Tour Premium Middle East In Depth

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Comfortable hotel (23 nights),Feature Stay (5 nights)

Hygieneprotocol

All Intrepid travellers 18 years and older and Intrepid leaders will be required to be fully vaccinated. Travellers must provide proof of vaccination to the leader at the group meeting on day 1 of the trip. All children 5 and above must provide proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test. Any high-risk customer who is unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons can apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case by case basis. Customers must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

Meals

27 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 16 dinners

Others

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer Cairo - Welcome Dinner Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx Cairo - Egyptian Museum Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum Luxor - Karnak Temple Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs) Luxor - Tomb of Tut Ankh Amun Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple Luxor - Colossi of Memnon Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple Aswan - Philae Temple Aswan - Sharia el Souk Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) Aswan - Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca Aswan - Elephantine Island Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner Cairo - Downtown Walking and Tasting Tour Cairo - Tahrir Square Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee) Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe Amman - Welcome Dinner Jerash - Roman ruins Amman - Beit Sitti cooking class and dinner Madaba - St Georges Church Mt Nebo - Site visit Shobak - Shobak Castle Petra - Guided tour of Petra Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided) Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour Wadi Rum - Zarb dinner Wadi Rum - Desert and dunes walk Jerusalem - Welcome Dinner Jerusalem - Leader-led orientation walk Jerusalem - Western Wall (Wailing Wall) Jerusalem - Old City walking tour Jerusalem - Church of the Holy Sepulchre Jerusalem - Home-cooked Dinner Jerusalem - Rooftop views from the Austrian Hospice Jerusalem - Conversation with a local rabbi Jerusalem - Temple Mount Courtyard Qumran - Archaeological site visit Masada - Fortress visit by cable car Dead Sea - Visit and float Jerusalem - Conversation with a regional expert Jerusalem - Yad Vashem Museum Jerusalem - Mount of Olives Jerusalem - Church of All Nations Jerusalem - Garden of Gethsemane Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity & Shepherds’ Field Tiberias - Church of the Multiplication Tiberias - Sea of Galilee boat ride Capernaum - St Peter’s Church Nazareth - Church of Annunciation & Mary’s Well Haifa - Bahai Gardens view & photo stop Acre - Knights of St John Complex Caesarea - Roman ruins Tel Aviv - Hummus Tasting Tel Aviv - Leader-led tour of Old Jaffa

Transport

Private vehicle,Plane,Riverboat,Felucca,Jeep SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING: Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt. NILE RIVERBOAT: You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use. All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board. Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document. You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock. Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP180 Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140 Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP400 Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140 Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP160 Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) - EGP300 Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP100 Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP1200 Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP100 Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD120 Aswan - Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) - EGP150 Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP140 Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! Your adventure begins in Cairo – a city just as captivating as it is chaotic. You will be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel. An important welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm with your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive with time to spare, you can indulge in some leisure time at your hotel’s extensive pool and bar area. After your welcome meeting, get your first taste of Egyptian cuisine during a welcome dinner with your leader and small group. Head to a fantastic local restaurant and try out some classic dishes like fatta, a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce, and kushari, a delicious mix of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Cairo West or similar
Day 2 Day 2: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cairo

This morning after breakfast, travel to arguably the most recognizable structures in the world – the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Your leader is a trained Egyptologist and will share the fascinating history of these incredible feats of engineering. For an additional charge, you may be able to step inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After spending some time here, Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s great collections of ancient artefacts. Wander the treasure-filled halls, and make sure to check out the optional Mummies Hall for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Gain special insight by touring with a guide and enjoy time to explore independently. Spend an evening at leisure – you may like to take a taxi into town to explore Cairo further, or for something special, book in for a dinner cruise on the Nile.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Cairo West or similar
Day 3 Day 3: Alexandria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Alexandria

Take to the road for your journey to Alexandria after breakfast, stopping in Wadi El Natron along the way. Your leader will explain how this area became a sanctuary for Christians after Saint Macarius the Great retreated here in AD360. There were once some 60-odd monasteries in the Wadi, though now only four remain. One of these is Anba Bishoy Monastery, named for Saint Bishoi who came to the site to live in solitude. Take a wander around the gardens and observe the resident monks as they go about their daily lives, then visit the church for expansive views over the desert. Continue this afternoon to the city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great and often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean.
Accommodation: Hilton Alexandria Corniche or similar
Day 4 Day 4: Alexandria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Alexandria

