Israel and Egypt: Lands of the Exodus

Walk through Tel Aviv’s ‘White City’ with its profusion of 1920s and 30s Bauhaus architecture and continue to the bustling Carmel market, where you can enjoy tasting Israeli delicacies. Next, visit the Ayalon Institute (aka the Bullet Factory), which played a fascinating part in establishing the State of Israel. The day concludes in Old Jaffa, where Jonah set forth for his encounter with the whale.

Start the day at Herod the Great’s port city of Caesarea Maritima where Pontius Pilate, the Roman Prefect of Judea once lived. Drive north to Haifa for an overview of the stunning terraces of the Baha’i Gardens, then continue to Akko (Acre). Above ground, Old Akko is an atmospheric Ottoman city – but below street level – the stunning remains of the Crusader town lie almost intact! Arrive in the Upper Galilee late this afternoon.

Start the day with a guided walk through the attractive cobbled streets of holy Safed, the centre of the mystical Kabbalah, followed by a hike through the scenic Galilee hills before arriving at Israel’s largest lake. You’ll visit the Mt. of Beatitudes, the site of the Sermon on the Mount, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, then drive to Jerusalem.

Held sacred by three major religions, the Eternal City of Jerusalem is one of the holiest, most complex and most fascinating cities in the world – a place that literally effervesces with faith, passion and history. On today’s full-day guided tour of the Old City, you will visit the Mt of Olives, the Gethsemane church and gardens, see the Dome of the Rock and the Western (Wailing) Wall, walk in the footsteps of Christ along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, gaze on the Room of the Last Supper at Mount Zion and more…

Today will be at leisure in Jerusalem for independent exploration.

A private transfer will bring you to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport. On arrival, you’ll have VIP assistance to the gate and board an Air Sinai flight to Cairo. On arrival, you’ll be met and assisted with visas (included), and then a private transfer will bring you to your Cairo hotel located on the banks of the River Nile.

Explore the striking pyramid complex at Giza and see the enigmatic Sphinx, which is said to portray the image of the 4th dynasty Pharaoh Kafre. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) with its dazzling Tutankhamun Gallery.

Join your guide on a heritage walking tour through medieval Cairo’s bustling, colourful lanes and alleyways and explore the city’s Khan El Khalili bazaar: a real immersion into the Middle Eastern experience. After an Egyptian lunch at a historic restaurant, return to your hotel where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Fly from Cairo to Luxor. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to the River Nile where you’ll board one of Egypt’s elite Nile cruisers. After lunch on board, explore the stunning temple complex of Amon-Ra at Karnak and the imposing Temple of Luxor. Overnight: Luxor.

Continue your Luxor sightseeing with a visit to the beautifully painted tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, the rock-cut temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch will be served on the boat as you cruise slowly south to Edfu. Overnight: Edfu.

Visit the temple of the falcon-headed god Horus at Edfu with your Egyptologist. This is one of the most complete buildings surviving from the age of the Pharaohs. Then, sail to Kom Ombo to see the temples dedicated to Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek. Afternoon tea will be served as you continue sailing south to Aswan. This evening a Galabiya party will be held on board your Nile cruise. Overnight: Aswan.

Discover Aswan this morning, one of the most beautiful spots in Egypt. Here the sands of the Sahara tumble directly into the Nile from high dunes, and the sleek hulls of sailing boats ply the tranquil waters between emerald islands and pink granite boulders. Sightseeing will include the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971), the Quarries of the Pharaohs, and the beautiful Temple of Isis on Philae Island which was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Relax on board your floating hotel this afternoon. Overnight: Aswan.

Disembark from your Nile cruise for the last time this morning and enjoy a private visit to the Nubian Museum, followed by tea (payable locally) on the terrace of the iconic Old Cataract Hotel. Fly to Cairo this afternoon. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Private transfer to Cairo International Airport and check in for your onward flight.