Mysteries of the Middle East

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you are met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. This is simply an arrival day, so you may arrive in Cairo at any time. Note that hotel rooms are generally only available after midday. The balance of the day is free to explore your surroundings. Later in the evening, there will be a Welcome Meeting where you meet your tour leader and fellow travelers.

Meals: None
Lodging: TBD

After breakfast at the hotel, head to the Egyptian Museum for a tour of the various key exhibits. Your guide explains the complexity of Egypt’s many dynastic periods, starting with the Old Kingdom and ending with the Greco-Roman occupation. You will then have some free time to explore on your own;  or you may wish to visit the Royal Mummy Room (optional and at extra cost).  This provides an excellent background for your visit south to Upper Egypt. Later, drive out to Giza to visit the Great Pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops (or Khufu), although occasionally they may be closed to visitors. Returning to your hotel, there is plenty of time to freshen up and pack before you are transferred to the railway station to board the overnight sleeper train to Luxor. Sleeping berths (beds and linen) are provided in private cabins and an airline-style dinner is served on board. It is worth bringing additional snacks, and your tour leader can help you to arrange this. A toilet is located at the end of each carriage.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Overnight train

Breakfast is served on board the train, and just after dawn, you arrive in Luxor.  There you are transferred to your Nile cruise boat, which will be your home for the next four nights. Relax by the pool on the boat or explore the bazaar in town. Later in the day, take a horse-drawn carriage to Karnak, one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes, built over a period of some 200 years. Enjoy a guided tour of the temple, then the rest of the afternoon and evening are free to relax.  Shop in the bazaar (open quite late) or experience the atmosphere of a local tea house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

Rise early this morning (very early in summertime) and drive to the west bank of the Nile. Head into the Valley of the Kings, where your guide explains the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the many tomb paintings and hieroglyphics. Tutankhamun's final resting place is located here (entry may be limited). You visit three royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheater. Our final stop is at the Colossi of Memnon, giant statues that were once part of an impressive colonnade. Return to the cruise boat on the east bank, and enjoy lunch on board. There is time to relax on the deck or in your cabin before setting sail for Edfu. Departure time may vary, depending on river traffic. We pass through Esna Lock, which can sometimes be a slow process, depending on the number of vessels waiting to get through, and continue our journey upstream.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

Morning finds the cruise boat moored at Edfu, near a well-preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the Falcon-Headed God. Disembark and explore the temple as well as experiencing the bustling town center.  Return to the cruise boat to continue traveling upstream.  Relax on the sundeck and enjoy views of the desert and the everyday life that is almost as timeless as the Nile itself, with the desert hills forming a background to lush riverbanks, fisherman casting their nets and farmers working their land.  Arrive at Kom-Ombo, where you visit the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god) that lies ruined on the edge of the Nile River. Its most spectacular view is seen from the river itself, but a short walk around the temple also provides an interesting insight into the Greco-Roman period.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

Today you arrive in Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city. This friendly metropolis has an easygoing charm that is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. Depending on the arrival time of your cruise boat, you may visit the beautiful Temple of Isis that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to Philae Island (alternatively you will visit it tomorrow). It is an absolute gem and one of the highlights of Upper Egypt. The rest of your day is free to wander through the Nubian bazaar (a must!), visit the excellent Nubian Museum, or enjoy a walk along the corniche, the promenade that runs alongside the river. Enjoy a mint tea, and watch the waterfront come alive with families out strolling, socializing and relaxing along the corniche.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

Today you disembark from your cruise boat and check into a hotel, where a few day rooms will be available for our use. The rest of the day is free for you to make your own discoveries. The visit to Abu Simbel will occur this morning for those who booked this option with our tour leader back in Cairo.  The four massive statues of Ramses guarding the great temple is one of Egypt's most memorable sights.   A popular afternoon option is a relaxing sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island. You may also take a camel ride to the Monastery of St. Simeon - an abandoned 7th century fortress monastery - located in the desert on the west bank of the river. Your tour leader is on hand and may help you arrange any excursions you wish to undertake.  Alternatively, you may just prefer to relax by the hotel pool or do some shopping in the friendly bazaar.  In the evening, visit a Nubian village and enjoy the hospitality of your hosts as you dine on delicious local cuisine. You are also treated to some Nubian dancing and may even have the chance to try some moves yourself!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

