Morocco, Egypt & Jordan: Grand 17-Day Tour

After breakfast you set out on a private guided tour of Casablanca and Morocco's royal capital, Rabat. First you stand before the colossal Hassan II Mosque, its minaret soaring above the Atlantic and part of its prayer hall built out over the sea. You follow the breezy Casablanca Corniche before driving to Rabat, where the unfinished Hassan Tower and the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V speak of the country's regal heritage. Over a relaxed lunch you sample local flavors, then wander the blue-and-white lanes of the Kasbah of the Udayas, perched above the river mouth. You pause at the ornate gates of the Royal Palace of Rabat before checking into your hotel for the night. Throughout the day your expert local guide brings each monument's history vividly to life, setting the tone for the rich cultural journey ahead.

• Hassan II Mosque — One of the world's largest mosques, with a 210-metre minaret rising above the Atlantic.
• Casablanca Corniche — A breezy seafront promenade lined with cafes and ocean views.
• Hassan Tower — The unfinished 12th-century minaret of a mosque that was never completed.
• Mausoleum of Mohammed V — An exquisite marble tomb housing the late king and royal family.
• Kasbah of the Udayas — A picturesque blue-and-white fortified quarter overlooking the river mouth.
• Royal Palace of Rabat — The official residence of the King, admired from its grand ceremonial gates.

An early start carries you north into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, Morocco's famous blue city. You lose yourself among cobalt-washed walls and stepped alleys around Outa el Hammam Square, camera in hand for one of the country's most photogenic scenes. After lunch you continue to imperial Fes, cradle of Moroccan learning. Diving into the labyrinth of Fes el-Bali, the world's largest car-free medina, you glimpse the venerable Al-Qarawiyyin University, admire the intricate zellij tilework and carved cedar of the Bou Inania Madrasa, and take in the sights and scents of the Chouara Tanneries. You pause at the mosaic-tiled Nejjarine Fountain and the revered Moulay Idriss Mausoleum, following your private guide through a living museum of artisan workshops. Overnight in Fes, where the evening call to prayer drifts over a thousand ancient rooftops.

• Chefchaouen City — The famous blue-washed mountain town nestled in the Rif.
• Outa el Hammam Square — Chefchaouen's lively main square beneath the red-walled kasbah.
• Al-Qarawiyyin University — Founded in 859 AD and considered the world's oldest continually operating university.
• Bou Inania Madrasa — A masterpiece of Marinid architecture with stucco, zellij and cedar carving.
• Chouara Tanneries — Centuries-old leather tanneries with their iconic stone dye vats.
• Nejjarine Fountain — An ornately tiled public fountain in the woodwork district.
• Moulay Idriss Mausoleum — The sacred shrine of the founder of Fes.
• Fes el-Bali — The ancient walled medina, a UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of artisan lanes.

Today you trade imperial cities for the vast Moroccan south. Leaving Fes, you climb through the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, pausing in alpine-like Ifrane and watching for troops of Barbary macaques. The road unfolds past Midelt and along the palm-lined Ziz Valley, an oasis of date groves threading between ochre canyons. By late afternoon you reach Merzouga and the towering golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Here a camel awaits: you ride into the Sahara as the sinking sun turns the sand from amber to rose, arriving at your desert camp for a night beneath a canopy of stars. Around the fire you enjoy a traditional dinner and perhaps the hypnotic rhythm of Berber drums. Falling asleep in the heart of the Sahara is one of Morocco's most unforgettable experiences and a true highlight of your grand tour.

• Ifrane — A tidy alpine-style town nicknamed the 'Switzerland of Morocco'.
• Ziz Valley — A dramatic palm-filled oasis winding between desert canyons.
• Erg Chebbi — The soaring golden dunes near Merzouga, some rising 150 metres high.

