Cultural Treasures: Petra and the Nile

Join us on a journey through time, beginning with a visit to the ancient ruined city of Jerash. Marvel at the stunning Roman architecture that was once hidden beneath the sand. You'll explore some of the city's most impressive ruins, including the theatres, baths, fountains, winding paved streets, and striking hilltop temples. After Jerash, we'll return to Amman for a city tour. Known as the "white city," Amman boasts a vast collection of white limestone buildings that are simply stunning to behold. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the city's rich history, pointing out excavations and renovations from the Neolithic period, the Hellenistic period, and the late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. One of the highlights of the city tour is the Citadel, where you'll discover the ancient temple of Hercules, the 8th century Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church, and the 6,000-seat Roman theatre that dates back to the 2nd century. Despite its age, the theatre is still in use today for cultural events, providing an unforgettable experience of Amman's cultural heritage. Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, we'll embark on a scenic drive along the King's Highway to Petra, taking in breathtaking views of Jordan's wadis, olive groves, and rural villages. Along the way, we'll make stops at historic landmarks, starting with Madaba, where we'll visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. You'll admire the famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land, along with other biblical sites. Our journey continues to Mount Nebo, where you'll marvel at the stunning panoramic views of the Holy Land from its summit. As we make our way towards Petra, we'll cross the impressive Wadi al-Mujib and stop at the 12th-century Kerak Castle, a massive fortress built by the Crusader King Baldwin along the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan route. Finally, we'll arrive at Petra and help you check into your hotel for the night. You'll have some free time to explore the city on your own, but we highly recommend taking the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury, a magical experience not to be missed. Overnight: Petra hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, we embark on a full-day adventure to discover the wonders of Petra, the renowned Nabatean site dating back to the 1st century AD. Once the bustling capital of the Nabatean commercial empire, Petra was forgotten for centuries until rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Accessible only through a narrow passage called the Siq, Petra is perched on the edge of Wadi Aruba, surrounded by towering canyon walls and hills. Our guided tour takes us through the winding Siq, rising 200m above and only 2m wide. We'll pass by the terracotta pipes that once brought water into the city and the ancient Nabatean water channel. As we emerge from the Siq, we'll be awestruck by the sight of the Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, one of Petra's most impressive landmarks. We'll also explore the Roman amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and the multi-colored sandstone cliffs leading to the Monastery, Petra's biggest carved monument, standing 50 meters high and 45 meters wide. The views of Wadi Aruba and the Jordan Valley from this point are simply breathtaking. After an unforgettable day in Petra, we'll head to Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape of towering rocks and cliffs. Here, we'll be welcomed by friendly Bedouin hosts and settle into a comfortable campsite beneath the starry sky. We'll indulge ina delicious traditional Jordanian meal and spend the evening relaxing by the campfire, gazing at the stars, and enjoying the tranquility of this breathtaking desert setting. Overnight: Wadi Rum Bedouin camp Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with an exciting jeep safari through Wadi Rum's magnificent desert landscape. With sharp cliffs and intriguing rock formations, the enormous rust-colored rocky 'jebels' in this area were made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia. We'll traverse the desert terrain and marvel at the stunning vistas that stretch out before us. After our adventure in Wadi Rum, we'll travel north to the banks of the Dead Sea. This body of water is the lowest point on earth, at over 400 meters below sea level. The sea receives a variety of incoming rivers, including the Jordan River, and when the rivers merge together, they leave behind a unique blend of salts and minerals that supply local industries with high-quality products. We'll stop for a swim in the Dead Sea, a truly unique and memorable experience unlike any other swimming experience. Due to its high salt concentration, you'll float effortlessly. Remember to avoid getting the water in your eyes, as it can be quite uncomfortable. After enjoying the unique swimming experience in the Dead Sea, we'll make our way back to Amman, taking in the scenic views of the hills of Jerusalem along the way. This area is believed to have been the home of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin, and Zoar (Bela). Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo, where we'll meet you upon arrival. Our team will assist you in obtaining your visa and luggage before transferring you to your Cairo hotel for check-in. Take some free time to explore the city on your own or relax at the hotel. For those interested in a unique dining experience, an optional Nile dinner cruise is available tonight. Please note that the cost of the Amman-Cairo flight is not included in the tour price. We've left this out to provide flexibility, as it's often more cost-effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. However, we're happy to book this flight for you separately if needed. Both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines offer direct flights at any time during the day. We can also assist you in booking all of your international flights upon request. All transfers in Amman and Cairo are included in the tour price. Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Begin your Egyptian adventure by visiting the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo. Built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 years BC, these pyramids are among the most recognizable ancient buildings in the world. Your Egyptologist guide will introduce you to the history of the Pharaohs and provide insights into why and how these pyramids were constructed. For the adventurous, there is even an option to climb inside one of the pyramids (subject to availability). Next, visit the majestic Sphinx, which was fully uncovered only in the 1920s and sits nearby the pyramids. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive south along the banks of the River Nile, passing through quaint towns and villages on the way to Luxor. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

This morning, there is an (optional excursion) seize the opportunity to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West bank of the Nile. After breakfast, we'll embark on our tour of Luxor today, starting with the impressive temple complex of Karnak. Featuring towering columns and numerous temples and structures, Karnak rightly justifies Luxor's reputation as the largest open-air museum in the world! In the afternoon, we'll set sail up the Nile, passing through the lock at Esna and continuing on to Edfu, where we'll spend the night. Overnight: Edfu - 5-star Nile cruise boat Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we'll visit the nearby Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus. We'll then continue upriver towards Kom Ombo, taking in the traditional rural Egyptian life that passes us by on the banks of the Nile. You may want to relax and enjoy a soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck. At Kom Ombo, we'll tour the temple, which sits scenically by the banks of the Nile and is home to mummified crocodiles, among other things! Our cruise will then continue onwards to Aswan. Overnight: Aswan - 5-star Nile cruise boat Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you have the option to visit the temples built by Ramses II at the amazing UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel. We'll depart very early with the aim of seeing the rising sun over the temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, you'll have the morning free. Our tours in Aswan include a trip to the beautiful island temple complex of Philae, which we'll reach by boat. The Philae temple remains one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites, having been completely relocated following work on the Dam. We'll also see the impressive Aswan High Dam, which was constructed to form Lake Nasser. Overnight: Aswan - 5-star Nile cruise boat Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After transferring to Aswan airport this morning, we'll take a flight back to Cairo. Our Cairo tour begins with a visit to the world-renowned Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, also known as the Egyptian Museum. With your certified Egyptologist guide, you'll stroll through the halls highlighting each historical period of this ancient land. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, or you can opt for a half-day tour to discover Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and explore the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Finally, you can choose to end the day with an optional dinner cruise on the Nile. Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, you have free time until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you're interested in extending your trip, we offer a variety of options to add onto the end of the tour. You can spend some time by the Red Sea, add day trips to Alexandria, Cairo city tour, or visit the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales. Just let us know your preferences, and we'll be happy to arrange it for you. Meals: Breakfast