Israel/Jordan/Egypt

Ancient Treasures of the Middle East: Israel, Jordan and Egypt

Program No. 15860RJ
Dive head first into history with expert instructors as you explore the hidden gems of Israel, Egypt and Jordan to learn about magnificent architectural landmarks and unique cultures.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

From the Old City of Jerusalem and the Sea of Galilee to the tip of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the hidden gems of Israel, Jordan and Egypt offer critical insight into the Persian Empire and the Greco-Roman world. For 5,000 years, adventurers have flocked to these lands to discover the archaeological riches, resulting in a beautiful melting pot of cultures. Uncover these important landmarks and learn about their creation from fascinating locals who will show you the secrets of their homeland. By the end of this comprehensive learning adventure, leave with a deeper understanding of the Middle East that will help you answer the age-old question: “Does history shape culture, or does culture shape history?”
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking up to five miles per day over uneven terrain in hot conditions with little to no shade. Stairs on this program are often uneven and without railings. For security reasons, participants must carry their own luggage across the border between Israel and Jordan several hundred yards. This program includes one international flight between Amman and Cairo, and two domestic flights within Egypt.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore Jerusalem, a holy city to all three Abrahamic faiths, and discover important cultural landmarks such as the Western Wall and the Holocaust Memorial.
  • Discover one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Petra, as you learn about this stunning city cut from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataean people of Jordan.
  • Spend three nights on the Nile River with an expert Egyptologist who will show you ancient temples, the Valley of the Kings and more important historical sites.

General Notes

Itineraries may vary by date.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Print All
Map details are not available for this location.
17 days
16 nights
43 meals
15 B 14 L 14 D
DAY
1
Overnight Flight
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrival & Orientation
Jerusalem
D
Prima Royale Hotel

Activity note: On entry into Israel you will receive at the border control a small Entry Permit (a small blue card) – this must be kept until your departure out of the country. You will most likely be asked, at hotel check- ins, to produce this as proof of your tourist status in the country, thus exempting you from the Value Added Tax on hotel accommodation, which is currently 17%. If you do not have the Entry Permit you will be liable to pay the VAT directly to the hotel for all services taken at the hotel.

Afternoon: Check into the hotel and take some time to relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

DAY
3
Mount of Olives, Old City & Bethlehem
Jerusalem
B,L,D
Prima Royale Hotel

Activity note: Today's activities include up to five miles of walking in the Old City of Jerusalem which includes many steps without railings. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly. Bethlehem is part of the Palestinian Authority and therefore includes a border crossing, so please be sure to bring your passport along with you.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will depart for a field trip to the Mount of Olives dotted with churches marking the sites of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. There will be an on-site lecture titled, "Understanding Jerusalem’s Topography and Demographics, the Old City." Continue to the Old City for an on site lecture, "Jerusalem in the Times of Jesus". You will also visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre while in the Old City, which marks Golgotha, also called Calvary, the site of the crucifixion.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will depart by coach for a visit to Bethlehem in the Palestinian territory. The "little town" of Bethlehem, mentioned in any number of Christmas carols, attracts pilgrims worldwide on account of its description in the New Testament (and particularly the Gospels) as the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity, one of the oldest churches in the world, is the focus of Christian veneration within the city. Bethlehem is revered by Jews as the birthplace and hometown of David, King of Israel, as well as the traditional site of Rachel's Tomb. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel for a lecture where you will learn about the current state of affairs in Israel from a leading Israeli scholar to get a local cultural perspective.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Mount Zion, The Western Wall & Holocaust Memorial
Jerusalem
B,L
Prima Royale Hotel

Activity note: Today’s activities include up to five miles of walking and many steps without railings on the tours to Mount Zion, Jewish Quarter, Western Wall and Yad Vashem. Please wear comfortable and sturdy footwear and dress modestly.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will begin with a field trip to Mount Zion where we will visit the room of the Last Supper, King David's Tomb, and the Dormition Abbey. We will then enter the Old City to visit the Jewish Quarter where we will see the Roman Cardo and the biblical Broad Wall dated to the days of King Hezekiah. The journey continues to the view point overlooking the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah) where we will have a good view of both the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome Of the Rock. Finally, we will reach the Western Wall, the only remnant of the glorious Temple and the most sacred site in the world for Jewish people (The Kotel). Here, you will have time to put a note between the stones with personal wishes and prayers - a hundreds of years old tradition.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Jerusalem.

