Start the day’s adventures in Memphis, Egypt’s ancient capital that was once a hub of trade and culture. Continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser, the world’s first freestanding stone structure. Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge with views of Giza’s many landmarks.
Finally, explore the Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built more than 4,500 years ago as tombs for pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, these massive structures required millions of blocks to complete. Nearby, visit the Great Sphinx of Giza (the guardian of the pyramids) and see the Dream Stele, which tells the story of a prince promised the throne if he cleared the sand from the statue.
Return to Cairo for an evening at your leisure.
After 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.
Enjoy lunch and then 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 that’s more than 700 years old, where you can browse countless shops.
Return to your hotel for the evening spent as you please.
Start your day early by heading to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your flight to Luxor International Airport (LXR), formerly known as Thebes. Often described as the world’s largest open-air museum, Luxor is your gateway to the Nile.
On arrival and explore the Karnak temple complex. 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 to see the tombs of Tutankhamun. This intricately designed burial site has captivated archaeologists for more than a century.
Next, admire the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set low against towering cliffs, and pass the famed Colossi of Memnon that were built to depict Amenhotep III.
Return to your cruise for lunch as you continue sailing to your next destination.
Nile River cruise
After breakfast, enjoy a horse carriage transfer to visit the Temple of Edfu – Egypt’s largest and best-preserved Pharaonic temple dedicated to Horus, the sun god – that offers a glimpse into Hellenistic Egypt.
After lunch and a sail back on the cruise, 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. 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 ancient 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 taking to the water in a traditional felucca – a unique wooden boat used along the Nile for centuries (weather dependent).
Nile River cruise
After breakfast, relax on deck before taking your included flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel at the edge of the Nile. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure. Perhaps choose to book an optional Abu Simbel experience to visit the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari (surcharges apply).
Travel time: Flight – approx. one hour
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 afternoon floating in the buoyant blue waters before enjoying dinner.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 90 minutes / Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
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 St George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Then, journey to al-Karak to 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 your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
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, ancient temples and painted houses as well as 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. two hours
Wadi Rum desert glamping
Rise early today for the return journey to Amman, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Visit Amman Citadel, one of the highest hills in the city, then visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Enjoy panoramic views from one of Amman’s seven hills and explore the Roman Theatre and 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
Your adventure finishes after one last breakfast. Bid farewell to Amman and be transferred to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your departure.