12 Days Egypt Nile Cruise & Jordan Tour

Cairo and Its Monumental Sites
The tour begins in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital. As one of the oldest metropolises in the world, Cairo holds captivating treasures dating back millennia. The iconic Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are must-see marvels constructed over 4,500 years ago. Standing at nearly 500 feet tall, the Pyramids have towered above the desert sands for centuries as a testament to ancient engineering prowess. Hikers also enjoy panoramic views stretching across the valley from Giza’s plateau. Nearby, the enigmatic Sphinx lurks with the head of a pharaoh and body of a lion, questioning visitors since antiquity.

History Comes Alive Along the Nile
After exploring Cairo’s wonders, guests transfer to Luxor to begin a relaxing Nile cruise. Gracefully tracing Egypt’s backbone, the fabled Nile River has nurtured civilizations for eons. Aboard luxurious cruise ships, voyagers are treated to a unique perspective of the landscape from the water. Each morning brings new archaeological treasures to discover along the verdant banks. Majestic Karnak and Luxor Temples frame the processional avenue between enormous stone pillars engraved with hieroglyphs. These structures reveal daily rituals from when Thebes ruled as Egypt’s capital over 3,000 years ago.

Venture Into the Land of the Pharaohs
To truly experience the region’s rich past, travelers disembark for excursions into West Bank ruins. Few places stir imagination like the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in ornate tombs hidden within the limestone ridges. Meandering pathways lead through tombs still containing wall paintings as vibrant as the day they were drawn. Nearby, the Memorial Temple of Queen Hatshepsut stands out like a grand edifice nestled in the desert foothills. Awe also comes at Kom Ombo’s unique Ptolemaic temple honoring two gods: the crocodile god Sobek and falcon god Horus.

Floating Downstream to Aswan
Leaving Nubian villages behind, ships glide gently south before stopping in Aswan. Impressively straddling the Nile, the Aswan High Dam looms as a marvel of modern design. Just beyond, the islet sanctuary of Philae Temple seems uncannily transportive. Carved reliefs and columns remain where late pharaonic and Greco-Roman civilizations mingled. At day’s end, cruisers return onboard to enjoy regional cuisine under the star speckled sky. With ancient ruins reflecting off the rhythmic current, a magical African ambience permeates the night.

Jordan’s Living Heritage
After disembarking in Aswan, guests hop a short flight to Amman for Jordan’s highlights. Standing sentinel, Mount Nebo lures pilgrims as Moses’ biblical vantage. Nearby, Madaba features a stunning 6th century mosaic map of Palestine before it became known as the Holy Land. Descent to the mineral-rich Dead Sea proves both memorable and therapeutic. Salt coats hands like snow, allowing carefree floating in waters 10 times as salty as the ocean. But Petra saves the most dramatic reveal for last.

Trek Through the Rose Red City
A winding canyon nicknamed the Siq leads to Petra’s hidden oasis. As shadows blanket the high walls, the Treasury suddenly appears: an ornate temple incredibly carved from sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. Beyond this iconic monument, the ancient Nabataean capital sprawls with obelisks, statues and facades painted by mineral-rich sands. Optional riding through the Siq on horseback adds to the magic. Visitors may hike for days through this captivating landscape continually disclosing architectural and natural wonders around each serpentine turn. So ends a remarkably diverse journey through two lands bound eternally by the shared rivers of history.