After breakfast transfer to the Aswan airport for the short flight back to Cairo, where you transferred to your hotel to freshen up prior to the remainder of your day's activities. Having experienced the highlights of ancient Egypt, today is your opportunity to see something of medieval Cairo at the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Cairo’s oldest mosque, and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. Your tour leader takes you to the beautiful mosque, considered one of the finest examples of 9th century architecture, before walking with you to the museum housed in two fine old villas (16th and 17th century) overlooking the mosque. Once owned by an English army officer, the two houses contain a fascinating collection of Arabic artifacts, furniture and memorabilia, giving you insight into Cairene life during the Ottoman period. You may then continue into the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, which sprawls around an old area of Cairo known as Al-Azhar. As your tour leader takes you into the heart of the bazaar, you walk the tortuous streets and alleyways and listen to the attendant hawkers, and it all combines to look like a scene from "1001 Nights ". Explore the gold market, ‘perfume street’ and the spice market – where the scents of cumin, coriander, and cardamom hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market). There is time for you to do some last-minute shopping before heading back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: TBD

This morning, you travel east towards Suez, drive through the Ahmed Hamdi Tunnel under the Suez Canal, and turn south towards St. Catherines at the foot of Mount Sinai. It’s a long day’s drive (around eight hours), and, on the way, you stop for a light lunch (on your own). You reach your hotel in the late afternoon, when there may be time to relax by the pool before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

If you wish to ascend Mount Sinai to watch the sun rise over the peninsula, you will be awakened between 2:00-3:00 a.m. (depending on the season). It is a fairly steep climb (with stairs all the way), but, as it is dark, most people take two to three hours to reach the summit. The view is well worth the effort and you return to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast. Note that, during the winter months (October to March), it can get very cold on the mountain and may even snow during the height of winter; please ensure you have warm thermal clothes during this period. Around mid-morning, drive to Nuweiba to board the hydrofoil to Aqaba. It is important that you read the notes below regarding the ferry journey. On arrival in Aqaba, you are transferred to your hotel for your first night in Jordan.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: TBD

After a brief orientation of Aqaba, you may visit the old castle (time permitting) before driving to Wadi Rum. After lunch in the small village of Rum and a browse around the excellent and informative visitor's center, you visit several of Wadi Rum's distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. Meet your Bedouin hosts and ride camels to your traditional Bedouin tent situated deep within Wadi Rum. The Bedouins live in scattered camps throughout the area. Enjoy an evening with them at their camp, set in this amazing location. Wadi Rum is a truly beautiful place with towering sandstone mountains. It fully deserves the amount of time we spend here, with the wind-sculpted rock formations changing hue throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-1918. Much of David Lean's film of his exploits, "Lawrence of Arabia," was actually filmed in Wadi Rum.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: Bedouin camp

It’s well worth rising early and watching the cliffs change color as the sun comes up. Enjoy a walk in the morning and scale one of the large dunes to enjoy sensational views of the surrounding area. Photographers especially will be delighted.  Then take 4WDs from the camp back to the main entrance of Wadi Rum. The visitor's center is a great spot to buy souvenirs, mostly made by a women’s cooperative which supports traditional local industries. Continue your journey to Petra. On arrival, there is time in the afternoon to check out the town or just relax in preparation for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

A contender for the '8th Wonder of the World' title, the iconic view of the spectacular façade of the Treasury, viewed from the narrow cleft know as the Siq - is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire regiou.  You are sure to be surprised by the size and scale of this ancient city, built by the Nabataean people. Explore the old Roman road, amphitheater, and several old tombs. You may also climb up to the Monastery for a fine view of the entire site. It is a memorable day and sure to be one of the main highlights of your trip. There is a cafeteria on the site where you may enjoy a light lunch. In the mid-afternoon, return to your hotel and consider enjoying a Turkish bath.  This is a great experience and Petra is an excellent – and safe – place to try one.  The cost is around US$21 per person.  The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

This morning, drive along the King’s Highway, a road that dates back to the time of the Old Testament. Stop at Shobak Castle, originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Enjoy a walk through the site and then continue to the ancient village at Dana, where local artisans sell attractive silver jewelry and charms. You then reach Madaba, where you visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which houses an ancient mosaic map of the region. This is of particular interest as it clearly depicts Palestine and Lower Egypt around 550 AD. Expect to arrive in Amman in the late afternoon.  In the evening, you may try one of several fine restaurants for dinner. (Please note that Kerak Castle is not included in your tour, as it is often very congested and busy. However, if there is sufficient interest among members of the group, your leader may arrange an optional visit. Many travelers prefer to spend any extra time in Amman.)

