12 Days Egypt Nile Cruise & Jordan Tour

After a hearty breakfast and hotel checkout, your expert Egyptologist guide will lead you on a full day exploring Cairo's most iconic ancient sites. Begin at the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids, monumental testaments to Old Kingdom engineering and belief in the afterlife. Stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, and marvel at its scale. Next, encounter the enigmatic Great Sphinx, guardian of the plateau, contemplating its timeless gaze. We'll then discover the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a state-of-the-art facility showcasing over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection. Following a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, delve into the ancient burial grounds of Saqqara, home to the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first large-scale stone structure. You'll also visit the associated Valley Temple, crucial for ancient Egyptian burial rites. In the late afternoon, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, a private vehicle will transfer you to your Nile cruise ship for check-in and an overnight stay, preparing you for the next phase of your journey.

• Giza Plateau — Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure) and the mysterious Great Sphinx.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Explore the world-class museum housing incredible artifacts, including Tutankhamun's treasures.
• Saqqara Complex — Discover the Step Pyramid of Djoser, a revolutionary architectural milestone, and the Valley Temple.
• Flight to Luxor — Evening flight from Cairo to Luxor, followed by transfer to your Nile cruise ship.

Wake up to breakfast on board your Nile cruise. Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent temples on Luxor's East Bank with your private Egyptologist. First, journey to the colossal Karnak Temple Complex, an awe-inspiring 'open-air museum' built over two millennia, dedicated primarily to the Theban Triad. Wander amidst its towering pylons, massive hypostyle hall, and sacred lake, feeling the grandeur of ancient worship. After your immersive visit, return to your cruise ship for a relaxing lunch as you sail. In the late afternoon, visit the elegant Luxor Temple, strategically located on the banks of the Nile. Originally constructed by Amenhotep III and significantly expanded by Ramses II, this temple was central to the annual Opet Festival. Experience its beauty as dusk falls, with the illuminated colonnades and statues creating a truly magical atmosphere. Afterward, return to your cruise for a delightful dinner and a peaceful night's rest on board.

• Karnak Temple Complex — Explore the vast and impressive network of temples, chapels, and pylons dedicated to the gods.
• Luxor Temple — Visit this stunning temple on the East Bank, particularly atmospheric during sunset and illumination.

After breakfast on the cruise, set out with your guide to explore the legendary West Bank of Luxor. Your first stop is the sacred Valley of the Kings, the burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. Descend into several elaborately decorated tombs, marveling at the vibrant hieroglyphs and intricate scenes depicting the journey to the afterlife. Next, visit the unique Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, reflecting the power of Egypt's longest-reigning female pharaoh. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Luxor, savoring authentic Egyptian flavors. Conclude your West Bank exploration at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, silent sentinels guarding what was once his magnificent mortuary temple. As the day ends, return to your Nile cruise for a relaxing dinner and an overnight sail.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore the burial chambers of New Kingdom pharaohs, adorned with rich mythological artwork.
• Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut — Admire the unique terraced temple dedicated to Egypt's powerful female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — Stand before the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast on board. Today, you'll experience a unique journey to two remarkable Ptolemaic temples. First, enjoy a charming horse-drawn carriage ride to the well-preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. This impressive temple offers an exceptional glimpse into temple construction and Egyptian mythology. Return to the cruise for lunch as you continue sailing along the Nile. Later, visit the distinctive Temple of Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Observe its balanced symmetrical layout, with two distinct halves for each god, and see the intriguing crocodile mummies. As evening approaches, enjoy a relaxing dinner onboard your cruise, reflecting on the day's historical discoveries, and prepare for an overnight sail towards Aswan.

• Edfu Temple — Visit the incredibly preserved Temple of Horus, accessed by a horse-drawn carriage.
• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, with its symmetrical design.

After breakfast on the cruise, prepare to explore Aswan, the charming city of the South. Your tour begins at the monumental Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser and significantly impacted Egypt's environment and economy. Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, offering insights into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques and the challenges faced by artisans. Conclude your Aswan sightseeing with a scenic boat trip to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally located elsewhere, this exquisite temple was meticulously relocated stone by stone to Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Its stunning architecture and picturesque setting make it a highlight. (Optional: Consider an early morning excursion to Abu Simbel Temples, a spectacular achievement rescued by UNESCO). Enjoy lunch and dinner on board your cruise ship, making the most of your final night sailing the Nile.

