Compare Ancient Treasures of the Middle East: Israel, Jordan and Egypt by Road Scholar

Day 1 Overnight Flight In Flight

Day 2 Arrival & Orientation Jerusalem

On entry into Israel you will receive at the border control a small Entry Permit (a small blue card) – this must be kept until your departure out of the country. You will most likely be asked, at hotel check- ins, to produce this as proof of your tourist status in the country, thus exempting you from the Value Added Tax on hotel accommodation, which is currently 17%. If you do not have the Entry Permit you will be liable to pay the VAT directly to the hotel for all services taken at the hotel.

Check into the hotel and take some time to relax before dinner.

Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At the hotel.

Day 3 Mount of Olives, Old City, & Bethlehem Jerusalem

Today's activities include extensive walking in the Old City of Jerusalem which includes many steps. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly. Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian Authority and therefore includes a border crossing, so please be sure to bring your passports along with you.

We will depart for a field trip to the Mount of Olives dotted with churches marking the sites of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There will be an on-site lecture titled, "Understanding Jerusalem’s Topography and Demographics, the Old City." Continue to the Old City for an on site lecture, "Jerusalem in the Times of Jesus". You will also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while in the Old City, which marks Golgotha, also called Calvary, the site of the crucifixion.

We will depart by coach for a visit to Bethlehem in the Palestinian territory. The "little town" of Bethlehem, mentioned in any number of Christmas carols, attracts pilgrims worldwide on account of its description in the New Testament (and particularly the Gospels) as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world, is the focus of Christian veneration within the city. Bethlehem is revered by Jews as the birthplace and hometown of David, King of Israel, as well as the traditional site of Rachel's Tomb. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel for a lecture where you will learn about the current state of affairs in Israel from a leading Israeli scholar to get a local cultural perspective.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 4 Mount Zion, The Western Wall, & Holocaust Memorial Jerusalem

Today’s activities include extensive walking and many steps on the tours to Mount Zion, Jewish Quarter, Western Wall and Yad Vashem. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly.

We will begin with a field trip to Mount Zion where we will visit the room of the Last Supper, King David's Tomb, and the Dormition Abbey. We will then enter the Old City to visit the Jewish Quarter where we will see the Roman Cardo and the biblical Broad Wall dated to the days of King Hezekiah. The journey continues to the view point overlooking the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah) where we will have a good view of both the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome Of the Rock. Finally, we will reach the Western Wall, the only remnant of the glorious Temple and the most sacred site in the world for Jewish people (The Kotel). Here, you will have time to put a note between the stones with personal wishes and prayers - a hundreds of years old tradition.

We will take a field trip to Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial). En route, we will pass by important government centers. Yad Vashem was established by Israeli Law in 1953 to commemorate the six million Jews and their communities wiped out in the Holocaust. It has the largest and the most comprehensive archive and information repositories on the Holocaust, housing more than 50 million pages of documents and hundreds of thousands of photographs and films. Afterward, we will return by coach to the hotel for a lecture titled, "Contemporary Palestinian Society: Its Hopes and Challenges" by a leading Arab scholar.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Jerusalem.

At the hotel.

Day 5 Masada Nazareth

Today's activities include ascending the fortress of Masada by cable car, walking up to two hours continuously with stops in shaded areas, and walking on gravel and uneven grounds (but not uphill). Rails are available at most sites on the mountain. We will descend by cable car (visit time approximately two hours).

Discover the fortress of Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This magnificent mountain fortress was built by King Herod the Great and later became a refuge for the Zealots who stood the attack of the Roman Legion. Explore the bathhouses, ritual baths, store houses and the Herodian Villa. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

After lunch continue your drive north to Nazareth. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Capernaum & Nazareth Nazareth

Please note the dress code in the Church of the Annunciation is conservative. Men: no hats and shorts must cover the knees. Women: No tank tops or sleeveless shirts and skirts or pants must cover to the ankles.

We will embark on a field trip to Capernaum. Located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, its ruins were first discovered in 1838 by American explorer Edward Robinson. Numerous archaeological excavations have taken place since the 1900’s. Most recently, excavations have uncovered the remains of a synagogue and several residential complexes, one of which is believed to be the home of the Apostle Peter. Discussions focus on Capernaum’s significance to Christianity. Also visit the Mount of Beatitudes. The so-called "Sermon on the Mount" is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6. Afterwards, we will visit Kibbutz Degania Bet to explore the history of the kibbutz movement in Israel and learn about the early settlers. Traditionally based on agriculture, the kibbutz is a form of communal living that integrates elements of socialism and Zionism.

We will head to Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation. Believed by many, particularly those of Roman Catholic faith, to be the site where the Archangel Gabriel informed Mary that she would conceive Jesus. The current church is erected upon the site of an earlier Byzantine period church.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At Kibbutz Degania Bet.

