Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids, Petra & Red Sea

Awake to breakfast before embarking on a guided expedition to the Giza Plateau, home to Egypt's most iconic wonders. Marvel at the sheer scale of the Great Pyramids, ancient tombs built to usher pharaohs into the afterlife, and stand before the mysterious Sphinx, guardian of these timeless monuments. Explore the Valley Temple, integral to ancient mummification rituals. Conclude your morning with an awe-inspiring visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a monumental new home for Egypt's archaeological treasures, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun's artifacts and the colossal statue of Ramses II. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant between sites.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and the iconic Sphinx.
• Valley Temple — Discover the ancient site used for mummification rituals associated with the pyramids.
• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) — Immerse yourself in Egypt's rich history, featuring King Tut's treasures and monumental artifacts.

After breakfast and checking out, delve into the rich tapestry of Cairo's history. Begin at the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, predecessor to the GEM, showcasing an impressive collection of pharaonic antiquities. Following a delightful lunch, traverse the atmospheric lanes of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a bustling market dating back to the Mamluk era, and stroll down Al Muizz Street, an open-air museum of stunning Islamic architecture. Discover the serenity of the 'Hanging Church,' a Coptic Christian marvel built atop Roman fort remnants. Later, you'll be transferred to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, where you'll be met and transferred to your luxurious Nile cruise ship for check-in.

• Egyptian Museum (Tahrir) — Explore a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts and masterpieces.
• Al Muizz Street — Wander through a historic street showcasing medieval Islamic architecture and vibrant culture.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar — Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Cairo's famous historic market.
• Hanging Church — Visit one of Cairo's most important Coptic Christian churches, rich in history.
• Cairo to Aswan (flight) — Domestic flight.
• Nile Cruise Check-in — Board your cruise ship in Aswan for an unforgettable journey.

Enjoy breakfast aboard your cruise before setting out to explore Aswan. Witness the colossal Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that reshaped Egypt's landscape and created Lake Nasser. Next, observe the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in the ancient granite quarry, offering clues to ancient stone-working techniques. After lunch, take a tranquil boat ride to Agilkia Island to visit the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, painstakingly relocated to preserve its beauty. Return to your cruise for dinner and relaxation.

• Aswan High Dam — See the impressive modern engineering feat that controls the Nile's flow.
• Unfinished Obelisk — Discover the largest ancient obelisk, still in its original quarry, showcasing ancient carving methods.
• Philae Temple — Explore the beautiful temple of Isis, set on a picturesque island.

Before dawn, with a packed breakfast, embark on an unforgettable excursion to Abu Simbel. These two magnificent rock-cut temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II, are a breathtaking sight. Marvel at the sheer scale and intricate details dedicated to the pharaoh himself and his beloved wife Nefertari. Once threatened by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, these temples were dramatically relocated in a feat of international engineering. Return to your cruise for a late lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as your ship begins its northward journey.

• Abu Simbel Temples — Visit the iconic twin temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This morning, your cruise docks at Kom Ombo, where you'll visit the unique double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Observe the perfectly symmetrical halls and fascinating reliefs, including depictions of ancient surgical instruments. Continue sailing to Edfu, home to the superb Temple of Horus, one of Egypt's best-preserved ancient sanctuaries. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god, its towering pylons and intricately decorated halls provide an unparalleled glimpse into ancient religious practices. All meals are enjoyed on board.

• Kom Ombo Temple — Explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, showcasing ancient dual worship.
• Edfu Temple — Discover the magnificent and well-preserved temple of the falcon god Horus.

After breakfast and disembarking your cruise in Luxor, your exploration of ancient Thebes begins. Cross to the West Bank to enter the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of New Kingdom pharaohs, where you can descend into several elaborately decorated tombs. Visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning example of New Kingdom architecture carved into the cliffs. Pause to admire the colossal statues of Memnon, guardians of an ancient temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the East Bank. Spend your afternoon immersed in the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a sprawling sacred city dedicated to the Theban triad, with its magnificent hypostyle hall and obelisks.

• Valley of the Kings — Explore the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom in this legendary necropolis.
• Temple of Hatshepsut — Visit the unique terraced mortuary temple of Egypt's most famous female pharaoh.
• Colossi of Memnon — View the massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• Karnak Temple Complex — Wander through the immense and magnificent complex dedicated to Amun-Ra.

Begin your day with breakfast, followed by a visit to the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, strategically located on the East Bank of the Nile. This temple, continually built and modified by pharaohs throughout history, showcases stunning avenues of sphinxes and ancient shrines. Afterward, enjoy a scenic transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to Hurghada, Egypt's premier Red Sea resort. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing on the beach or enjoying the resort amenities, soaking in the sun and serene coastal atmosphere.

• Luxor Temple — Explore the elegant central temple on Luxor's East Bank, a monument to regeneration.
• Transfer to Hurghada — Scenic private transfer from Luxor to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada.

Relish a full day of leisure in Hurghada. The turquoise waters of the Red Sea offer countless opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Choose to unwind on pristine beaches, swim in the clear seas, or perhaps explore the vibrant underwater world with an optional snorkeling or diving excursion. For those seeking more activity, consider a boat trip to one of the picturesque islands for sunbathing and swimming. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace, soaking up the tranquil beauty of Egypt's coastline.

• Hurghada Leisure Day — Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax on the beach, swim, or engage in optional watersports.

After breakfast in Hurghada, bid farewell to the Red Sea and transfer to Hurghada Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you'll be assisted with connecting to your international flight to Amman, Jordan. Our Jordanian representative will welcome you at Queen Alia International Airport, assist with immigration, and transfer you to your hotel in Amman. Settle in and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your adventure.

• Hurghada to Cairo (flight) — Domestic flight from Hurghada to Cairo.
• Cairo to Amman (international flight) — International flight from Cairo, Egypt, to Amman, Jordan.
• Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) — Meet and assist upon arrival, private transfer to hotel.

Today is dedicated to exploring the breathtaking 'Rose City' of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean people over 2,000 years ago, Petra is an archaeological marvel. Walk through the dramatic Siq, a narrow gorge that opens dramatically to reveal the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Spend the day discovering tombs, temples, and the ancient city's ingenious water systems, including the Royal Tombs, the Roman Theatre, and Qasr al-Bint. A truly unforgettable experience.

• Petra — Explore the ancient Nabataean city, including the Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs, and Theatre.

After breakfast, journey into the otherworldly landscape of Wadi Rum, known as the 'Valley of the Moon.' Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 jeep tour, exploring its vast desert valleys, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient inscriptions. Visit sites like Lawrence Spring, Red Sand Dunes, and Khazali Canyon. Following this desert adventure, proceed to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea. Check into your resort and experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the Dead Sea.

• Wadi Rum — Experience a thrilling 4x4 jeep safari through the stunning desert landscape.
• Dead Sea — Float in the therapeutic, hypersaline waters at the lowest point on Earth.

Enjoy a leisurely morning by the Dead Sea before heading north. Your journey includes a visit to Madaba, renowned for its ancient mosaics, particularly the 6th-century map of the Holy Land at St. George's Church. Continue to Mount Nebo, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the Promised Land, a significant site associated with Moses. Conclude your day back in Amman, where you might have some free time to explore the city's vibrant streets or simply relax.

• Dead Sea Leisure — Enjoy a final morning by the Dead Sea, relaxing or enjoying the resort facilities.
• Madaba — Visit the 'City of Mosaics' and see the ancient mosaic map at St. George's Church.
• Mount Nebo — Take in the historic panoramic views from the site where Moses overlooked the Promised Land.

Savor your final breakfast in Amman. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last moments at leisure. Your private driver will then transfer you to Queen Alia International Airport for your departure, concluding your remarkable journey through Egypt and Jordan, filled with ancient wonders and unforgettable memories.

• Queen Alia International Airport (Amman) — Private transfer to the airport for your international departure.