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: TBD

The Roman city of Jerash is very well-preserved. Founded in the time of Alexander the Great, by the 3rd century AD, it had become a center of considerable importance. Today, it is one of the grandest ancient cities in the world with an imposing collection of archways, theaters, baths, public buildings, and colonnaded streets. Visit the site in the morning and later drive down to the Dead Sea. The afternoon is at your leisure to float in the therapeutic warm waters, which are the saltiest in the world.  Return to Amman for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: TBD

Today has an early start as you leave Amman and head for the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. Located only 40 km from Amman, this marks the border with Israel.  It is important that you read the trip notes at the end of this itinerary regarding this border crossing. Once you have cleared immigration and customs, you are met by your new driver and given a quick tour of Jericho - considered by some to be the oldest, longest inhabited city in the world - before being transferred to Jerusalem.  In the afternoon we make a short journey south to Bethlehem, where we make our pilgrimage to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, built over the site that marks it as the traditionally-accepted birthplace of Jesus Christ and a sacred place for Christians and Muslims alike.  Its impressive Constantine mosaics, colonnaded ancient basilica and the small grotto that marks Jesus' birthplace are all impressive.  We then drive to Beit Sahour to visit one of the most sacred places for Christians, the Shepherds' Field, identified in the New Testament as the site where the Angel of the Lord visited the shepherds and informed them of Jesus' impending birth.  At long day's end we return to Jerusalem.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: TBD

Begin your tour of Jerusalem with a panoramic view of the city's great urgan skyline - the serried buildings and ancient ramparts of the Old City, the churches adorning the Mount of Olives and the iconic gold of the Dome of the Rock.   We start the day with a short drive to the Mount of Olives to take in a panoramic view of the city's extraordinary ensemble before driving to the Garden of Gethsemane.  From there we walk to St. Stephen’s Gate through which we enter the Old City.  Walk to the 'Cardo' in the recently restored Jewish Quarter, which was the old north-south axis in Roman times. Visit the Western (Wailing) Wall, Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross), and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.  When entry is permitted we also visit the Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque.  After lunch (not included), our tour continues with a visit to Yad Vashem (Israel's memorial to the Holocaust).  Please note that Yad Vashem is closed on public holidays and also on Fridays and Saturdays. On these days, you will visit Mount Zion, the Cenacle and the Dormition Abbey instead.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: TBD

This morning we drive through the Jordan Valley, whose fertile lands were chronicled in the Bible, stopping en route at Beit Shean to view a well-preserved Roman theatre and a unique Byzantine mosaic floor. Passing through Tiberias, one of Judaism’s four holy cities, we stop at Yardenit - the new commemorative site of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. At Nazareth we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, which incorporates, according to Roman Catholic tradition, the cave in which Mary received the news from Gabriel that she would give birth to Jesus. Afterwards we return to Tiberias to sail across the Sea of Galilee to Tabgha, where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Multiplication of the loaves and fishes. We stop off at the ancient settlement site of Capernaum situated on the banks of the Kinneret, where Jesus once lived and Peter’s house still stands, before returning to Tiberias for our overnight stay in a hotel on a kibbutz.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging: TBD

Leave Tiberias and head northward to the ancient crusader port of Acre, a World heritage listed site with an eventful history from the time of the crusades through the Napolionic battles to the present day.   We visit the massive complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John as well as the Knight Templars' secret tunnel. Passing through Haifa we arrive at Caesarea, which served as the capital of Israel during the Roman and Byzantine eras and which nowadays holds some of the country’s finest classical remains, including an aqueduct and a graceful theatre which overlooks the Mediterranean.  Around 5:00 pm we arrive in lively Tel Aviv, where we spend our last night in Israel’s liveliest city. With its lively cafe culture and relaxed beach scene, Tel Aviv makes for the perfect end point to our adventure.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: TBD

Your trip ends today, after breakfast.  Checkout time is usually around 12 noon and you are free to leave at any time.   If you have arranged a private transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time.   Bid farewell to your tour leader and your group. 

Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Tel Aviv.

Meals: Breakfast