailing Wall
Landmarks Masada Mount Scopus King David's Tomb Room of the Last Supper Western Wall (Wailing Wall) 
- Day 6
Jerusalem
Spend the full day in Jerusalem exploring several significant sites. Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, then move on to the Israel Museum to see exhibits about the city's history. After that, head to the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the famous Isaiah scroll from the third century B.C.
Included Activities
- Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
- Visit Israel Museum
- Visit Shrine of the Book with Dead Sea Scrolls
Landmarks Yad Vashem Israel Museum Shrine of the Book - Day 7
Jerusalem
Have a relaxed morning or, if interested, join a guide to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity built over the cave marking Christ's birthplace. Later, visit the Garden of Gethsemane and walk through the Old City, passing the Temple Mount, Stations of the Cross, the Ecce Homo Arch, and the Pool of Bethesda on your way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. End with a Highlight Dinner to celebrate your time in the region.
- Meals
- Dinner (Highlight Dinner with wine)
Included Activities
- Highlight Dinner with wine
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
- Visit Garden of Gethsemane
- Walk Via Dolorosa past Stations of the Cross
- Visit Ecce Homo Arch
- Visit Pool of Bethesda
- Visit Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Landmarks Church of the Nativity Garden of Gethsemane Temple Mount Via Dolorosa Ecce Homo Arch Pool of Bethesda Church of the Holy Sepulchre - Day 8
Jerusalem to Amman
Travel through the Judean Desert toward the Jordan border. Once you cross over, you'll be met and drive through landscape that looks much like it did two thousand years ago. Check into your Amman hotel and relax before meeting your Jordanian Travel Director for drinks and dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Drinks and dinner with Jordanian Travel Director)
- Day 9
Amman
After breakfast, head to Iraq Al-Amir to visit a women's cooperative that provides training and work for women from nearby villages. Continue to Jerash where you'll walk through the well-preserved Greco-Roman city, seeing the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, the Oval Plaza, and Cardo Maximus. Lunch comes at Beit Khairat Souf, a women-owned cafe supporting female employment. You'll return to Amman with free time in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Al fresco lunch of natural produce and family recipes at Beit Khairat Souf women-owned café)
Included Activities
- Visit Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)
- Explore Jerash ruins including Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Artemis, Temple of Zeus, Oval Plaza, and Cardo Maximus
- Lunch at Beit Khairat Souf women-owned café (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)
Landmarks Iraq Al-Amir Jerash Temple of Artemis Temple of Zeus - Day 10
Amman to Petra
Start at Mount Nebo, one of Jordan's most important holy sites where Moses reportedly saw the Promised Land. Move on to Madaba to see the Church of St. George with its remarkable 6th century mosaic map showing the Holy Land. Visit Shobak, an authentic 12th century Crusader fortress featuring towers, Arabic calligraphy, and secret passages. Then head south to Petra, which was voted one of the New Seven Wonders and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Included Activities
- Visit Mount Nebo
- Visit Church of St. George in Madaba with 6th century mosaic map
- Explore Shobak 12th century Crusader fortress
Landmarks Mount Nebo Church of St. George Shobak Petra 
- Day 11
Petra
Dedicate the day to exploring Petra. Walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge with walls rising about 200 metres on each side, and emerge to see the Treasury carved from solid rock and standing over 40 metres high. Continue through the canyon to see ancient tombs and the Roman Amphitheatre that once held 3,000 people. Dinner takes place at the Ammarin desert camp with the rose-red city as your backdrop.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional desert dinner with locals at Ammarin Bedouin camp)
Included Activities
- Explore Petra Siq gorge
- Visit Treasury at Petra
- Explore ancient tombs at Petra
- Visit Roman Amphitheatre at Petra
- Dinner at Ammarin Bedouin desert camp
Landmarks Petra Treasury Petra Siq Roman Amphitheatre at Petra - Day 12
Wadi Rum
Drive into Wadi Rum on a jeep safari through the desert landscape. Experience Bedouin hospitality as you have dinner and stay overnight in a desert camp. After the meal, an astronomer leads a private stargazing session where you can see the night sky without city lights.
- Meals
- Dinner (Zarb dinner under the stars with authentic Jordanian cuisine and Bedouin hospitality), Tea (Tea with the Bedouins at sunset)
Included Activities
- Jeep safari through Wadi Rum desert
- Zarb dinner under the stars with Bedouins
- Private stargazing session with astronomer
Landmarks Wadi Rum 
- Day 13
Wadi Rum to Amman
Start with optional sunrise yoga at the camp if you're interested, then head back to Amman. Choose between a guided city tour covering history, architecture, and culture, or join a guided graffiti walking tour to see Amman's street art scene. Check into your hotel and have the afternoon free. Later, join a lively celebration dinner with your group.
- Meals
- Dinner (Lively celebration dinner with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Return to Amman
- Celebration dinner
Optional Activities
- Sunrise yoga at Bedouin camp
- Guided sightseeing tour of Amman including Citadel, Roman Amphitheatre, and Archaeological Museum
- Guided graffiti walking tour exploring Amman's street art scene
Landmarks Amman Citadel Roman Amphitheatre of Amman Amman Archaeological Museum - Day 14
Amman to Cairo
Fly to Cairo and get transferred to your hotel where you can relax. Meet your Travel Director, who is a professionally trained Egyptologist, for an introduction to your Egyptian adventures ahead.
