Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions, the mountaintop fortress of Masada, built by King Herod over 2,000 years ago. This enduring symbol of Jewish history is the site of the heroic defiance by 967 Jewish Zealots who rose against the Roman Empire in 66 AD and took their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable.
You’ll take a cable car ride up the Snake Path to the top, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the Dead Sea and the surrounding desert. Not surprisingly, UNESCO declared Masada a World Heritage Site in 2001. Among the incredibly well-preserved ruins, you’ll have a chance to see King Herod’s northern palace, built on three rock terraces overlooking the gorge below. Nearby is a large Roman style bath house with a colorful mosaic floor, and decorative murals on the walls. Many of the site’s other buildings consist of the luxurious western palace, the Jewish ritual bath, storerooms, watchtowers, and a synagogue — which all relate the history of Masada.

Note: Please be advised that this tour is only offered to those passengers departing on the Jerusalem extension on a Tuesday. This tour may only be prepurchased and cannot be purchased on site.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria is known as the “The Pearl of the Mediterranean” and has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern. The city’s status as a beacon of culture is symbolized by Pharos, the legendary lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The setting for the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Alexandria was also the center of learning in the ancient world. On this excursion visit the historic lighthouse and have lunch in the royal palace in side the Montazah Gardens. You’ll also visit the National Museum, which used to house the American Embassy, as well as the massive Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Old Coptic Cairo (Masr al-Qadima) is the oldest part of the metropolis. It is believed that the first settlement here was formed as early as the 6th century BC. The Romans later built a fortress, known today as Babylon. Some of the Roman walls still exist, alongside as many as twenty churches within just one square mile, which sprang up after the area became a Coptic Christian stronghold. Also here can be found the synagogue Ben Ezra. You’ll tour this fascinating area in the company of an experienced guide.

View an awe-inspiring light show against the timeless backdrop of the Pyramids as the Sphinx narrates the story of ancient Egypt. This magical show will transport you to ancient Egypt as you relive the legend of Isis, to whom Philae Temple is dedicated. You'll enjoy a boat ride to the temple site, now located on an island. During the 1960s, this monument was relocated, stone by stone, to a higher elevation, which you'll be thankful for as you experience the grandeur and beauty of the floodlit monuments at night. This will be an experience you won't soon forget!

Glide majestically over awe-inspiring villages and monuments that have stood the test of time for many centuries ... see temples and burial grounds of the Pharaohs ... view Luxor, the majestic River Nile, and the Valley of the Kings ... all from an entirely new perspective instilled with the peace and tranquility that only a hot air balloon flight can provide.

As you witness the magnificent landscape bathed in the early morning sunshine, you will most likely agree that Luxor is the world’s greatest open-air museum, and an ideal location for a balloon ride. This enchanting experience may very well be the “height” of your tour!

Tea and coffee will be offered on board the motor launch enroute to the takeoff site. The balloon pilot will do a safety briefing before departure. Each passenger will receive a free souvenir T-shirt and certificate after landing. Flat shoes are recommended, as you will be climbing in and out of the balloon basket, which is approximately four feet high. A hat or head covering is also recommended for sun protection.

Please note: Flights are subject to weather conditions at dawn. Flying directly over a particular sight is not guaranteed.