After sunrise over the dunes you journey to Rissani, the historic caravan town that grew from ancient Sijilmassa, once a gateway for gold crossing the Sahara. You explore its bustling souk and visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, resting place of the founder of Morocco's ruling Alaouite dynasty. Following lunch you set out along the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,' pausing at the dramatic Todra Gorge, where sheer rose-colored cliffs rise hundreds of metres above a cool mountain stream. The scenic drive continues into the Dades Valley, a ribbon of green oases, crumbling mud fortresses and strange finger-like rock formations. You settle into your hotel amid this cinematic landscape for the night. Your private guide shares the legends of the nomadic tribes who have crossed these valleys for centuries, deepening your connection to Morocco's storied desert south.

• Rissani — A historic market town on the site of ancient Sijilmassa, a former trans-Saharan trade hub.
• Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif — The shrine of the founder of Morocco's reigning Alaouite dynasty.
• Todra Gorge — A soaring canyon with vertical cliffs flanking a narrow river valley.

This morning you follow the Dades River past terraced gardens and ancient granaries before reaching the crown jewel of southern Morocco: Aït Ben Haddou. This fortified earthen village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rises in tiers of red mud-brick against the desert sky and has starred as a backdrop in countless films. You cross the riverbed and climb through its maze of kasbahs to the old granary at the summit, where the views over the valley are simply spectacular. Along the way you pass through Ouarzazate, Morocco's 'door of the desert' and famous film-studio town. Your private guided tour reveals how these mighty ksour once guarded the trans-Saharan trade routes and sheltered passing caravans. Overnight near Aït Ben Haddou, where the setting sun gilds the ancient walls and the pace of life slows to match the timeless landscape.

• Aït Ben Haddou — A UNESCO-listed fortified village of mud-brick kasbahs and a famous film location.
• Ouarzazate — The 'gateway to the desert' and home to Morocco's celebrated film studios.

A spectacular drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass through the High Atlas brings you to the 'Red City' of Marrakech, and you dive straight into its wonders. You admire the exquisite courtyards and painted ceilings of the 19th-century Bahia Palace, stand beneath the landmark Koutoubia Mosque minaret, and stroll the tranquil reflecting pools of the Menara Gardens. The cobalt-blue Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, offer a lush escape, while the Dar Si Said Museum showcases the finest Moroccan craftsmanship. After lunch you plunge into the Medina and Souk of Marrakesh, a kaleidoscope of spices, lanterns and carpets, emerging into the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square as it comes alive at dusk with storytellers, musicians and sizzling food stalls. Overnight in Marrakech, savoring the electric energy of Morocco's most captivating city.

• Bahia Palace — A 19th-century palace famed for its painted ceilings and tranquil courtyards.
• Koutoubia Mosque — Marrakech's largest mosque, its 12th-century minaret a city landmark.
• Menara Gardens — Historic olive groves surrounding a reflecting pool with Atlas Mountain views.
• Majorelle Gardens — A vivid cobalt-blue botanical garden once restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
• Dar Si Said Museum — A museum of Moroccan arts and crafts in a beautiful riad setting.
• Medina & Souk of Marrakesh — A maze of vibrant markets selling spices, leather, lanterns and textiles.
• Jemaa el-Fna — The legendary main square, alive at night with performers and food stalls.

Today you bid farewell to Morocco and set your sights on the land of the pharaohs. After breakfast you transfer to Marrakech airport for your flight to Cairo, trading Atlas peaks and desert kasbahs for the banks of the eternal Nile. On arrival in Egypt's sprawling, vibrant capital, a Travel Joy representative meets you, assists with airport formalities and accompanies your private transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to relax and, if you wish, catch your first glimpse of the city that has guarded the pyramids for millennia. Perhaps enjoy dinner overlooking the Nile as feluccas drift by beneath the city lights. Rest well tonight, because tomorrow you come face to face with the last surviving wonder of the ancient world on the storied Giza Plateau, the unforgettable start to your Egyptian adventure.

