Epic Egypt and Jordan Discovery

Arrive in Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital, where ancient wonders meet modern life. After clearing customs, transfer to your hotel to relax and refresh. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short orientation drive to see the Nile River, Cairo Tower, and glimpses of the city’s lively streets. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner featuring classic Egyptian dishes, from flavorful mezze and kebabs to freshly baked bread. This first evening offers the chance to adjust to the rhythm of Cairo, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere while preparing for the days of exploration ahead. Rest well at your hotel, ready to begin your journey through one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.

After breakfast, set out to the Giza Plateau, home to the most iconic landmarks of ancient Egypt. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, then continue to the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Stand before the enigmatic Great Sphinx, guardian of the plateau for over 4,000 years. Visit the Valley Temple, where rituals of kings were once performed, and consider entering a smaller pyramid for a closer look. Break for a traditional Egyptian lunch nearby, then stop at a papyrus workshop or local bazaar for crafts. End the day with an optional sound-and-light show at the pyramids, an unforgettable spectacle beneath the desert night sky.

Today begins at the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the greatest collections of ancient artifacts in the world. Wander galleries filled with royal jewelry, mummies, and treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb, as your guide shares stories of Egypt’s pharaohs. After lunch, explore Islamic Cairo, visiting the Citadel of Saladin and the impressive Mosque of Muhammad Ali, offering sweeping views across the city. Continue into the maze-like alleys of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where colorful lamps, spices, and crafts fill the air with vibrancy. Pause at the historic El Fishawy Café, famous for its mint tea and lively atmosphere. In the evening, return to your hotel or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile, complete with music and dance.

Fly south to Luxor, known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” where every corner reveals ancient history. After checking in at your hotel or Nile cruise, spend the afternoon visiting Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II. Stroll along the Avenue of Sphinxes, which once stretched all the way to Karnak, and admire the temple’s massive statues and towering columns. At sunset, the temple glows golden, creating a magical first impression of Upper Egypt. End the day with dinner overlooking the Nile, where feluccas drift by against a backdrop of palm trees and desert hills. Rest well — tomorrow brings the mysteries of Luxor’s West Bank and the tombs of the pharaohs.

Cross the Nile to the West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings hides elaborate tombs of Egypt’s most powerful rulers. Step inside to see vivid wall paintings that tell of the pharaohs’ journeys to the afterlife, and, if available, visit Tutankhamun’s tomb for a special glimpse into history. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an elegant terraced structure honoring Egypt’s only female pharaoh. Stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that once guarded a grand mortuary temple. After lunch, return to your hotel or cruise for leisure. Spend the afternoon by the pool, or stroll along Luxor’s corniche as the sun sets over the Nile’s timeless waters.

Dedicate today to the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites in the world. Walk through the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall, with its forest of 134 giant columns, and see obelisks, sacred lakes, and chapels spanning over two millennia of history. After exploring, enjoy free time in Luxor. Options include a peaceful felucca sail on the Nile past palm groves and villages, or a visit to the Luxor Museum, which displays beautifully preserved artifacts and statues. In the evening, return to Karnak for the Sound and Light Show, which uses dramatic lighting and narration to bring the story of Thebes to life. End the day reflecting on the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

After breakfast, journey south from Luxor to Aswan, choosing between a scenic train ride, a private car transfer with stops along the way, or a short flight. As you travel, watch the Nile Valley unfold with its palm groves, farms, and desert landscapes. On arrival, check in at your hotel and take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, where feluccas glide across the river. In the afternoon, visit the Nubian Museum, an engaging collection that celebrates Nubian culture and documents the dramatic relocation of temples during the building of the High Dam. End your day with dinner by the Nile, enjoying the flavors of Nubian cuisine accompanied by the sounds of traditional music.

Start with a motorboat ride across the Nile to Philae Temple, a jewel dedicated to Isis and beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island after the flooding of Lake Nasser. Marvel at its colonnades, courtyards, and detailed reliefs. Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in Aswan’s granite quarry, offering insight into ancient stone-carving techniques. Continue to the High Dam, a modern engineering feat that reshaped Egypt’s agriculture and water supply. After lunch, unwind on a tranquil felucca ride around Elephantine Island, gliding past palm-fringed shores and ancient ruins. Spend your evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying dinner in a Nubian village, where hospitality and culture bring a memorable close to the day.

Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Abu Simbel, either by a scenic three-hour desert drive or a short flight from Aswan. Built by Ramses II, the twin temples are among Egypt’s most spectacular monuments. Stand before the towering 20-meter statues of the pharaoh guarding the Great Temple, then step inside to see detailed carvings of battles and gods. Visit the smaller Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, with graceful reliefs celebrating her unique role. Learn how both temples were dramatically relocated in the 1960s to escape rising waters of Lake Nasser. Return to Aswan in the afternoon, with time to shop for spices and crafts in the lively souk or relax by the river at sunset.

Enjoy breakfast in Aswan before catching a short flight back to Cairo. On arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city’s cultural gems. Visit Coptic Cairo, home to the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, or tour the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where the Royal Mummies Hall displays some of Egypt’s most famous pharaohs. For a modern twist, head to the Zamalek district, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and cafés. In the evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner cruise on the Nile, complete with live music, folkloric performances, and dazzling city views — the perfect finale to your Egyptian adventure.

Fly to Amman, Jordan’s vibrant capital, and transfer to your hotel to settle in. In the afternoon, stroll through the city’s bustling downtown, where Roman ruins blend with lively souks and cafés. Walk along Rainbow Street, lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants offering everything from street food to gourmet dishes. Stop for Arabic coffee or try sweet knafeh at a local bakery. If time permits, visit the Amman Citadel, where ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic ruins overlook the city. End the day with dinner at a traditional Levantine restaurant, sampling mezze and grilled specialties, before returning to your hotel. This first day introduces Amman’s unique blend of old and new, setting the stage for your Jordanian journey.

Begin your day at the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater, two iconic sites that reveal the city’s ancient past. Visit the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts that trace Jordan’s layered history. Wander through bustling streets to enjoy falafel, shawarma, or sweet knafeh from local eateries. In the afternoon, drive north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy. Stroll along colonnaded streets, admire the Oval Plaza, and explore ancient theaters, temples, and Byzantine churches. Return to Amman in the evening and dine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants, perhaps trying mansaf, Jordan’s national dish. After dinner, take a relaxed walk along Rainbow Street, soaking in Amman’s lively yet welcoming vibe.

After breakfast, depart Amman for the journey south to Petra. En route, stop in Madaba, known for its Byzantine mosaics, especially the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, and enjoy sweeping views of the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. Journey onward through scenic landscapes along the King’s Highway before arriving in Petra by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and relax, or, if schedules allow, join the magical Petra by Night experience. Thousands of candles illuminate the Siq and Treasury, creating a mystical first glimpse of this extraordinary “Rose-Red City.” Rest overnight in Petra, ready for a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Spend today immersed in Petra, Jordan’s most iconic treasure and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Begin with a walk through the narrow Siq, a dramatic gorge that opens to reveal the breathtaking Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Continue deeper into the site, exploring the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the Roman Theater. For a more adventurous experience, climb the 800 steps to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), another monumental structure with sweeping desert views. Along the way, pause for mint tea at Bedouin stalls and soak in the unique atmosphere of this ancient Nabataean city carved from rose-colored rock. As evening falls, return to your hotel in Petra for dinner and a restful night.

After breakfast, depart Petra and journey south to the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum, often called the “Valley of the Moon.” On arrival, hop aboard a 4x4 jeep for an exhilarating tour through towering sandstone cliffs, red dunes, and narrow canyons. Learn about the desert’s role in Lawrence of Arabia’s campaigns and its appearances in modern films like The Martian. As the afternoon light softens, the desert glows in shades of orange and crimson — perfect for photos. Arrive at your Bedouin-style camp in time for a traditional Zarb dinner, slow-cooked underground in hot sand. Spend the evening under a brilliant canopy of stars, with the option to sleep in a tent or beneath the open sky.

This morning, leave the desert behind and head north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 430 meters below sea level. Check into your resort and spend the day indulging in the region’s natural wonders. Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters, cover yourself in rejuvenating black mud, or enjoy spa treatments that use famous Dead Sea salts and minerals. If time allows, visit nearby Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the baptism site of Jesus, or enjoy a gentle walk in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve. In the evening, savor a farewell dinner with panoramic views of the glowing waters at sunset. Reflect on your journey through Egypt and Jordan, filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Depending on your flight time, travel by private transfer back to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman