Journey Through Egypt and Jordan - 2023

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Feel as if you’ve stepped into another time as you enter a world of legends, relics, and indescribable beauty. Eons of history and iconic wonders, mouthwatering bites of savory cuisine, and stretching sunsets fading against the desert horizon – discover the essence of Egypt and Jordan.

Day 2 Cairo, Egypt - Tour Begins

Your adventure starts in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. A constant thrum of energy wrapped around you, feel the ever-present heartbeat of the country in the city streets. Located strategically along the banks of the Nile, generations of wanderers have traversed these grounds just as you do now. This evening, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner featuring local specialties.

Day 3 Cairo

This morning, join your Tour Manager-Egyptologist for an introductory talk on ancient Egypt. Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties before navigating Cairo’s famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum,* a collection featuring some of the country’s oldest artifacts.

Day 4 Cairo - Giza - Khan el-Khalili Bazaar - Cairo

Venture to nearby Giza and embrace the Egypt you have always imagined at the iconic Pyramids. Stand in awe before the Pyramids of Giza,** one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the Great Sphinx’s stoicism, a colossal structure jutting out of the desert sand, full of mystery and intrigue. This afternoon, walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el-Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more.

Day 5 Cairo - Aswan

A 2-hour flight brings you to Aswan, a breathtaking port city up the Nile. You may choose to partake in an optional tour to Abu Simbel*** and see the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated there during the construction of the High Dam. Experience the Nubian culture of Upper Egypt as you transfer by motorboat to your riverside lodge, with its colorful decorations and naïve architectural style. This afternoon, learn more about the Nubian people, their ancestral heritage and language during a walk in the nearby village, before relaxing over dinner at your lodge.

Day 6 Aswan - Philae Temple - Board Ship

This morning, discover the mysteries of Philae Temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Philae is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, board your cruise ship and settle in for the next three nights. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum. This evening, aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before relaxing over dinner aboard.

Day 7 Kom Ombo - Edfu

Coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to the mesmerizing Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the ancient god Horus. Relax during an afternoon on board as you glide down the Nile, before enjoying a festive Galabeya Party, where you might don a traditional Egyptian gown.

Day 8 Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Luxor

Start the day on Luxor’s West Bank, trekking along elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings.**** Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an included viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Visit a local farm nestled along the banks of the Nile, where you will learn about rural life in Upper Egypt between sips of freshly brewed tea -OR- admire expansive views of the Nile while you enjoy high tea at the Old Winter Palace which hosted esteemed guests such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and the great Egyptologist Howard Carter.

Day 9 Luxor - Disembark Ship - Amman, Jordan

Early this morning, say goodbye to the land of the pyramids as you fly from Luxor to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Get a peek into this innovative city housing both modern technologies and ancient relics. Tonight’s street food dinner includes local specialties of hummus, falafels and kunafa.

Day 10 Amman - Wadi Rum - Petra

Cross Jordan all the way to the south as you leave Amman for the isolated desert of Wadi Rum. Nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, this ethereal landscape resembles nothing found on earth. Cruise through the reserve on the back of a pick-up truck and take in the vast landscape around you. Enjoy lunch at a local camp before venturing onward to Petra, the fabled “Rose Red City.” In the evening, stroll down the street to an authentic Arabic cooking class. Prepare your meal, featuring fresh ingredients from local markets and traditional Jordanian recipes, before digging in family-style.

Day 11 Petra

Weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the archeological site of Petra with your guide. Serving as a crossroads between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra contains ages of hidden wonders just waiting to be explored. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Keep exploring Petra’s vast archeological site on your own. Perhaps you’ll trek up to the “Monastery,” one of Petra’s legendary monuments -OR- join a local family at their home for tea and friendly conversation about life in the Bedouin community of Wadi Musa -OR- visit Little Petra, a Nabatean outpost located a few miles from its famous big sister, and featuring a 2000-year old Nabatean fresco that finds no corresponding in its larger neighbor.

Day 12 Petra

Connect with the local community during an Impact Moment at a cooperative promoting the conservation of traditional crafts through the employment of Bedouin women. After lunch at the cooperative, arrive at your hotel in the Dead Sea and take advantage of the luxuries and direct access to the legendary sea.

Day 13 Dead Sea - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Dead Sea

Get a glimpse into the foundation of Christian reverence at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the venerated site of Jesus Christ’s baptism. In Madaba, delve deep into St. George’s Church and its famous Byzantine mosaic. Then, connect with the local community during a home hosted lunch. Experience traditional Jordanian hospitality and authentic home cooking as you share stories and connect with your hosts over a traditional meal. Before returning to your hotel, gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo like Moses long before you. This evening, celebrate the end of your Middle Eastern journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Day 14 Dead Sea - Tour Ends

Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of these mystical lands.