Your first full day in Egypt delivers its most iconic sight: the Giza Pyramids Complex. Standing on the plateau, you gaze up at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, built more than 4,500 years ago and the only intact wonder of the ancient world. You meet the enigmatic gaze of the Great Sphinx and step inside the granite-built Valley Temple, marvelling at engineering that still defies explanation. After lunch you tour the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum beside the plateau, home to the complete treasures of Tutankhamun and thousands of artifacts beneath one soaring roof. You then travel to Saqqara to admire the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure and the blueprint for every pyramid that followed. Throughout this private guided tour your expert Egyptologist decodes the hieroglyphs and legends at every turn. Overnight in Cairo.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — The plateau of three great pyramids built for the pharaohs of the Fourth Dynasty.
• The Great Pyramid — The Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world.
• The Great Sphinx — The colossal limestone lion with a pharaoh's head, guarding the plateau.
• The Valley Temple — A well-preserved granite temple linked to the pyramid of Khafre.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum — The vast new museum housing Tutankhamun's full collection and thousands of artifacts.
• Saqqara Step Pyramid — The Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone building.

This morning you fly south to Aswan, Egypt's serene Nubian city on the Nile, and board your elegant Nile cruise ship. You begin with the mighty Aswan High Dam, the engineering feat that tamed the river and created Lake Nasser, then visit the Unfinished Obelisk lying in its ancient granite quarry, a fascinating window into how the pharaohs carved their monuments. A short motorboat ride carries you to the island Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued stone by stone from the rising waters. Returning to your vessel, you settle into your cabin as the crew welcomes you aboard with lunch and dinner under full-board service. Tonight you sleep gently rocked on the Nile, the timeless river that gave birth to a civilization. Your private guided tour of Upper Egypt's greatest temples begins in earnest tomorrow.

• Aswan High Dam — The 1960s engineering marvel that controls the Nile and created Lake Nasser.
• The Unfinished Obelisk — A colossal abandoned obelisk still lying in its ancient granite quarry.
• Philae Temple — An island temple of the goddess Isis, relocated to save it from flooding.

You wake aboard your Nile cruise to a leisurely breakfast as the riverbanks slide past, fringed with palms, sugarcane fields and villages little changed in centuries. The ship sails to Kom Ombo, where you step ashore to explore its unique double temple, perched dramatically on a bend of the Nile. Dedicated jointly to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, it mirrors itself in near-perfect symmetry. Your Egyptologist guide points out the astonishing wall reliefs of ancient surgical instruments and the adjoining Crocodile Museum, home to mummified crocodiles once revered at this very spot. Back on board you enjoy lunch and dinner under full-board service, relaxing on the sun deck with a cool drink as rural Egypt drifts serenely by. Overnight on your Nile cruise, lulled by the gentle current of the world's longest river.

• Kom Ombo Temple — A rare symmetrical double temple honouring the gods Sobek and Horus.
• Crocodile Museum — A small museum displaying mummified crocodiles sacred to the god Sobek.

After breakfast on board, your Nile cruise brings you to Edfu, where a short transfer delivers you to the Temple of Horus. This is the best-preserved temple in all of Egypt, its towering pylons, colossal falcon statues and vast columned halls appearing almost exactly as they did when completed over two thousand years ago. Walking its shadowed corridors, you trace the carved story of the god Horus avenging his father Osiris, while your private guide illuminates the sacred rituals once performed within these walls. Returning to the ship, you sail on toward Luxor as the desert cliffs glow amber in the afternoon light. Lunch and dinner are served on board, and perhaps a festive Galabeya party invites you to don traditional Egyptian dress. Overnight on your Nile cruise, savoring your final night on the timeless river.

• Edfu Temple — The Temple of Horus, the most complete and best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt.

You disembark in Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum, built upon the ancient city of Thebes. Crossing to the West Bank, you descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs including Tutankhamun were buried amid brilliantly painted chambers. You marvel at the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, rising in graceful colonnades against sheer desert cliffs, and pause before the towering Colossi of Memnon that have guarded the plain for millennia. After lunch you cross to the East Bank for the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built, whose forest of giant columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall leaves every visitor speechless. Your private Egyptologist guide brings three thousand years of history vividly to life. Tonight you rest in a comfortable Luxor hotel, the ancient temples floodlit against the night sky.