Afternoon: We will take a field trip to Yad Vashem (Holocaust Memorial). En route, we will pass by important government centers. Yad Vashem was established by Israeli Law in 1953 to commemorate the six million Jews and their communities wiped out in the Holocaust. It has the largest and the most comprehensive archive and information repositories on the Holocaust, housing more than 50 million pages of documents and hundreds of thousands of photographs and films. Afterward, we will return by coach to the hotel for a lecture titled, "Contemporary Palestinian Society: Its Hopes and Challenges" by a leading Arab scholar.

Dinner: Dinner on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Masada
Nazareth
B,L,D
Ramada Nazareth

Activity note: Today's activities include ascending the fortress of Masada by cable car, walking up to three miles with stops in shaded areas, and walking on gravel and uneven grounds (but not uphill). Rails are available at most sites on the mountain. We will descend by cable car. The drive from Masada to Nazareth is approximately two hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Discover the fortress of Masada, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This magnificent mountain fortress was built by King Herod the Great and later became a refuge for the Zealots who stood the attack of the Roman Legion. Explore the bathhouses, ritual baths, store houses and the Herodian Villa. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea and the mountains of Jordan.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: After lunch continue your drive north to Nazareth. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
6
Capernaum & Nazareth
Nazareth
B,L,D
Ramada Nazareth

Activity note: Walking up to three miles with many steps without railings. The entrance to the Church of Annunciation is steep and can be slippery. Please note the dress code at the church is conservative. For men, no hats and shorts must cover the knees. For women, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts and skirts or pants must cover to the ankles.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will embark on a field trip to Capernaum. Located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, its ruins were first discovered in 1838 by American explorer Edward Robinson. Numerous archaeological excavations have taken place since the 1900’s. Most recently, excavations have uncovered the remains of a synagogue and several residential complexes, one of which is believed to be the home of the Apostle Peter. Discussions focus on Capernaum’s significance to Christianity. Also visit the Mount of Beatitudes. The so-called "Sermon on the Mount" is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6. Afterwards, we will visit Kibbutz Degania Bet to explore the history of the kibbutz movement in Israel and learn about the early settlers. Traditionally based on agriculture, the kibbutz is a form of communal living that integrates elements of socialism and Zionism.

Lunch: At Kibbutz Degania Bet.

Afternoon: We will head to Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation. Believed by many, particularly those of Roman Catholic faith, to be the site where the Archangel Gabriel informed Mary that she would conceive Jesus. The current church is erected upon the site of an earlier Byzantine period church.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Border Crossing into Jordan, Jerash & Amman Citadel
Amman
B,L,D
Kempinski Hotel Amman

Activity note: The drive from Nazareth to the border with Jordan is approximately an hour long. Border crossing procedures may take up to an hour. Please note that for security reasons, you will need to carry your own luggage several hundred yards from the Israeli bus through border security to the Jordanian bus. Today's activities include up to four miles of walking in Jerash so please wear comfortable shoes. The ground in Jerash can be slippery, and there is little to no shade.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After breakfast we will check-out of our hotel and drive towards the Israeli-Jordanian border. We will say farewell to our Israeli Group Leader and driver and complete the border crossing procedures on our own. Please note that due to security reasons, participants must carry their own luggage several hundred yards from the Israeli security checkpoint to the Jordanian security checkpoint. After officially entering Jordan, we will be greeted by our new Jordanian Group Leader and driver who will assist in loading luggage onto the new bus. As a group we will then depart for a field trip to Jerash, considered the Pompeii of the Middle East. Archeological excavations have revealed ancient Jerash to have been a prominent Greco-Roman city which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century CE. During the Crusades, the ruins of Jerash were transformed into military fortifications.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Jerash.

Afternoon: Explore the Amman Citadel and the national Archaeological Museum for an overview of the Jordan's past. We will learn about Jordan and its capital, discover Amman’s Roman heritage during our field trip to an amphitheater, still in use today. After visit we will drive to the hotel and check in.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Dead Sea & Arrival in Petra
Petra
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort Petra

Activity note: The drive from Amman to the Dead Sea is approximately one hour. If you are interested in swimming in the Dead Sea, bring along your swimsuit and water shoes. Towels and lockers are available for rent for a small fee. The drive from the Dead Sea to Petra is approximately three hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart Amman for Petra. Stop at Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet which has a salt concentration eight times that of ocean water. Please remember to bring your swimsuit if you are planning on swimming in the Dead Sea.

