Pyramids, Petra, Promised Land with Cruise - 19 days
Pyramids, Petra, Promised Land with Cruise - 19 days
Pyramids, Petra, Promised Land with Cruise - 19 days
19 Days Starting in Cairo, Egypt and ending in Tel Aviv, Israel
Visiting: Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tel Aviv
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 19-day cultural odyssey through Egypt, Jordan, and Israel with the "Pyramids, Petra, Promised Land with Cruise" tour. Begin in Cairo, exploring the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Cruise the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, visiting ancient temples and the Valley of the Kings. Relax by the Red Sea in Hurghada before flying to Jordan to marvel at the rose-red city of Petra and the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, then cross into Israel to explore the sacred sites of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Conclude your journey in the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, with its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. This small group tour offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders, guided by experts in Egyptology and local history.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Friday. Today is the start of your adventure through the holy lands. Included transfer from Cairo airport and hotel check in. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to pre book our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am today.
For those who are arriving early, we also offer a pre tour [[Alexandria Day Trip.|122837]] every Thursday.
Day 2: Pyramids Of Giza
Location: Giza
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start the day with a visit to the Giza Plateau to see the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Next we explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to Zhoser’s step pyramid. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.
Day 3: Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cairo - Aswan. Today we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum for an informative guided tour. This vast new 490,000 sq.m complex contains a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history. Arguably the most famous is the giant exhibition of King Tutankhamun's treasures, including his spectacular solid gold funerary mask.
After our tour we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization which is where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. There are 20 mummies in total including King Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut. Some of the mummies are so well preserved you can still see hair on the heads and fingernails! Once we've explored this incredible hall there's time to relax back at the hotel this afternoon before we board the overnight train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Day 4: Aswan
Location: Aswan
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Nile Cruiser
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we arrive into Aswan and enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. We then visit a perfume oil emporium, before check-in on board your Nile Cruiser which will be home for the next three nights. Later, there is free time to perhaps enjoy some shopping in the colourful souks and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile.
Day 5-6: Nile Cruising
Location: Aswan
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Nile Cruiser
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aswan - Nile Cruising. Today there is an optional early morning excursion by road to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II. Our Nile cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and we cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.
The next morning relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor in the afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.
Day 7: Luxor
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: 5 star Luxor hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we disembark and check into our 5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to relax and explore. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor.
Day 8: Luxor
Location: Luxor
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Luxor. Today we will be exploring the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs.
After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 9: Hurghada
Location: Hurghada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we head east to Hurghada part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for some beach time!
Day 10: Hurghada
Location: Hurghada
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today can either be spent relaxing by the beach in Hurghada or on an optional boat trip to snorkel and swim at Giftun Island. Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it's the gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. The resort also has an array of shops, restaurants and bars for evening entertainment.
Day 11: Petra
Location: Petra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra. We have an early start this morning as we make our way to Hurghada airport. From here we'll fly to Amman via Cairo. Upon arrival into Amman we drive south to Petra arriving near sunset. Tonight you may wish to take a candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq… a romantic preview of things to come on, by joining the 'Petra By Night' excursion (approx. USD$25 payable locally)
PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Hurghada to Amman via Cairo is not included in the cost of this tour. Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost (total flight cost approximately USD$250 - $350pp) however, we can assist in booking these flights should you require. The flights to be booked are detailed in the tour Trip Notes.
Day 12: Petra
Location: Petra
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
To discover the archaeological treasures of Petra, we first take a walk through the winding cleft in the rock that is known as the Siq, before reaching the awe-inspiring Treasury. This rose red building actually served as a royal tomb, but got its name from the legend that pirates hid their treasure there. More amazing Nabataean and Roman ruins follow, including a huge 8000 seat amphitheatre and other Royal tombs and Mausoleums.
If you are feeling energetic, why not continue up the hillside along the ancient steps that take you to the Monastery, to take in the stunning views. Consider opting for our Petra Kitchen Add-on tonight.
Day 13: Wadi Rum
Location: Wadi Rum
Accommodation Name: desert camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisit Petra this morning before our afternoon drive to Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandy desert and amazing rock formations known as jebels that rise from the desert floor awaits. Boarding 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilarating desert safari across the sand dunes, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Wadi Rum. Tonight, we enjoy a Jordanian dinner at our desert camp.
Day 14: Dead Sea
Location: Dead Sea
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wadi Rum - Shobak – Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. After breakfast at the campsite, we head north along the Desert Highway to visit Shobak Castle, which is perched dramatically on a hill top and was built by the Crusader king Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring the castle we descend some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the world’s original health and beauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters and slap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an invigorating boost.
For departures between April and October we’ll head up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib. We’ll embark on a moderate –paced two hour trek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metres in depth and spanning 4 kilometres across, the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features. This dramatic canyon features sheer rocky walls and sparkling waterways that range from puddle height to depths that are perfect for swimming (chest height or deeper) depending on the rainfall. When the water level is high you should be prepared for having to climb up ladders, clamber across boulders and be happy to wade through water. The canyon is just one feature of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, home to a surprising diversity of wildlife and plant species. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea. For those not interested in taking the full hike, you can walk part of or wait by the Visitor Centre till the group returns. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea.
Day 15: Dead Sea
Location: Dead Sea
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Dead Sea is a natural phenomena and high on most travellers’ bucket lists. Lucky for us we have a whole day to spend here, whiling away the time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath. Option to visit the Ma’in hot springs and the site where it is thought Jesus Christ was baptised by John (book locally).
Day 16: Jerusalem
Location: Jerusalem
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Dead Sea – Jerusalem (West bank). This morning travel to the Jordanian border where after immigration formalities you will transfer by public shuttle bus over the border into Israel, here you’ll be met by a driver and transferred to your hotel in Jerusalem. The afternoon and evening offer free time. Today is the Sabbath and offers good opportunity to explore the World Heritage Listed city on foot without the usual crowds.
Day 17: Bethlehem
Location: Bethlehem
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we enjoy a guided tour of Jerusalem (West Bank) and Bethlehem (West Bank). Our first stop is the holy Mount of Olives where there are amazing panoramic views of the old city. We take a walking tour of the atmospheric old city; wander through the Armenian and Jewish quarters to the Cardo (ancient Roman road). We continue on through the old city and the Christian quarter, visiting the famous Wailing Wall - a place of constant prayer and one of the most revered Hebrew sites. Retracing the final laboured steps of Jesus, burdened under the weight of the cross, we walk along the Via Dolorosa to the hallowed Church of the Sepulchre; the site of the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb and the resurrection.
A short drive from Jerusalem is Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus; where we visit Manger Square and the Church of Nativity, which is reputed to be the oldest Church in the world and the site where Jesus was born. Spend the evening at leisure in Jerusalem.
Day 18: Tel Aviv
Location: Tel Aviv
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Jerusalem – Haifa – Caesarea – Jaffa – Tel Aviv. We bid farewell to Jerusalem today and travelling down the coast we stop in the historic city of Caesarea where Roman and Crusader-era ruins are strewn along the sea front. Continuing south we reach Jaffa, an ancient port where we enjoy a walking tour of the picturesque, fortified town and marvel at the hilltop views. Then it's just a short drive to the vibrant, modern and cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, where we spend our final night. Dubbed "the city that never sleeps" Tel Aviv is renowned for its hedonistic nightlife and the city also has a plethora of trendy bistros, high-end restaurants and delicious street food stalls to choose from for dinner.
Day 19: Tel Aviv
Location: Tel Aviv
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Tuesday. Our tour ends today with an included transfer from Tel Aviv to Ben Gurion Airport at any time of day. There's so much to see and do in Tel Aviv that we highly recommend extending your stay to enjoy its beautiful beaches, art galleries and markets. We can book post tour accommodation upon request.
What's Included
-
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 6 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast, along with 3 lunches and 6 dinners during the tour.
-
Accommodation
Stay in 4-5 star hotels in Egypt, 4 star hotels in Jordan and Israel, a deluxe desert camp in Wadi Rum, and a 5 star Nile Cruiser.
-
Overnight train
Experience an overnight train journey from Cairo to Aswan in a private 2 berth sleeper cabin.
-
Airport transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfers are included on day 1, day 11, and day 19.
-
Touring
Guided tours of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Shobak are included.
-
Dead Sea experience
Enjoy free time to swim and detox at the Dead Sea.
-
Wadi Rum desert safari
Experience a 4x4 desert safari through the sand dunes of Wadi Rum.
-
Touring in Israel
Explore Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Caesarea, and Jaffa with guided tours.
-
Qualified tour guides
The tour is escorted by an Egyptian tour guide qualified in Egyptology, and licensed Jordanian and Israeli tour guides.
-
Transportation
All transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
-
International flight between Hurghada and Amman
The international flight between Hurghada and Amman is not included and needs to be booked separately by the traveller.
-
International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
-
Tips for tour guides
Tips for your tour guides in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$8 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees amounting to USD$210-230 per person, paid in local currency, are not included.
Age Policy
15+ if accompanied by an adult. 15+ for all tours that include a Nile Cruiser. Where a tour includes an overnight felucca the Min age is 18 yrs, except 'with teens' tours as life jackets are worn'.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private modern air-conditioned vehicles, with an overnight train from Cairo to Aswan in a private 2-berth sleeper cabin, and a 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor on a 5-star Nile cruiser.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in 4-5 star hotels in Egypt, 7 nights in 4-star hotels in Jordan and Israel, a night in a deluxe desert camp in Wadi Rum, and 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile Cruiser with en suite cabins.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 4-5 star hotels in Egypt, 7 nights in 4 star hotels in Jordan and Israel, 1 night in a deluxe desert camp in Wadi Rum, and 3 nights aboard a 5 star Nile Cruiser with an en suite cabin.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners.
-
Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an Egyptian tour guide qualified in Egyptology, as well as licensed Jordanian and Israeli tour guides in Jordan and Israel respectively.
-
What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles. Additionally, there is an overnight train from Cairo to Aswan in a private 2 berth sleeper cabin.
-
Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
Entrance fees for sightseeing in Israel are included, but other entrance fees amounting to USD$210-230 per person, paid in local currency, are not included.
-
What activities are available at the Dead Sea?
At the Dead Sea, you can float in the mineral-rich waters and apply Dead Sea mud for a detoxifying experience. There is also an option to visit the Ma’in hot springs and the site where it is thought Jesus Christ was baptized by John.
-
Is the international flight between Hurghada and Amman included?
No, the international flight between Hurghada and Amman is not included and needs to be booked separately by the traveler.
-
What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy is 15+ if accompanied by an adult, and 15+ for all tours that include a Nile Cruiser. Where a tour includes an overnight felucca, the minimum age is 18 years, except for 'with teens' tours as life jackets are worn.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Tuesday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Apr 18, 2025 - May 06, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 13, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 02, 2025 - May 20, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 09, 2025 - May 27, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 16, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 18, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 15, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 11, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 18, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 14, 2025 - Dec 02, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 23, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 13, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Jan 09, 2026 - Jan 27, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 06, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Feb 20, 2026 - Mar 10, 2026Friday - Tuesday
Mar 06, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.