• Valley of the Kings — The royal necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun's tomb.
• Hatshepsut Temple — The dramatic terraced mortuary temple of Egypt's greatest female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — Two 18-metre statues that once guarded a vanished mortuary temple.
• Karnak Temple — A vast temple complex famed for its Great Hypostyle Hall of 134 columns.

Today you journey from the land of the pharaohs to the ancient kingdom of Jordan. After breakfast you transfer to the airport for your flight to Amman, the friendly, hill-strewn capital where gleaming white houses spill across nineteen hills. On arrival, a Travel Joy representative welcomes you and accompanies your private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and adjust, perhaps venturing out to sample mansaf, Jordan's beloved national dish, or exploring the bustling downtown souks. Amman blends Roman ruins and modern cafe culture into an easygoing whole, offering a gentle introduction to the legendary warmth of Jordanian hospitality. Rest well tonight, as tomorrow you set out to discover the biblical landscapes, mosaic treasures and mineral-rich waters that make this small kingdom so extraordinary.

A day of biblical wonders awaits. You drive south to Madaba, the 'City of Mosaics,' where the floor of St. George's Church holds the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land, a remarkable 6th-century mosaic pieced together from more than two million stones. You continue to Mount Nebo, the windswept summit where Moses is said to have gazed upon the Promised Land; on a clear day the panorama stretches across the Jordan Valley to Jericho and beyond. After lunch you descend to the legendary Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where you float effortlessly on its salt-heavy waters and slather on the famous mineral-rich black mud. Your private guided tour weaves together faith, history and natural wonder in a single unforgettable day. You return to Amman for the night, refreshed and ready for the grand finale in Petra.

• St. George's Church — Home to the celebrated 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
• Mount Nebo — The biblical summit where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land.
• The Dead Sea — Earth's lowest point, famed for effortless floating and mineral-rich mud.

Today you reach the crown of Jordan: the rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Following an early drive, you walk through the Siq, a narrow mile-long gorge, until it parts to reveal Al Khazneh, the magnificent Treasury carved directly into the cliff face. You continue past the weathered Royal Tombs glowing in the sun, the grand Roman-style Theatre of Petra, and the temple of Qasr al-Bint, all sculpted by the ingenious Nabataeans over two thousand years ago. In the afternoon you journey to Wadi Rum, the 'Valley of the Moon,' for a 4x4 safari across crimson sands and towering sandstone massifs. As the desert blazes at sunset, you enjoy dinner and overnight in a Bedouin camp beneath a dazzling canopy of stars.

• Petra — The Nabataean rock-carved city, a UNESCO Site and New Seven Wonder of the World.
• Al Khazneh Temple — The iconic Treasury facade revealed at the end of the Siq gorge.
• Royal Tombs Of Petra — A row of monumental tombs carved into the cliffs of Petra.
• Theatre Of Petra — A Roman-style amphitheatre hewn from the rose-coloured rock.
• Qasr al-Bint — One of the few free-standing structures in Petra, a major Nabataean temple.
• Wadi Rum — The dramatic 'Valley of the Moon,' explored by 4x4 across red desert sands.

Your grand 17-day odyssey across Morocco, Egypt and Jordan draws to a close. After a final desert breakfast and one last look at the crimson dunes of Wadi Rum, you transfer to the airport in good time for your onward flight home. You depart carrying a lifetime of memories: the blue lanes of Chefchaouen, the golden Sahara at Merzouga, the eternal pyramids of Giza, the temple-lined banks of the Nile, and the rose-red majesty of Petra. Your Travel Joy team bids you a warm farewell and safe travels, hoping to welcome you back to Egypt and the wider region again one day. Should you wish to extend your adventure with a Red Sea escape or an extra Cairo day, simply let us know. Until then, we wish you smooth journeys and treasured recollections of your unforgettable Grand Tour.