Highlights of Israel & Egypt

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

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 have their own private drivers in each location. Upon request, arrangements can be made to tour monuments usually closed to the public or museums outside of opening hours. Artisans of Leisure can also arrange additional activities, such as an afternoon in Jerusalem’s Old City with a geo-political expert, private wine pairing dinners with an Israeli wine expert, a cooking lesson with a Michelin-star chef, family-focused activities, and special religious experiences.

Begin in Jerusalem, one of the world’s most historically important cities. A city of countless monuments of enormous significance to Jews, Christians and Muslims—the entire Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it is also a place of great beauty, with a balmy, Mediterranean climate and year-round sunny skies warming the golden hue of its limestone buildings. Today Jerusalem is a fascinating mélange of cultures, created by the traditions culled from the diverse backgrounds and religions of its varied citizenry. Your expert private guide will bring Jerusalem and its multi-layered history alive through comprehensive touring of the city. In addition to touring well-known attractions and areas such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Via Dolorosa, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Israel Museum, and the Mount of Olives, also visit fascinating but lesser-known neighborhoods, museums, and markets. Walk along the ramparts of the Old City. Learn about the city’s varied architectural styles, including Roman, Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Art Deco. Browse art galleries, specialty shops, food markets and souks as your guide helps you experience the very best the city has to offer.

Also enjoy a day trip to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. En route, visit Qumran, where the precious Dead Sea Scrolls were found, and Masada, a historic mountaintop fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. Spend the afternoon at one of our favorite Dead Sea beaches—beautiful and away from the crowds. While there, relax in the salt and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Advance reservations for spa treatments can also be arranged.

Continue to the Galilee region and Tiberias, a town on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Tiberias and Lake Kinneret). This area is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and proximity to a number of important historical and biblical sites. During flexible private touring, visit highlights of the area, such as Capernaum, Nazareth, the Mount of the Beatitudes and the Kibbutz Ginosar.

Continue to Tel Aviv, Israel’s largest and most vibrant city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a flexible introductory tour of the city’s most interesting sites, such as Old Jaffa, the Bauhaus architecture district, the city’s best markets, and the fashionable Neve Tzedek neighborhood.

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 more nights in Tel Aviv. Enjoy flexible touring of shops, galleries, museums, markets, and historic attractions, or take an excursion out of the city. There will also be time to relax on the beach.