Egypt, Israel & Jordan
16 Days:   $7840 (min. 2 persons)

Africa is not only where man was born, but where the first human empires arose. These remarkable civilizations are preserved seemingly forever in the greatest Stone Cities mankind ever built, and this trip features Jerusalem, Petra, and Luxor as those kingpins of early civilization.

But as we all know this is also where the forefront of modern politics is arising. Widely known as the "Arab Spring" (or in Africa as "The Twevolution") they are the first popular uprisings to bring down entire government systems since the Chinese revolution after World War II. Some living there would like to believe this is the resurrection the great civilizations of prehistory, but now governed in democracy.

We will include as much interaction with current, young revolutionaries as possible, but the majority of the trip is more classic, a traditional view with local experts of the amazing early civilizations that built these areas. These early civilizations erected gargantuan monuments to themselves that dwarf anything left by subsequent more modern societies.

Throughout your trip you'll be accompanied by the area's finest local guides, assuring you of not just a comprehensive, but a very personal experience.

There is of course much more to the touring than just the great stone cities, and a wonderful Nile Cruise is included in Egypt, while a comprehensive quick touring of Israel is also included.

Make sure when reviewing below that you click on all the blue links for pictures and much more information.

The prices include:Trained, professional local guides at each venue, including a certified Egyptologist; ** Private vehicles and personal transfers to/from the airport; ** Luxury Nile Cruising, inclusive of all meals, teas and attractions; ** Three flights within Egypt; ** Meals as detailed in brackets following each day's description below; ** All entrance fees, VAT and other government taxes; ** Comprehensive pre-trip material with discount coupons for travel gear and equipment. Additional expenses not included: All international flights including those between the three countries; - Meals not included; - All beverages; - Requisite visas and other travel preparations like inoculations; - Tipping.

Contact EWT for the best international air fares and for recommendations on how to use your frequent flyer miles.

  

Saturday, Day 1  
Arrive any time, today. Our Jerusalem hotel is approximately an hour from the Tel Aviv airport, and while transfers are not included they can easily be arranged, or you can just as easily book a taxi or shared limo immediately following your arrival. Nothing is included today except hotel lodging. Check-in begins at 2 p.m. The American Colony Hotel is perfectly located within walking distance of many of the city's attractions.  [no meals]

  

Sunday, Day 2  
During your time in Jerusalem you'll be privately guided by one of the city's primary local experts and he'll try to visit as many of the following attractions: Tower of David Museum, a walking tour of the Jewish quarter and the Cardo, visit to the four Sephardic synagogues, Mt. Zion including the tomb of King David and Hall of the Last Supper, the Western wall, Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock, Via Delarosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and an overview of city from Mount of Olives and view of Garden of Gethsemane. There will be a break in the middle of the day back at the hotel. Overnight at the American Colony Hotel.  [b- - ]

  

Monday, Day 3
About an hour into the unarable desert land north of Jerusalem you'll tour the remarkable site at Masada. Israel is replete with historic, ancient ruins, but for a short trip this is a must. Following the comprehensive guided tour, we drive to Tel Aviv in the afternoon. The evening is free. Overnight at the Carlton Hotel.  [b- - ]

Tuesday, Day 4
There are limited flights between Israel and Jordan, so it is likely you will leave the hotel this morning just after 5 a.m., arriving Amman before many people are having breakfast! The day is full of touring through Jordan as you move slowly south towards Petra along the famous Kings' Highway, a thoroughfare that has been used continuously in the Mideast for more than 5000 years. Visit Madaba and Mt. Nebo before arriving Petra for our overnight at the Movenpick Petra.  [b- - ]

  

Wednesday, Day 5
The morning is spent with an expert guide at Petra and the afternoon is free to further explore the ruins on your own or for an optional trip to the desert oases at Wadi Rum (costs $55 per person and must be prebooked). In the evening, a candlelight tour of Petra is included. Overnight at the Movenpick Petra.  [b- - ]

  