Enjoy a full day uncovering the secrets of Alexandria with the guidance of your knowledgeable leader. Visit Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a Roman burial site dating back to the second century that wasn’t discovered until 1900. The fascinating tombs were created during a transitional period in Alexandria’s history and interestingly feature Greek, Egyptian and Roman elements. Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (once the Great Library of Alexandra), which is found where the Library of Ptolemies once stood some 1700 years ago. Finish up with a stop at Fort Qaitbay, a 14th century complex designed to defend Alexandria from the Ottoman empire, built on the site of the former Alexandria Lighthouse. Spend the evening by the water wandering along the corniche or relax back at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hilton Alexandria Corniche or similar
Day 5 Day 5: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cairo

Today, travel south of Alexandria for a more sombre experience at the historic battle site of El Alamein. It was here that British and Commonwealth soldiers fought a decisive Allied victory against the German Afrika Korps that defined the North African campaign. Both sides suffered heavy losses and the memorial commemorates nearly 12,000 Commonwealth servicemen who died in the Western Desert campaigns during the Second World War. Stop to enjoy your late lunch, brought with you from Alexandria; a delicious feteer meshaltet. This layered pastry is an iconic Egyptian dish and can be filled with a range of sweet or savoury ingredients. Return to Cairo in the afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir or similar
Day 6 Day 6: Nile Cruise - Luxor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Nile Cruise - Luxor

Transfer to Cairo Airport after breakfast and board a short flight to Luxor. Luxor was the pharaohs’ capital during the height of their power and is now perhaps the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arriving in Luxor, transfer to your Feature Stay Nile riverboat where you’ll unpack and settle in for the next four nights. There’s no better way to soak in the ancient history of the Nile and the incredible sights along its banks. Enjoy all the comforts of a world-class hotel, including a swimming pool, sundeck, restaurant and cabins with panoramic windows to watch riverside life stream by. Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting. This afternoon, visit Karnak – one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes built over a period of approximately 200 years. Some parts date back to 2055 BC and your guided tour will take you to its finest sections. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax, take a shopping trip through the bazaar or perhaps kick back in a local teahouse.
Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 7 Day 7: Nile Cruise - Edfu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Nile Cruise - Edfu

Rise early this morning to journey into the Valley of the Kings. There are over 60 pharaoh tombs buried under the hills here, many of which are richly decorated, and your guide will take you through this spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. Learn about the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the paintings and hieroglyphics, and visit the final resting place of Tutankhamun. The discovery of the young Pharaoh’s tomb is undoubtedly one of the greatest archaeologic finds of all time, and here you will have the opportunity to enter it yourself, exploring the painted chamber and admiring his famous sarcophagus. Visit another three royal tombs and continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which is set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that once formed part of an impressive colonnade – before returning to the boat for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy some time relaxing either on deck or in your cabin before setting sail upstream to Edfu, where you’ll arrive in the evening.
Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 8 Day 8: Nile Cruise - Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Nile Cruise - Aswan

This morning, you will be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Continue along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills forming a backdrop over the lush riverbanks. This afternoon, arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, sitting spectacularly on the river’s edge. Learn from your leader how this temple was built in approximately 181 BC and is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. Afterwards, board your boat and continue to Aswan, arriving in the late evening.
Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 9 Day 9: Nile Cruise - Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Spend the morning visiting the temple complex of Philae, including the stunning Temple of Isis, located on Agilkia Island. The temple was reassembled in this location after being saved from rising waters and is a true architectural gem featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings. Some Egyptologists believe that Philae was the last active site of the ancient Egyptian religion and where the last Egyptian hieroglyph was written. Afterwards, get to know the city of Aswan by foot during a walking tour with your leader. Explore the Sharia el Souk, a sprawling and bustling marketplace. Your leader will guide you through a colourful array of stalls selling everything from baked goods to Nubian crafts. Return to the boat for another evening being rocked to sleep by the calm Nile waters.
Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 10 Day 10: Abu Simbel
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Abu Simbel

