Rise, shine and prepare for an exceptional morning of cultural discovery as you get up close and personal with the awe-inspiring pyramids and Sphinx. These iconic images of Egypt, rising from the Giza Plateau, are some of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. The impeccable geometry and the sheer scale of the structures have even inspired the belief that they have unearthly origins. Allow your expert guide to dissect these theories and give you a deeper understanding of such architectural marvels.
Take a moment to engrave this unique sight into your memory before continuing your adventure through the heart of Cairo, as your tour guide uncovers the historical, architectural and cultural importance behind the city’s monuments and hot spots. Afterwards, enjoy free time to relax or choose to explore more of Cairo at your own pace – perhaps venture into the hustle and bustle of Khan el-Khalili bazaar to barter for a souvenir.
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before being transferred for your included flight to Luxor, formerly known as Thebes. This extraordinary place is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. On arrival, you’ll begin your discovery of its monuments. Walk the remnants of much-fabled ancient Thebes through the Avenue of Sphinxes and visit Karnak’s great Temple of Amun-Re. Continue to the extraordinary Luxor Museum, home to some of the country’s most astonishing ancient artefacts, including pieces from Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb. As evening falls, return to the lavish riverside Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – with sweeping Nile vistas – to spend the night at your leisure, or head out and discover this marvellous city for yourself, with central Luxor only minutes away.
Optional Activity:
Sound and light show at Karnak Temple (from US$35 per person).
Today, you will have the chance to discover the Valley of the Kings, resting place of pharaohs and nobility. One of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and home of the tomb of Tutankhamun, this region pays extravagant tribute to the ancient rulers of Egypt. Delve into the Valley of the Queens as you encounter the temple of Queen Hatshepsut before passing by the famed Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that depict King Amenhotep III, and enter the near-perfectly preserved Luxor Temple.
Optional Activity:
Hot air balloon ride above the Valley of the Kings (from US$124 per person).
After checking out of your hotel, start your day with a trip to discover the treasures of ancient Edfu. Sail the Nile upstream to the Temple of Kom Ombo, a dual temple constructed to honour the gods Horus and Sobek, before visiting a traditional village where you’ll learn of its architecture and lifestyle with your travel director. Afterwards, check in at Movenpick Resort Aswan for a luxurious evening taking in spectacular views over the Nile.
Experience traditional felucca boats as you set sail in this form of transport used on the Nile for centuries. From Aswan, embark on a voyage to Kitchener’s Island to take a soothing stroll through palm-framed avenues at the verdant Aswan Botanical Garden. Witness the end of an empire as you continue south to the Philae temple complex which houses the Temple of Isis, the final construct built in the classical Egyptian style, and return to land to encounter the Unfinished Obelisk. As the sun sets, take in the shimmering reflections of feluccas on the Nile as you while away your evening at leisure.
Optional Activity:
Nubian village visit (from US$32 per person).
Sound and light show at the Philae temple complex (from US$35 per person).
Now’s the perfect chance to embark on an optional excursion to the massive and phenomenal Abu Simbel complex (surcharges apply). Referred to as a must-see for all history and archaeology enthusiasts, the two massive temples were carved into the bedrock in impressive detail here to honour the rule of Pharaoh Ramesses II.
Should you decide to stay behind, you can enjoy the day your way before transferring to Aswan International Airport in the afternoon (ASW) for a flight back to Cairo. After landing, you’ve got plenty of time to rest or hit the streets for a Cairo adventure.
Optional Activity:
- Abu Simbel tour (from US$129 per person).
Embark on an educational expedition to discover captivating Cairo and its countless treasures in greater depth as you embark on a walking tour with your expert local guide. At the Egyptian Museum, peruse an extensive collection of priceless Egyptian artefacts covering 5000 years, including exhibits direct from the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Gaze up at the imposing 12th-century Citadel of Saladin which houses the Grand Mosque of Mohammed Ali, a fine example of Ottoman architecture and one of the most visible mosques in Egypt. Witness the Hanging Church, one of the oldest houses of Christian worship in Egypt and built over the gatehouse of the ancient Roman Babylon Fortress to serve Coptic worshippers. Finally, plunge into the buzzing bazaar of Khan el-Khalili as you browse for aromatic spices, fine garments and glimmering gems.
Afterwards, traverse this dynamic city on your own terms or recline in comfort at your accommodation before enjoying a sumptuous dinner at your hotel.
It’s time to say goodbye to the wonders of modern Egypt and mysteries of ancient Kemet as you take your included flight to Amman (AMM), the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and transfer to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, the day is at your leisure.
This afternoon, meet your tour director and travel companions in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting. If you’re feeling up to it, this evening savour the delightful flavours of Jordan with an optional group dinner.
Optional Activity:
- Group dinner (from approximately US$35 per person, depending on consumption).
Enjoy a morning tour of Amman, the capital and largest city in Jordan. Our first stop is the ancient Amman Citadel. This is the original city, and where you’ll find the monumental Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, Jordan Archaeological Museum and panoramic views of Amman’s jabals (hills). In the Hashemite Plaza next door, gain access to the Jordan Folklore Museum and stand atop the high steps of the Roman Theatre, one of the largest and most impressive amphitheatres of the ancient world.
Afterwards, feel free to explore this city’s vibrance at leisure, or relax and enjoy the hotel’s five-star amenities before dinner this evening.
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be whisked away to the ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East, and the impressive remains of Ajloun Castle.
Afterwards, head down to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, to find an intensely blue lake surrounded by reddish-brown hills. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the resort’s extensive facilities, which include a full-service luxury spa, luscious gardens dotted with swimming pools as well as a Dead Sea salt pool and a two-tier terrace with beautiful sea vistas.
Delve into the Dead Sea, one of the planet’s most spectacular destinations. Not only is it the lowest point on Earth, coming in at 400 metres below sea level at the surface, but it’s also considered one of the world’s most spiritual landscapes, filled with dramatic, natural wonders. Here, enjoy the buoyancy of the restorative, saline waters and slather yourself in a mineral-rich mud bath that will leave you feeling silky smooth.
Afterwards, head to the mystical Mount Nebo, where Moses was said to have seen the promised land, as well as been laid to rest. Visit Madaba to see a mosaic map of this Holy Land embedded within the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church, then travell towards Shobak Castle, a 12th-century haven for rampaging crusaders.
Continue to Petra, Jordan’s magnificent ancient ‘Rose City,’ and check into your hotel for the evening.
Enjoy a full day of exploring the Petra, an incredible collection of tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone walls dating to 300 BC. The main path from the Treasury opens out to a wider valley lined with tombs, caves and a small amphitheatre cut into the rock face. With the unique rose-coloured geology surrounding you, discover the Castle of the Pharaoh’s Daughter and remains of the triumphal arch.
Further on is the Roman quarter, a colonnaded street surrounded by the ruins of temples that is also well worth exploring. During your free time in the afternoon, if you still have energy after the main tour, it’s worth taking the climb up to the remote Monastery – the crimson sunset views from the rockface are utterly sublime.
Return to the hotel in the evening to enjoy dinner and a well-earned rest.
Bid Petra goodbye as you depart for the vast, boulder-dotted sands of Wadi Rum, watching as the scenery changes from craggy hills to a wider expanse of open desert interspersed by rocky outcrops. Wadi Rum’s rouge landscape consists of a series of dramatic rocky mounds, joined by valleys of sand that stretch for miles toward a hazy distant horizon. Look out for black Bedouin tents and flocks of sheep and goats as a reminder of the few Jordanians who still practise this nomadic lifestyle.
Arrive at your luxury camp in the heart of the desert, which offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape from your air-conditioned tent. Soak up the otherworldly serenity at sunset before enjoying a locally prepared feast around the campfire, followed by a restful night’s sleep.
After breakfast, get a full taste of the magical Wadi Rum with a half-day tour in the desert to further explore the surrounds. Afterwards, return to Amman for an afternoon enjoying one last exploration and feast in Jordan’s capital.
Your epic adventure finishes after breakfast. Make sure to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before checking out of the hotel by 11am. Complimentary transfers to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) are available all day.