Egypt, Israel & Jordan In-Style

Welcome to Jordan, a country that is home to some of mankind's earliest settlements. We begin in Amman, Jordan's bustling and vibrant capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world.

• Special Experience: Take part in a cooking class where we learn about delicious local Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoy our culinary creations for a group welcome dinner.

This morning we will visit the magnificently restored Roman theatre, a highlight for most visitors to Amman.

We'll continue to Jerash, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world today. The ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations, starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. We'll tour through the colonnaded streets, amphitheatre, churches, temples and the vast Roman Forum.

Later, we'll take a short drive to the impressive Ajloun Castle, or ‘Qalaat Rabadh' (Arabic for ‘Hilltop Castle'). This Islamic castle was built in the 12th century and served as a military fort to protect the region from invading Crusader forces. We'll then return to Amman where we will learn about arranged marriages.

• Special Experience: Meet a Jordanian matchmaker and listen to how they match brides and grooms. This tradition has been around for decades in the Middle East and especially in Bedouin communities.

This morning we begin with a visit to the amazing Amman Citadel that is perched atop the Jabal Al Qal'a, one of the cities highest hills and one of the seven Jabals that originally made up the city. We will walk through this ancient ruin to gain insight into Jordan's history while also enjoying incredible panoramic views.

Next we'll stop in Madaba, known as ‘The City of Mosaics', where underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. We will visit the Greek Orthodox church of St George, home to Madaba's main attraction, a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. We'll also stop at Mount Nebo, the centre for pilgrimages since the earliest Christian times. Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred holy sites of Jordan as it is said to be the place where Moses was buried.

Next, we venture to the lowest point on Earth - the Dead Sea. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals that give its waters its renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities and buoyancy. Because the salt content is four times that of most oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not take a dip in the Dead Sea and cover your body in the therapeutic mud, said to have amazing benefits for your skin?

Driving along the Wadi Araba Road our first stop today is the Crusader fortress of Kerak. Built in 1142 by Payen le Bouteiller, Lord of Montreal, the fortress sits on the remains of earlier citadels which date back to Nabataean times.

As we make our way towards Petra, we'll stop to visit the fascinating 'Little Petra', also known as Siq al-Barid. Little Petra has a history dating back some 9,000 years and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Famous for its ancient buildings sculpted out of solid red sandstone, Little Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1985.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Petra.

Located in Jordan's southwestern desert, Petra is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.

This morning we explore the famous lost city of Petra on a guided tour. Carved into the sheer rockface by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, it was an important junction for the silk and trade routes. Attracting visitors from all over the world, much of Petra's appeal comes from its breathtaking setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge.

Our guide will explain the history of this great city and our tour will include a visit to Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury. We will also visit Pharaoh's Castle, the Triumphal Arch, the Amphitheatre situated near the top of a large hill and the stunning Monastery. The view from here is worth the climb!

After our guided tour, enjoy the rest of the day free to explore this delightful city independently.

• Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

If you're feeling adventurous and like to rise early you could take the option to re-visit Petra this morning.

Today we'll journey to the breathtaking Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. Traces of ancient civilisations exist in the many carved inscriptions to be found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most lasting monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-coloured sand dunes and vast peaks.

• Deluxe Experience: In one of the most stunning desertscapes in the world, we'll take an exciting 4WD tour and finish viewing the sunset in an exclusive area while tasting local wine.

Departing Wadi Rum today, we will continue to Jordan's only coastal city, the picturesque Aqaba on the Red Sea. Aqaba is Jordan's major tourism resort and only seaport, with its Red Sea coastline, fascinating history and prime location attracting thousands of tourists each year.

We will cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Aqaba Marine Park on a glass bottom boat and enjoy a delicious lunch.

• Optional Excursion: Camel Ride - Experience an iconic aspect of Bedouin life, taking a camel ride through Wadi Rum. Savour the views of uniquely shaped mountains that rise vertically out of the pink desert sand at a relaxed pace. 1 hour – from $25pp US.

Today we cross the border to enter Israel, a country brimming with archaeological, religious and cultural attractions. Located on the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Israel is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. It lies at the junction of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa and is a diverse country that offers everything from beach holidays to religious pilgrimages. Upon arrival we'll meet our Israel guide and drive north to our Mitzpe Ramon hotel for check in.

• Special Experience: Take a 4WD tour of the Makhtesh Ramon Crater, the biggest of its kind in the world. Learn about how it was formed, search for fossils, taste edible desert plants and trace wild animal tracks.

This morning we head north to the Masada National Park and stop to visit the fortification ruins of Masada, situated atop a rock plateau on the shore of the Dead Sea.