At the hotel.

Day 7 Border Crossing into Jordan, Jerash, Amman Citadel Amman

Please note that you will need to carry your own luggage several hundred meters from the Israeli bus through security to the Jordanian bus. Today's activities include significant walking in Jerash so please wear comfortable shoes.

After breakfast we are driving towards Israeli-Jordanian border to cross into Jordan. Filed trip to Jerash. Discover Jerash, considered the Pompeii of the Middle East, archaeological excavations have revealed Ancient Jerash to have been a prominent Greco-Roman City destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century CE. During the Crusades, the ruins of Jerash were transformed into military fortifications.

Explore the Amman Citadel and the national Archaeological Museum for an overview of the Jordan's past. We will learn about Jordan and its Capital, discover Amman’s Roman heritage during our field trip to an amphitheater, still in use today. After visit we will drive to the hotel and check in.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Jerash.

At the hotel.

Day 8 Dead Sea & Arrival in Petra Petra

Field trip to Dead Sea. If you are interested in swimming in the Dead Sea, bring along your swimsuit and water shoes. Towels and lockers are available for rent for a small fee.

Depart Amman for Petra. Stop at Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet which has a salt concentration eight times that of ocean water. Please remember to bring your swimsuit if you are planning on swimming in the Dead Sea.

Continue driving to Petra via the Desert Highway. Arrival to Petra late afternoon and check in.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At Movenpick Resort Dead Sea and Spa.

At the hotel.

Day 9 Petra Petra

Strenuous walk in and out of Petra along a sloping path that includes natural and slippery surfaces. Total walking distance will be up to five miles, with only two benches along the way. Temperatures can be high with little to no shade. Please wear comfortable shoes.

We will explore the monuments and settlements of Petra, whose name derives from the Latin word, Petrae, meaning rock. Numerous archaeological excavations have taken place since its “discovery” in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Hidden in a great rift valley east of Wadi 'Araba, 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea, Petra was the principle city of ancient Nabetaea, though subsequently ruled by several other empires including Roman, Byzantine, and Persian. Note: Horse rides are available during the excursion to Petra and are included in your program cost. The ride is from the entrance of Petra to the entrance of the Sikh. The horse drawn carriages however, are not included. Any participant wishing to make use of these must pay directly at the time. The cost for the use of these carriages is approximately 35 USD. Please coordinate this with your guide.

Free time to explore Petra on your own.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Petra.

At the hotel.

Day 10 Madaba and Mount Nebo and Flight to Cairo Giza

Today includes travel by air-conditioned motor coach for several hours. If you are interested in swimming in the Dead Sea, bring along your swimsuit and water shoes. Towels and lockers are available for rent for a small fee. Upon arrival to the airport in Amman, you will bid farewell to your Group Leader and board a flight to Cairo, where you will be greeted by your new Group Leader. The flight from Amman to Cairo is approximately one and a half hours.

Long drive by air-conditioned coach for several hours from Petra towards to Madaba. Madaba is an ancient city which has been inhabited for nearly 3500 years and contains the most impressive surviving work of art of the mid-6th century: a mosaic map of Palestine, located within St. George’s Church.

We will take an excursion to Mt. Nebo, where according to Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried by God in an unknown valley location. Drive towards airport in Amman, Queen Alia International Airport for our flight to Cairo. Say goodbye to your Group Leader and instructor and board an international flight to Egypt.

Upon arrival to Cairo, you will be greeted by your new Group Leader and transferred to your hotel.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Madaba.

Snack on board the flight.

Day 11 Pyramids & Sphinx Giza

Travel by coach and walking around historic sites such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to 30 minutes standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. The total amount of walking today could be up to one mile round trip from the bus car park. There are 150 to 200 steps for those who wish to ascend some of the smaller pyramids.

Led by your Egyptologist, explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx when one thinks of ancient Egypt and its architecture. The Valley of Giza-- with its wonderful monuments-- is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids located in the valley consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura. Each pyramid is a tomb dedicated to a different king of Egypt. Then descend the plateau to view the Great Sphinx and marvel at the presence of the guardian of the necropolis. An imaginary creature that shows the strength of the lion and the intelligence of the human, carved out of one big knoll of rock more than 4600 years ago. The Great Sphinx has also been known for a long time under the name “Father of Fear”. A wise man once said: “Everything fears time, yet time fears the Pyramids”.

Enjoy some free time to relax before a lecture about Egypt and the Nile led by a scholar from Cairo University Giza.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

At the hotel.

Day 12 Fly to Aswan & Board Ship Aswan

This day includes a very early start. The drive from the hotel to the airport will take at least one hour by air conditioned motorcoach. The flight from Cairo to Aswan is approximately one hour and a half. There is further travel by coach and walking in historic sites, with up to 80 steps without handrails. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to an hour standing at each site in hot conditions under the sun with no shade. The ship will spend the full day and overnight in Aswan.