Lunch: At Movenpick Resort Dead Sea and Spa.

Afternoon: Continue driving to Petra via the Desert Highway. Arrival to Petra late afternoon and check in.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
9
Petra
Petra
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort Petra

Activity note: Strenuous walk in and out of Petra along a sloping path that includes natural and slippery surfaces. Total walking distance will be up to five miles, with only two benches along the way. Temperatures can be high with little to no shade. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will begin our day by exploring the monuments and settlements of Petra, whose name derives from the Latin word “petrae”, meaning rock. Since its “discovery” in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, numerous archeological excavations have taken place in this site. Hidden in a great rift valley east of Wadi 'Araba, 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea, Petra was the principle city of ancient Nabetaea, though subsequently ruled by several other empires including the Roman, Byzantine, and Persian. Note: Horse rides are available during the excursion to Petra and are included with your ticket. The ride is from the visitor center to the entrance of the Sikh, approximately a half mile. Animal transportation is also available in some of the other trails in Petra for an additional price. However, both of these animal rides are bumpy and not suitable for people with back, neck or leg pain. They are not covered by insurance and Road Scholar does not recommend their use.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Petra.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Petra on your own. Afterwards, return to the hotel walking. For participants who have difficulties walking further or wish to return to the hotel early, please inform your group leader so they can assist you. Once we have all returned to the hotel, we will enjoy a lecture by a local expert about the life and culture of Bedouins in Jordan.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
10
Madaba, Mount Nebo & Flight to Cairo
Giza
B,L,D
Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel

Activity note: Today includes travel by air-conditioned motor coach for several hours. Walking up to three miles, streets in Madaba can be slippery. The flight from Amman to Cairo is approximately one and a half hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Long drive by air-conditioned coach for several hours from Petra towards to Madaba. Madaba is an ancient city which has been inhabited for nearly 3500 years and contains the most impressive surviving work of art of the mid-6th century: a mosaic map of Palestine, located within St. George’s Church.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Madaba.

Afternoon: We will take an excursion to Mt. Nebo, where according to Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried by God in an unknown valley location. After the visit, we will drive towards Queen Alia Airport in Amman. We will say goodbye to our Jordanian Group Leader and driver and board an international flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our new Group Leader and transferred to our hotel.

Dinner: Late dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
11
Pyramids & Sphinx
Giza
B,L,D
Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel

Activity note: Travel by coach and walking around historic sites such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to 30 minutes standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. The total amount of walking today could be up to two miles round trip from the bus car park. There are 150 to 200 steps for those who wish to ascend some of the smaller pyramids.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Led by your Egyptologist, explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The pyramids of Giza are perhaps the only true rival to the Great Sphinx when one thinks of ancient Egypt and its architecture. The Valley of Giza-- with its wonderful monuments-- is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids located in the valley consist of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre and the Pyramid of Menkaura. Each pyramid is a tomb dedicated to a different king of Egypt. Then descend the plateau to view the Great Sphinx and marvel at the presence of the guardian of the necropolis. An imaginary creature that shows the strength of the lion and the intelligence of the human, carved out of one big knoll of rock more than 4600 years ago. The Great Sphinx has also been known for a long time under the name “Father of Fear”. A wise man once said: “Everything fears time, yet time fears the Pyramids”.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to relax before a lecture about Egypt and the Nile led by a scholar from Cairo University Giza.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
12
Fly to Aswan & Board Ship
Aswan
B,L,D
MS Minerva

Activity note: Today includes an early morning start. The drive from the hotel to the airport will take approximately one hour. The flight from Cairo to Aswan is one and a half hours long. There is further travel by coach and walking up to two miles in historic sites, with up to 80 steps without handrails. The terrain is uneven and rough and it could take up to an hour standing at each site in hot conditions under the sun with no shade. The ship will spend the full day and overnight in Aswan.

Breakfast: Boxed breakfast from the hotel.