After some free time, we'll make our way to Tel Aviv where the evening is at leisure.

Located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline, Tel Aviv is the country's economic hub and richest city. The city is a popular tourist destination due to its lively cosmopolitan lifestyle, beautiful beaches, cafes, upscale shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.

Travelling along the coastal plain, we'll stop at Caesarea to see the excavations of the Crusader city and Roman port and the restored amphitheatre. Next, we visit the Druze Village, home to a unique religious and ethnic minority for some sightseeing and lunch.

After lunch we'll head towards Acre, also known as ‘Akko', a port city in northwest Israel, known for its well-preserved old city walls.

• Special Experience: Visit Acre's colourful Oriental Market, Arab Mosque, the Old Port and tour the underground crusader passageways. We then travel to Haifa where we will enjoy a tour, including the stunning Summit of Mount Carmel. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed coastal mountain range stretches southeast from the Mediterranean Sea, with breathtaking panoramic views over Haifa Bay and Western Galilee.

This morning we'll head to Katzrin a small city in the Golan Heights. We then take a visit to the Banias Natural Spring before continuing to Kuneitra and Mount Bental, seeing the abandoned Syrian bunkers and scattered scrap metal artwork sculptures.

We will then have some free time for lunch before returning to Haifa where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Today we'll travel to Jerusalem, stopping at Nazareth along the way, where we'll visit the Church of the Annunciation. It is here that legend says the angel Gabriel told Mary she would bear a child. The cupola above the church represents an inverted lily with petals opening to the temple below. The church's lower level hallows above a sunken grotto said to be the cave-home of the Virgin Mary.

We'll then visit the remains of the ancient fishing village Capernaum. Here we see the ruins of its synagogue, made from white limestone and the Church of St Peter. Next, we will visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the site believed to have been where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Our final stop is to see the synagogue remains of Beit Alpha, before continuing to Jerusalem.

Considered the holiest place on earth and Israel's largest and capital city, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world.

This morning we'll travel to Knesset, Israel's parliament, where will learn about the legislative process in the State of Israel. We then take a short drive to Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. After lunch we'll continue to visit nearby Mount Herzl, the site of Israel's national cemetery and other memorial and educational facilities.

This afternoon we visit Israel's largest cultural establishment, the Israel Museum. Here we'll see the Shrine of the Book containing the Dead Sea Scrolls, some of the oldest Biblical scrolls ever discovered.

Our day begins with a visit to the Mount of Olives, for magnificent panoramic view over Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives was named for the olive groves that cover the mountainside. Used for over 3,000 years as a cemetery, it holds well over 150,000 graves.

We then drive into the Old City, where we see the Tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper on Mt Zion, the Jewish Quarter, the Roman Cardo and the Herodian Quarter. The Roman Cardo is the reconstructed main road of Jerusalem and now lies approximately seven metres below street level with an arcade home to various shops and galleries.

Next, we'll see the fascinating Jewish Wailing Wall, the 'Kotel', considered the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray, due to its connection to the Temple Mount. We'll also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Christian Quarter.

This afternoon we visit Bethlehem and delve into its incredible history. It is known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and of the biblical matriarch, Rachel, who was the wife of Jacob. Before we reach Bethlehem, we'll visit Rachel's tomb.

• Deluxe Experience: Enjoy a middle eastern dinner and a spectacular Sound & Light Show at the Tower of David Museum.

Today we begin with a short city tour of Tel Aviv. We will then head to Old Jaffa where we will have some time for lunch before touring this amazing neighbourhood which is home to winding alleys filled with craft shops and galleries as well as wine bars, theatres and museums.

We will transfer to the airport today, for our late afternoon flight to Cairo. Set on the Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to many famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new.

Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.

Our touring in Egypt begins at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. Here we will tour the pyramids, including entry inside the Pyramid of Khufu. We'll also visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. Our tour then takes us to visit a weaving workshop, with an opportunity to purchase a locally-made Egyptian carpet.

• Special Experience: Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at Khufu's Restaurant.
• Special Experience: Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis bulls.
• Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Giza - Taking place on the Giza plateau, you will hear the story of Egypt as seen through the eyes of the Sphinx over the ages and see the breathtaking sight of the floodlit pyramids light up under the stars.

Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance. 1 hour – from $55pp US.

We have an early start this morning as we leave the hustle and bustle of Cairo behind and fly to Abu Simbel.

We visit the incredible UNESCO listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to the airport to fly to Aswan. Known for being the sunniest southern city of Egypt, Aswan has a distinctive African atmosphere. It's a small and very walkable city with a slow and relaxed lifestyle.

