Egypt, Jordan & Turkey: 17-Day Grand Tour

After a delightful breakfast, join your expert guide for an immersive journey to the Giza Plateau, home to Egypt's most enduring monuments. Explore the awe-inspiring Giza Pyramid Complex, a testament to ancient engineering, featuring the grand pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, alongside the majestic Great Sphinx. Discover the profound history behind these structures, envisioned as eternal resting places for pharaohs. Marvel at the Great Pyramid's colossal scale and intricate construction, and contemplate the enigmatic Sphinx, a protector embodying royal power. Later, visit the state-of-the-art Grand Egyptian Museum, a colossal repository housing over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Valley Temple, a ceremonial site integral to ancient funerary rituals. Conclude your day with rich impressions of Egypt's iconic heritage, returning to your Cairo hotel for the night.

• Giza Pyramids Complex — Explore the iconic pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and stand before the majestic Great Sphinx, marveling at the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian builders.
• The Great Pyramid of Giza — Discover the incredible scale and precision of Khufu's final resting place, which stood as the world's tallest structure for millennia.
• The Sphinx — Encounter the legendary creature with a lion's body and pharaoh's head, an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt's mystery and power.
• The Grand Egyptian Museum — Immerse yourself in a vast collection of artifacts, including the legendary treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb, presented in a modern, engaging setting.
• The Valley Temple — Witness an architectural marvel linked to ancient pharaonic burial rites, showcasing exceptional Old Kingdom craftsmanship.

Following breakfast, depart for Alexandria, the Mediterranean jewel where history's layers unfold. Your guided tour will reveal the city's most significant landmarks. Descend into the fascinating Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an elaborate underground necropolis blending Egyptian, Roman, and Greek artistic styles. Continue to the magnificent Library of Alexandria, a contemporary beacon of knowledge echoing its ancient predecessor. After a delightful local lunch, your journey takes you to Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman column honoring Emperor Diocletian. Conclude your Alex trip at the formidable Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built on the very site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, offering panoramic sea views and a deep sense of history. Spend a restful night in Alexandria, ready for forthcoming explorations.

• Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa — Explore this unique ancient Roman burial site, famed for its intriguing blend of pharaonic and Greco-Roman art and architecture.
• Alexandria Library — Visit the striking modern library, a cultural landmark designed to revive the glory of its ancient namesake as a center of learning.
• Pompey's Pillar — Admire the colossal Roman triumphal column, one of the largest ancient monoliths in Egypt, standing high above the city.
• Qaitbay Citadel — Discover the historic fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, offering majestic views over the Mediterranean.

After breakfast, your journey westward continues with a significant stop. Visit the El Alamein War Museum, a poignant memorial detailing the pivotal World War II battles that reshaped the North African campaign. Through compelling exhibits, weapons, and personal accounts, gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by all nations involved. Following this reflective experience, enjoy lunch in the coastal town of Marsa Matrouh. From there, venture into the captivating Siwa Oasis. Discover the ancient Village of Old Shali, a remarkable settlement constructed from mud and salt, offering a glimpse into traditional Siwan life amidst its atmospheric ruins. Later, unwind on the serene Fatnas Island, known for its lush palm groves and soothing natural beauty. As evening arrives, settle into the tranquil embrace of Siwa Oasis for a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the untouched splendor of Egypt's western desert.

• El Alamein War Museum — Gain insight into the decisive World War II battles through preserved artifacts, photographs, and vivid dioramas.
• Old Shali Village — Wander through the evocative ruins of this historic mud-and-salt village, a testament to Siwa's ancient building traditions.
• Fatnas Island — Relax amidst the serene palm groves and calm waters of this picturesque island, experiencing the tranquil side of Siwa.

Begin your day with breakfast, then set off with your guide to uncover Siwa Oasis's timeless wonders. Explore the revered Temple of Amun, a sanctuary dating back to the 26th Dynasty, famously visited by Alexander the Great. Continue to the Temple of Alexander, also known as the Oracle, where Alexander sought divine confirmation of his legitimacy. Experience Siwa's unique natural beauty at the Wahed and Fatnas salt lakes, where crystal-clear, mineral-rich waters create stunning reflections. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Bedouin lunch amidst the tranquil desert landscape. Your journey leads next to Ain Cleopatra (Cleopatra's Bath), a legendary spring with therapeutic waters, steeped in local myth. The day culminates with an exhilarating 4x4 desert safari, traversing rolling dunes as the sun sets, painting the sky in fiery hues. Enjoy dinner under the stars before returning to your lodge for a restful overnight stay, imbued with the magic of the oasis.

• Temple of Amun — Visit the significant sanctuary dedicated to the god Amun, a site of ancient pilgrimage and divine consultation.
• Temple of Alexander (Oracle Temple) — Explore where Alexander the Great famously consulted the oracle, solidifying his divine status.
• Salt Lakes of Wahed and Fatnas — Marvel at the mesmerizing, mirror-like surfaces of Siwa's unique salt lakes, a natural wonder.
• Ain Cleopatra (Cleopatra's Bath) — Experience the refreshing, legendary spring, a peaceful spot offering a relaxing dip.
• 4x4 Desert Safari — Embark on an thrilling ride over sand dunes, enjoying a spectacular desert sunset.