Egypt & Jordan Grand Tour: 13 Days of Discovery

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a profound journey to the Giza Plateau. Here, witness the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, standing majestically beside the enigmatic Sphinx. We'll delve into the Valley Temple, once used for pharaonic mummification rituals. Next, our exploration takes us to the pioneering Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the world's first major stone structure, designed by the legendary Imhotep. Continue to the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural marvel housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to Cairo Airport for a short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, transfer directly to your Nile cruise ship, settle into your cabin, and prepare for your river adventure.

• Giza Plateau (Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Valley Temple) — Explore the enduring icons of ancient Egypt, witnessing the colossal scale and spiritual significance of these Old Kingdom monuments.
• Saqqara (Step Pyramid of Djoser) — Visit the site of Egypt's initial pyramid, a revolutionary Old Kingdom architectural complex.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Immerse yourself in 5,000 years of Egyptian history, marveling at its vast collection, including Tutankhamun's royal treasures.
• Flight: Cairo to Luxor — Scenic evening flight transporting you to Upper Egypt.

Awake to the serene beauty of the Nile. Following breakfast on board, your private Egyptologist guide will lead you to Luxor's spectacular East Bank. Our first stop is the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, an awe-inspiring open-air museum representing thousands of years of pharaonic construction, with its monumental hypostyle hall and sacred lake. Return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch and some relaxation as you sail onwards. As evening descends, we'll visit the stunning Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated after dark, offering a magical perspective on this ancient site dedicated to the Theban Triad. After soaking in the temple's mystical ambiance, return to your cruise for dinner and a peaceful night on the river.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the largest religious complex in the world, a magnificent testament to ancient Egyptian piety and power.
• Luxor Temple (Evening Visit) — Experience the grandeur of Luxor Temple, bathed in dramatic lights, revealing its intricate reliefs and statues in a unique atmosphere.

After breakfast, prepare for an immersive journey to Luxor's legendary West Bank, often called the 'City of the Dead.' Our exploration begins in the silent majesty of the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs of the New Kingdom sought eternal rest in elaborately decorated subterranean tombs. Next, we visit the striking Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a architectural marvel carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Before returning to your cruise for lunch, we'll pause at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues guarding the remnants of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. Enjoy lunch aboard as your ship leisurely begins its southbound journey, setting sail towards Edfu. Dinner and a tranquil overnight on the Nile.

• Valley of the Kings — Descend into the elaborately decorated tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, experiencing the artistry and funerary beliefs of ancient Egypt.
• Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut — Admire the unique terraced architecture of Egypt's most successful female pharaoh's temple, set against dramatic cliffs.
• Colossi of Memnon — Witness the massive, ancient guardians of a once-grand mortuary temple, now standing solitary against the landscape.

This morning, following breakfast, a traditional horse-drawn carriage will escort you to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This remarkably preserved Ptolemaic temple offers a vivid glimpse into ancient Egyptian rituals and mythology, with its soaring pylons and intricate wall reliefs. Return to your cruise for lunch, as we continue our scenic sail. In the afternoon, we arrive at Kom Ombo, a distinctive 'double temple' dedicated to two deities: Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Explore its perfectly symmetrical chambers and discover unique carvings, including ancient surgical instruments. As the sun sets, we'll sail towards Aswan. Enjoy dinner on board and spend the night cruising under the stars.

• Temple of Horus at Edfu — Explore one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, offering deep insights into Ptolemaic religious practices.
• Kom Ombo Temple — Visit the unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, with rare reliefs depicting medical tools.

An early start with breakfast boxes ensures we catch the optimal viewing time for a monumental excursion to Abu Simbel. Journey by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle across the desert to witness the awe-inspiring Temples of Ramses II and his beloved Nefertari. These colossal rock-cut temples, magnificently relocated by UNESCO, stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and artistic prowess. Marvel at the immense statues and intricate carvings that adorn these sacred sites, especially the famous sun alignment phenomenon. After this breathtaking experience, return to your cruise ship in Aswan. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch and dinner on board, reflecting on the day's profound discoveries.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Visit the world-renowned rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an engineering marvel.

After a final breakfast on board, we delve into Aswan's fascinating sights. Our first stop is the monumental Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that dramatically reshaped Egypt's landscape. Next, we visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, offering a unique insight into ancient stone-cutting techniques. Finally, we take a short boat ride to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island. Return to the cruise for lunch before transferring to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel for check-in and a relaxing overnight stay.