• Deluxe Experience: We'll indulge in a decadent high tea of delicate sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream whilst enjoying spectacular views over the Nile at the Old Cataract Hotel.

Today will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan. On a half day tour, we visit the High Dam and the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island.

Later we'll embark the Nile cruise ship and enjoy lunch board.

This afternoon we'll relax on a cruise along the Nile on board a traditional felucca sailboat, observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents before a Nubian Show this evening.

• Optional Excursion: A magical experience visiting Philae Temple at night for the Sound & Light Show. Walk through the dramatically lit temple as its history is narrated. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.1.5 hours – from $55pp US

After breakfast we will cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. We'll then set sail onward to Edfu located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan. The Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we'll visit this afternoon. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple.

Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.

We'll cross the lock at Esna early this morning and sail on towards Luxor. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Once in Luxor, we'll explore the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple's structure over time, which explains its monumental size! We'll then visit Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

We'll also visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.

The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to rest and relax.

• Optional Excursion: Deir El Medina, Medinet Habu & Nobles Tombs - Deir el-Medina is one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt. It lies near Thebes and was once a highly skilled community of craftsmen and their families. Visit Medinet Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II. Also see the Noble tombs of the great dignitaries from the middle new kingdom dynasties. 3 hours – from $75pp US - minimum 4 participants required.
• Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Karnak - Experience the beauty of Karnak Temple illuminated against the night as the pharaohs of the New Kingdom take you on a journey into Ancient Egypt. Please Note: you may not be permitted to use video cameras during this performance.1.5 hours – from $55pp US.

Today, we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the crew. After breakfast we set off to explore the West Bank – the world's largest open-air museum!

Our first stop for today is the Valley of Kings, where we have entry to visit Tutankhamun's Tomb. Carved deep into the limestone rock, each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber. We'll be able to descend into the tomb to see examples of the elaborate and incredibly well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.

Our next destination is the Temple of Hatshepsut. Regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, Queen Hatshepsut was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. We'll then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

We then stop at a nearby alabaster workshop, to learn how the locally-quarried stone is carved and crafted and can purchase a souvenir piece to take home if so inclined.

• Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride West Bank - Don't miss this opportunity for incomparable views of Luxor's famous temples! Enjoy a hot-air balloon ride directly over the Nile River's West Bank. Away from the crowds in the peaceful glow of dawn, your flight over Egypt's ancient monuments promises to be a highlight of your visit. Includes transport from your hotel. 1.5 hours – from $160pp US.
• Optional Excursion: Dendera - Discover the incredible temple complex of Dendera and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor (the goddess of pleasure and love). Learn why this iconic deity is represented as a cow with a woman's head. You will see the mud-brick walls that enclose the temple and date back to the Roman era and venture into the Coptic Basilica and the Temple of the Birth of Isis. Learn of the additions made to the structure during Greek, Ptolemy and Roman periods and the intriguing history of this truly significant place. 5 hours – from $80pp US.
• Challenging Day: Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today we farewell Luxor as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo.

• Deluxe Experience: Tour the historic Abdeen Palace, one of the richest palaces in the world and the official residence of the Egyptian government.

We begin today in the heart of lively Cairo with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum. We'll then visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Built in classic Turkish style, it resembles the great mosques of Istanbul. Our last stop is the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a major souk in Cairo's Islamic District. Famous for its handmade crafts, it's also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills!

We'll also visit a jewelry shop, that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, which will be available for purchase. Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner.

Today marks the completion of our incredible adventure across Egypt, Israel and Jordan. We bid farewell to Egypt and begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

• Optional Excursion: Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. Visit the Hanging Church, possibly the oldest Christian church in Egypt & Abu Serga, a place where the Holy Family rested after fleeing Israel from King Herod. See Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in Egypt. 3 hours - from $55pp US.
• Optional Excursion: Islamic Cairo -Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum - two houses from the 16th & 17th century built with a unique architectural style & filled with antiques from all over the Middle East. Nearby is the Ibn Toulon Mosque, one of Cairo's biggest mosques, built in the 8th century with strong Persian design influences. The final stop is the El Sultan Hassan Mosque, built in the 13th century & considered one of the best examples of Islamic architecture from that era. 3 hours – from $65pp US.
• Optional Excursion: The Pyramids of Dashur - The Pyramids of Dashur - Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis & contains a number of pyramid complexes & monuments. This site was used as funerary grounds beginning in the time of the Fourth Dynasty, where King Senefru built two of his three pyramids: the 'Bent' pyramid, named for the angle of the sides, & the 'Red Pyramid' named for the red limestone used in its construction. 2 hours – from $65pp US.