Fly to Aswan and upon arrival, discover the Aswan High Dam. Completed in 1970, the dam has proven both beneficial and detrimental to Egypt. While the dam’s construction has been integral in generating electricity; erosion, poor silt deposition, and a slew of other environmental problems have developed. Later, continue to Philae Temple. Afterward, we will embark the M/S Blue Shadow for the start of your Nile cruise.

Cruise Orientation followed by some free time. Later in the afternoon, your Egyptologist will give an introduction to the temples Kom Ombo and Edfu.

At leisure.

Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

On board.

On board.

Day 13 Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples Luxor

Today's activities include walking around historic sites and a ride on horse drawn carriages (this could be substituted by bus ride). The terrain is uneven and there are up to 25 steps to climb at the entrance and ten at the exit. It could take up to two hours standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. The total amount of walking today could be up to one and a half miles round trip from the car park.

Early in the morning, our ship will begin sailing downstream. Discover Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haeroris, Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the second century BCE. Several hundred crocodile mummies were uncovered during initial excavations. The Horus Temple at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God Horus, is one of the largest in Egypt.

Learn about the Valley of the Kings on board the ship, led by your Egyptologist while sailing towards Luxor. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

At leisure. Our ship will reach Luxor port late in the evening and stay in port overnight.

On board.

On board.

On board.

Day 14 West Bank & Karnak & Luxor Temples Luxor

The drive from the East to the West Bank of the River Nile is at least 30 minutes by air conditioned motor coach. Walking two miles around historic sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the various tombs including Tut Ankh Amun Tomb on hilly terrain. Up to 150 steps at the tombs to take both ways. Throughout the day, it could take up to 30-50 minutes standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade.

Today we will spend the full day in port. Led by our Egyptologist, we will discover the Nile's West Bank Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb, Hatshepsut and Memnon. Since the end of the eighteenth century, significant archaeological investigation has taken place at the Theban Necropolis. Between the 16th and 11th centuries BCE, a plethora of tombs were constructed for ancient Egypt’s nobility. Recent excavations, under the direction of the Theban Mapping Project, have unearthed additional tombs as well as providing a more meticulous and cautious approach towards excavation.

Led by your Egyptologist, explore Karnak & Luxor temples. The temple of Luxor, known in the Egyptian language as ipet resyt, or “the southern harem”, was built by King Amenhotep III who reigned 1390-1353 BCE and dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods, his consort Mut, and their son Khons. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. After returning to the ship, engage in an informal question and answer session with your Egyptologist about Modern Egypt. Ask about family life, education or any subject you wish to discuss.

At leisure.

On board.

On board.

On board.

Day 15 Fly to Cairo, Citadel of Mohamad Ali, & Khan Al Khalili Cairo

This day includes an early morning flight and a drive from the ship to the airport. In Luxor, there is less traffic and a shorter distance to drive. In Cairo, it will take at least one hour by air conditioned motor coach through traffic to the restaurant for lunch and then to the Citadel. There are some steps and a slope to climb, standing of up to two hours and walking of up to two hours in the afternoon.

Transfer to the Luxor airport for the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, explore the Citadel of Mohamed Ali which lies at the heart of Cairo, etched into the Mokattam hillside, and was initially constructed by Ayyubid ruler, Salah al-Din between 1176 and 1183 CE. While initially built to resist Crusaders, the citadel now houses several mosques and numerous museums.

Following lunch, we'll spend some time exploring the Khan Al Khalili Bazaar. Dating back to 1382, the market is peppered with trinkets ranging from traditional jewelry and clothes, to imitation western perfumes. Later, we'll check in at the hotel and then have a lecture about Islam led by a scholar from Egypt who is trying to bridge religions.

At leisure.

On-board early in the morning.

At a local restaurant in Cairo.

At the hotel.

Day 16 Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo Cairo

The drive from the hotel will be through traffic and could take at least a few hours by air conditioned motor coach. This day will involve walking and climbing steps around historic sites and standing for up to one hour at each site. The total amount of walking today could be up to one and a half miles round trip from the bus car park.

With an introduction by your Egyptologist, explore the Egyptian Museum and its many wonders.

This afternoon, we'll embark on a expert led walk of Old Cairo including the Hanging Church and the Ben Izra Synagogue. The dress code inside the church and synagogue is as follows: Men: no hats inside church Women: conservative, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts, skirts or pants must cover to the ankles.

At leisure.

At the hotel.

At a local restaurant in Cairo.

Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 17 Departure from Cairo In Flight

Transfer to the Cairo International Airport for flights home.

At the hotel.