• Aswan High Dam — Witness the immense scale of this 20th-century engineering triumph that controls the Nile's flow and generates power.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Explore ancient quarries and learn about the ambitious, yet incomplete, creation of colossal monuments.
• Philae Temple of Isis — Discover the gracefully situated temple on Agilkia Island, a true jewel rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
• Flight: Aswan to Cairo — Evening flight returning you to the capital city.

Following breakfast, embark on a captivating tour of Cairo's historical treasures. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Citadel of Salah el-Din, an imposing medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city. Within its walls, explore the stunning Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Next, we venture into Coptic Cairo, the city's ancient Christian quarter, home to the 'Hanging Church,' dating back to at least the 7th century, and the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. After a delicious lunch overlooking the Nile, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a labyrinthine market where you can browse for unique souvenirs and experience Cairo's timeless charm. Conclude your day with a walk through Al-Muizz Street, an open-air museum of Islamic architecture. Enjoy dinner on your own, and a restful night at your Cairo Hotel.

• Citadel of Salah el-Din & Muhammad Ali Mosque — Explore this historic fortress and marvel at the grand Ottoman-style mosque, enjoying sweeping city views.
• Hanging Church — Visit one of Coptic Cairo's oldest and most renowned churches, seemingly suspended above its foundation.
• Ben Ezra Synagogue — Discover this historically significant synagogue, a site of immense Jewish cultural heritage within Old Cairo.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Cairo's ancient market, perfect for unique souvenirs and cultural immersion.
• Al-Muizz Street — Stroll down this UNESCO-listed street, a living museum of stunning Islamic architecture from different eras.

After breakfast, check out from your Cairo hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the ancient Roman city of Jerash. Often called the 'Pompeii of the East,' Jerash boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. Explore its colonnaded streets, temples, and theaters, imagining life in this bustling ancient metropolis. After your exploration, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Amman for check-in. Enjoy dinner on your own, perhaps sampling local Jordanian cuisine. Overnight in Amman.

• Flight: Cairo to Amman — Cross the Red Sea for your exciting transition from ancient Egypt to the wonders of Jordan.
• Jerash (Ancient Roman City) — Step back in time amidst the remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including temples, theaters, and grand boulevards.

Today combines spiritual significance with natural marvels. After breakfast, journey south to Madaba, known as the 'City of Mosaics.' Here, witness the revered Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic depicting the Holy Land and Jordan. Ascend to Mount Nebo, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and, on a clear day, even Jerusalem. This site holds immense biblical significance as the place where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. Our journey culminates with a unique experience at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Float effortlessly in its hypersaline waters and indulge in mud treatments, known for their therapeutic properties. Afterward, we return to Amman for overnight.

• Madaba (St. George's Church) — Discover the 'City of Mosaics,' home to the ancient Madaba Map, depicting the Holy Land.
• Mount Nebo — Stand where Moses is believed to have viewed the Promised Land, with stunning vistas across the Jordan Valley.
• Dead Sea — Experience the unique sensation of floating in the world's lowest body of water, known for its mineral-rich properties.

An early start ensures maximum time to explore the legendary lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago, Petra is an archaeological marvel. Your guide will lead you through the dramatic Siq, a narrow gorge leading to the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Marvel at its intricate facade, then continue to explore the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the ancient Roman theater. For those with energy, there's an optional climb to the Monastery (Al-Deir) for even more spectacular views. After a full day of exploration, return to Amman for a relaxing overnight stay.

• Petra — Spend a full day discovering the breathtaking 'Rose-Red City,' a Nabataean marvel carved into sandstone cliffs, including the iconic Treasury.

After breakfast, check out from your Amman hotel and journey south to the dramatic desert landscape of Wadi Rum, also known as the 'Valley of the Moon.' This stunning wilderness, carved by millennia of wind and weather, offers towering sandstone mountains, vast red sands, and ancient petroglyphs. Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 jeep tour, exploring iconic sites like Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, and ancient Nabataean temples. Experience the tranquility and raw beauty of this timeless desert. Enjoy a traditional Bedouin lunch amidst the dunes. Afterward, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your evening flight, carrying cherished memories of Egypt and Jordan.

• Wadi Rum (4x4 Jeep Safari) — Embark on a thrilling safari through the 'Valley of the Moon,' exploring its unique geological formations and ancient inscriptions.
• Queen Alia International Airport (Departure) — Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, filled with incredible travel memories.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will depart from Amman carrying unforgettable memories of Egypt and Jordan.