18 days Cairo to Jerusalem Explore the highlights of Egypt, Jordan and the promised lands of Israel - neighbouring countries, steeped in history. From the pharaoh s greatest accomplishment the grand Pyramids of Giza, to the architectural feat of the Nabataeans in Petra and the most sacred of biblical sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem... join us on a journey of epic proportion. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum Aswan - Philae Temple, River Nile Nile felucca cruising - islands en route Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo Edfu - Temple of Horus Luxor - Temple of Karnak Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Hurghada - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters Rose City of Petra, Jordan Wadi Rum dunes, desert and safari Dead Sea - the world's lowest point and nature's spa! Al Karak - 12th century crusader castle Jerusalem - Old City - Armenian, Jewish & Christian Quarters Sea of Galilea Cardo (Roman Road), Via Dolorosa, Church of the Holy Sepulchre Bethlehem - Shepherd s Field, Church of the Nativity and Manger Square. Nazareth: Church of the Annunciation and Church of St Joseph. Miracle sites - Cana, Tiberias, Capernaum and Tabgha (site of the sermon on the Mount & the feeding of the 5000) What's Included 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners 6 nights 4-5 star hotels - Egypt, 7 nights 4 star hotels - Jordan & Israel, 1 night deluxe desert camp (Wadi Rum) and 2 nights felucca (open deck) 1 overnight train: Cairo - Aswan (1st class sleeper cabin) Airport arrival and departure transfer day 1, day 10 and day 18 Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu, Luxor, Petra, Wadi Rum and Karak Swimming in the Dead Sea 4x4 desert safari through Wadi Rum Touring in Israel - Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Cana, Tiberias, Capernaum & Tabgha Escorted by Egyptian tour guide qualified in Egyptology, licensed Jordanian and Israeli tour guides in Jordan and Israel respectively. All additional transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles Entrance fees included for sightseeing in Israel. What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$80-100, paid in local currency Entrance Fees: USD$220-240, paid in local currency International flights and visa. Please note the flight between Cairo and Amman is not included and needs to be booked separately - see our Trip Notes for more info Tip for your tour guides in Egypt, Jordan and Israel. We recommend you allow $3-5 USD per day, per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture. ITINERARY Day 1 : Cairo Saturday. Today is the start of your adventure through the holy lands. Included transfer from Cairo airport and hotel check in. Overnight - Cairo - 1 -
Day 2 : Pyramids & Saqqara Cairo - Aswan. Start the day with a visit to Al Jizah, the famous Giza Plateau to see the iconic pyramids and Sphinx. Next explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Zhoser s step pyramid. This evening we board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B) Day 3 : Philae Temple Aswan. After arrival and check in in Aswan we enjoy a boat trip to Agilika Island where we visit the Temples of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Spend the remainder of the evening at your own leisure; shop in the colourful souqs or simply kick back and relax. Overnight - Aswan (B) Days 4-5 : Felucca Sailing Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning excursion by road to Abu Simbel, the famous rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. This afternoon we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile down stream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands. If sailing by felucca is not for you, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2) Day 6 : Kom Ombo & Edfu Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking near Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC. We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 yearold Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B) Day 7 : Valley of the Kings Luxor. Take flight over ancient Luxor with an optional hot air balloon ride early this morning before exploring the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs. After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight - Luxor (B) Day 8 : Hurghada Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we head east to Hurghada part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for some beach time! Overnight - Hurghada (B) Day 9 : Hurghada - by the Red Sea Today can either be spent relaxing by the beach in Hurghada or on an optional boat trip to snorkel and swim at Giftun Island. Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it's the gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. The resort also has an array of shops, restaurants and bars for evening entertainment. Overnight - Hurghada (B) Day 10 : Egypt to Jordan Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra. We have a very early start this morning (around 7am) as we drive back to Cairo. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hours and once we arrive in the city we head straight to the Egyptian Museum for an informative guided tour. Opt to see also the Royal Mummies, if you wish. Once we have finished here we head to the airport to fly to Jordan on MS 701 departing Cairo at 16:45/16:55/17:05/17:55, arriving to Amman, Jordan at 17:55/18:05/19:15. Travellers need to independently book this flight at a personal cost. If your tour commences after 01 July 2018, please do not book this flight at this point in time. Upon arrival into Amman we transfer to our vehicle that takes us to Petra - our base for the evening. Please note this flight is not included and needs to be booked separately. Please see our Trip Notes for more details. Overnight - Petra (B) - 2 -
Day 11 : Rose City of Petra To discover the archaeological treasures of Petra, we first take a walk through the winding cleft in the rock that is known as the Siq, before reaching the awe-inspiring Treasury. This rose red building actually served as a royal tomb, but got its name from the legend that pirates hid their treasure there. More amazing Nabataean and Roman ruins follow, including a huge 8000 seat amphitheatre and other Royal tombs and Mausoleums. If you are feeling energetic, why not continue up the hillside along the ancient steps that take you to the Monastery, to take in the stunning views. Consider opting for our Petra Kitchen bolt-on tonight. Overnight - Petra (B) Day 12 : Wadi Rum Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisit Petra this morning before our afternoon drive to Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandy desert and amazing rock formations known as jebels that rise from the desert floor awaits. Boarding 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilarating desert safari across the sand dunes, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Wadi Rum. Tonight, we enjoy a Jordanian dinner at our desert camp. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D) Day 13 : Crusader Castles, Wadi Wujib Canyoning & Dead Sea Wadi Rum - Karak Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. After breakfast at the campsite, we head north along the Desert Highway. Taking a drive through the busy market town of Karak under the towering shadows of the Karak Crusader Castle, descending some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth s surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineralrich Dead Sea is the world s original health and beauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters and slap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an invigorating boost. For departures between April and October we ll head up the King s Highway to Wadi Mujib. We ll embark on a moderate paced two hour trek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metres in depth and spanning 4 kilometres across, the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan s most remarkable natural features. This dramatic canyon features sheer rocky walls and sparkling waterways that range from puddle height to depths that are perfect for swimming (chest height or deeper) depending on the rainfall. When the water level is high you should be prepared for having to climb up ladders, clamber across boulders and be happy to wade through water. The canyon is just one feature of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, home to a surprising diversity of wildlife and plant species. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea. For those not interested in taking the full hike, you can walk part of or wait by the Visitor Centre till the group returns. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea. Overnight - Dead Sea (B) Day 14 : Dead Sea The lowest point on the earth s surface at more than 400m below sea level, the Dead Sea is a natural phenomena and high on most travellers bucket lists. Lucky for us we have a whole day to spend here, whiling away the time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath. Option to visit the Ma in hot springs and the site where it is thought Jesus Christ was baptised by John (book locally). Overnight - Dead Sea (B) Day 15 : Jerusalem Dead Sea Jerusalem. This morning travel to the Jordanian border where after immigration formalities you will transfer by public shuttle bus over the border into Israel, here you ll be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem. The afternoon and evening offer free time. Today is the Sabbath and offers good opportunity to explore the World Heritage Listed city on foot without the usual crowds. Overnight - Jerusalem (B, D) Day 16 : Bethlehem Today we enjoy a guided tour of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Our first stop is the holy Mount of Olives where there are amazing panoramic views of the old city. We take a walking tour of the atmospheric old city; wander through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the Cardo (ancient Roman road). We continue on through the old city and the Christian quarter, - 3 -
visiting the famous Wailing Wall - a place of constant prayer and one of the most revered Hebrew sites. Retracing the final laboured steps of Jesus, burdened under the weight of the cross, we walk along the Via Dolorosa to the hallowed Church of the Sepulchre; the site of the crucifixion, Jesus tomb and the resurrection. A short drive from Jerusalem is Bethlehem the birthplace of Jesus; where we visit Manger Square and the Church of Nativity, which is reputed to be the oldest Church in the world and the site where Jesus was born. Spend the evening at leisure in Jerusalem. Overnight - Jerusalem (B, D) Day 17 : Sea of Galilee & Nazareth This morning we head out for another full day of sightseeing around the Holy Land. We take in the sights of Nazareth the home of Joseph and Mary, visiting the famous Churches of the Annunciation and St. Joseph. Heading north via Cana where Jesus turned water into wine, we reach the shores of the Sea of Galilee and visit the significant Christian sites of Capernaum, historic Tiberias and Tabgha - site of the legendary Sermon on the Mount and the feeding of the 5000. We travel back to Jerusalem where you can spend your final night soaking up the atmosphere of this revered city. Overnight - Jerusalem (B, D) Day 18 : Jerusalem Tuesday. Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Included departure transfer to Ben Gurion International Airport, at any time of day.(b) HOTELS The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary. Oasis Hotel Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Oasis Hotel is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer. Well located in Giza on the Cairo- Alexandria Road. The pyramids and Sphinx are all close by. Helnan Aswan Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan. The hotel has an excellent location on the Corniche in the heart of Aswan, just a few minutes from the Nile. Felucca Cruise Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 8-12 passengers comfortably. The boat s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet or wash. It is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals. Sonesta St. George Hotel An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries. Marriott Beach Resort The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees. - 4 -
Petra Moon Hotel Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte. Rainbow Camp A row of permanent tents in the desert make up the popular Rainbow Camp. Inside the tents are comfortable camp beds and warm bedding. Showers and toilets are close by and are cleaned thoroughly everyday. Guests can relax in the communal area which is adorned with colourful rugs and cushions. The food at Rainbow Camp always gets rave reviews. Taking an evening stroll around the beautiful surroundings is a great way to work up an appetite before dinner. This accommocation is well located in the heart of Wadi Rum. Holiday Inn Resort Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea. Prima Royale A private hideaway for all guests is an accurate way to describe Jerusalem's Prima Royale Hotel. The hotel's contemporary and artistic vibe attracts guests from all over the world. Rooms are modern and comfortable and include Wi-Fi connectivity. There is a delightful infusion of Middle-eastern ambiance throughout the hotel, no more so than on the Roof Top where guests can enjoy cocktails and a guided aerial view of the city. Perfectly located on a quiet street in the Talbieh district of Jerusalem. PRICES / DATES INFO Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged provided there is another single traveller booked on the tour date of your choosing. PRICES / DATES 2017 Date Twin Share Single 18 Nov USD 4,395 USD 5,695 23 Dec USD 4,675 USD 5,975 PRICES / DATES 2018 Date Twin Share Single 13 Jan USD 4,395 USD 5,695 03 Feb USD 4,395 USD 5,695 03 Mar USD 4,395 USD 5,695 17 Mar USD 4,395 USD 5,695 24 Mar USD 4,675 USD 5,975 07 Apr USD 4,225 USD 5,525 28 Apr USD 4,225 USD 5,525 12 May USD 4,225 USD 5,525 19 May USD 4,225 USD 5,525 02 Jun USD 4,225 USD 5,525 30 Jun USD 4,225 USD 5,525 14 Jul USD 4,225 USD 5,525 18 Aug USD 4,225 USD 5,525 01 Sep USD 4,395 USD 5,695 15 Sep USD 4,395 USD 5,695 29 Sep USD 4,395 USD 5,695 13 Oct USD 4,395 USD 5,695 27 Oct USD 4,395 USD 5,695 10 Nov USD 4,395 USD 5,695 24 Nov USD 4,395 USD 5,695 22 Dec USD 4,675 USD 5,975 29 Dec USD 4,675 USD 5,975-5 -