Petra and the Nile

Once you arrive in Amman, you will be welcomed by our staff before we transfer to your hotel. We'll help you check in and show you where the local shops, cafés and restaurants are before we give you some free time to explore the city before we officially start the tour tomorrow.

We start the day by departing from Amman and visiting the ruined city of Jerash. It's hard not to be in awe of this masterpiece of Roman architecture which was once hidden under sand. You'll explore some of the city's ruined highlights, which includes theatres, baths, fountains, winding paved streets and striking hilltop temples. Back in Amman we take a city tour, which is known as the 'white city' due to its vast collection of white limestone buildings. Your guide will give you a glimpse into Amman's rich history, pointing out the excavations and renovations made during from the Neolithic period, the Hellenistic period and the late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. The Citadel is another highlight and you can see the ancient temple of Hercules, the 8th century Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church and the 6,000 seat Roman theatre. This intricate 2nd century theatre is still used today for cultural events.

King's Highway to Petra via Madaba and Kerak Another day of exploration awaits, starting with a drive along the picturesque King's Highway to Petra. Although this route takes a bit longer, its alluring views makes it worth going the extra mile. As we drive, we'll pass numerous wadis, olive groves and rural villages. We'll stop in Madaba to visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Your guide will also show you the famous 6th century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land along with other biblical sites. Next, we'll make our way up Mount Nebo, which offers breath-taking views of the Holy Land. Back on the road, we'll cross more wadis, including the impressive Wadi al-Mujib before we reach Kerak Castle - which is one in a chain of Crusader fortresses lined across Jordan on the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan route. This mammoth fortress was built in 1132 AD by the Crusader King Baldwin and then fell to Saladin in 1188AD. We won't make any more stops until we reach Petra, where we'll help you check into your hotel for the evening. You have some free time to do as you please, but we do suggest going on the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury.

Today is all about venturing around the prominent Nabatean site of Petra. Until the Romans took over in 106AD, the historic city was the ancient capital of the Nabatean commercial empire. For a while Petra was forgotten and then rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Perched on the edge of Wadi Aruba and protected by canyon walls and hills, this city is hard to reach. To enter, you must walk through a small cleft in the rock called the Siq. You will notice that there are very few freestanding structures in the city, as the Nabateans decided to fashion their homes and buildings into the colourful sandstone cliffs. After a 2-3 hour guided tour of this remarkable ancient city, you have plenty of time to amble around and do some discovering. During the guided tour, you will be taken through the Siq, rising 200m above and just 2m wide. There are still the remains of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city along this wall as well as the ancient Nabatean water channel. When you leave the Siq, one of Petra's most impressive landmarks will blow you away - the Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. You'll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheater and Petra's colonnaded streets. We also suggest walking along the narrow gorge past the multi-colored sandstone cliffs to the Monastery. This is Petra's biggest carved monument at 50 metres high and 45 metres wide. From this point, the views of the Wadi Aruba and the Jordan Valley are breathtaking. This afternoon, we leave Petra and drive into the beautiful desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to greet us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal.

Wadi Rum jeep safari, Dead Sea swim We spend more time amidst the desert scenery of Wadi Rum today on a jeep safari that passes by more sharp cliffs and intriguing rock formations. This area and its huge rust coloured rocky 'jebels' was made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia, that celebrated TE Lawrence's time here during the Arab revolt of 1917-18. From Wadi Rum, we drive up north to the banks of the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth, at over 400 metres below sea level. The sea receives a variety of incoming rivers including the Jordan River. When the rivers reach the sea, they merge together before evaporating and leaving behind a unique blend of salts and minerals, supplying local industries with high quality products. West of the Dead Sea, you can view the hills of Jerusalem. This area is believed to have been the home of 5 biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). The tour will come to a stop and allow you to splash around in these salty waters. Normal swimming is not possible, so we suggest floating instead. As the water is so salty, avoid getting it in your eyes. Later today, we make our way back to Amman.

We leave Jordan today and transfer you to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo. Once you arrive, we'll meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your trip. We'll help you check in before giving you some free time to relax or explore Cairo independently. An optional dinner cruise on the Nile is also available tonight. Note: the Amman-Cairo flight is left out of the set tour price as it is often more cost effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. We are happy to book all your international flights, just this Amman-Cairo flight, or none of them at all, whichever works best for you. Direct flights are available with both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines. You can fly at any time during the day - all transfers in Amman and Cairo are included.

