Ancient Wonders of Israel & Egypt

Begin an unforgettable Scenic journey with a two night Special Stay.

Bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, hummus-infused aromas, and Bauhaus-era buildings, Tel Aviv is a vibrant metropolis that is quick to charm. Take an enlightening tour with an expert art-historian guide who will bowl you over with tales about the 4,000-year-old port city of Jaffa and explore the archaeological ruins and winding alleyways. Browse through the curios of the street markets and be enthralled by World Heritage-listed Bauhaus buildings of the White City quarter, then visit scenic Tel Aviv port. Enrich: Spend the afternoon at a local families home in the Ajami neighbourhood of Jaffa. Taste traditional Arabic coffee and delicacies whilst you hear personal stories of the joys and complexities of growing up in a city which has strong connections to numerous religious faiths.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the intriguing history of Israel’s mountainous region as you drive to Caesarea, the Roman capital of Judea. You will have the chance to view the archaeological discoveries of the Crusader city and the Roman port, including a restored amphitheatre and aqueduct. Later, proceed to your hotel for the next two nights. This evening enjoy seasonal local ingredients in dishes that pay homage to the Christian-Arab cuisine of the region at Magdalena.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your first look at the scenic region of Galilee will be on a tranquil boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Continue to the biblical village of Capernaum, and then proceed to the place of the miracle of multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Tabgha. On Galilee’s north-western shores, visit the Mount of Beatitudes. Continue to Kibbutz Ein Gev and learn about the unique kibbutz community. Return to your hotel, stopping en route at a local winery for a tour and wine tasting.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Nazareth where Jesus spent his childhood and visit the Basilica of the Annunciation. Ascend the Judean Mountains to Jerusalem, and your home for the next four nights.

Meals Included: Breakfast

A Holy City for three of the world’s great religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – Jerusalem occupies a unique place in humanity. Stand before the Western Wall, famously called the ‘Wailing Wall’, and soak in the aura of the holiest of Jerusalem’s Jewish sites. Continue along the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter to visit the historic Hurva Synagogue.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, explore 5000 years of cultural treasures at the Israel Museum Jerusalem with an experienced historian, including the Billy Rose Art Garden designed by the Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Afternoon at leisure to explore the holy city steeped in history and full of secrets to discover at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This afternoon, we travel to Bethlehem. Immerse yourself into the history and spirituality as you explore the site of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity, and the monasteries of the Shepherd’s Fields.

This evening, experience the uplifting songs that distinguish the Jewish faith and Israeli culture at a Yiddish Klezmer club. Savour local tapas as the band provides a spirited soundtrack.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid farewell to Jerusalem and fly to Cairo. Your Egyptian journey into wonder begins at Giza with a two night Special Stay. You’ll be able to soak up stunning views of the Great Pyramids from your balcony.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Be awed by the sheer magnitude of the pyramids before marvelling at the 20-metre limestone monolith of the Sphinx. Enrich:  Dine like a Pharaoh whilst appreciating one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Prepare for an afternoon of historical discoveries at the Grand Egyptian Museum including the artefacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Gaze in wonder at the Solar Boat, a restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500BC found buried near the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Luxor and relax in the beautiful gardens of your Special Stay for two nights. This afternoon, enjoy a walk through the colourful local markets followed by a lecture on the archaeological discoveries of the West Bank.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Optional hot air balloon - Choose to add an optional hot air balloon flight for a fascinating bird’s-eye view of the ancient sites (additional cost, please book on tour).

Afternoon visit to the Valley of the Queens and the impressive monument to Queen Hatshepsut with its three massive terraces rising above the desert floor and into the cliffs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on your luxurious private charter on board the boutique Sanctuary Sun Boat III as you settle into your elegantly appointed cabin. Discover the vast open-air temple complex of Karnak and be awed by the enormity of the pillars as you walk through the impressive Hypostyle Hall.  This afternoon, cross to the West Bank of the Nile and be astounded by the well-preserved, colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to the temple complex of Dendera to admire the vibrant colours of the hieroglyphics adorning the roof of Hathor’s Temple before returning to Luxor and visiting the impressive Luxor temple.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Follow the course of the ancient pharaohs’ processions along the Nile as you cruise south where villages and majestic temples line the banks of the river against the backdrop of the desert. Visit Esna Temple held as a special place among the holiest temples of ancient Egypt.  This afternoon, sail to Kom Ombo Temple, perched high on the east bank, dedicated to Sobek, the Crocodile God. A fun night awaits on board with a lively and colourful Galabeyya party with Egyptian delicacies, music and dancing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise south to charming Aswan, the home of the Nubian people. Discover the Osiris temple complex of Philae, then visit the stone quarries to learn about ancient carving techniques. A leisurely afternoon awaits as you enjoy a felucca cruise on the Nile.  This evening’s entertainment will delight with the colours of the whirling dervishes and a Nubian Dance performance. Tonight, join the Captain
and crew for a farewell Gala Dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Be ensconced in luxury during your Special Stay and admire the sweeping views over the Nile from the comfort of your balcony. Discover the history of the hotel and follow in the footsteps of icons like Princess Diana, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie as you enjoy pre dinner drinks at The Terrace, before dining at restaurant 1902.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Fly to Abu Simbel and visit one of Egypt’s most magnificent monuments, the enormous World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to bustling Cairo for your two night stay. Discover the priceless antiquities in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization including the crown jewel of the museum, the Royal Mummies’ Hall.

Meals Included: Breakfast

This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Say farewell as you transfer to Cairo airport.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Meals Included: Breakfast