Israel, Jordan & Egypt Encompassed

Arrive at Tel Aviv airport to a warm A&K welcome and VIP assistance. Transfer privately to your accommodation in the Old City of Jerusalem, where you can soak in views over the Old City, relax by the pool or step out for a leisurely stroll in the Yemin Moshe neighbourhood.

The King David

Wake in the 'Holy City’ where you’ll join your local guide for a full day of expert historical storytelling. Visit the sites of prophets and biblical heroes, explore an ancient maze of streets in the Muslim quarter, get lost in lively markets and perhaps savour tasty Middle Eastern street food.

Begin at the Stations of the Cross of the Via Dolorosa, a mini pilgrimage that tells the story of Jesus’ condemnation and death. For Christians and history-lovers alike, tracing the footsteps of one of the world’s greatest prophets is an unforgettable experience. Visit the Mount of Olives for a vast panorama over the entire Old City, and stroll under millennia-old olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane. Continue to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where you’ll witness pilgrims praying at the crucifixion site.

This afternoon, discover the Temple Mount, sacred to Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The Temple Mount has seen more significant historical events than perhaps any other 35 acres in the world. Listen in as your guide tells the story of a long succession of conquerors and quarrels. Continue to the Western Wall where you’ll observe Jews in sacred acts of worship, and explore the iconic gold-domed al-Aqsa Mosque, before wandering through the Muslim quarter to witness the fascinating buzz of daily Middle Eastern life.

The King David | Meals: B

This morning, experience a poignant visit to Yad Vashem, a memorial to the six million lives lost in the Holocaust. Wander along the Avenue of the Righteous, dedicated to the many people who risked their lives rescuing survivors. There is also time to explore the Israel Museum, which holds the most extensive collection of biblical, Jewish and Holy Land archaeology in the world.

This afternoon, travel to Bethlehem and the UNESCO-listed Church of the Nativity celebrated as the birthplace of Jesus and one of the world’s most sacred Christian pilgrimage sites. Scoop low to pass through the Door of Humility, which was deliberately built to avoid Ottoman raiders bringing their carts in. Marvel at the stunning gold-flecked mosaics and descend into the atmospheric Grotto cave where it is believed Mother Mary gave birth.

The King David | Meals: B

Journey through the desert to Qumran where the more than 15,000 Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in a series of cliffside caves. Then, ride by cable car up to the rugged mountain fort of Masada, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots. Look out at the same hauntingly beautiful view of the salt-crusted Dead Sea that Roman warriors and ancient Jewish kings marvelled at over 2,000 years ago. Return to Jerusalem with your evening at leisure.

The King David | Meals: B

This morning, drive into Jordan with VIP immigration services. Continue to Amman and your luxury hotel with the evening at leisure. Perhaps wind down at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, take in the city lights from the 20th floor at Roberto’s Restaurant and Lounge, or simply relax and prepare for the adventures to come.

Ritz Carlton Amman | Meals: B

Wake in Amman, a modern city with great archaeological value. Begin your adventure at the ancient city of Jerash, which ranks among the largest and best-preserved Roman and Byzantine ruins in the world. It is believed that Jerash grew to a thriving city during the 4th century BC under the rule of Alexander the Great. Make your way through the Oval Forum and its towering columns, where old Jerash reveals itself in a grandeur of stillness. Listen in as your historical guide tells of the various theories behind its emperors and invaders; learn what Roman life was like for the layperson; and discover the story of Jesus’ miraculous exorcism, cited in the Bible.

Later return to the modern, bustling capital. Venture up to the citadel, situated on one of the seven hills that originally made up Amman, and then spend time wandering through the National Archaeological Museum, home to a collection of artifacts which date from prehistoric times to the 15th century. Take a seat in the magnificently restored 6,000 seat Roman Amphitheatre built during the reign of Antonius Pius in 138-161 CE. Then stroll through Darat al Funun Arts Centre, housed in a series of restored sandstone residences and warehouses, which provides a collaborative platform for contemporary artists.

Ritz Carlton Amman | Meals: BL

No visit to Jordan would be complete without driving the famous King's Highway, an ancient trade route that has been used by civilisations for over 5000 years. Winding its way through the desert, it offers rare glimpses into day-to-day rural life. You’ll pass through numerous small villages and settlements, and witness some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

Explore the Christian town of Madaba famous for its beautiful mosaics. Admire the vast mosaic map embedded on the floor of the Church of St George depicting the Holy Land with Jerusalem at its heart. Continue to Mt Nebo where there’s time to admire the spectacular views of the Jordan Valley. It is from this vantage point that Moses is said to have gazed down on the Promised Land.