Our Egyptian adventure begins with a journey back in time to the Giza Plateau, home to the iconic Great Pyramids. These magnificent structures, declared one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world by the Greeks, will leave you breathless with their sheer size and intricate construction. We'll explore the Pyramids of Giza, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, standing guard over these ancient wonders. But that's not all! We'll also delve deeper into Egypt's rich history with a visit to Memphis, the first capital of the ancient kingdom. Here, we'll come face-to-face with the colossal statue of Ramses II, a powerful reminder of the pharaohs who once ruled this land. Our journey continues to Sakkara, where we'll marvel at the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an architectural masterpiece that predates the Great Pyramids and offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of pyramid construction.

This morning, we'll catch an early flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes and a treasure trove of historical wonders. Get ready to be impressed as we begin our exploration of the Nile's West Bank, a place steeped in ancient Egyptian mythology and history. Our first stop will be the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that have stood sentinel for millennia. Imagine the stories these giants could tell! From there, we'll venture into the Valley of the Kings, a hidden valley where pharaohs, including the legendary Tutankhamun, were laid to rest. We'll get to explore these elaborately decorated tombs and uncover the secrets of their fascinating past. Next, we'll journey to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a magnificent complex built into the cliffs, dedicated to one of Egypt's few female pharaohs. We'll marvel at its grandeur and learn about the powerful queen who ruled over Egypt. Our West Bank adventure culminates with a visit to Medinat Habu, a temple complex adorned with vibrant and intricate hieroglyphics that depict scenes of ancient Egyptian life and mythology. After a day of exploration, you'll have the afternoon free to unwind. Relax on board your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship, perhaps with a refreshing dip in the pool or a leisurely stroll on the deck. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, dive into the bustling atmosphere of Luxor's markets, where you can find souvenirs, spices, and local handicrafts. As dusk settles over Luxor, we'll embark on a magical walking tour of the Luxor Temple. This magnificent temple, illuminated against the night sky, is truly a sight to behold. We'll wander through its towering columns and courtyards, learning about its rich history and religious significance.

This morning, you'll have the opportunity to witness the sunrise over the majestic West Bank of the Nile from a truly unique perspective – a hot air balloon! Imagine drifting silently above the ancient landscape, the Valley of the Kings spread out beneath you as the sun paints the sky with vibrant hues. It's an experience that will stay with you forever.

After a delicious breakfast, we'll delve into the heart of ancient Thebes with a visit to the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex. Prepare to be amazed by this sprawling complex, a city of temples within a city. Wander through the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, explore the numerous temples dedicated to various gods and pharaohs, and marvel at the intricate carvings and hieroglyphics that adorn every surface. Karnak truly lives up to Luxor's reputation as the world's largest open-air museum.

In the afternoon, we'll embark on a leisurely cruise up the Nile River. Settle in on the sundeck and watch as the scenery unfolds before you – lush green fields, traditional villages, and ancient monuments dotting the riverbanks. We'll pass through the lock at Esna, a fascinating feat of engineering, and continue on to Edfu, where we'll moor for the night.

Note: Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to slight alterations en-route)

After a leisurely breakfast on board, we'll disembark and head to the nearby Temple of Edfu. This remarkably well-preserved temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, is a stunning example of Ptolemaic architecture. As you wander through its impressive courtyards, you'll be transported back in time, imagining the processions of priests and pharaohs that once graced these halls. Admire the intricate reliefs depicting scenes of Horus's mythology, and learn about the temple's important role in ancient Egyptian religious practices.

Back on board our comfortable cruise ship, we'll continue our journey up the Nile towards Kom Ombo, soaking in the ever-changing scenery. The pace of life along the riverbanks unfolds at a slower pace here, offering a captivating glimpse into traditional rural life in Egypt. Watch as farmers tend their fields using age-old methods, fishermen cast their nets into the flowing waters, and children play along the shore. It's a timeless scene that speaks to the enduring connection between the Egyptian people and the Nile River.

As we cruise, why not take some time for yourself to relax and unwind? Head to the sundeck and enjoy a refreshing dip in the plunge pool, perhaps with a cool drink in hand. Or simply find a comfortable spot to lounge in the sun with a good book, letting the gentle rocking of the boat and the warm breeze lull you into a state of pure tranquility.