• Aswan High Dam — See the massive engineering project that provides flood control and electricity.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Explore the ancient granite quarries and learn about obelisk creation.
• Philae Temple — Take a boat to Agilkia Island to visit the beautifully rescued Temple of Isis.
• Optional: Abu Simbel Temples — Consider an early morning visit (by flight or road) to these magnificent rock-cut temples of Ramses II.

Enjoy a final breakfast on your Nile cruise before disembarking in Aswan. Our representative will transfer you to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be assisted with your connecting flight to Amman, Jordan. A Travel Joy Jordan representative will greet you at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a free evening to relax after your day of travel, perhaps exploring your hotel's amenities or grabbing a casual dinner. Get ready for tomorrow's Jordanian adventure!

• Aswan — Disembark from your Nile cruise and transfer to Aswan Airport.
• Flight Aswan to Cairo — Domestic flight from Aswan back to Cairo.
• Flight Cairo to Amman — International flight from Cairo to Amman, Jordan.
• Amman, Jordan — Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), meet & assist, private transfer to hotel.

After breakfast at your Amman hotel, embark on a captivating tour of Jordan's capital. Begin with a visit to the ancient Citadel, offering panoramic views of the city and housing historical ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Descend to the remarkably preserved Roman Theater, still used for cultural events today. Enjoy lunch at a local Jordanian restaurant, savoring authentic regional cuisine. In the afternoon, journey north to the impressive Roman city of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Walk along the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and admire the temples of Artemis and Zeus, feeling transported back in time. Return to Amman in the late afternoon for dinner on your own and an overnight stay.

• Amman Citadel — Explore ancient ruins and enjoy panoramic views of Jordan's capital.
• Roman Theater (Amman) — Visit the impressive ancient Roman amphitheater in downtown Amman.
• Jerash — Discover the remarkably preserved Roman city, nicknamed 'Pompeii of the East,' with its grand colonnaded streets and temples.

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent 'Rose-Red City' of Petra. After an early breakfast, we'll drive south to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Embark on an unforgettable journey, beginning with a walk through the dramatic Siq, a narrow canyon leading to the ancient city. As the canyon opens, you'll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), Petra's most iconic facade, carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Your guide will lead you through Petra's highlights, including the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the Roman Theater. For those feeling adventurous, there's an optional hike up to Ad Deir (The Monastery), offering spectacular views. Enjoy a local lunch inside Petra. Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of this Nabataean marvel before returning to your hotel near Petra for the evening.

• Petra — Full-day exploration of the ancient Nabataean city, including the Siq, Treasury, Street of Facades, and Royal Tombs.
• Optional: The Monastery (Petra) — Hike to Ad Deir for stunning views and another impressive carved monument.

Following breakfast, we journey into the otherworldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum, known as 'The Valley of the Moon.' This vast wilderness, with its towering sandstone mountains and unique rock formations, was famously described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and god-like.' Embark on an exciting 4x4 jeep safari, traversing the red sands to explore hidden canyons, ancient inscriptions, and natural arches. Experience Bedouin hospitality with traditional tea. After a captivating morning, we'll drive to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. Check into your luxurious resort and spend the afternoon unwinding. Indulge in the unique experience of floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters and perhaps try a therapeutic mud bath. Enjoy dinner at your Dead Sea resort.

• Wadi Rum — Explore the dramatic desert landscape with a 4x4 jeep safari, visiting unique rock formations and ancient sites.
• Dead Sea — Float in the salty, mineral-rich waters and enjoy the therapeutic mud, experiencing the lowest point on Earth.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your Dead Sea resort. After breakfast, you'll have ample time to relax by the pool, indulge in spa treatments, or take another rejuvenating dip in the Dead Sea's buoyant waters. This is your chance to fully absorb the unique atmosphere and therapeutic benefits of this remarkable location. Depending on your flight schedule tomorrow, we'll arrange your transfer back to Amman in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Amman and enjoy your final evening in Jordan. Perhaps revisit a favorite local restaurant or simply relax and reflect on your incredible journey through Egypt and Jordan.

• Dead Sea — Free morning for relaxation, spa treatments, or further enjoyment of the Dead Sea's unique properties.
• Transfer to Amman — Afternoon transfer back to your hotel in Amman.

After breakfast at your hotel, a Travel Joy Jordan representative will provide a comfortable, private transfer to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for your onward flight. Depart with cherished memories of the ancient wonders of Egypt and the majestic landscapes and culture of Jordan, having experienced a truly comprehensive journey through these two incredible countries.

• Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) — Private transfer for your departure flight.