Highlights of Egypt Jordan and Israel

Welcome to Egypt! Cairo, named Al-Qahirah in Arabic, is not only one of Africas largest cities (population of 17 million) but a bustling political and cultural center of the Arab world The Egyptian is home to a population of 17 million people. The citys old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still relevant to descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairos architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, particularly in commercial architecture as the citys population boomed during the 19th century. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.




Overnight in Cairo

This morning you will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be escorted to the cruise ship for boarding. This will be your home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon you will visit the Luxor and Karnak Temples. Luxor Temple was the center of the most important festival; the Opet Festival. Built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor Temple. Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple of Karnak consists of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples — all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun are enclosed by enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun in the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth



Dinner and overnight on board in Luxor

After breakfast, you will cross the freshly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings. This includes the tombs of the Theban rulers, Seti I and Tutankhamen. The Valley of the Kings is home to many pharaonic tombs of the New Kingdom, including those of King Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. Each king's formal name and the title are inscribed in his tomb, adorned with images and statues. Most of the tombs were cut into limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. Explore several incredible Royal Tombs. From there you will visit the Valley of the Queens which includes 75 to 80 tombs. These tombs belong to Queens of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Among these lies the famous tomb of Nefertiti, one of the five wives of Ramses II. From there you will tour The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty was built just north of the Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep Nebhepetre, amid the bay of cliffs known as Deir El-Bahri. In ancient times the temple was called Djeser-djeseru, meaning the sacred of sacred. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. After lunch on board, you will sail to Edfu via Esna. Ancient Nubia was known to the pharaohs as the “Land of Gold,” and its wealth and lands were eventually incorporated into Egypt around 1500 BC. You may join your shipmates for afternoon tea.



Dinner and overnight on board in Edfu

Enjoy breakfast on board before you visit the Temple of Edfu. This temple is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt but also the second largest after Karnak. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. Hence, the current temple was but the last in a long series of temples built on this location. You will then sail to Kom Ombo and have lunch and afternoon tea onboard the ship. In the afternoon you may disembark the ship and enjoy a short walk to the Temples of Kom Ombo. This temple complex consists of two temples: The Temple of Sobek and the Temple of Haroeris. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank nearby. The Temple has scanted remains, due first to the changing Nile, then the Copts who used it as a church, and finally by builders who used the stones for new buildings. As we sail toward Ancient Nubia you may participate in an Egyptian Galabeya Party.




Overnight on board in Aswan

After breakfast, you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902). You will also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam's construction. The High Dam, just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan lies the Aswan High Dam, a huge rock-filled dam that captures the world's longest river, the Nile, in the world's largest artificial reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, known as “Sadd El-Aali” in Arabic, was completed in 1970 after 10 years of work. Later you may enjoy a short trip on a motorboat to discover the Philae Temple. The boat ride will bring the visitor to a magnificent vista of the island, before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the south side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after he was murdered by his brother Seth




Overnight on board in Aswan

Disembark the cruise after breakfast. From there you will be transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. There, you will be met and escorted back to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour.




Overnight in Cairo

Today you will visit the Pyramids and Sphinx — reckoned by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  A single pyramid is built from 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing approximately two and one-half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the awe and wonder which so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is particularly interesting since its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza, dating to the time of Chephren (2620 BC). Sculpted from natural yellowish limestone and standing 65 feet high & 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lions body. Afterwards, you will return to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.  Explore the city or perhaps book one of the following optional tours.




Overnight in Cairo

Today you will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight to Amman, Jordan.



Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met and assisted by our company representative through the Jordanian immigration and customs formalities. After the formalities drive to *Jerash, the best-preserved city of Roman times, to visit its theaters, temples, churches, and colonnaded streets. From there you will continue to Ajloun to tour the 12th century Saracen Castle built by one of Saladins lieutenants in the campaign against the Crusaders.