Our next stop is Kom Ombo, where a truly unique temple awaits. Dramatically situated right on the banks of the Nile, this temple is unusual because it's actually dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god. We'll explore the temple's fascinating chambers and learn about the unique duality of its dedication. Don't miss the section where mummified crocodiles are on display - a testament to the ancient Egyptians' reverence for these powerful creatures.

With the fascinating Kom Ombo behind us, our cruise continues southward towards Aswan, the historic gateway to Nubia. Enjoy the remaining daylight hours out on deck, watching the sun cast long shadows over the river and the desert landscape as we approach this vibrant city. Perhaps you'll spot traditional felucca sailboats gliding along the water, or catch sight of a Nubian village with its brightly painted houses.

This morning, you have the incredible opportunity to embark on an optional excursion to the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a testament to the grandeur of ancient Egypt. We'll depart before dawn, making our way through the desert landscape. Our goal is to arrive in time to witness the magical moment when the rising sun illuminates the facade of the temples, casting a golden glow on the colossal statues of Ramses II. It's a truly unforgettable experience that captures the mystique and majesty of this ancient wonder.

If you choose to remain in Aswan, your morning is free to relax and enjoy the city at your own pace. Perhaps you'll wander through the bustling souk, searching for souvenirs and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Or maybe you'll prefer to unwind by the pool at our hotel, savoring the peaceful ambiance and the warm Egyptian sunshine.

This afternoon, before we embark on our next adventure, we'll step back in time and experience the magic of the Nile River firsthand with a leisurely sail on a traditional Felucca sailboat. Imagine yourself gliding along the legendary waters, the gentle breeze filling the sails as you soak in the stunning scenery of Aswan from a unique perspective. It's the perfect way to unwind and connect with the soul of Egypt before continuing our explorations.

Our afternoon tour in Aswan takes us to the enchanting island temple complex of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. We'll journey by boat to this picturesque island, where the temple complex, with its graceful columns and intricate carvings, seems to rise organically from the water. Philae remains one of Egypt's most romantic and picturesque sites, its beauty enhanced by its remarkable history. The entire complex was carefully dismantled and relocated to its current location following the construction of the Aswan High Dam, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Speaking of the dam, we'll also pay a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a monumental feat of engineering that harnessed the power of the Nile and created Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest man-made lakes. We'll learn about the dam's construction and its impact on Egypt, both positive and negative, gaining a deeper understanding of this country's complex relationship with its lifeline, the Nile River.

This morning, we bid farewell to Aswan and embark on a short flight back to Cairo, where we'll delve deeper into the heart of Egypt's captivating history. Our journey begins at the renowned Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of ancient artifacts that spans millennia.

Accompanied by your expert Egyptologist guide, you'll embark on a fascinating journey through the museum's vast collection. Wander through the halls, each dedicated to a specific historical period, and marvel at the intricate sarcophagi, the delicate jewelry, and the imposing statues that bring ancient Egypt to life. Of course, no visit to the Egyptian Museum is complete without gazing upon the treasures of Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask – a symbol of Egypt's enduring fascination.

This afternoon offers the freedom to explore Cairo at your own pace. Perhaps you'll wander through the bustling streets, soaking up the city's vibrant energy, or relax at a charming café, enjoying the warm Egyptian sunshine.

Alternatively, you can join an optional half-day tour that unveils the diverse cultural heritage of Cairo. Venture into Coptic Cairo, a historic district where ancient churches and synagogues stand as testaments to the city's Christian and Jewish communities. Marvel at the Hanging Church, with its intricate woodwork and serene atmosphere, and explore the Ben Ezra Synagogue, steeped in history and tradition. Next, we'll ascend to the Citadel, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the sprawling city below. Explore the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, with its Ottoman architecture and soaring minarets, and imagine the powerful rulers who once commanded this strategic stronghold. Our final stop takes us to the labyrinthine alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, a vibrant marketplace where the scents of spices and perfumes fill the air. Lose yourself in the maze of stalls, haggling for souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional Egyptian crafts. It's a sensory overload that captures the essence of Cairo's vibrant soul.

Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Extensions are available to add onto the end of the tour to spend some time by the Red Sea, add some day trips to Alexandria or visit the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales.