Grand Middle East Circuit: Turkey, Egypt, Jordan & Israel - 25 days

Welcome to Istanbul, the vibrant city that straddles two continents. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by our representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Settle into your accommodation and rest up for the exciting journey ahead.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you'll be taken to your hotel where you can relax and prepare for the next day's adventures in this enchanting region known for its unique landscapes and rich history.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt. Upon arrival, you'll be met by our representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Settle into your accommodation and rest up for the exciting journey ahead in Egypt.

Spend the day exploring Cairo at your own pace or join an optional full-day tour to visit the Museum of Pharaonic Art, the Saladin Citadel, the bustling Khan el Bazaar Khalili, and the historic Coptic Quarter. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to Cairo airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, check into your cruise ship and spend the night on board.

After breakfast on the boat, visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, the necropolis of Thebes, the Valley of the Kings, the Funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, set sail for Esna, cross the Esna lock, and continue sailing towards Edfu. Spend the night on board.

After breakfast on the boat, visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus. Continue your journey to Kom Ombo, where you'll visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two divinities: the crocodile-headed god Sobek and the hawk-headed god Haroeris. Sail on to Aswan and spend the night on board.

After breakfast on the boat, you have the option to visit the famous Abu Simbel Temples. Enjoy a Felucca ride along the Nile, offering panoramic views of the Agha Khan Mausoleum, the Elephantine Island, and the Botanical Garden. Visit the Aswan Dam and the Philae Temple. Spend the night on board.

After breakfast on the boat and disembarkation, you have another chance to visit the Abu Simbel Temples. Later, you'll fly back to Cairo. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a buffet dinner with a boat show on the Nile. Check into your hotel and rest for the night.

After breakfast, visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Sakkara necropolis and the ancient city of Memphis. In the evening, consider an optional visit to the sound and light show at the Pyramids. Return to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, depart for the Sinai Peninsula, passing through the Ahmed Hamdy Tunnel below the Suez Canal. Visit Ayun Musa, also known as the Springs of Moses, before heading to the city of Saint Catherine. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest for the night.

Rise early for a trek up Mount Moses, also known as Mount Sinai, where Prophet Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments. Witness the sunrise from the summit and visit the Saint Catherine Monastery. After descending, depart for the border point to leave Egypt and enter Jordan. Upon arrival in Petra, check into your hotel and rest for the night.

After breakfast, explore the Pink City of Petra, the capital of the Nabateans. Discover the city's most significant and representative monuments sculpted in the rocks by the Nabataeans, including the Tomb of the Obelisks, El Siq, the Treasury (Al Khazneh), the street of columns, the colored tombs, and royal tombs. Later, travel to Amman and check into your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, depart for Madaba, the City of Mosaics, where you'll visit the Church of St. George, home to the oldest known mosaic map of the Holy Land. Continue to Mount Nebo, the last place visited by Moses and from where he saw the Promised Land. Afterward, travel to the Allenby Border and then to Jerusalem. Check into your hotel and rest for the night.

After breakfast, you have the option to join a tour to Masada and the Dead Sea. Ascend by cable car to Masada, the last stronghold of the Jews in their fight against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod's Palace, and the Synagogue. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Roman Camp and the Dead Sea. If weather permits, enjoy some free time to take a dip in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Return to Jerusalem for the night.

After breakfast, head to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Orchard of Gethsemane and the Basilica of the Agony. Continue to the modern part of the city to visit the Shrine of the Book in the Israel Museum, Yad Vashem (the Holocaust remembrance museum), and the neighborhood of Ein Karem, where the churches of Saint John the Baptist and the Visitation are located. Return to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, visit the old city of Jerusalem, where you'll see the Wailing Wall, walk the Via Dolorosa, and visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the Tomb of King David, the Cenacle, and the Abbey of the Dormition. In the afternoon, visit the Basilica and the Grotto of the Nativity and the Field of the Shepherds in Bethlehem. Return to Jerusalem for the night.

After breakfast, depart for Mount Tabor to visit the Basilica of the Transfiguration. Continue to the Yardenit, the traditional place of baptism on the Jordan River. In the afternoon, visit the city of Safed, known for its charming streets, synagogues, and as the city of Kabbalah, the mystical side of Judaism. Check into your hotel in Galilee for the night.

After breakfast, visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the scene of the Sermon on the Mount. Continue to Tabgha, the place of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, and Capernaum, the Old Synagogue and House of St. Peter. In the afternoon, travel via Cana of Galilee to Nazareth, where you'll visit the Basilica of the Annunciation and the Carpentry of Joseph. Return to your hotel in Galilee for the night.

After breakfast, depart for the city of Acre to visit the Old Fortress of the Crusaders. Continue to Haifa to visit the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and enjoy a panoramic view of Haifa Bay and the Persian Gardens of the Bahai Temple. Travel to Caesarea to visit the Roman Theater and the Fortress. Finally, head to Tel Aviv via the coastal road for a short visit of Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Check into your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Ben Gurion Airport at the predetermined time for your departure flight, marking the end of our services. We hope you've had an unforgettable journey and look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon.