Middle East Grand Tour

Middle East Grand Tour

4.9/5 408 Latest reviews
Tour Code: ODY-ME-2302
Destination: Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Israel
  • Duration15 Days
  • Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
  • Tour Style Classic

About This Trip

Unfold an epic picture of the Middle East in 15 days and take in the highlights of Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel. From the gorgeous Topkapi Palace in Istanbul to the Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo, from the beautiful Rose City of Petra to the historical sites of Jerusalem, you'll feel the diverse charm of the Middle East.

Itinerary Summary


DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4 Turkey

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye Mosque
Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys, Goreme Open Air Museum

5 - 8 Egypt

Cairo: Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum
Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Temples of Karnak

9 - 12 Jordan Mt. Nebo, Madaba Map
Petra: The Siq, The Treasury
13 - 15 Israel Jerusalem: Old City Tour, Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
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Itinerary

Open your Middle East Grand Tour from Turkey, strategically located on the crossroad between the East and the West. Upon arrival in Istanbul, be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is for refreshment or a self-guided exploration of this sophisticated metropolitan.

  • Istanbul

Begin your journey with the Topkapi Palace, once the seat of Ottoman sultans, followed by the majestic Hagia Sophia, blending Byzantine and Ottoman artistry. Descend into the Basilica Cistern, an underground marvel supported by hundreds of ancient columns. Continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece by Sinan, and end at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the ancient arena of chariot races and imperial ceremonies.

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  • Istanbul

Morning flight to Kayseri, then transfer to Cappadocia. Start exploring with Devrent Valley, known for its moonlike terrain, and Pasabag Valley, home to iconic mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Continue to Cavusin Valley, a historic village with cave dwellings and rock-cut churches, offering a glimpse of early Christian life.

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  • Cappadocia

Discover the rock citadel of Ortahisar, a natural fortress towering above the town, followed by a scenic walk through Pigeon Valley, dotted with dovecotes carved into cliffs. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its monastic complexes and beautifully painted frescoes.

In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time - you may opt for a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise (optional, weather permitting) or simply relax and soak in Cappadocia's magical atmosphere.

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  • Cappadocia

After breakfast, get to Kayseri airport for your flight back to Istanbul, where you can change to another flight to Egypt.

Upon arrival, meet our representative at the airport and take a private transfer to your Cairo hotel.

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  • Cairo

Today, explore two of Egypt's most iconic landmarks with your private guide.

Begin at the Pyramids of Giza, where you will see the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the legendary Sphinx.

After time to explore the plateau and take photos, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum to discover world-class exhibits showcasing Egypt's ancient civilization, including royal statues, artifacts, and treasures.

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  • Cairo

This morning, discover Old Cairo and its rich layers of history. Visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din, part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Cairo, and admire the magnificent Muhammad Ali Mosque inside the citadel. Then, enjoy a leisurely walk through the Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Later, fly to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in the city.

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  • Cairo

After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Luxor's West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the royal tombs of ancient pharaohs, followed by the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

After a short break, continue with a private guided tour of the East Bank, including Karnak Temple (the largest temple complex in Egypt) and the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple.

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  • Luxor

After breakfast, fly to Cairo and connect your international flight to Amman.

Upon arrival in Jordan, a representative meets you at the airport and assists with entry formalities. Head to the hotel by private car and settle into your comfortable room.

The rest of the day is yours to recover from the journey or discover Amman by yourself.

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  • Amman

Set out for Mount Nebo, where you can take in sweeping views of the Jordan Valley. At the remains of the 4th-century Moses Memorial Church, you'll see finely preserved mosaics that have survived for centuries.

Continue to Madaba, a town celebrated for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaic traditions. Here, visit St. George's Greek Orthodox Church to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Palestine. Then, stop at a local handicraft shop to watch mosaic artisans at work, carefully placing tiny stones in time-honored styles.

In the afternoon, travel south to Petra and check into the hotel.

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  • Petra

Today is dedicated to exploring Petra. You start the day with a knowledgeable guide by your side, who spends the first two hours introducing you to Petra's landmarks while sharing the history of the Nabataeans.

Stroll through the narrow Siq Canyon, and the Treasury appears at the end after a walk. Its rose-colored facade was carved with remarkable skill, providing an insight into Nabataean craftsmanship.

After the tour, explore more on your own. You might want to walk along the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs and the area known as Pharaoh's Castle.

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  • Petra

This morning, travel north by private vehicle to the Allenby Bridge border, a drive of about four hours. At the border, say farewell to your Jordanian driver and complete the crossing procedures independently.

Once on the Israeli side, meet your new driver (no guide service during transfer) and continue by private car to Jerusalem. Check into the hotel and recharge your energy for the upcoming explorations.

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  • Jerusalem

The old city of Jerusalem is a holy city for Muslims, Christian, and Jewish. You will experience the sacred atmosphere and visit religious sites including the Mount of Olives, the Gethsemane, the King David's Tomb, the Wailing Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

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  • Jerusalem

Set out on a guided tour by driving south to Bethlehem. Be sure to see the silver star, where Jesus Christ was born according to the Hebrew; then, explore the multitude of Churches and Chapels within the Church of the Nativity, one of the most important sites in Israel. Manger Square will be next. It is a good place for you to feel the pulse of the city. You can also visit the Shepherds Field, and then travel back to Jerusalem.

In the sacred city, head to the Israel Museum in its New City. It houses artifacts related to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Don't miss the city model in the time of the Second Temple and the Dead Sea Scrolls uncovered in Qumran. Later, stop at the Holocaust Memorial of Yad Vashem, and relax at the busy Machane Yehuda Market before returning to your hotel in Jerusalem.

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  • Jerusalem

After breakfast, bring your memories head to the airport to catch your flight back home.

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