This afternoon, visit the 12th century crusader castle of Kerak, where the fates of kings and nations were decided for centuries.

This evening head to the gates of Petra to see the ruins lit by the light of 1,800 candles. Walk through the Siq to the Khazneh following a candle-lit path and enjoy the evocative songs of the Bedouin at the Treasury.

Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: BL

Explore on foot the many wonders of the ‘Rose-Red City’, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Once the capital of the ancient Nabataeans, the entire city was carved into red sandstone rock some 2,000 years ago. Enter through the sinewy helix of the Siq — a naturally occurring geological rift — to uncover a vast site full of dwellings, baths, temples, tombs and markets. To think that this entire city lay undiscovered until just 200 years ago is unbelievable. Discover the famed Treasury, the Roman Theatre, the Corinthian and Palace Tombs, and the Roman Road. Later climb the 1,200 steps to the summit of the monastery and take in the awe-inspiring views.

This evening, a Chef’s Table experience takes you on a journey of the palate to learn the fine art of Jordanian cooking. Led by your masterful chef, you’ll plan and cook an authentic three-course meal, learning time-honoured skills you can take home forever. Listen in as your teacher reveals culinary traditions, paying special heed to the history of Jordanian spice, from cardamom and cloves, to cumin, ginger, cinnamon, pepper and chilli. The mouth-watering Chicken Maqloubeh is a showstopper for the celebrated tradition of flipping the pot and serving the dish upside down. Afterwards, feast on your fare as you look out over the Petra Hills.

Mövenpick Resort Petra | Meals: BL

One visit to Petra is rarely enough. Spend your morning back onsite exploring areas you didn’t get to or perhaps climbing up to the Place of High Sacrifice to see The Treasury from above. Alternatively sit and simply take in its grandeur. This afternoon, drive to Little Petra, home to a number of notable tombs, high gorges and carved facades, with magnificent views over the mountainous landscape. Like Petra, the site here dates all the way back to the first century and may have been a suburb of the larger city where the merchants lived.

Continue to Wadi Rum, the epic location of some of Hollywood’s greatest films, from Dune to Lawrence of Arabia to Star Wars. A cavernous ocean of ochre dunes and sandstone sculptures, Wadi Rum forms the largest dry valley in Jordan, and is about the size of New York city. Explore the canyons in a 4×4 safari jeep, romping over mountains, rock formations and rippled sand dunes. This evening, enjoy sundowners and authentic cuisine as the sun sets over the red-rock wilderness. If the sky is clear, prepare for a night of magic stargazing at your luxury Bedouin camp.

Discovery Bedu Camp | Meals: BD

This morning, experience the desert landscape of Wadi Rum like the Bedouin have done for centuries, from the back of a camel. The Valley of the Moon in the morning offers a whole new perspective as the sun rises over the dunes.

Later, travel north to the lowest land-based point on earth, the Dead Sea. This natural lake is a source of rich minerals used by the ancient Egyptians for mummification and fabled as the biblical site of Sodom and Gomorrah. As the lake recedes it reveals exquisite salt formations encrusted into the shores. Arrive at your accommodation, arguably the most luxurious resort on the Dead Sea, with your evening at leisure.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Meals: B

Take the day at leisure to enjoy the resort’s lavish facilities and soak in the mineral rich waters. The high levels of salt in the water are nearly 10 times that of the ocean and keep the body afloat, while the variety of minerals, including magnesium, sodium, potassium and bromine, promote health and wellbeing. Perhaps enjoy the facilities of the award-winning spa, with its six outdoor relaxation areas, hydro-facilities, Tepidarium heated lounges and Dead Sea pool.

Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea | Meals: B

Transfer privately to Amman airport and journey to Cairo, a city full of ancient monuments, glittering mosques, imposing citadels, bustling bazaars and Coptic churches. On your arrival, meet your A&K representative and transfer to your luxury hotel on the banks of the Nile.

St Regis Cairo | Meals: B

Wake in the land of the Pharaohs, where you’ll journey back through time with your private Egyptologist. Begin at the necropolis of Sakkara, discovering mysteries of Egypt’s greatest monuments: her pyramids. In addition to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, Sakkara is an active archaeology site home to various tombs and burial sites. Recently, more than 250 sarcophagi with well-preserved mummies were found here. Descend into the Tomb of Mereruka, the largest and most elaborate of all the non-royal tombs with 33 rooms or chambers. See the extraordinary artwork on the walls depicting scenes of daily life, including workers harvesting the fields and men hippo-hunting on the Nile.

