Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Cairo, Egypt’s capital and the ‘City of a Thousand Minarets’. After arriving at Cairo International Airport (CAI), make your own way to the five-star Fairmont Nile City on the banks of the Nile, with views of the pyramids in the distance.
Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure before a welcome dinner with your tour group, including a complimentary glass of wine or beer.
Fairmont Nile City five-star stay
Today, explore the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World.
Built over 4,500 years ago as tombs for Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, these massive structures required millions of blocks to complete. Nearby, visit the Sphinx, the guardian of the pyramids, and see the Dream Stele, which tells the story of a prince promised kingship if he cleared the sand from the statue.
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge, with views over Giza’s many landmark structures. Continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, the world’s first freestanding stone structure. Conclude the day’s adventures in Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital, once a hub of trade and culture.
Return to Cairo for an evening at leisure.
Fairmont Nile City five-star stay
After a buffet breakfast, meet your guide for a day of discovery in Cairo.
Begin at the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of ancient artefacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Learn about Egypt’s history, architecture and language as you explore one of the largest museum complexes in the world.
After lunch at Al-Azhar Park, visit Al-Muizz Street in Cairo’s Old Town, lined with Islamic monuments dating back centuries. End the day at Khan el-Khalili, a bazaar dating back over 1,000 years, where you can browse countless shops.
Return to your hotel for the evening spent as you please.
Fairmont Nile City five-star stay
Start your day with breakfast before heading to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your flight to Luxor (LXR), formerly known as Thebes. Often described as the world’s largest open-air museum, Luxor is your gateway to the Nile.
On arrival, explore the Karnak Temple Complex and the Temple of Amun-Re, connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Board your Nile River cruise and enjoy lunch onboard. Later, visit the well-preserved Luxor Temple, illuminated at night. End the evening relaxing in your cabin or stargazing on deck as your vessel sets sail.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
Nile River cruise
Today, explore Luxor’s West Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses VI and Seti I. These intricately designed burial sites have captivated archaeologists for over a century.
Next, admire the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set low against towering cliffs, and pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, built to depict King Amenhotep III and rumoured to sing at dawn.
Return to your cruise for lunch as you continue sailing to your next destination.
Nile River cruise
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Edfu – Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple dedicated to Horus, the sun god – offering a glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
Next, head to the ancient agricultural settlement of Kom Ombo, where you’ll find a unique double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Haroeris, the falcon god of the sky. Wonder at the detailed inscriptions throughout the remains before returning to your cruise to relax for the rest of the evening.
Nile River cruise
After breakfast onboard, set out to explore Aswan, starting with the Aswan High Dam, built with UNESCO support to protect ancient monuments in danger of flooding. Visit the island of Agilika for a glimpse at historic sites that were relocated during the construction of the nearby dam.
See the Unfinished Obelisk and learn about its abandoned fate, then wander through the Philae Temple Complex to the Temple of Isis. After lunch onboard, enjoy the afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour to explore more of the surrounding area.
Nile River cruise
After breakfast, relax on deck or choose to join an optional visit to remote Abu Simbel.
Then, take your included flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your five-star stay at the edge of the Nile. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
Fairmont Nile City five-star stay
Bid farewell to Egypt and fly from Cairo to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel by the Dead Sea.
At 400 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is renowned for its mineral-rich waters and mud, known for their restorative properties. Spend the day floating in the buoyant blue waters, then enjoy dinner with complimentary drinks at your hotel.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 90 minutes
This morning, stop at Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have seen the promised land. Continue to Madaba to view the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land at the Greek Orthodox Church, then visit Kerak Castle, a 12th-century fortress atop a hill along the King’s Highway.
Finally, arrive in the world-famous Petra, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours / 304km
After breakfast, head out with your expert guide to explore Petra, the ‘Rose City’. Visit the Djinn Blocks and the Obelisk Tomb, then enter through the Siq, the narrow canyon leading to the heart of this ancient city.
Tour the many tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone dating back to 300 BCE, including the Treasury, Roman Theatre, Colonnade Street, Grand Temple and Qasr al-Bint. To take your day to new heights, consider a visit to the remote monastery.
This evening, retire to your hotel to unwind.
Start your day with a trip to Siq al-Barid, or ‘Little Petra’, known for its shaded canyon and ancient temples, painted houses and the Triclinium.
Continue to Wadi Rum and watch the landscape shift from rocky hills to vast desert sands. After checking into your desert glamping accommodation, enjoy a 4WD excursion with your Bedouin hosts.
End the day with a peaceful dinner under the stars.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes / 100km
Wadi Rum desert glamping
Rise early today for the return journey to Amman, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Join your guide for a tour of the Amman Citadel, including the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, then visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Enjoy panoramic views from one of Amman’s seven hills and explore the Roman Theatre and its Folklore Museum.
End your day with a farewell dinner at Logmeh al Kanoun, known for its Lebanese cuisine, and reflect on your journey with your fellow travellers.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours / 310km
Your adventure finishes after one last breakfast. Bid farewell to Amman and make your own way to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your departure.