Travel by road this morning to Abu Simbel. Your accommodation is located right by Lake Nasser and features lush grounds, two swimming pools and fantastic views over the lake. Spending the night here allows the group a chance to visit the Abu Simbel temples at a more leisurely pace as opposed to a jam-packed half-day trip. Built during the reign of Ramesses II, these mammoth temples took 20 years to complete and feature rock-cut statues of the pharaoh and the queen, some of which are 20 metres in height. Tour the complex with your leader who will provide historical context on these grand structures. This evening, head back to the temples for an impressive sound and light show.
Accommodation: Seti I Resort or similar
Day 11 Day 11: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Aswan

Return to Aswan, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy some downtime to relax at your hotel or explore more of the city, then regroup with your fellow travellers later in the afternoon. Take a step back in time during a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel for afternoon tea. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, the hotel has played host to an illustrious roster of guests, including Princess Diana, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, who lived here while writing her novel Death on the Nile. Soak up old-world glamour while enjoying tiered trays of finger food and a delightful selection of tea. The setting is up there with the best of them, with gorgeous grounds overlooking the Nile. Make the most of a free evening to find a local gem for dinner – your leader can help with recommendations.
Accommodation: Movenpick Aswan or similar
Day 12 Day 12: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Aswan

This morning, visit a modern example of Egyptian engineering – the Aswan High Dam. Located 13 kilometres south of Aswan, its controversial history that required the relocation of many ancient temples and statues has, in the end, had a mostly positive impact on the region. Afterwards, head to the Unfinished Obelisk – an abandoned structure that would’ve been the largest obelisk ever erected in ancient Egypt, had it been finished. Return to Aswan for some time to relax, then meet your leader in the late afternoon to board a traditional felucca and sail to the settlement of Elephantine Island. This island was once thought to be the home of Khnum – the god who guarded and controlled the Nile’s waters. This evening, enjoy stunning sunset drinks on the river on board your felucca sailing boat. Disembark at a village and join a local family for a traditional Nubian feast. Here you will have the chance to see a different side of Egyptian life, try out some wonderful Nubian dishes and swap stories with your welcoming hosts.
Accommodation: Movenpick Aswan or similar
Day 13 Day 13: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Cairo

This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Cairo. Settle into your downtown hotel then meet up with the group in the early afternoon. Head out for a walking tour with your leader to experience a more modern side of Cairo and gain an understanding of how the locals live today. Your leader will take you to sample some of Cairo’s favourite street food, and point out interesting displays of contemporary architecture along the way. Visit Tahrir Square, the site of the political demonstrations that led to the 2011 Egyptian Revolution, and hear the story of the events that took place.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Sonesta Cairo, or similar
Day 14 Day 14: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Cairo

Spend the day discovering yet another layer of Egyptian history – Islamic Cairo. Explore the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a labyrinthine area filled with sprawling alleyways packed with shops, cafes and more. This is a quintessential Cairo experience, home to the gold market, perfume street and the spice market. Stop off for an Arabic coffee or mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo’s oldest café. Run by the same family for seven generations and a favourite with Cairo’s residents, there’s no better snapshot of local life in the city. Continue on to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson Museum, home to all manner of curious objects, from antique furniture to Islamic artefacts. To celebrate your Egyptian adventure, share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Be welcomed into their home, chat with the family about life in Egypt and Egyptian cuisine, all while enjoying a delicious feast of traditional dishes.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir or similar
Day 15 Day 15: Amman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Amman

Today you will transfer to Cairo airport and catch a flight to Amman, Jordan’s cosmopolitan and contemporary capital that’s steeped in biblical history. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where a meeting will take place at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. After the meeting, head out to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a huge part of Jordanian culture and eating out is a social affair that’s packed with flavour. Tonight your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, like mansaf, a dish made with lamb, yoghurt and rice, and kunafa, a delicious dessert made with pastry and cheese.
Accommodation: Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 16 Day 16: Amman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16: Amman

