After a delicious 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. Then refuel with lunch at nearby Pharana Restaurant.
After lunch, head to Cairo’s National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. This landmark institution covers great swathes of the nation’s history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum’s crown jewel is the fascinating Royal Mummies’ Hall, which displays embalmed pharaohs from Egypt’s distant past.
Later, return to your luxurious accommodation in Cairo for another evening spent in Egypt’s capital.
Fairmont Nile City stay
Today, experience one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
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 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.
Fairmont Nile City stay
Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before stepping into the layers of Cairo’s storied past. Begin with a visit to the imposing Citadel of Mohamed Ali, a hilltop fortress with sweeping city views and the iconic Alabaster Mosque, known for its grand domes and Ottoman flair.
Continue to Islamic Cairo, where centuries-old minarets pierce the skyline. Wander through the Sultan Hassan Mosque, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture, then visit the neighbouring Refai Mosque – final resting place of Egyptian royals and Iran’s last Shah.
Pause the history walk for a well-earned lunch at Sky Rim Restaurant, perched on the edge of Mokattam Hills. With floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views over Cairo’s sprawl, it’s the ideal spot to relax and reflect over a flavour-packed Egyptian feast.
Fairmont Nile City stay
Early in the morning, transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your included flight to Luxor (LXR) and be transferred to your luxury vessel for your four-night Nile River cruise.
En route, visit the majestic Temple of Karnak on the East Bank, a vast complex of towering pylons, colossal columns, and sacred sanctuaries that reveal over 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian religious devotion.
Continue to your vessel and check in to your comfortably furnished room. 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 incredible experience.
After lunch, set out to explore the majestic Temple of Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient sanctuary often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
Enjoy an early breakfast onboard your Nile cruise before crossing to Luxor’s fabled West Bank. Begin your morning exploring the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Step inside King Tut’s tomb, the boy king Tutankhamun, whose modest resting place held treasures that captivated the world.
Continue to the grand mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut – an architectural marvel nestled beneath limestone cliffs – then pause for photos at the towering Colossi of Memnon, silent guardians of the Theban Necropolis.
Return to the cruise by early afternoon for lunch as you begin sailing onward. The rest of the day is yours to relax and take in life on the Nile.
Begin your day with breakfast as the sun rises over the river. At 9am, step into a horse-drawn carriage for a charming ride through Edfu, arriving at the Temple of Horus – one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments. Marvel at its towering columns and intricate reliefs before returning to the cruise for a leisurely lunch as you sail down the Nile.
By late afternoon, dock at Kom Ombo, home to a unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Walk alongside your guide through its twin sanctuaries and learn about the ancient medical tools carved into its stone. Back onboard, set sail towards Aswan, watching the riverbank scenes drift by as you settle in for the night.
Today, set off to visit the monumental High Dam – an epic feat of modern engineering that forever changed Egypt’s landscape. Continue to the ancient Unfinished Obelisk, lying in situ in a granite quarry, offering insight into the techniques of ancient stonemasons.
Next, board a private motorboat and glide across the water to the enchanting island of Philae. Explore the beautifully restored Temple of Isis, relocated stone by stone to save it from rising waters. Return to the cruise for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Later, set sail aboard a traditional felucca, drifting peacefully around Aswan’s islands before returning to your floating hotel for your final overnight on the Nile.
Rise early for your transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) and board your short flight south to Abu Simbel. On arrival, meet your local guide and walk beneath the awe-inspiring statues of Ramses II, carved directly into the rock. Just beside it lies the smaller, but no less striking, Temple of Nefertari – built in honour of the pharaoh’s beloved queen.
By mid-morning, return to the airport for your flight back to Aswan, then transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours: perhaps opt for a relaxed horse-drawn carriage ride through Aswan’s streets or witness the ancient myths come to life during a dazzling sound and light show at Philae Temple.
Travel time: Flight 1 – approx. 45 minutes / Flight 2 – approx. 45 minutes
Abu Simbel visit
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a morning at leisure – perhaps unwind by the pool, sip coffee with Nile views, or take a final stroll through Aswan’s colourful streets.
In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel in the city, where the evening is yours to settle in and refresh. Later, gather for dinner at Four Seasons First Boat and toast to your return to Egypt’s capital.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 75 minutes
Fairmont Nile City stay
Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before checking out and transferring to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Board your departing flight to Amman, Jordan, where the next chapter of your journey awaits. Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before sitting down for dinner at Fairmont Amman in the evening.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 1.5 hours
This morning, set out to explore Jordan’s capital, starting with the Amman Citadel – perched on one of the city’s highest hills, offering sweeping views over the old city below. Nearby, delve into Jordan’s rich past at the Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient artefacts.
Head downhill to the heart of old Amman to visit the beautifully preserved 2nd-century Roman Theatre. Still used for performances today, it also houses the Jordan Folklore Museum, where you’ll discover traditional costumes, musical instruments, and crafts from Jordan’s cultural history.
Leave the city behind as you journey south to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land. Continue to Madaba, renowned for its Byzantine mosaics. Stop for a set-menu lunch at the charming Haret Jdoudna Restaurant before visiting St. George’s Church to admire the famed 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
Explore Madaba’s Archaeological Park, home to several ancient churches and intricate mosaics, including the stunning ‘Personification of the Sea’ at the Apostles Church. After a full day of discovery, continue to the ancient city of Petra. This evening, experience the wonder of Petra by Night, as thousands of candles illuminate the Siq and Treasury in a truly unforgettable welcome.
Travel time: Drive – approx. 3 hours
Prepare for an extraordinary journey through one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Begin at Petra’s visitor centre and follow your guide on foot through the ancient city, taking in the towering Djinn Blocks, the Obelisk Tomb, and the ingenious Nabatean dam system.
Walk through the narrow, winding Siq until the rose-hued Treasury reveals itself in breathtaking silence. Continue to explore Petra’s wonders, from the Roman Theatre and Colonnaded Street to the Great Temple and Qasr Al Bint – also known as the Girl’s Palace.
Carved over 2,000 years ago by the Nabateans, Petra’s blend of natural desert rock and architectural grandeur is unlike anywhere else on earth. At midday, pause for a buffet lunch inside the site at the Basin Restaurant before continuing your exploration or simply soaking up the magic of this ancient city.
Depart Petra and journey into the crimson desertscape of Wadi Rum – often called the Valley of the Moon. On arrival at Rum village, you’ll join local Bedouins to explore the area. After check-in, enjoy lunch before being driven by local Bedouins in 4x4s and set off on a three-hour adventure through towering rock formations and sweeping sand dunes at sunset.
As the sun dips below the horizon, toast the moment with a glass of sparkling wine. Enjoy a buffet dinner back at Wadi Rum under the stars.
Travel time: Drive – approx. 1.5 hours
Wadi Rum desert glamping
This morning, leave the vast stillness of the desert behind and travel north to the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea, located more than 400 metres below sea level. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy buffet lunch before taking a leisurely afternoon floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters, famed for their therapeutic benefits. Let the salty waves cradle you as you relax and unwind.
Travel time: Driving– approx. 4.5 hours
Spend your final day exactly as you wish, surrounded by the tranquil shores of the Dead Sea. Long associated with healing and spirituality, this legendary body of water is believed to be the site of five biblical cities and is rich in natural minerals. Float, sunbathe, or enjoy a restorative spa treatment using the famous black mud. Let time slow to a crawl as you soak in the peaceful energy of this extraordinary place.
Savour one last buffet breakfast, then transfer back to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, where your epic adventure concludes.