Thursday, Day 6
The day is spent touring other parts of Jordan prior to the evening flight to Cairo. After breakfast tour nearby Beida, also known as Little Petra and the place where the Nabateans held their lavish festivals. The main midday touring will be at Kerak, and there should be time for lunch overlooking the Dead Sea. The short evening flight to Cairo is scheduled to arrive around 9:30p, where you will be met and escorted to the Mena House with pyramid view rooms.  [b- - ]

Friday, Day 7
This morning meet your professional Egyptologist who will take you this morning to the Pyramids and Sphinx with a quick return to the hotel for a break, and the afternoon is spent at the famous Egyptian Museum. Antiquities from Egypt's pharaonic period fill the 107 halls of this huge museum, and our brief afternoon visit is the perfect foundation for the Nile Cruise. The Royal Mummy Room holds mummies of several kings and queens of the New Kingdom. Overnight at the Mena House.  [b- - ]

  

Saturday, Day 8
The day is dedicated to learning about the recent Egyptian revolution. Your specific program may not be known until quite close to the day, but with a wealth of excellent contacts expect an exciting and fascinating day led mostly by students. Certainly you will tour Tahrir Square, but the specifics of the program will be left to the young people guiding you. Overnight at the Mena House.  [b- - ]

  

Sunday, Day 9
Morning flight to Luxor. Most visitors to Egypt fly to either Luxor and Aswan and then immediately board tour vessels, missing the deep history and local charm of these cities. You'll check into the Old Winter Palace, a beautifully restored colonial hotel overlooking the Nile. Then your Egyptologist will take you to the Mummification Museum and then the Luxor Museum, two impressive museums not often found on itineraries. You may enjoy spending some time this evening in the many cafes or restaurants lining the Nile.  [b- - ]

  

Monday, Day 10
Another full day in Luxor, but thismorning you transfer from the hotel on the Nile to a top-of-the-line luxury cruise ship, the Sonesta St. George. After lunch on board, your private Egyptologist will take you to the Karnak Temple followed by the Luxor Temple. Note that your private Egypt tour includes your own Egyptologist throughout the cruise portion as well, and this means you won't be collected into the larger group that shares a single additional guide. Dinner and overnight on board the ship.  [b-l-d]

  

Tuesday, Day 11
Our final day in Luxor is spent at probably its most famous attractions, the Valley of the Kings and Queens. By midafternoon the ship commences sailing to Esna. Meals and overnight on board the the Sonesta St. George.  [b-l-d]

  

Wednesday, Day 12
The morning is spent sailing to Edfu and in the afternoon the wonderfully preserved temple is visited. The Temple was built as a dedication to the falcon god Horus, some time between 237 and 57 BC. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during this Greco-Roman period following the great Pharaonic dynasties. Meals and overnight on board the Sonesta St. George.  [b-l-d]

  

Thursday, Day 13
Morning sail to Aswan. Tour Kom Ombo then afternoon touring of the famous High Dam and the Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the dam's construction. In the afternoon enjoy a special traditional felucca sailing to Kitchener Island. Meals and overnight on board the Sonesta St. George.  [b-l-d]

  

  

Friday, Day 14
This morning you disembark your cruise ship and transfer to the luxurious landmark Old Cataract Hotel. Later your guide will take you to the impressive Nubian Museum. The evening is free to enjoy this grand and ancient city.  [b- - ]

  

Saturday, Day 15
Certainly one of the most impressive monuments in Egypt is Ramses II monument to himself and his dynasty, Abu Simbel. The main temples were jeopardized when the Aswan Dam was built, and through an incredible array of worldwide resources, they were moved sometimes boulder by boulder and reassembled in a far desert region likely to protect them for eons. It's necessary to fly there, which you do from Aswan this morning, and then tour the site with your Egyptologist before flying back to Cairo this afternoon. Tonight will be spent at the beautiful downtown Cairo Marriott. This will give you an exciting perspective of the center of the city. The evening is free.  [b- - ]

Sunday, Day 16
You will be privately transported and assisted at the airport for your departure home. Kindly note that hotel checkout is at 10 a.m.   [b- - ]