Compare Best of Egypt, Jordan and Israel by G Adventures vs Into The Promised Land by America Israel Tours

Day 1 Cairo

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer. If you opt to prebook the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour a night of pre-tour accommodation is required as this tour departs at 10am.

Day 2 Cairo/Aswān

Enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.

Visit the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures before a visit to the Egyptian Museum. In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Please note that during Ramadan, the museum, and Egyptian pyramids will close at 3PM this year, and so we will follow the below order, and schedule on Day 2. Visit the Pyramids from 9 - 11 Visit the museums from 11:30 - 14:30 Lunch from 15:00 - 16:00 before heading to the train station

Day 3 Aswān

Opt to explore the busy Aswan market or visit the beautiful Philae Temple, before visiting a Nubian village and enjoying a home-cooked dinner with a local family.

Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile. Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.

Day 4 Aswān

Spend the day exploring Aswan.

One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people.

Opt to pre-book the "Temple of Abu Simbel" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Day 5 Aswān/Luxor

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.

Board the felucca and sail to Aswan Bridge. Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.

Day 6 Luxor

After breakfast the group will set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Have lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile, then visit an Alabaster Factory en route back to Luxor. The remainder of the afternoon will be at your leisure.

Cross to the West Bank. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. Then visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.

Day 7 Luxor

After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. From here, enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Later, take advantage of free time in Luxor to explore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure.

Day 8 Luxor/Amman

Take a flight from Luxor to Cairo, then transfer to a connecting flight to Amman, Jordan. Free time to explore Amman on arrival.

You will not be accompanied by a CEO on the flight between Cairo and Amman. Say goodbye to your Egyptian CEO at the Cairo Airport. Upon landing you will meet our Jordanian rep at the Amman airport who will assist with immigration and visas. After transfer to the hotel where your Jordanian CEO will meet you.

Please note that there are strict luggage requirements for your in-tour flights. You are limited to two items - a carry on weighing no more than 7 kg and a checked bag weighing no more than 23 KG.

Day 9 Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman

Guided visit to the ancient Roman town of Jerash followed by a visit to the Dead Sea.

Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus' baptism.

Day 10 Amman/Karak/Petra

Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Continue to Wadi Musa for the evening.

Depart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views. Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades. Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.

Day 11 Petra

Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.

The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.

Day 12 Petra/Wadi Rum

Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4x4 excursion during the day before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.

Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Arrive to the camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.

Accommodation in the desert is in individual cabins that are all attached. Each room contains a bathroom and basic linens are provided, but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort.

Day 13 Wadi Rum/Aqaba

Journey to the Red Sea, where you can explore your surroundings or relax on the beach.

Drive to the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba. Enjoy free time to enjoy the beach, go snorkelling or check out the city. Make sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner.

Day 14 Aqaba/Amman

Journey back to Amman. En route stop at a G Adventures- supported community cafe for lunch.

Safi Kitchen is part of a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission. Upon arrival in Amman, enjoy a final night out in the city.

Day 15 Amman/Tel Aviv

Cross the border into Israel and make your way to Tel Aviv. Take a free night to explore.

You will have one CEO in Israel and one in Jordan. In this case you will be transferred to the border and cross over unescorted to Israel – either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the Israel portion of the tour. You will be met on the Israel side of the border and transferred to Tel Aviv, where there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting with your new CEO in the evening. See the "Detailed Trip Notes" section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border.

Please remember that Israel and Jordan are very different Countries, in terms of culture, daily way of life and infrastructure. The best part of travel is gaining insight into these difference and keeping an open mind.

Day 16 Tel Aviv/Haifa

This morning explore vibrant Tel Aviv. Enjoy an orientation walk in historic Jaffa before driving up the coast to a Druze community for a local lunch. After, continue to Haifa, beautifully set on the slopes of Mount Carmel facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 17 Haifa/Nazareth/Galilee

Visit Akko and explore its colourful markets and old city. After, travel to Nazareth where we visit the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East. Continue to the Sea of Galilee for the evening.

Day 18 Galilee/Jericho

Tour the Sea of Galilee area, including the Church of Transfiguration and the ruins of Capernaum. Also visit a local Kibbutz to learn about this interesting communal lifestyle. Continue to Jericho for the night.

Day 19 Masada/Dead Sea/Jerusalem

Visit the fortress of Masada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After, relax at the Dead Sea with time to swim before continuing to Jerusalem for the night.

Travel to Masada, and visit the famous rock fortress on a guided tour with our CEO. Opt to hike (or ride) to the top and learn more about this ancient place. Continue on to the fascinating Dead Sea. Cover yourself in the healing mud, bob like a cork in very salty water, or enjoy a little sunbathing on the shore.

Day 20 Jerusalem

Take a guided walk through the Old City starting at the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa mosque courtyard. After, walk along the Stations of the Cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Explore the winding alleyways and quarters and continue on to the western wall. This afternoon is free to explore on your own, or opt to visit the Israel museum then stroll through the Yehuds Market walk with beer tasting.

Note the minimum age for the beer tasting is 21.

