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 Great Pyramids of Giza. 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.
After your included lunch, 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 a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza 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 Nile Plaza luxury stay
Today, delve into the spiritual and cultural layers of Old Cairo. Begin at the Hanging Church, a marvel of architectural history suspended over the Roman Fortress of Babylon. Nearby, visit the Church of St. Sergius, believed to be a resting place for the Holy Family during their journey through Egypt.
Next, journey to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Overlooking the Ain El-Seera Lake, this state-of-the-art museum offers a comprehensive look at Egypt’s heritage from prehistoric times to the modern era. The highlight is the Royal Mummies Gallery, where you can come face-to-face with the legendary kings and queens of Ancient Egypt.
For lunch, enjoy a feast at the famous Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant, tucked away in the heart of the bazaar and named after the Nobel Prize-winning author.
Spend your afternoon getting lost in the sights and scents of Khan El-Khalili, the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Wander through a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with workshops, leather goods and exquisite perfumes before returning to your hotel for your final night in Cairo.
Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza luxury stay
Rise early and bid farewell to Cairo this morning as you transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan, connecting onward to the awe-inspiring 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-Harakhty and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ favourite wife, Queen Nefertari. These magnificent structures were famously relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a feat of engineering almost as impressive as their original construction.
After enjoying a snack-bag lunch during your travels, fly back to Aswan, where you will be met by your tour coordinator and transferred to board the elegant Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.
Receive a traditional Zaffa welcome, featuring the rhythmic sounds of Egyptian drums and flutes, as you settle into your luxury cabin. This afternoon, enjoy a peaceful felucca ride around Elephantine Island, the Botanical Gardens and the Agha Khan Mausoleum (weather permitting) before a gourmet dinner and a captivating Dervish show on board.
Travel time: Flight 1 – approx. 90 mins / Flight 2 – approx. 45 mins.
Following breakfast aboard, hop on a motorboat to the island of Agilika to visit the romantic Philae Temple. 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.
Return to the ship for an Egyptian cooking lesson with the onboard chef before enjoying a delectable lunch as you cruise toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, explore the unique double temple dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek.
Tonight, enjoy another evening of gourmet Egyptian cuisine and onboard entertainment as the boat moors in Luxor.
After a buffet breakfast on board, depart to explore the extraordinary Temple of Horus in Edfu. This remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman temple is the second largest in Egypt and is famous for its towering entrance pylon and intricate reliefs depicting the battle between Horus and Seth.
Return to the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer and continue your journey toward Esna while enjoying a delicious lunch. This afternoon, your Egyptologist will guide you through the Temple of Khnum. Located nine metres below the modern street level, this temple features a beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
As you sail toward Luxor, enjoy afternoon tea on the deck and take in the changing scenery of the Nile banks. Then, join your Egyptologist to explore the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor.
This evening, celebrate with an ‘Egyptian Night’ costume party. Don a traditional galabeyya for a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by music and dancing.
After an energising buffet breakfast, cross to the West Bank to uncover the fabled Valley of the Kings. Here, you will have the extraordinary opportunity to enter the Tomb of King Tutankhamun and explore the mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
On your return to the river, pass the famed Colossi of Memnon, the towering statues of Amenhotep III known for the ‘haunting voices’ they were said to emit in ancient times. Then, experience the colossal Temple of Karnak, one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed.
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 celebrate your final night on the river with a spectacular Farewell Gala Dinner, where white-gloved waiters serve gourmet cuisine in a truly elegant setting.
After a final breakfast, bid farewell to the Nile and transfer to Luxor Airport (LXR) for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment or simply soak in the refined atmosphere of your final night in Egypt before the Jordanian chapter of your journey begins.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 70 minutes
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), you will be assisted with your visa and baggage before transferring to your hotel.
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 Lebanese lunch before returning to relax in the comfort of your five-star hotel.
Tonight, you’ll join your fellow travellers for a special welcome dinner in a beautifully preserved 1950s villa.
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 New 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 breakfast, then transfer back to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, where your epic adventure concludes.