This 22-day Middle Eastern vacation takes you across Israel, Egypt, and Jordan to explore historical landmarks from Jerusalem to the pyramids in Cairo to Petra and the Dead Sea. It features first-class accommodations and small group tours.
Your journey through the Middle East begins in Tel Aviv, the coastal city and heart of modern Israel. After a night in Tel Aviv, you’ll begin your journey through ancient history and biblical stories. You’ll tour the ancient Roman capital of Caesarea, see the mountaintop where the Prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, explore the underground Crusader city of Acre, ride a boat across the Sea of Galilee, and visit the hillside where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount. You’ll also tour Jesus’s hometown of Nazareth to see Joseph’s workshop and swing by the Roman city of Shean before connecting to Jerusalem.
In Jerusalem, you’ll pass through ancient corridors and temples to discover some of the holiest landmarks on the planet. Start on the Mount of Olives where you’ll visit King David’s Tomb as well as the room where Jesus held the Last Supper. Then pass into the ancient corridors of the Old City to see the Temple Mount, home to the Western Wall of the old temple and the Dome of the Rock, before walking the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ tomb. Stop by the Holocaust Memorial of Yad Vashem before visiting the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, and seeing the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. Cap off your time in Israel by visiting the Qumeran Caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and the fortress of Massada, the last stronghold of Jewish rebels after the destruction of the temple in the first century. Then unwind with a float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface, before connecting back to Tel Aviv for your flight to Amman.
In Amman, capital of Jordan, explore the citadel, Roman Theatre, and the archeological museum, before going on to Jerash. This ancient Roman city is known for its colonnaded street and impressive mosaics and will be a highlight of your Jordan trip before exploring the 12th century Islamic citadel that is Ajloun Castle. Stop by the Dead Sea, where you’ll relax at your resort for the night. Then journey from the Dead Sea to Bethany, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, and to Petra, the magnificent city carved into the red rock of the mountainside.
After a full day exploring the Petra site, you’ll explore the red sands and black rocks of Wadi Rum, where films like Lawrence of Arabia and Dune were shot, before seeing the burial site of Moses on Mt. Nebo, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Cap off your exploration of Jordan with a trip to Madaba, home to some of the world’s most intricate Greek Orthodox mosaics and the oldest map of the world featuring the Holy Land. Then connect back to Aqaba for your flight to Cairo.
After a night to rest, fly to Aswan, where you’ll board the Sonesta Moon Goddess, your floating hotel for the next several days. Cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, starting with the Temple of Luxor, and the Temple of Karnak. You’ll also explore the Valley of the Kings, with the option of visiting the tomb of King Tutankhamen among others, and the Valley of the Queens, along with the wondrous Hatshepsut Temple. During your cruise journey, you’ll visit several ancient temples, including the Temple of Sobek, the Temple of Horus, and the enormous Temple of Edfu. Philae is one of Egypt's most beautiful temples, and a highlight of Aswan before you visit the Aswan High Dam, which controls the flow of the Nile.
You’ll then fly back to Cairo. Journey through Egypt’s ancient past with a trip to Cheops’ Pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last remaining wonder of the ancient world. You’ll also see the enigmatic Sphinx, tour the ancient capital of Memphis, and see the oldest pyramid in the country at Sakkara. Another day of sightseeing takes you to the Egyptian Museum as well as the landmarks of the Islamic Empire, with a chance to barter for goods in Khan el-Khalili before you depart.