Day 21 Jerusalem

Visit Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity and the Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. Return to Jerusalem and visit the Domari Society of Gypsies for lunch and time to get to know the non profit working toward higher literacy rates and employment for women in the community. Then, opt to visit museums or explore on your own.

Travel to biblical Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity before heading to Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. What started as a camp has become a thriving town and here we learn more about the situation of the Palestinians in Israel and what daily life here is all about. Feel like experiencing more today? Pre-book a tour of the Israel museum, with a visit to the Yehuda Market, and an included craft beer tasting.

Day 22 Jerusalem

Depart at any time.

With so much to do and see in Jerusalem, we highly recommend booking post nights to fully enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Day 1: Embark on your flight to Cairo

 Meals on Board

Day 2: Arrival In Egypt

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Cairo, Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa *

Arrival In Egypt / Welcome To Egypt

Arrive at Cairo International Airport in Cairo, Egypt

Transfer to Le Meridien Hotel

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Included

Evening activity:

Optional Pyramids Sound & Light Show ($40 pp)

Pyramids Sound and Light show can be arranged with your tour guide upon your arrival in Egypt.

Day 3: Discovering Egypt's Ancient Civilization

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Cairo, Le Méridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa *

Pyramids / Sphinx / Enter Inside The Great Pyramid / Camel Ride / Egyptian Museum / Old Cairo / Coptic Cairo

Stand in awe of one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Pyramids of Giza and see the Great Sphinx. Take the opportunity to go inside the Great Pyramid to explore the burial chamber.

Ride a camel with the pyramids as a backdrop.

Explore Old Cairo and visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses the greatest collection of Pharaonic treasures in the world.

Visit Coptic Cairo and the famous Suspended Church, the Church of St. Sergius, and the Synagogue of Ben Ezra.

Optional:

Optional Nile Dinner Cruise with Show ($55 pp including transfers)

*Nile Dinner Cruise can be arranged with your tour guide upon your arrival in Egypt.

Day 4: Tracing The Route Of The Exodus

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Mt. Sinai, Morgen Land village hotel

Sinai desert / Marah by the Red sea / Elim / Rephidim / Mt. Sinai / Dinner in a Bedouin tent

Trace the routes of the Biblical Exodus and travel from Cairo to the Red Sea.

Stop at Marah, the desert spring where the children of Israel found the water bitter.

Visit the desert oasis of Elim and Wadi Feiran, where you will see Mount Serbal, the possible site where Moses held his arms up for victory.

Enjoy an authentic Bedouin dinner in a Bedouin tent.

Optional Night Activity: Climb Mt. Sinai and experience a stunning sunrise view. Those who choose to climb Mt. Sinai, please bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. An optional camel ride is available for up to 1/3 of the mountain and can be arranged with your tour guide for $25 per person.

Please note: The options for accommodation in the remote area of Mt. Sinai are very limited. Although not equivalent in quality to the other hotels we use along this tour, the hotel we use is the best in the area.

Optional night activity:

Optional Climb to Mt. Sinai. For those who wish to climb Mt. Sinai, please bring warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the ascent. Optional Camel ride is available up to 1/3 of the Mt. and can be arranged at the spot with your tour guide for $25 per person.

Day 5: From  Mt. Sinai to the Red sea and the mountains of Edom

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Aqaba, Mövenpick Resort *

Climb Mt. Sinai / St. Catherine Monastery / Taba border / Eilat / cross to Jordan / Aqaba

Tour the beautiful Monastery of St. Catherine and learn about its exceptional history. It is the only continuously used church building in the world.

Cross the Taba Border and enter into Israel.

Enjoy a drive thru' Eilat, Israel’s southernmost town located on the Red Sea.

Cross the Arava Border and enter in Jordan and travel to Aqaba.

Day 6: Exploring The Nabatean Treasure City Of Petra

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation:  Amman, Le Méridien Amman *

Full Day In Petra / Arrive In Amman, Jordan's Capital

Drive along the King's Highway to Wadi Musa before entering into Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Explore Petra and see "The Treasury", the field of tombs, the obelisks, the altar, and more.

Drive to Amman, the capital of Jordan.

Day 7: Crossing To Israel - Into The Promised Land

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation:  Tel Aviv, Herods Hotel *

Madaba / Mt. Nebo / Cross to Israel / Jericho / Old Jaffa / Tel Aviv

Visit Madaba, a Jordanian town known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.

See the Greek Orthadox Church of St. George where you will view the earliest original map of the Holy Land.

Visit Mt. Nebo, where Moses viewed the Promised Land. This is also believed to be the site of Moses’ tomb.

Drive by Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which is believed to be the site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.

Cross the border and enter Israel. Drive to Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean coast.

Check in at our beachfront hotel. After dinner visit Old Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. Here you will see St. Peter Church and enjoy a view of Tel Aviv Shoreline from Jaffa's Hilltop.

Evening activity:

After dinner, we will meet our tour guide for an evening tour of Jaffa, the oldest port city in the world. Here you will see St. Peter's Church and enjoy a vie