Continue to the 4,500-year-old Pyramids of Giza, stopping along the way for a local lunch. Descend into the Pyramid of Cheops, which is the only ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’ that still exists. Just to the east, feast your eyes on the legendary Great Sphinx rising from the Giza plateau. Having inspired the imaginations of emperors, poets, artists and travellers for centuries, it remains a truly enigmatic feature of Cairo.

St Regis Cairo | Meals: BL

Wander through 7,000 years of history accompanied by your Egyptologist at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, with special access to the treasures of Tutankhamun. Set your eyes on the gold-clad funerary mask of Tutankhamun, and imagine the boy-king’s reign while viewing his illustrious collection of jewellery and clothing.

This afternoon, after a local lunch, see the ancient city of Cairo your way. Choose a walking tour of Islamic Cairo, an adventure through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or visit old Cairo to see the Coptic Museum.

St Regis Cairo | Meals: BL

Set off on your early morning flight to Aswan and on to Abu Simbel. When it comes to icons of ancient Egypt, the colossal temples of Abu Simbel have earnt their place among the world’s most awesome archaeological marvels. Carved into the west bank of the Nile between 1274 and 1244 BC, to see the vibrant artwork inside and take in its revered atmosphere is a truly moving.

Fly back to Aswan where you’re welcomed aboard your Nile cruise ship. After lunch, join other guests from the boat* for a tour by felucca (Egyptian sailboat) powered only by the breeze. Ply a course around Elephantine Island where fertile mango and papaya trees grow, and Lord Kitchener's Botanical Garden with magical views of the Agha Khan Mausoleum.

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV | Meals: BLD

This morning, cruise the Nile on a colourful motorboat to the romantic Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Listen in as your Egyptologist decodes images of childbirth and its revered rituals, many of which are still prevalent today.

Continue to the great Unfinished Obelisk commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut. Lying as a sleeping giant in a bed of granite, the Unfinished Obelisk is an incredible look at the building and engineering methods of the ancients. Picture hundreds of men and their ropes rolling the 1,200-tonne monolith on long dense tree logs and find out how they managed to get them into the air.

Later this afternoon, cruise north before venturing ashore at sunset to the magical temple of Kom Ombo — dedicated to the crocodile-God Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where, in ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank. Watch as the artworks are washed in the tangerine glow of the temple at dusk.

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV | Meals: BLD

This morning you’ll explore the stunningly vibrant Temple of Horus at Edfu. Despite being built by the Greeks 2,500 years ago, this is the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple in Egypt. Marvel at newly restored colours and learn how the Greco-Romans ruled over Egyptians while continuing to pray to their mystical Gods. You’ll also witness depictions of Christ in an extraordinary lesson about the interconnectivity of the world’s great faiths.

After lunch, enjoy an Egyptian cooking lesson onboard as you cruise to Luxor. Learn age-old mezze recipes that you can take home forever, like the delicious baba ganoush. Slow it down and take to the top deck where you can relax in the pool and watch rural life pass by, cool drink in hand, as you cruise to Luxor. After tea head ashore to visit the Temple of Luxor with its elegant colonnaded hypostyle hall and ornate carvings.

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV | Meals: BLD

Wake in Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum. Nothing comes close to the scale and grandeur of the monuments that have survived from ancient Thebes. Begin your exploration at the vast and sprawling Temple of Karnak. Spread over 200 acres, this complex of ruined temples, pylons, sacred lakes and chapels is breath-taking and an insight to the wonderous achievements of the pharaohs.

This afternoon, channel your Indiana Jones as you join your Egyptologist to explore the Valley of the Kings, home to 63 tombs where snakes and scorpions once guarded the dead. This is where the country’s very first mummies were discovered, ingeniously hidden in an unsuspecting hole in a sandstone cliff. Descend into the tomb of King Tutankhamun and gain Insider Access to the wonderous tomb of Seti I. You’ll also explore the Valley of the Queens and enter the stunning tomb of Nefertari before visiting the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV | Meals: BLD

Disembark your boat and transfer privately to the airport for your flight to Cairo, with the rest of your day at leisure.

St Regis Cairo | Meals: B

Bid farewell to Egypt and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B

*Note: This journey includes shore excursions conducted in small groups during the cruise portion of this itinerary in Egypt. Should you prefer to organise a private Egyptologist and private vehicle for the duration of your cruise please contact Abercrombie & Kent Australia and we can organise a quotation for these additional services.