Deluxe Middle East: from Egypt to Israel

Itinerary

• Day 1: Cairo, Arrival

  Welcome to Egypt, the land of the mysterious pharaoh! A representative will greet you once you arrive in Cairo and help you with the visa process. After that, a comfortable vehicle will take you to your hotel. The Marriott Mena House, one of the top choices for first-timers to Egypt, will provide you with breathtaking views of the ancient pyramids in its rooms.

  
  Accommodation: The Marriott Mena House (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

  • Cairo

• Day 2: Cairo, Explore Ancient Wonders of Pyramids

  Roam around the Giza Plateau, the site of the Fourth Dynasty Giza pyramid complex, to admire the amazing man-made structure built thousands of years ago. You will get an up-close view of the three massive pyramids, enjoy the panoramic views of this wonder, and take a picture with the Sphinx. As per your wish, you can even go inside the Great Pyramid to explore its inner structure.

  After that, return to the hotel and unwind at its outdoor pool, well-equipped gym, and luxury spa.

  
  Accommodation: The Marriott Mena House (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Cairo

• Day 3: Cairo, Egyptian Museum & Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

  Have the morning to explore the Egyptian Museum (or Grand Egyptian Museum if open). Housing a magnificent collection of Pharaonic antiquities, this grand museum will give you a deep understanding of ancient Egypt. After that, take a stroll around the vibrant open bazaar of Khan Al-Khalili for a glimpse of local life.

  The rest of the day is yours for more explorations or relaxation at your own pace.

  
  Accommodation: The Marriott Mena House (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Cairo

• Day 4: Cairo - Aswan, Nile Cruise

  Wake up early for a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of Aswan. See an impressive 1960s feat of engineering - High Dam filled with rock and clay. Visit the Temple of Philae while listening to how UNESCO did to protect this historic monument from being flooded. Ramble around the ancient quarry and try to decipher how ancient Egyptians carved gigantic obelisks from granite.

  After sightseeing, board a luxury Nile cruise, like Movenpick MS Sunray, to follow in the footsteps of the pharaohs downward to Luxor. Elegantly decorated cabins with panoramic views of the Nile, an open swimming pool, and a sundeck with a recreational area, this cruiser will provide you with a relaxing way from Aswan to Luxor.

  
  Accommodation: Movenpick MS Sunray (Luxury 5-Star Cruise)

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  • Nile River Cruise

• Day 5: Nile River Cruise, Kom Ombo Temple & Horus Temple

  The boat will sail on in the early morning and leave some time for a shore excursion to Kom Ombo Temple, a short walk from the pier. Interestingly, this unusual temple is dedicated to two different gods, god Haroesis on one side and Sobek on the other.

  Continue to Edfu, the site of the Horus Temple. Ride a horse-drawn carriage to the entrance and admire the temple covered in beautiful carvings and reliefs. Go back and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as the boat sails to Luxor via Esna.

  
  Accommodation: Movenpick MS Sunray (Luxury 5-Star Cruise)

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  • Nile River Cruise

• Day 6: Nile River Cruise, Valley of the Kings in Luxor

  Spend the morning visiting the West Bank, where the ancient Egyptians buried the dead. In the Valley of the Kings, you will step into the tomb of Tutankhamun where Tutankhamun's mummy is still on display, explore the tomb of King Seti Ⅰ- the most spectacular of all the tombs with 11 beautifully decorated chambers, and enjoy the vaulted ceiling decorated with astronomical scenes inside the tomb of Ramses Ⅴ and Ramses Ⅵ. Continue to visit the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut to discover the unique story behind this female pharaoh. After a photo stop at the huge Colossi of Memnon, go back to the boat for lunch and unwind by the open swimming pool.

  
  Accommodation: Movenpick MS Sunray (Luxury 5-Star Cruise)

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  • Nile River Cruise

• Day 7: Luxor - Cairo, Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple

  Disembark the boat after breakfast and go to the East Bank to explore the Temple of Karnak, along with the nearby Luxor Temple. Appreciate various religious buildings and statues in the Karnak, while in the Luxor Temple, the rich history covering the Pharaonic, Roman, Christian, and Muslim eras will delight you.

  After the tour, transfer to the airport for a short flight back to Cairo. Le Meridien Cairo Airport, offering a convenient pedestrian bridge connecting to Terminal Three of the Cairo International Airport, maybe a good choice for your stay tonight.

  
  Accommodation: Le Meridien Cairo Airport (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Luxor

• Day 8: Cairo - Tel Aviv - Jerusalem

  Leave ancient Egypt behind for Jerusalem, which is regarded by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as the biblical Holy Land. Upon touchdown at Ben Gurion Airport, a private transfer will take you to the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem, just about 500 meters from the Old City, you can spend the rest of the day unwinding at its rooftop garden overlooking the surrounding areas.

  
  Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Jerusalem

• Day 9: Jerusalem, Old City Exploration

  Get a panorama view of the Holy City from the top of the Mount of Olives. The Garden of Gethsemane on the foot of the mountain is where Jesus frequently went with His disciples to pray according to the New Testament. From there, follow the stops of Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher while listening to your guide sharing related Bible stories.

  Afterward, stroll around the narrow, winding streets and alleyways along with your private guide to get an insight into the daily life in the Muslim Quarter. Conclude the day with a visit to Mount Zion, the site of the Last Supper Room.

  
  Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Jerusalem

• Day 10: Jerusalem - Bethlehem - Jerusalem

  Visit Yad Vashem in the morning. This World Holocaust Remembrance Center tells the history of the Holocaust from a unique Jewish perspective, through original artifacts, survivor testimonies, and personal possessions. After that, proceed to Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity. Descend to its grotto, where you can see an inlaid silver star marking the birth of Jesus.

  Return to the hotel in the afternoon and have the rest of the day at leisure.

  
  Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Jerusalem

• Day 11: Jerusalem - Masada - Dead Sea - Jerusalem

  Drive out of the city and visit Masada by cable car. Rising about 400 meters above sea level, it is where Herod the Great built two palaces for himself and also where the Jews last stood against the Romans. Before descending, don't forget to take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding area. For the rest of the day, you can experience floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and lather yourself in a warm mud bath. After the tour, return to your hotel in Jerusalem.

  
  Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (Luxury 5-Star Hotel)

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  • Jerusalem

• Day 12: Jerusalem - Tel Aviv, Departure

  Relax at leisure until being picked up by your private driver and transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for your homebound flight.

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