Highlights of Israel & Egypt

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Galilee, Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Tel Aviv

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the highlights of Israel and Egypt in a limited amount of time. Artisans of Leisure travelers are escorted throughout Egypt by their own private Egyptologist guide and VIP services are provided throughout the tour.

Upon arrival in Israel, enjoy VIP airport assistance before being transferred to a luxury spa resort in Rosh Pina. Enjoy private touring around the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias and Lake Kinneret), an area renowned for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to important historical and biblical sites. Opt to browse art galleries in Rosh Pina, sample wines at local vineyards, visit a kibbutz, or tour the mystical town of Safed (Tfzat), one of the four holy cities of the Talmud and the birthplace of Kabbalah. Alternatively, enjoy active pursuits such as a four-wheel drive excursion in the Golan Heights, a fertile region of springs, waterfalls and Crusader ruins.

Next, you may wish to tour the ruins of Beit Shean, an ancient city settled at least 5,000 years ago and later converted into a Hellenistic city, en route to Jerusalem, where your expert private guide will bring the city and its incredible, multi-layered history alive. One of the world’s most historic cities—the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Jerusalem is a fascinating mix of cultures and religions. Visit different neighborhoods according to your interests, such as the Jewish Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter, Armenian Quarter and Temple Mount. See highlights such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Via Dolorosa, ancient synagogues, bazaars, and atmospheric narrow streets lined with galleries and private homes. Visit Jerusalem’s most important museums, such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum. See the Mount of Olives and the old city ramparts. Also tour the Mahane Yehuda Market, which is a great place to sample local culinary specialties such as pomegranate juice, falafel, chocolate rugelach, almond pastries and halvah, as well as locally grown olives and figs. During leisure time, enjoy your hotel’s extensive resort facilities and beautiful, park-like grounds.

If desired, we can arrange many special interest activities around Jerusalem, such as taking a private market tour and cooking class with a renowned food expert, touring the ancient City of David, touring the excavation tunnels under the Western Wall, joining an archaeological dig, walking through the city’s ancient underground water tunnels, planting a tree, specialized shopping, or visiting the village of Ein Kerem to experience its local food, wine, art and religious sites.

One day, enjoy a private excursion to the Dead Sea. En route, visit Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress. Visit a beach on the Dead Sea and, if desired, relax in the salt and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Alternatively, we can also arrange expert-led excursions to Bethlehem and Jericho.

Next, fly to Cairo, Egypt. With your own private guide and driver, experience the city’s most interesting cultural attractions, neighborhoods and markets—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. In addition to visiting well-known attractions such as the Citadel, Egyptian Museum and Khan al-Khalili bazaar, also tour our favorite neighborhoods filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluke, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture; well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants; and fascinating markets and shopping streets. Also take a private excursion to the impressive Pyramids of Giza.

Continue to Aswan, considered Egypt’s loveliest city. Enjoy touring of Aswan’s highlights, including the stunning Temple of Philae. Your own private Egyptologist will accompany you as you drive from Aswan to Luxor, stopping en route to visit the extraordinary archaeological sites along the Nile in Edfu and Kom Ombo. Next, explore Luxor, a bustling town built on the site of the ancient capital city of Thebes. Discover Luxor's most fascinating and important archaeological sites, including the Luxor and Karnak Temples and the Valleys of the Kings and of the Queens.

Return to Israel for two nights in Tel Aviv, a vibrant city on the Mediterranean Sea coast. During private touring, experience the best of Israel’s largest city: the Neve Tzedek neighborhood, UNESCO-listed Bauhaus architecture, Old Jaffa, the Carmel Market, and museums such as the Eretz Israel Museum and the Museum of the Jewish Diaspora. If desired, we can also arrange a tour of the fascinating Ayalon Institute, a kibbutz that hid a secret underground ammunition factory. Additional options in Tel Aviv include specialized shopping, visiting the Design Museum Holon, strolling the port district or fashionable HaTachana, spending time on the beach, and enjoying the city’s excellent restaurants.