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Israel and Ancient Egypt Itinerary
Day 1 - UK – Tel Aviv (Israel)
Arrive in Tel Aviv where your journey begins. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a two-night stay. (D)
Day 2 - Tel Aviv
Enjoy a guided city tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa, accompanied by a local guide. Begin in Jaffa, an old-world port dating from Phoenician, Roman and Crusader times. Discover the impressive archaeological ruins and meandering alleyways, then take a stroll along Tel Aviv’s lively streets. See the UNESCO-listed Bauhaus buildings of the White City quarter then head to the port. (B)
Day 3 - Haifa – Acre – Galilee
This morning, leave Tel Aviv and head north to the city of Haifa. See the sights of the Stella Maris Monastery as well as other places in the town, then continue to the UNESCO-listed city of Acre. Discover the Knights’ Halls, the Crusaders’ main fortress and palace, then travel to your hotel in Galilee for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 4 - Galilee
Start the day with a special cruise on the Galilee Sea, before enjoying a tour of Galilee, starting with a visit to the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount, and continuing to Capernaum, site of Jesus’s Galilee ministry, and finally Tabgha, site of the miracle of the multiplication of fish and loaves. Later, head to the Golan heights for spectacular views. (B,L)
Day 5 - Galilee – Jerusalem
Drive from Galilee to Jerusalem to see the Old City’s iconic sights including the tear-shaped church of Dominus Flevit, where Jesus is believed to have wept over Jerusalem. Continue to the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive trees, the Pool of Bethesda and the Crusader Church of St Anne. You will also see the Arch of ecce Homo and follow the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Two-night hotel stay in Jerusalem. (B)
Day 6 - Jerusalem
Spend the day at leisure or take the optional excursion to Mahane Yehuda Market. (B,D)
Day 7 - Cairo (Egypt)
Travel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv for your flight to the Egyptian capital of Cairo. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for an overnight stay. (B)
Day 8 - Cairo - Luxor
Fly from Cairo to Luxor and visit the open-air temple complex of Karnak to see the ancient hieroglyphs that adorn the pillars, still standing amongst the temples, including the hypostyle hall in the Precinct of Amun-Ra. Overnight hotel stay. (B,D)
Day 9 - Luxor
Take in stunning scenery as you cruise the west bank of the River Nile, then enjoy a visit to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor. Later, enjoy a visit to the famous Valley of the Kings, part of the UNESCO-listed site of ancient Thebes. See the colourful depictions of daily life and the afterlife which adorn the tombs. Today, you'll also embark your ship to begin your Nile cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Dendera - Luxor
One of the best-preserved temples complexes in Egypt can be found in Dendera. Discover the ornate Hathor Temple which will definitely leave a lasting impression. Later, return to Luxor and visit the hieroglyphs of Luxor Temple. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Esna - Kom Ombo
Follow in the footsteps of ancient pharaohs as you cruise the River Nile. See beautiful villages and storied temples along the riverbanks. Visit Esna Temple and look up to see an array of astronomical scenes. Later, learn how temples were dedicated to specific gods at Kom Ombo. This evening, enjoy a lively galabeya party, themed with Egyptian delicacies, music and dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Abu Simel - Aswan
This morning, fly to Abu Simel to visit one of Egypt's most celebrated monuments. The UNESCO-listed Abu Simel temples were built by Ramesses II and are some of the best-preserved in Egypt. This afternoon, return to Aswan for a guided boat tour on the Nile. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Aswan - Cairo
This morning, disembark your ship, bidding farewell to the Captain and crew. Head off on a guided tour of the Philae temple complex, a collection of ancient temples which were relocated as part of a UNESCO project. This afternoon, fly to Cairo for a three-night hotel stay. (B,L)
Day 14 - Cairo
Explore one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World as you visit the UNESCO-listed Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. After the tour, continue exploring the pyramids in Saqqara (extra expense) or return to the hotel to relax. (B,D)
Day 15 - Cairo
This morning, discover some priceless antiquities inside the Egyptian Museum, including the relics from Tutankhamun's tomb. Enjoy perusing exhibits, from ancient strolls to religious artefacts. There is an optional visit to the Cairo Citadel. (B,D)
Day 16 - Cairo - UK
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.