Overnight in Amman



*Please Note: The Jerash visit is only possible if clients arrive in Amman before 13:00 hrs

After breakfast, drive south along the Kings Way to Petra, visiting Madaba with the oldest map of the Holy Land, and its Mosaic School, Mt. Nebo, and the alleged burial site of Moses overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. From there you will drive through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujib to Kerak to see the Crusader Castle (stop for an optional lunch, not included).




Overnight in Petra

After breakfast, Prepare for a full day to discover the sites of Petra. This city was carved into the rose-red Sharah Mountains by the Nabateans and lost to Civilization until it was re-discovered by the Swiss Burkhardt. Walk through the Siq, a narrow and winding fissure between the cliffs to reach the Treasury, the Roman Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, Temple of the Winged Lion, and other fascinating monuments. Enjoy a break for optional lunch or you may wish to climb up to the Monastery.




Overnight in Petra

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel & will visit the Wadi Rum Desert (a short ride in a 4x4 vehicle) with its incredible moon-like landscape, where the film “Lawrence of Arabia” was shot. Later you will be transferred back to Queen Alia Amman International Airport to check in for your onward flight to Tel Aviv.



Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, you will be transferred to your hotel to relax & unwind.




Overnight in Tel Aviv

After breakfast, Day is at leisure. You may explore one of the most enjoyable cities in the world. Spectacular beaches, great food, great people-watching, wonderful museums -- a vibrant city with lots of energy. You really can't 'get' Israel without seeing its most modern face, and that is Tel Aviv or you may choose from our suggested optional tours.  




Overnight in Tel Aviv

Depart Tel-Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region; visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre, an aqueduct. Proceed to Muhraka, the site of confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal; enjoy the spectacular view of the Jezreel valley and the lower Galilee. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon; learn the impressive history of this battlefield as you visit the archaeological excavations including the well-preserved water supply system. Onto Acre to visit the remarkable underground Crusader City and crypt; walk through the Old City recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the local market, and harbor.




Overnight in hotel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee

After a short tour of Tiberias, enjoy a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee; visit the Yigal Alon center where the \"Jesus boat\", an ancient fishing boat from the 1st century, is displayed. Continue to Capernaum to visit the remains of the 2nd-century synagogue.  Stop at Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Fish and Loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th-century mosaic floor. Proceed to Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount. Drive to the Banias Springs and tour the Golan heights.




Overnight in hotel on the shore of the Sea of Galilee

Drive to Cana to visit the Wedding Church, where Jesus performed his first miracle turning water into wine. Continue to Nazareth to visit the Church of Annunciation, Josephs workshop and Marys well. Proceed to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan river; next, stop at Beit Shean to visit the newly excavated Roman city and amphitheater. Drive along the Jordan valley to Jerusalem.




Overnight in Jerusalem

Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city; visit the Church of All Nations, King Davids Tomb and Room of Last Supper on Mt. Zion.  Enter the Old City; walk through the Cardo, the ancient roman road; visit the Jewish and Christian quarters; view the Temple Mount; walk along the Via Dolorosa and the oriental Bazaar to visit the Church of Holy Sepulcher. Next, drive to the Garden Tomb and enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful ambiance




Overnight in Jerusalem

Drive to Ein Karem to visit the Church of Visitation; proceed to Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Visit Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book, where the Dead Sea scrolls are housed, and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus; visit Shepherds' field; walk through Manger Square to visit the remarkable Church of Nativity. Return to Jerusalem.




Overnight in Jerusalem

Drive through the Judean hills to Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea scrolls were found; Continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D; ascend Massada by cable car and tour the mountain fortress built by King Herod; visit the remains of the walls, water cistern and Herods Palace; descend by cable car. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth; enjoy the opportunity to float in the unsinkable water and cover yourself with the mineral-rich mud, believed to have therapeutic effects.




Overnight in Jerusalem

Today, after breakfast, you will be transferred back to Ben Gurion International Airport for your onward flight.