Classic Egypt, Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

This whirlwind exploration of the Middle East takes you from ancient wonders to holy cities. On this 3-week trip, witness the immensity of the great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx in Cairo, sail down the Nile River and explore the architecture of the past, take in the majesty of The Treasury in Petra, Jordan, float in the strangeness of the Dead Sea and visit one of the oldest holy cities in the world – Jerusalem. Connect with the Bedouin women in the Negev Desert region of the Palestinian territories over tea and a traditional weaving demonstration. Head on a desert safari in a 4WD through an International Dark Sky Park. Traverse the open-air museum that is Luxor, full of Pharoah tombs, temples and monuments. Visit the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, where Jesus is said to have been born. This Middle Eastern odyssey is packed with local experiences, modern traditions and ancient artifacts. Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.Temperatures can vary across this region and throughout the year. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early e.g. 6am. Be sure to review the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information and consider the weather at the time of year you wish to travel.Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.The Nile Cruise includes four nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.In Wadi Rum we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cold at night and warm clothes are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You'll find dates and further information in the 'Climate and seasonal information' section of the Essential Trip Information.Major sites can become congested during peak travel periods with buses of large pilgrim groups. While we do our best to plan our visits around these times, it’s not always possible. There may be delays, queues and private services that prevent us from entering some sites. Your leader will manage this as best as they can on the day.During your trip you will visit numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms and legs. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.Israel and the Palestinian Territories is by no means a cheap destination, so it’s important to budget accordingly. The good news is that your expert local leader is on hand to help you uncover the best local deals.