Egypt, Jordan and Israel

The ancient lands of the Eastern Mediterranean were the cradle of our civilisation. Here Christianity, Judaism and Islam were born and some of the world’s greatest empires rose and fell. Just imagine walking in the footsteps of Christ in Jerusalem, or standing on the actual spot in Athens where classical philosophers lectured. Travel the same parched deserts through which Moses led his people and where the conquering legions of Rome and bold Crusaders fought. More modern battles were contested here too, in the bloody sands of Gallipoli and El Alamein. Watch feluccas sail the Nile, a scene hardly changed since the time of Cleopatra, and in the Valley of the Kings, explore tombs where those mighty Pharaohs lay buried, surrounded by their golden treasure. Royal jewels also abound in Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, for centuries the glittering heart of the Ottoman Empire. The list is endless but you can discover wonders beyond your imagination in these exciting itineraries.

Sightseeing

These three countries form part of the Holy Land, a lavish backdrop for many of history’s most enthralling tales. Not surprisingly, Egyptian sightseeing is based around the great monuments, temples, tombs, and pyramids. Jordan has a unique treasure in Petra, as well the well preserved Greco-Roman remains at Jerash. Sightseeing in Jerusalem is like nowhere else in the world. There are diverse peoples, a maze of streets, and significant sights for three major religions.

Shopping

Cairo provides a huge variety of everything from antiques to fine clothing and especially jewellery. Also look for alabaster from Luxor, beaten copper and brass. In Israel, you’ll find copper and brass too, along with inlay work, woodcarvings ceramics and jewellery with semi-precious stones. Try haggling for Madaba rugs in Jordan, carved olive wood, mother of pearl, cross-stitch embroidery and carved stone animals. You’ll also see traditional Bedouin goods.

Entertainment

You can see the legendary belly dance throughout the region plus exotic Nubian dances in Egypt. In Israel many hotels stage performances of traditional song and dance but you can also sample nightlife Arabian style if you wish. Bedouin style parties involve a buffet where everybody is invited to join in and experience the preparations in a very open and friendly way.

Specialties

Common in the Eastern Mediterranean are dishes such as rice-stuffed vegetables, meat kebabs, falafel and hummus or Baba Ghannouj, scooped up on pita bread. For dessert think sweet baklava. In Israel you can sample kosher cooking from all over the world like bagels, goulash, gefilte fish - you can even eat kosher Chinese.

5 Fun Things To Do

1. Climb to the summit of Mount Sinai, and watch the dawn break over the Gulf of Aqaba. The views are truly amazing.

2. Test the healing powers of the Dead Sea by slapping on a bit of mud at one of Jordan’s famous spa resorts. It worked for Cleopatra!

3. Kick up your heels in Tel Aviv - recently named as one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 cities for its burgeoning bars, art, film and music scenes.

4. Tour Coptic Cairo, the ancient Christian quarter. You can visit the church built on the spot where the Holy Family rested during their flight into Egypt.

5. Check out the ancient, biblical city of Jerusalem by night when all the ancient sites and monuments are beautifully illuminated. It’s a wonder to behold!