This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash where you’ll find some of the world’s best Greco-Roman ruins. Reaching its peak as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, Jerash holds a striking collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Your leader will share the incredible history of the ruins and help you imagine what life once looked like in this glorious Roman city. Grand columns encircle the city’s centrepiece of the Oval Plaza – an atmospheric place to linger after exploring Jerash’s riches. Afterwards, return to Amman and head to a cooking school run by a mother and her daughters, where you’ll get a special look behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine. You’ll feel as through you’ve stepped into the welcoming home of a local grandmother as you learn how to make classics like tabbouleh, flat bread and lentil soup with passionate guidance and generations of culinary know-how. The flavours, recipes and warmth of this evening are sure to stick with you long after your time in Jordan is over.
Accommodation: Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 17 Day 17: Dead Sea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 17: Dead Sea

Today you will make the journey from Amman to the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming very difficult, but bobbing on the water’s surface is a truly fun and one-off experience. En route, stop off at Mount Nebo and hear the story of how Moses saw the Promised Land before he died from what is believed to be this very spot, and St Georges Church, best known for its Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. On arrival, enjoy some time to float in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, relax on your hotel’s beachfront or take a dip in one of three swimming pools or jacuzzi.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar
Day 18 Day 18: Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18: Petra

Depart the Dead Sea and drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – your leader will explain how this ancient castle was 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 superb scenery and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in the late afternoon to your Petra accommodation. Petra dates back to the sixth century BC and is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. On arrival, there is time to check out the town that has grown around the site and to relax, ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.
Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
Day 19 Day 19: Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 19: Petra

Today will be spent uncovering the secrets of Petra with the knowledgeable guidance of your leader. The iconic view of the Treasury’s glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq, is perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is at points only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side. Explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several ancient tombs. You will also have time to climb to the Monastery if you wish, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy your own light lunch. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. This evening, perhaps take the chance to witness Petra by night if your dates align. Seeing the Treasury plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.
Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
Day 20 Day 20: Wadi Rum
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Wadi Rum

For another glimpse at Petra, rise very early for an unguided morning visit, if you wish. Then, drive to Wadi Rum, a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum and browse the informative visitor’s centre. Afterwards, jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. These landscapes are home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. You will gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set in an amazing location deep in the desert. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is a luxury camp that offers a splendid base among remote and wild surroundings. Spacious tents are fitted out with creature comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, and all furniture is made by hand with décor inspired by Bedouin culture. Fall asleep in your luxurious tent beneath a magnificent canopy of stars and wake up to a sunrise over the red-hued landscape.
Accommodation: Wadi Rum Luxury Camp (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 21 Day 21: Amman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Amman

After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area – the length of which depends on the group’s desires – before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy panoramic views of your surrounds. Afterwards, return to Amman for the evening. Tonight you may like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – speak to your leader about the best restaurants in the city that are popular with the locals.
Accommodation: Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 22 Day 22: Jerusalem
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22: Jerusalem

Today begins with a transfer from Amman to Jerusalem, a city brimming with ancient history and holy sites. You will transfer to the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing in private transport with a local representative. On arrival at the border, a VIP crossing service has been arranged for you. After departure formalities with Jordanian customs, there will be private transport to transfer you the six kilometres to the Israel and Palestinian Territories border. On the Israel side you will need to pass through immigration and customs. This does involve checking in your baggage which is then scanned – the length of this process can differ depending on how busy the border is but be prepared to wait 1-2 hours. Next, your Intrepid transfer representative will collect you and transfer you to your hotel in Jerusalem. The journey from Amman to Jerusalem takes approximately 2 hours, but this can vary depending on the time of year and how busy the border crossings are. There are no activities planned today until a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. Afterwards, join your leader for a welcome meeting and dinner.
Accommodation: The Arthur Hotel or similar
Day 23 Day 23: Jerusalem
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 23: Jerusalem

Set off on a walk through Jerusalem as your leader shares local knowledge and ancient tales. Enter the Old City and visit Temple Mount Courtyard, where you can see the Dome of the Rock from the outside and Al Aqsa Mosque. Follow the Via Dolorosa along Jesus’s path to crucifixion and stop by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then visit the remains of the Western Wall on the Temple Mount. Take some time out for lunch to taste one of the most famous hummus in Jerusalem, alongside with salads and falafel, then check out the views from the rooftop of a 19th-century guesthouse. Your evening is free to explore on your own.
Accommodation: The Arthur Hotel or similar
Day 24 Day 24: Jerusalem
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Jerusalem

