Journey Through the Middle East

(21 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, Abu Simbel, luxury Nile River cruise, Amman, Petra & Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Dubai & Arabian Desert

This exclusive and comprehensive private Middle East tour was designed for travelers who want to experience the best of Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Dubai. It features the top highlights in each destination, including some of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites, incredibly beautiful desert landscapes, dynamic cities, and age-old religious and cultural traditions. Each day, touring is with your own private guide and accommodation is at the best hotels in each location.

First, experience Cairo as an insider—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum and the Hanging Church. Tour our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluk, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. See well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants. Walk through fascinating markets such as the renowned Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Also visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and enjoy special access to the museum’s conservation labs. If desired, we can also arrange visits to Cairo's top boutiques and reservations at the best restaurants in town.

One day, take a private excursion to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed necropolis of pyramids, tombs, temples and other monuments. See the Great Pyramid, the Great Sphinx and the even older pyramids of Dahshur or Saqqara. Also enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids. If desired, also venture inside the Great Pyramid, Bent Pyramid or Step Pyramid to discover some of their secrets. We can also arrange a visit to the entrance hall of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange VIP experiences such as exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.

Next, enjoy a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Around Luxor, visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Ramses VI. We will also arrange access to the spectacular tombs of Seti I and Queen Nefertari. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide.

Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Luxor to Aswan.

Next, fly to Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During flexible private touring in the city, visit the hilltop Citadel to see ancient Roman ruins, the eighth-century Umayyad Palace complex and the archaeological museum. Browse the Jordan River Designs and Turquoise Mountain showrooms, and visit other favorite shops selling high-quality, handmade Jordanian crafts. Also visit the Jordan Museum, lively souks, sweets shops, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city according to your interests.

Alternatively, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a homemade lunch of traditional Jordanian dishes prepared by local women.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill.

Continue to Petra, an awe-inspiring archaeological complex carved into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk (or take a golf cart) through the atmospheric Siq (gorge), and see the iconic Treasury. Explore the impressive Royal Tombs and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans, the ancient people who created Petra. If desired, venture to other parts of Petra, such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, for unforgettable views over the region. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles.

Next, take an excursion to Wadi Rum, a spectacular landscape of monumental stone mountains, red sand dunes, rock bridges and petroglyphs. During a private four-wheel drive tour, see highlights of this otherworldly, UNESCO-inscribed region—also known as the Valley of the Moon—that has served as locations for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other films.

Continue to a resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lush grounds and many facilities, including an extensive spa, multiple swimming pools and a private beach that provides access to the Dead Sea, where you can float in mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.

Cross into Israel and VIP services will be arranged for your border crossing. Visit Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress, en route to Jerusalem. Built entirely from white stone, Jerusalem glows and changes from white to pink to rose to gold with the changing of the light. Your expert private guide will bring the beautiful city and its incredible, multi-layered history alive. Of immeasurable religious, historic and archaeological importance, the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Temple Mount, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Via Dolorosa and the Western Wall, including the excavation tunnels under the Western Wall. Explore the narrow streets, twisting alleyways and airy plazas, ancient synagogues and churches, and bazaars and boutiques of the Old City's Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Armenian quarters. See the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion and walk upon the old city ramparts. Visit Jerusalem's most important museums, such as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum and the Israel Museum to see the Dead Sea Scrolls. Perhaps also see the Chagall Windows at Hadassah Hospital.

One day, enjoy a tour of the Mahane Yehuda Market with a culinary expert guide. Sample local culinary specialties such as burekas (flaky filled pastries), chocolate rugelach and halvah and shop for regional staples such as tahini, za'atar, dried fruits and nuts. Alternatively, with an expert Palestinian guide, enjoy a private excursion to Bethlehem to tour the Church of the Nativity or to Jericho, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Perhaps also visit Ein Kerem, a charming village outside Jerusalem regarded as the birthplace of John the Baptist.

If desired, we can arrange many special interest activities around Jerusalem, such as a cooking class with a local chef, touring the ancient City of David, joining an archaeological dig, walking through the city's ancient underground water tunnels, specialized shopping or exclusive meetings with local religious experts, geo-political experts, chefs, artists, fashion designers, winery owners or even former Israeli operatives.

Continue to 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 Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Design Museum Holon and Beit Hatfutsot: Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. If desired, we can also arrange an excursion to the fascinating Ayalon Institute, a kibbutz that hid a secret underground ammunition factory. Additional options in Tel Aviv include specialized shopping, strolling the port district or fashionable HaTachana or visiting the Roman ruins of Caesarea. During free time, perhaps spend time on the beach, hop in the city's markets and leisure districts and enjoy the city's excellent restaurants.

