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Holidays of a Lifetime

Holidays of a Lifetime > Middle East Treasures

MIDDLE EAST TREASURES

• Middle East Treasures, 22 days
• FAQ's for Middle East Treasures
• African HOL Promise
• Africa: Inclusions & Features
• Passenger Info Form (PDF)

HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME

• Holidays of a Lifetime
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• Waltzing Matilda
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• Middle East Treasures
• Splendours of China and Tibet
• Splendours of India
• Splendours of South America
• Magical Ecuador and Peru

Why is this the BEST FULLY ESCORTED TOUR from North America?

• Unbeatable value for money

• Stay in the first class hotels

• Luxury transportation

• Professional caring escorts

• Relaxed two night stopovers

• No worries about luggage

• See the very best of the Middle East

• All tipping is included (except for your tour director).

Click here for our promise of something special!

Petra, Jordan

Pyramids at Giza, Egypt

Roman Ruins

Sphinx, Egypt

Tel Aviv, Israel

EXTRAS

Each couple receives a copy of Goway's unique Travel Companion booklet (practical & historical information, diary, animal checklist).

FUN THEMES

All Goway Middle East Treasures departures have a designated "fun theme" adding a particular "flavour" to each tour.

Click here to find out more...

ALL INCLUSIVE TOURING & FIRST CLASS HOTELS

Middle East Treasures

Limited exclusive departures for 22 days

This unique combination of countries will give you a wonderful insight into the crossroads of Ancient civilizations, Egypt, Jordan and Israel. You will enjoy a wealth of wonders, an in-depth discovery of the Land of the Pharaohs including a four day Nile Cruise. Mount Sinai is also explored before you cross the border into Jordan. Here incredible contrasts will be experienced including extraordinary Petra, the Dead Sea, Jerash and the capital Amman. We then have plenty of time to discover the highlights of Israel including Bethlehem, Masada, Nazareth and Tiberius. To ensure a true Holiday of a Lifetime experience we have included special experiences, unique to Goway.

EGYPT * JORDAN * ISRAEL

Pyramids • Sphinx • King Tut • Abu Simbel • Nile Cruise • Valley of Kings/Queens • Sharm El Sheikh
St. Catherine's • Petra • Roman, Greek, Byzantine & Crusader Ruins • Iconic Biblical Locations.

Day 1. Depart your hometown: to our recommended departure cities of Los Angeles, New York or Toronto. F

Day 2. Arrive Cairo. After introductions and meeting your Goway Tour Director,you are transferred to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Cairo Marriott (3 nights)

Day 3. Cairo Sightseeing. Today we visit the Egyptian Museum housing the greatest collections of Egyptian antiquity anywhere which includes the Mummy Room. It gives visitors remarkable insights into Egypt's ancient history. The priceless antiquities include King Tutankhamen's Treasures. After lunch at a typical Cairo restaurant, it is time to explore Old Cairo with visits to some mediaeval mosques and churches including the Citadel. We also enjoy a visit to the Khan el Khalili Bazaar after which we stroll through the local streets viewing and visiting magnificent Islamic architecture. After a refreshing drink at the Fishawy Café, we head to our dinner destination, the Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant. BLD

Day 4. The Pyramids and Sphinx. The excitement begins this morning with a visit to the famous Cheop's Pyramid one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World built over 35 centuries ago and the Sphinx. The towering pyramid stands majestically on a desert plateau together with two slightly smaller pyramids erected to preserve the bodies and treasures for the afterlife. Then it's on to Memphis, the first capital of Egypt and Sakkara, the "City of the Dead" with its step pyramid of King Zoser. BL

Day 5. Cairo to Aswan and Abu Simbel. This morning we fly to Aswan and connect by air to Abu Simbel site of the magnificent Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. An engineering marvel, the great temple was moved up the hillside to save it from flooding when Aswan's High Dam was built. We return to Aswan where we board our Nile Cruise ship the Tuya, our deluxe floating hotel for the next 4 days as we cruise the Nile. Lunch on board then we visit Aswan's Old and High Dams, the ancient Granite Quarries and the Temple of Philae. Overnight on board in Aswan. Tuya Nile Cruise Ship BLD

