Day 1 : Fly to Jordan

An overnight flight takes us to Jordan.

Day 2 : Arrive in Amman

Arriving at the Amman Airport, we meet our Tour Director and local guide. We then travel to our 5-star hotel in Amman and get to know our fellow travelers during an exclusive Social Hour.

Day 3 : Amman & Jerash

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of the old city of Amman including the Citadel and Roman Theater, two of the most popular archaeological sites in the city. We continue our travels to Jerash, an ancient Graeco-Roman city founded by Alexander the Great. Hidden for hundreds of years under the shifting sands of Jordan, it is now considered one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Take time to stroll down the Street of Columns, once the city’s main street, to marvel at the towering pillars and original stones with ruts from chariots still present today. Later, we return to our accommodations in Amman.

Day 4 : Madaba & Mount Nebo

Today we travel south on the 5,000 year-old King’s Highway, one of the most memorable journeys in the Holy Land as it passes through a string of ancient sites. Our first stop is Madaba, the City of Mosaics. We visit the city’s most significant attraction, the contemporary Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, home to a wonderfully vivid, sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Then, we visit nearby Mount Nebo and the memorial of Moses, the presumed site of the prophet’s death and burial place. Later, our journey continues into Petra, where we check in to our accommodations at The Old Village Hotel & Resort, an impeccable and fascinating resort created out of the old town buildings.

Day 5 : Petra

This morning, we tour breathtaking Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. As we travel down the winding canyon road nestled in soaring cliffs, the rich pink and red colors that surround us unveil why the city is often referred to as Rose Red City. At the end of the passage, we see The Treasury, known as Al-Khazneh, an ancient mausoleum carved out of solid rock from the side of the mountain. Later, we return to the Amman Airport for our short flight to Cairo, then settle into our comfortable 5-star accommodations.

Day 6 : Pyramids & the Great Sphinx

We start with a drive to Memphis today, once a thriving metropolis and capital of the Old Kingdom. One of the most incredible attractions here is Saqqara, the legendary step pyramid of the Third Egyptian Dynasty and the oldest stone complex in the world. Later, we explore some of Egypt’s most mysterious and famous monuments with a visit to the pyramids of Giza, featuring the Great Pyramid. This pyramid built by Khufu is the oldest and largest of the pyramids and the only surviving structure of the remaining Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We also see the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza, dating back to 26th century BC. Afterwards, we return to our wonderful hotel in Cairo.

Day 7 : Cairo Sightseeing

Set on the Nile, the longest river in the world, we explore the ancient city of Cairo today. Marvel at exciting attractions including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Khan el Khalili Bazar, Old Cairo, and the Citadel of Cairo, featuring the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Discover Old Cairo, the historic part of the city that tells its origin stories. This area was once a Roman-era fortress called “Fort Babylon” and at another time, an Islamic-era settlement, both which pre-dated the founding of Cairo in 969 AD.

Day 8 : Karnak & Luxor Temples

After breakfast, we travel to Cairo Airport and fly south to Luxor where we board the ms Tulip, our home for the next four nights. Enjoy expansive staterooms, luxurious amenities, and all meals included onboard as we cruise the Nile River. Our first stop is Karnak, the world’s largest temple complex consisting of decayed pylons, temples, and chapels that once served as a palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs. We also visit Luxor Temple, built around 14th century BC, and by the time of the Roman Empire it was used as a fortress for the Roman government. Originally dedicated to the mother goddess of Mut, Luxor Temple has since turned into a Tetrarchy cult chapel, and then a church.

Day 9 : Valley of the Kings

Today we disembark to visit the burials for pharaohs and powerful nobles in the West Bank Valley of the Kings, then Hatshepsut Temple, the ‘Holy of Holies’ built during the Eighteenth Egyptian Dynasty that showcases masterful ancient architecture. After lunch on the ship, we continue to Esna where we cross the lock and spend the night. While here, admire the colorful hieroglyphic carvings and massive columns at Temple of Khnum.

Day 10 : Edfu & Kom Ombo

We sail to Edfu this morning, then take a horse-drawn carriage ride to the temple dedicated to the Falcon-headed god, Horus. One of Egypt’s most iconic deities, the Eye of Horus, originates from this spirit and represents well-being, protection, and healing. Later, we cruise to the ancient city of Kom Ombo, known for its agricultural importance.

Day 11 : Aswan

This morning we visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple, before our journey to Aswan. After lunch, we observe the High Dam, a massive embankment dam and impressive engineering feat, as well as the century-old Low Dam. Next, gaze upon the largest known ancient obelisk, known as the Unfinished Obelisk, at Aswan’s stone quarry. Our day concludes with a trip to Philae Temple, an island-based complex within the Low Dam’s reservoir and the last temple built in classical Egyptian style.

Day 12 : Kitchner Island

Today, we disembark our cruise ship in Aswan and relax on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat, for a scenic sail around Kitchner Island, known for its exotic birds and plants. After lunch together at a local restaurant, we fly back to Cairo and check in to our 5-star accommodations at the Le Méridien Cairo Airport Hotel. Later, we gather with our new friends to reminisce on the incredible memories we had throughout Jordan and Egypt during a Farewell Social Hour.

Day 13 : Fly Home

Fly home today, returning with incredible lifelong memories.