Conclude in Dubai and experience the best of the city during flexible, personalized city touring. Learn about Dubai's culture and history while exploring Old Dubai. See the traditional buildings of the Bur Dubai district and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (formerly known as Bastakiya), ride an abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek, and browse the spice and gold souks. Visit tile-covered mosques, and see ultra-modern skyscrapers, including the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Dubai is also a renowned shopping destination, with atmospheric souks and legendary luxury malls filled with exclusive boutiques and attractions such as Ski Dubai and the Dubai Aquarium. Depending on your interests, also experience Dubai's burgeoning art and design scene during visits to interesting shops and galleries housed in converted traditional and industrial buildings. Other options include visiting one of Dubai's water parks, touring attractions such as Dubai Miracle Garden or the Dubai Frame, seeing the Dubai Fountain, or enjoying Dubai's beaches and exciting dining and entertainment districts.

One morning, take a private four-wheel drive (4x4) excursion to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in the beautiful Arabian Desert to see the sand dunes and local wildlife.

One day, if desired, enjoy a private excursion to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Visit the most interesting cultural sites, such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Hosn Palace and Emirates Palace. Other options, depending on your interests, include touring the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, visiting Ferrari World theme park, seeing other museums and structures on Saadiyat Island such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, or experiencing futuristic Masdar City.

Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional special interest activities such as private culinary tours, a private falconry lesson, Arabian cultural exchange activities, tours with art experts and shopping experts, and scenic flights over the city's renowned skyscrapers and man-made islands. Artisans of Leisure can also make advance dining reservations at the city's top restaurants and in unique locations such as the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo, Egypt VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Cairo Full-day private city tour Day 3 Cairo & Pyramids Full-day private excursion to Saqqara, Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx Day 4 Cairo – Aswan – Abu Simbel – Aswan Private airport transfer and flights to Abu Simbel, via Aswan. Private touring of temples. Return to airport for flight to Aswan. Embark on Nile River cruise for 4 nights Day 5 Aswan – Kom Ombo – Edfu Morning private touring of High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan. Sail to Kom Ombo for afternoon private touring of Temple of Kom Ombo. Sail to Edfu for overnight Day 6 Edfu – Esna – Luxor Morning private touring of Temple of Horus. Sail through the Esna Lock to Luxor for overnight Day 7 Luxor Private touring of Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut, Seti I and Queen Nefertari, as well as the Luxor and Karnak temples Day 8 Luxor – Cairo – Amman, Jordan Private airport transfer and flight to Cairo to connect to flight to Amman (flight to Jordan not included in tour cost). VIP airport assistance on arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Introductory private city tour or excursion to Jerash Day 9 Amman – King's Highway – Petra Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 10 Petra Full-day private tour of Petra and Little Petra. Optional Petra by night tour Day 11 Petra – Wadi Rum – Dead Sea Morning private excursion to Wadi Rum en route to resort for 1 night. Afternoon at leisure Day 12 Dead Sea – Masada – Jerusalem, Israel Private transfer to border for VIP border crossing and private transfer to hotel for 3 nights, with touring en route Day 13 Jerusalem Full-day private tour Day 14 Jerusalem Full-day private tour Day 15 Jerusalem – Tel Aviv Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en route Day 16 Tel Aviv Full-day private tour Day 17 Tel Aviv – Dubai, UAE Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance and flight to Dubai (flight not included). VIP assistance at airport through immigration. Private arrival transfer to luxury resort for 4 nights Day 18 Dubai Full-day private city tour Day 19 Dubai & Arabian Desert Morning private desert excursion. Afternoon at leisure Day 20 Dubai Continue private city touring or excursion to Abu Dhabi Day 21 Depart Dubai Private transfer to airport. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Cairo: The St. Regis Cairo or Four Seasons Nile Plaza Nile River cruise: The Oberoi Philae, The Oberoi Zahra or Historia Amman: The St. Regis Amman, The Ritz-Carlton Amman or Four Seasons Amman Petra: Movenpick Resort Petra or Petra Marriott Hotel Dead Sea: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea Jerusalem: The King David Hotel or David Citadel Tel Aviv: The Norman, The Jaffa Hotel or The David Kempinski Tel Aviv Dubai: Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach *Burj Al Arab or One&Only The Palm can be booked for a supplement

Cost

$49,845 Per person (double occupancy)