After breakfast, drive out to visit the Garden of Gethsemane before stopping at the Mount of Olives, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Old City. See the Church of All Nations, then continue to Bethlehem. This afternoon, visit the Aida Refugee Camp and join some passionate home cooks for a cooking class. Learn about everyday life for those who live in the camp as you whip up authentic Palestinian dishes with the families of those who were forced to leave their villages during the 1949 Israeli-Arab war. At the end of the class, enjoy your culinary creations during a shared lunch. Return to Bethlehem and see the Church of the Nativity and nearby Shepherds’ Fields in Beit Sahour before returning to Jerusalem. Back at the hotel, have a conversation with a geopolitical expert to have a better understanding of the situation in this intriguing land.
Accommodation: The Arthur Hotel or similar
Day 25 Day 25: Jericho
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 25: Jericho

This morning, head to the clifftop fortress of Masada, where you’ll take a cable car to the top. Your leader will explain why this World Heritage-listed site is so important to Jewish people, as a symbol of exile from the Holy Land, of bravery and self-sacrifice. Afterwards, drive to Qumran, an archaeological site on the West Bank, home to major discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. You’ll even have a chance to float in the famously buoyant Dead Sea, which is not only fun but is also believed to provide numerous health benefits. Discover the slow-paced town of Jericho in the West Bank, where people have lived for over 11,000 years. Then onto an activity you won’t find in the guidebooks - spend the evening with a local family in Jericho who will serve up a traditional Palestinian home-cooked dinner. Learn about life in this historic city, surrounded by churches and mosques. Hear the stories about daily life and enjoy traditional Palestinian food with your hosts.
Accommodation: Jericho Resort or similar
Day 26 Day 26: Haifa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 26: Haifa

Say goodbye to Jericho and travel to Tiberias, a holy city sitting on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. If conditions allow, take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee while your leader fills you in on its spiritual significance. Then it’s on to Capernaum, where you’ll find two ancient synagogues and the church said to have been the home of Saint Peter. Next head to Nazareth, and visit the Church of the Annunciation – it’s believed this is the place Mary was told by an angel she would conceive and bear God’s son. Enjoy some free time in the Old City to grab lunch. Finally, continue to Haifa, a dynamic city where old and new go hand in hand, and check in to your Feature Stay. More than 100 years old, The Colony Hotel Haifa is located in the city’s historic district, just 300m from the UNESCO listed Baha’i Gardens (garden entrance not included). You’ll be perfectly placed to catch a glimpse of the famous 19 manicured terraces.
Accommodation: The Colony Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 27 Day 27: Tel Aviv
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 27: Tel Aviv

Today, stop at the former crusader port of Acre. Visit the complex of buildings occupied by the Knights of St John, and take a peek at the secret tunnel of their rivals – the Knights Templar. Continue to Caesarea, once a great port town built by King Herod around 25 BC, the city was eventually abandoned and lost under the desert sands. Thanks to excavations in the 1950s, an amphitheatre, hippodrome, palace, Roman temple and a network of aqueducts are now on display. Arrive in Tel Aviv and spend the afternoon discovering this high-energy city with your leader, visiting the Old City of Jaffa and Peace Square.
Accommodation: Melody Hotel or similar
Day 28 Day 28: Tel Aviv
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 28: Tel Aviv

With no activities planned for today, your journey through Israel and the Palestinian Territories comes to an end after breakfast. You are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times.

+25

28 days tour

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This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Premium Middle East In Depth

Day 1: Cairo

Day 2: Cairo

Day 3: Alexandria

Day 4: Alexandria

Day 5: Cairo

Day 6: Nile Cruise - Luxor

Day 7: Nile Cruise - Edfu

Day 8: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Day 9: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Day 10: Abu Simbel

Day 11: Aswan

Day 12: Aswan

Day 13: Cairo

Day 14: Cairo

Day 15: Amman

Day 16: Amman

Day 17: Dead Sea

Day 18: Petra

Day 19: Petra

Day 20: Wadi Rum

Day 21: Amman

Day 22: Jerusalem

Day 23: Jerusalem

Day 24: Jerusalem

Day 25: Jericho

Day 26: Haifa

Day 27: Tel Aviv

Day 28: Tel Aviv

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