Morning: Fly to Aswan and upon arrival, discover the Aswan High Dam. Completed in 1970, the dam has proven both beneficial and detrimental to Egypt. While the dam’s construction has been integral in generating electricity; erosion, poor silt deposition, and a slew of other environmental problems have developed. Later, continue to Philae Temple. Afterward, we will embark the M/S Blue Shadow for the start of your Nile cruise.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Cruise Orientation followed by some free time. Later in the afternoon, your Egyptologist will give an introduction to the temples Kom Ombo and Edfu.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
13
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
Luxor
B,L,D
MS Minerva

Activity note: Today's activities include walking around historic sites and a ride on horse drawn carriages (this could be substituted by bus ride). The terrain is uneven and there are up to 25 steps to climb at the entrance and 10 at the exit, no railings. It could take up to two hours standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade. The total amount of walking today could be up to two miles round trip from the car park.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Early in the morning, our ship will begin sailing downstream. Discover Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haeroris, Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the second century BCE. Several hundred crocodile mummies were uncovered during initial excavations. The Horus Temple at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God Horus, is one of the largest in Egypt.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Learn about the Valley of the Kings on board the ship, led by your Egyptologist while sailing towards Luxor. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure. Our ship will reach Luxor port late in the evening and stay in port overnight.

DAY
14
West Bank, Karnak & Luxor Temples
Luxor
B,L,D
MS Minerva

Activity note: The drive from the East to the West Bank of the River Nile is at least 30 minutes by air conditioned motor coach. Walking four miles around historic sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the various tombs including Tut Ankh Amun Tomb on hilly terrain. Up to 150 steps at the tombs to take both ways, no railings. Throughout the day, it could take up to one hour standing at each site in hot conditions and under the sun with no shade.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Today we will spend the full day in port. Led by our Egyptologist, we will discover the Nile's West Bank Valley of the Kings, King Tut Tomb, Hatshepsut and Memnon. Since the end of the eighteenth century, significant archaeological investigation has taken place at the Theban Necropolis. Between the 16th and 11th centuries BCE, a plethora of tombs were constructed for ancient Egypt’s nobility. Recent excavations, under the direction of the Theban Mapping Project, have unearthed additional tombs as well as providing a more meticulous and cautious approach towards excavation.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Led by your Egyptologist, explore Karnak & Luxor temples. The temple of Luxor, known in the Egyptian language as ipet resyt, or “the southern harem”, was built by King Amenhotep III who reigned 1390-1353 BCE and dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods, his consort Mut, and their son Khons. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. After returning to the ship, engage in an informal question and answer session with your Egyptologist about Modern Egypt. Ask about family life, education or any subject you wish to discuss.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
15
Fly to Cairo, Citadel of Mohamad Ali & Khan Al Khalili
Cairo
B,L,D
InterContinental Semiramis Hotel

Activity note: This day includes an early morning start. The drive from the ship to the airport will take approximately 30 minutes. The flight from Luxor to Cairo is one and a half hours long. There is another hour of travel by coach in Cairo and walking up to three miles throughout the day. There are some steps and a slope to climb at the Cairo Citadel, standing up to two hours in the afternoon.

Breakfast: On-board early in the morning.

Morning: Transfer to the Luxor airport for the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, explore the Citadel of Mohamed Ali which lies at the heart of Cairo, etched into the Mokattam hillside, and was initially constructed by Ayyubid ruler, Salah al-Din between 1176 and 1183 CE. While initially built to resist Crusaders, the citadel now houses several mosques and numerous museums.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Cairo.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we'll spend some time exploring the Khan Al Khalili Bazaar. Dating back to 1382, the market is peppered with trinkets ranging from traditional jewelry and clothes, to imitation western perfumes. Later, we'll check in at the hotel and then have a lecture about Islam led by a scholar from Egypt who is trying to bridge religions.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
16
Egyptian Museum & Old Cairo
Cairo
B,L,D
InterContinental Semiramis Hotel

Activity note: The drive from the hotel will be through traffic and could take at least a few hours by air conditioned motor coach. This day will involve walking and climbing steps around historic sites and standing for up to one hour at each site. The total amount of walking today could be up to two miles round trip from the bus car park.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: With an introduction by your Egyptologist, explore the Egyptian Museum and its many wonders.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Cairo.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we'll embark on a expert led walk of Old Cairo including the Hanging Church and the Ben Izra Synagogue. The dress code inside the church and synagogue is as follows: Men: no hats inside church Women: conservative, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts, skirts or pants must cover to the ankles.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
17
Departure from Cairo
In Flight
B

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to the Cairo International Airport for flights home.






Recommended For You

loading spinner