Day 6. Nile Cruise - Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu. Sail today to Kom Ombo to visit the Greco - Roman style Temple of Sobek, the Crocodile God. Standing serenely on a hilltop, the site offers an incredible view over the Nile. Return to the ship and continue to Edfu for overnight. BLD

Day 7. Edfu - Esna - Luxor. This morning we have an exhilarating carriage ride which takes you through Edfu town to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. We return to the ship and sail to Esna and cross through the lock after which we continue to Luxor. Overnight on board in Luxor. BLD

Day 8. Luxor. This morning, we explore the West Bank with its equally fascinating treasures such as the "City of Thebes" including the Valley of the Kings and Queens with the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple dedicated to Hatshepsut, the Pharaonic Queen. Later, we disembark from our cruise ship and transfer to our Luxor hotel for overnight. Sonesta Luxor Hotel B

Day 9. Luxor to Sharm El Sheikh. Sightseeing begins immediately with exploration of the East Bank sites including The Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple with its colossal statues, obelisks and vast hypostyle hall of 134 columns built over many centuries and dedicated to the God Amon-Ra and his family. Later, we transfer to Luxor airport for our flight to the resort of Sharm El Sheikh.
Maritim Golf and Resort Hotel (2 nights). B

Day 10. Sharm El Sheikh. A full day at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach and the facilities of the hotel. This evening, we have a special dinner. We transfer to a genuine Bedouin Camp where we have dinner followed by a Bedouin show. BD

Day 11. The Sinai Desert to Petra. Today we travel by motor coach through the Sinai Peninsula. We arrive later at St. Catherine's Monastery, an isolated holy place of rich treasures, located on the traditional site of the Burning Bush. The Monastery's Library is considered second in importance only to the Vatican Library. After a visit to the Monastery, we travel through the Sinai eventually reaching Taba. We continue to Aqaba via Eilat then cross over the border into Jordan. We continue to Petra where we stay in a luxury tented camp near Petra. King Aretas IV Camp. BLD

Day 12. Petra. This morning, you will see an ever-changing haunting wilderness with remote majestic desert canyons, immense and still. A jeep ride takes you deep inside the valley. We then set off for Petra visiting the Crusader fortress Shobak Castle en route. After lunch, explore the town of Wadi Moussa, an ancient archaeological site. Continue to Petra and check-in to your hotel. Movenpick Petra (2 nights). BLD

Day 13. Enjoy Petra. This is Jordan's most famous site. It was carved out of the craggy rock mountains south of the Dead Sea by the Nabatean traders more than 2000 years ago. Travel by carriage (or horseback) through a narrow siq (gap in the mountainside). The sudden view of the spectacular Treasury is dramatic. We also see the Roman Theatre, the Royal Tombs and the gigantic Monastery. BLD

Day 14. Petra to Dead Sea. Today, visit Madaba to view the sixth century Byzantine mosaic map of Palestine, possibly the oldest map of the Holy Land in existence. We continue to historic Mt. Nebo which offers a remarkable view of Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the spires of Jerusalem in the distance. Then continue to the Dead Sea. Movenpick Dead Sea. BLD

Day 15. Dead Sea to Jerash and Amman. After breakfast, we travel to the ancient city of Jerash. See the remarkable remains from Neolithic times, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine and others. Today it is one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Also visit Ajloun Castle built in 1184 AD, an important citadel in the Middle Ages. Continue to Amman, Jordan's capital and have a city tour to see the Roman Theatre, This evening, dinner will be at a traditional Jordanian restaurant. Grand Hyatt Amman (2 nights) BLD

Day 16. Amman to Masada and Jerusalem. Today cross over the border from Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge and arrive in Israel. Continue to Masada, the last outpost of the Jewish Zealots against the Romans in the 1st Century. We ascend by cable car to marvel Herod's Fortress with its synagogue, storehouses and more. Later, we continue to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point of earth, where we will have time to swim or float. Later travel to the golden city of Jerusalem. Tonight we enjoy a special Shabbat dinner. David Citadel Hotel (3 nights) BD

Day 17. Israel Museum, Yad Vashem and Bethlehem. Today we start with a visit to the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking panoramic view and we proceed to the Garden of Gethsemane. Next we pass the Stations of the Cross on the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In the evening, dinner is at a local restaurant. BD

