10-Day Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids, Nile & Petra

After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide for a journey into ancient history. Begin at the Giza Plateau to marvel at the Great Pyramids and the iconic Sphinx. Learn the secrets behind these monumental structures, built thousands of years ago. Next, visit the groundbreaking Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures. Enjoy a delicious lunch with a panoramic view of the pyramids or the Nile. Your afternoon takes you to Saqqara to witness the Step Pyramid of Djoser, considered the world's first stone building, an architectural marvel that predates Giza. Afterwards, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

• Giza Pyramids & Sphinx — Explore these ancient wonders and the surrounding complex.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Discover priceless artifacts, including the royal treasures of Tutankhamun.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — Uncover the origins of monumental stone architecture.

Today's exploration delves into Cairo's vibrant past. Start at the historic Egyptian Museum (pre-GEM, depending on availability or preference, otherwise substitute with Islamic Cairo). Then, ascend to the Citadel of Salah el Din, a medieval Islamic fortress offering panoramic city views and home to the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque. After a local lunch, visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC), which showcases Egypt's rich history from pre-dynastic times to the present. Conclude your city tour with a stroll down the historic Al Muizz Street and a visit to the bustling Khan el Khalili Bazaar, perfect for souvenir hunting. In the late afternoon, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise ship for dinner and overnight.

• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square) — Home to an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities.
• Citadel of Salah el Din & Mohamed Ali Mosque — A historic fortress offering stunning views and Ottoman architecture.
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) — Journey through Egypt's entire historical timeline.
• Al Muizz Street & Khan el Khalili Bazaar — Experience medieval Cairo and traditional market life.

After breakfast on board, embark on a morning tour of Aswan's key attractions. Begin with the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel whose construction transformed Egypt. Next, discover the Unfinished Obelisk, a testament to ancient Egyptian stoneworking techniques. Conclude your morning with a visit to the exquisite Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding. Return to your cruise ship for lunch, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing as the boat commences its journey down the Nile. Dinner and overnight on board.

• Aswan High Dam — Witness this feat of engineering that reshaped Egypt's landscape.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Explore an ancient quarry detailing pharaonic stone carving.
• Philae Temple — Visit the beautiful temple of Isis, set romantically on an island.

Wake up to another stunning Nile morning. After breakfast, disembark to visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, a 'double temple' symmetrically dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Continue your cruise, enjoying lunch onboard, then alight at Edfu to explore the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus, a magnificent example of Ptolemaic architecture. Afterwards, rejoin your cruise, sailing towards Luxor. Enjoy dinner and another night on the tranquil Nile.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Discover the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
• Edfu Temple — Explore one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus.

Following breakfast, your day is dedicated to uncovering Luxor's extraordinary 'open-air museum.' Begin on the West Bank, exploring the Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs like Tutankhamun. Continue to the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Pause at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. After a riverside lunch in Luxor, cross to the East Bank to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sanctuary of temples, chapels, and pylons dedicated primarily to the Theban triad. After this comprehensive tour, you'll disembark from your cruise and be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for overnight.

• Valley of the Kings — Descend into the elaborate tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs.
• Temple of Queen Hatshepsut — Marvel at the architectural genius of Egypt's female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — Witness the monumental statues of Amenhotep III.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Explore the largest ancient religious site in the world.

Enjoy breakfast at your Cairo hotel and then check out. Our representative will facilitate your transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, you will be met by our Jordanian representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or begin exploring the modern capital of Jordan.

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) — Arrival in Jordan and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the magnificent ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk through the Siq, a dramatic narrow gorge, which dramatically opens up to reveal the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Explore the elaborate Nabataean tombs, the Roman-style theatre, and the Qasr al-Bint, imagining life in this once-thriving trading city carved directly into vibrant sandstone cliffs. Your expert local guide will bring Petra's history to life. Return to your hotel in Amman in the late afternoon.

• Petra (Al-Khazneh, Royal Tombs, Theatre, Qasr al-Bint) — Full-day exploration of the breathtaking Nabataean city.

Today combines spiritual significance with natural wonder. After breakfast, journey to Mount Nebo, believed to be the site where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Enjoy the expansive views across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Continue to Madaba, known as the 'City of Mosaics,' to see its famous Byzantine mosaics, including the Madaba Map. Finally, descend to the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea. Experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters and enjoy a leisurely afternoon before returning to Amman for your farewell dinner.

• Mount Nebo — Panoramic views of the Holy Land from a biblical site.
• Madaba — Discover ancient mosaics, including the oldest map of the Holy Land.
• Dead Sea — Float in the therapeutic, hyper-saline waters.

After a final breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time until your scheduled transfer to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your departure, concluding your unforgettable Egyptian and Jordanian adventure.

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) — Departure from Jordan.