Ahlan wa sahlan! The grandeur and glory of Egypt await as you arrive at Cairo International Airport and take your transfer to the spectacular Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence, tucked between lush gardens on the western bank of the Nile.
Steeped in ancient mystery, buzzing with modern vibrancy, cosmopolitan Cairo is a city alive with culture. Fed by the lifeline of the glittering Nile River, Egypt’s capital is known as the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’ thanks to its spectacular collection of preserved Islamic Caliphate architecture.
Enjoy the day at your leisure to relax and take in the elegant surroundings.
Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence luxury stay
After a delicious buffet breakfast, meet with your resident Egyptologist guide and get acquainted. The study of ancient Egyptian language, history and architecture has obsessed archaeologists and linguists for centuries, and Egyptology has become a respected discipline across the world. With no more than 12 travellers in your tour group, expect a personal and tailored experience.
Waste no time mining your guide’s expert knowledge as you head to The Giza Pyramids. The Great Pyramids of Giza are the only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built over 4,500 years ago as giant tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Truly monumental in scale, the largest of these ancient structures is estimated to have taken over two million blocks to complete.
Nearby rests the enigmatic Sphinx, watchful guardian of the colossal funerary monuments. Covered by the desert sands, about a thousand years after its construction a young prince had a dream in which the Sphinx promised him the title of Pharaoh if he cleared the sand away. See the story for yourself, carved on the famed Dream Stele placed between the Sphinx’s great paws.
Enjoy a lunch of traditional Egyptian cuisine at 9 Pyramids Lounge and relax in Bedouin-style seating overlooking the spectacular pyramids of Giza.
This afternoon, visit The Grand Egyptian Museum for a guided tour through its impressive collection of artifacts, including the fascinating collection of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. This newly opened space boasts a grand staircase that acts as an open-air gallery with over 60 towering, historically significant artifacts from the museum’s collection.
Later, return to your accommodation for an afternoon of leisure and a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence luxury stay
After a scrumptious breakfast, journey to the legendary city of Memphis, founded almost 5,000 years ago by the Pharaoh Menes, who united Upper and Lower Egypt. Memphis became the capital of the Old Kingdom and the heart of Egypt’s busy import-export activity, with traders from around the world giving it a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Visit the necropolis of Saqqara, where the very first pyramids were built as tombs for kings. Instead of the smooth sides featured on other pyramids, these stepped pyramids represent the pharaoh’s stepladder to heaven. Discover the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt and the world’s first freestanding stone structure.
Enjoy a set menu lunch at Le Pacha 1901, an astounding floating palace moored on the bank of the great Nile.
After lunch, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, where over 120,000 artifacts bring Ancient Egypt’s rich history to life.
Return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s vibrant capital.
Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence luxury stay
Transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR), where you will be transferred to your luxury vessel for your four-night Nile River cruise.
Step aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, where a zaffa procession of drums and flutes welcomes you before settling into your luxurious cabin.
Over the next few days, embrace live entertainment, from a colourful galabeya party, where guests dress in traditional Egyptian attire, to a Dervish show, a belly dance performance and a fascinating lecture by your Egyptologist guide. Elegant interiors, opulent cabins, serene surroundings and lavish, freshly prepared meals – all complemented by daily sightseeing along the river – make a luxury cruise along the Nile an unforgettable experience.
En route, explore the majestic Temple of Luxor and Temple of Karnak on the East Bank, both part of Luxor, known as the world’s largest open-air museum.
Back onboard, enjoy afternoon tea in the lounge and meet your boat manager over canapes and Egyptian wine. Tonight, indulge in a memorable gourmet dinner beneath the stars.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
After an energising buffet breakfast, set sail for the West Bank of Luxor and uncover the fabled Valley of the Kings. Witness the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, then take the chance for an optional visit to one of the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Queens. On your return, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III in a resting position and known for the mournful sounds they’re said to make at dawn.
You may wish to enjoy an optional luxury hot air balloon flight over the Luxor skies, catching the breeze that sweeps the Nile, taking a new view of the ancient city. Your pilot will guide you as you spot notable landmarks and learn more about the area’s rich history.
Back aboard your vessel, enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea and laze in the Egyptian sun, then savour a mouth-watering dinner before a movie night onboard.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple – the Temple of Edfu. Built to venerate ancient Horus, god of the Sun – later identified by the Greeks as Apollo – the site is a breathtaking glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
Back onboard, partake in an Egyptian cooking class as you cruise onward to the millennia-old agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo, positioned on a bend in the river where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. Follow your guide to the unique double temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky.
Return to your vessel and continue towards Aswan. In the evening, partake in an ‘Egyptian Night’ party, with the chance to don traditional Egyptian jellabiyas – loose-fitting garments associated with the Nile Valley – and enjoy a lavish buffet of local delicacies.
Following breakfast aboard, hop on a motorboat to the island of Agilika. As you approach, take in the island’s lush surroundings before stepping ashore to explore the intricate temple structures. Next, marvel at the enormity of granite quarries and survey the gargantuan Unfinished Obelisk.
Enjoy a delectable lunch back onboard before taking to the water in a traditional felucca – a unique wooden boat used along the Nile for centuries. Sweep by Elephantine Island, Aswan Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum, before taking afternoon tea to the melodious sounds of an oud trio.
Mark your final evening cruising the Nile with a fine-dining farewell dinner, accompanied by a Dervish show and belly dance performers.
After one more buffet breakfast out on the waters of the Nile, disembark and transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) for your flight to Abu Simbel.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex hewn entirely out of stone, Abu Simbel was constructed under the command of Ramses II – one of Egypt’s longest-ruling Pharaohs – and stands as one of the most enduring symbols of Egypt. Wander through the two mighty temples, including the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, which is flanked by massive statues and dedicated to Queen Nefertari.
These magnificent temples were moved in the 1960s when the creation of Lake Nasser threatened their existence. Organised by UNESCO, the relocation of these structures remains one of the greatest feats of preservation in history. Lunch will be provided during your adventures.
Later, take a flight back to Cairo, where you will be transferred to your luxury hotel. The rest of the afternoon is yours for the taking, whether you wish to explore Cairo’s vibrant street life or settle in for indulgent comfort at your accommodation.
Travel time: Flight 1 – approx. 45 minutes / Flight 2 – 2.5 hours.
Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence luxury stay
Included flights to Abu Simbel
After breakfast, bid farewell to enchanting Egypt and transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your onward flight to Amman.
Once you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), look out for your Luxury Escapes representative before immigration. They will assist with your visa and baggage, and then guide you to your driver for your hotel transfer.
Populated by hypnotic desert landscapes, ancient structures and biblical sites, Jordan owes its unique beauty to both the human and the earthly. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your elegant hotel to rest.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 90 minutes
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and set off for a morning tour of Amman, the capital of Jordan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. During your time here, you’ll be accompanied by a new guide, an expert in Jordan.
Visit the ancient Amman Citadel, with its monumental Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, the fascinating Jordan Archaeological Museum and the nearby Folklore Museum. Take in panoramic views from the top of one of Amman’s seven jabals (hills) and then wander five minutes downtown to the colossal Roman Theatre, one of the most impressive relics of ancient Philadelphia.
The next stop on your journey is the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, famed for its well-preserved Roman ruins and evidence of human occupation since the Neolithic era.
This afternoon, enjoy an included lunch before returning to relax in the comfort of your five-star hotel.
Tonight, you’ll join your fellow travellers again for a Lebanese feast at one of Amman’s most acclaimed restaurants.
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and begin your journey to Petra, with stops along the way.
Visit Mount Nebo, where Moses was believed to have seen the promised land before his death. Take to the road to visit Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics’, where you’ll dine at picturesque Haret Jdoudna Restaurant, a 19th-century house designed to evoke the ancient past. Sample fragrant local mezza dishes and oven-baked specialities.
Admire each delicate fragment of the dazzling Madaba Map at St George’s Greek Orthodox Church, then step into the Church of the Apostles to see expert craftsman Salamanios’ breathtaking masterwork, The Personification of the Sea.
Head to Shobak for a glimpse into the Crusader era, then continue to Petra and check into your hotel to recharge before an exciting day ahead.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours
Gather your energy over breakfast, then strike out to explore the ‘Rose City’ of Petra with your expert guide.
Begin your visit with an optional horse ride from Petra’s main gate to the old city’s entrance.
Bear witness to the enormous Djinn Blocks and the remains of the Obelisk Tomb, then step up to the Siq – the entrance to this ancient Nabatean city. Follow your guide as you excavate history on your tour of this incredible collection of tombs and temples, carved into pink sandstone walls dating to 300 BCE. Discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World as you study the intricately carved facade of the Treasury, the grand Roman Theatre, Colonnade Street and the awe-inspiring Grand Temple and Qasr al-Bint, each cut directly from the rock face.
Indulge in lunch at the centrally located Basin Restaurant, then take your time wandering these peaceful avenues, perhaps ascending to the remote monastery for a truly jaw-dropping view.
This evening, savour a well-deserved dinner in a one-of-a-kind setting – a bar nestled inside a Nabataean tomb.
After fuelling up with breakfast, begin your trip to the mysterious Wadi Rum, a maze of monolithic rock formations. Watch as the scenery changes from hills to open desert, dotted with rocky outcrops. Wadi Rum’s landscape is truly otherworldly, with endless sands stretching toward a hazy horizon.
Check in at your spectacular luxury camp in the heart of the desert and energise with lunch. Later, set off for your two-hour 4WD excursion through the sands. Transport yourself to this alien landscape, seemingly older than time itself, and look out for the black Bedouin tents and flocks of sheep and goats of the Jordanians who still practise this traditional lifestyle. Among the towering dunes, mark an incredible Wadi Rum sunset and toast to the natural beauty with canapes and champagne (one glass per person).
This evening, tuck into an aromatic feast, enjoyed under the innumerable stars that paint the heavens above.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Wadi Rum luxury desert camp
Wake to a refreshing breakfast, then leave behind the red sands in pursuit of the striking blue salt water of the Dead Sea.
One of the planet’s most spectacular destinations, the Dead Sea is not only 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. Restorative saline waters and mineral-rich mud are certain to leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Check into your five-star hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, making the most of the resort’s top-tier amenities and breathtaking surroundings.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 4 hours
Rise for breakfast, then step into the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea. The day is free for you to experience the therapeutic effects of this natural marvel. Feel the water’s unique buoyancy as you float effortlessly atop the blue surface. Choose to take a restorative Dead Sea mud bath that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth.
Celebrate your final evening with your fellow travellers over a farewell dinner and raise a glass to your incredible odyssey.
Savour one last buffet breakfast, then transfer back to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, where your epic adventure concludes.