Day 18. Exploring Jerusalem. Today start with a visit to the renowned Israel Museum which houses the Shrine of the Book and the Second Temple followed by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. Later we drive the short distance to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity. After lunch there will be time for shopping and exploring. This evening experience a special Sound and Light show projected on to the Western Wall of the Old City. B

Day 19. Jerusalem to Galilee. We drive north through the picturesque Jordan Valley. En route, visit Cana, the site of Jesus' first miracle and Nazareth to visit the Basilica of the Annunciation eventually arriving in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. On arrival, start with a scenic cruise on the lake followed by a fish lunch at a typical Kibbutz. We then visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the site of the multiplication of loaves and fish followed by a visit to Capernaum. Scots Hotel, Tiberias. BLD

Day 20. Haifa and Tel Aviv. We drive to Haifa and view the Bahai Shrine then continue to a Druze village on the top of Mount Carmel to learn about this special community. Descend into the port of Haifa and continue south to the resort of Caesarea visiting a Carmel Winery for wine tasting. We then drive down the coast to Tel Aviv. Carlton Hotel (2 nights). BL

Day 21. Tel Aviv. There will be a short tour of the city including the interesting Bauhaus Museum. This afternoon, we drive the short distance to the old city of Jaffa for a walk around the old square. This will be followed by a Farewell to the Middle East dinner at an atmospheric Jaffa restaurant. BD

Day 22. Return to North America. Transfer to Tel Aviv airport for your return flight home arriving the same day. B

SINGLES:

A supplement applies. We will try to match singles willing to share.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
• Cairo Archaeological Museum tour including King Tutankhamen's treasure
• Deluxe Class 4 day Nile Cruise
• Luxor and Karnak Temples Tour
• Valley of the Kings and Queens
• Aswan's Old and High Dams, Quarries and Temple of Philae
• Abu Simbel Tour
• St. Catherine's Monastery
• Wadi Rum Jeep experience
• Petra – The Treasury, Monastery, and Roman Theatre
• Amman's Roman Theatre and Nymphaeum
• Jerash's Ancient Ruins
• Crusaders Forts and Castles
• Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Yad Vashem and Israel Museum
• Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity
• Masada – the ancient fortress built by Herod
• Swim (or float) in the Dead Sea
• Cruise on the Sea of Galilee
• Carmel Winery Visit
• Mount Carmel to visit a Druze village and the Bahai Shrine
• Tel Aviv's Bauhaus Museum and Old City of Jaffa

Unique Dining:

• Bedouin dinner in Sharm El Sheikh
• Traditional Jordanian farewell dinner at Kan Zaman Village
• Fish lunch at a Kibbutz
• Farewell to Israel dinner at historic port of Jaffa

Special Features:

• Twin share guaranteed.
• Exclusive special interest "fun themes" for more excitement on each departure.
• Best value priced inclusive tours available.
• The services of an experienced Goway escort throughout, plus local guides.
• First class or Deluxe class hotels throughout.
• 20 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 14 Dinners.
• All tips included (except to your Tour Director)
• Full luggage service.
• Domestic flights within Egypt.
• All sightseeing as listed (with no hidden costs).
• Hotels taxes where applicable.
• Our unique "Goway Travel Companion" (info booklet, diary, animal checklist).
• Neck pillow, baggage tags, flight bag & wallet.

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Please click here.

SPECIAL TOURS

For your information we operate only eight other tours that are officially designated Holidays of a Lifetime. Among these are the 22 day Waltzing Matilda to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia, the 21 Day Magic of Africa , the 18 day Splendours of China and Tibet, the 18 day Splendours of India, the 17 day Splendours of South America and the 20 day Magical Ecuador and Peru.

Middle East TREASURES PRICES:

Single supplements and land only prices are also available on request.

INCLUSIONS:

For information on the inclusions for this special idea, click here.

DEPARTURES - 2012 ITINERARY	THEMES
1 Oct 2012	L
5 Nov 2012	G,X

G (Geography and History), L (Lifestyles and Native Cultures), X (Pre-Holiday Shopping) are Fun Themes

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare, all airport taxes, insurance, optional excursions, items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, phone calls, drinks, excess baggage charges and Egyptian and Jordanian Visas.