Included Activities
- Meet professionally trained Egyptologist Travel Director
- Day 15
Cairo to Luxor
Fly to Luxor and visit the massive Karnak temple complex with its avenue of ram-headed sphinxes and towering columns in the Hypostyle Hall. Board your Nile cruise ship for the next seven nights, then visit the Luxor Museum after lunch to see ancient artifacts. In the evening, get to know your Egyptologist Travel Director and fellow travelers over drinks and dinner.
- Meals
- Lunch, Welcome Drink, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Karnak temple complex including avenue of ram-headed sphinxes and Hypostyle Hall
- Visit Luxor Museum
- Welcome drink and introduction to Travel Director and fellow guests
Landmarks Karnak Temple Complex Luxor Museum 
- Day 16
Luxor
Start with a morning visit to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, one of Egypt's best-preserved temples with a rare depiction of Cleopatra and her son. Later, see the Luxor Temple on the Nile's east bank, built by Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. Head back to your cruise ship in the evening and sail through the Esna Lock toward Edfu.
Included Activities
- Visit Temple of Hathor in Dendera
- Visit Luxor Temple
Landmarks Temple of Hathor Luxor Temple Esna Lock - Day 17
Edfu to Aswan
Have breakfast while cruising the Nile to Kom Ombo and continuing to Aswan, a vibrant city with ancient sites like the Philae Temple Complex and Temple of Isis. In the evening, enjoy an Egyptian dinner and galabeya party with your group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Egyptian dinner and galabeya party in traditional Egyptian attire)
Included Activities
- Cruise along Nile to Kom Ombo
- Visit Aswan
- Egyptian dinner and galabeya party
Landmarks Kom Ombo Aswan Philae Temple Complex Temple of Isis 
- Day 18
Aswan
Visit Aswan's High Dam and the granite quarries where you can see an enormous unfinished obelisk. Travel by motorboat to the Temple of Isis on Philae Island, rising from the Nile waters. The rest of your day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities on your cruise boat.
Included Activities
- Visit Aswan High Dam
- Visit granite quarries and unfinished obelisk
- Visit Temple of Isis on Philae Island by motorboat
Landmarks Aswan High Dam Aswan Granite Quarries Temple of Isis - Day 19
Aswan
Sail on a traditional felucca, the kind of boat you've seen throughout your cruise. Meet a local sailor who teaches you about the ancient art of sailing on these vessels. As evening approaches, have high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, where Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie stayed, and where Christie reportedly wrote 'Death on the Nile'.
- Meals
- Afternoon Tea (High tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel at sunset)
Included Activities
- Sail traditional Nile felucca with local sailor
- High tea at Old Cataract Hotel
Landmarks Old Cataract Hotel - Day 20
Aswan
The morning is yours to rest or take an optional flight to Abu Simbel to see the temples overlooking Lake Nasser, which include the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor. Later in the day, sail to Kom Ombo to visit Egypt's only double temple, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus the Elder.
Included Activities
- Sail to Kom Ombo
- Visit Kom Ombo double temple
Optional Activities
- Fly to Abu Simbel temples including Great Temple of Ramesses II and Temple of Hathor
Landmarks Abu Simbel Great Temple of Ramesses II Temple of Hathor Kom Ombo Temple - Day 21
Kom Ombo to Luxor
Your cruise continues along the Nile. By evening, you'll arrive back in Luxor where there's time for shopping and sightseeing before dinner.
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Nile to Luxor
- Day 22
Luxor
Leave the cruise and travel by air-conditioned coach to the west bank of the Nile. See the Colossi of Memnon, then visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings where many pharaohs were buried. Stop at a local family home to watch the making of traditional Egyptian bread. After that, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo.
Included Activities
- Visit Colossi of Memnon
- Visit Temple of Hatshepsut
- Visit Valley of the Kings
- Visit local family home and watch authentic Egyptian bread making
Landmarks Colossi of Memnon Temple of Hatshepsut Valley of the Kings - Day 23
Cairo
Climb to the Citadel for views across Cairo and visit the Alabaster Mosque built by Muhammad Ali Pasha. Head to Tahrir Square, the center of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, then see the Egyptian Museum with artifacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb. Later, watch the Sound and Light Show at the pyramids for an introduction to ancient Egypt.
Included Activities
- Visit Citadel of Cairo
- Visit Alabaster Mosque (Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha)
- Visit Tahrir Square
- Visit Egyptian Museum with Tutankhamun artefacts
- Sound & Light Show at Pyramids of Giza
Landmarks Citadel of Cairo Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha Tahrir Square Egyptian Museum Pyramids of Giza - Day 24
Cairo
Head to Memphis, the famous ancient capital, and see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Great Alabaster Sphinx. Continue to Saqqara to visit the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid in the world from 2,700 BC. In the afternoon, go to Giza with your Egyptologist to explore the pyramids and the Sphinx. Walk inside one of these ancient structures to see the chambers where pharaohs were sent to meet their gods.
Included Activities
- Visit Memphis with colossal statue of Ramses II
- Visit Great Alabaster Sphinx
- Visit Saqqara Step Pyramid of King Zoser
- Explore Pyramids of Giza with Egyptologist
- Visit the Sphinx
- Venture inside one pyramid to see burial chambers
Landmarks Memphis Statue of Ramses II Great Alabaster Sphinx Saqqara Step Pyramid of Zoser Pyramids of Giza Great Sphinx of Giza 
- Day 25
Cairo
Your journey ends as you transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.
