Journey Through Egypt and Jordan

Feel as if you’ve stepped into another time as you enter a world of legends, relics, and indescribable beauty. Eons of history and iconic wonders, mouthwatering bites of savory cuisine, and stretching sunsets fading against the desert horizon – discover the essence of Jordan and Egypt.

Your adventure starts in Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Meet your Jordanian Tour Manager who will accompany you throughout your time in the Middle Eastern country.

This morning, tour Amman, a city built on seven hills, with a rich history spanning nearly 10,000 years. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, indulging in meze – a large variety of small sharing plates showcasing the exotic flavors of the Levant. This afternoon, take in Jordan’s rocky landscape during your four-hour journey to Petra, the fabled “Rose Red City.” At your hotel, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner.

At daybreak, weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the vast archeological site of Petra. Serving as a crossroads between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra contains ages of hidden wonders just waiting to be explored. Take advantage of an afternoon at leisure to adventure further on your own. Perhaps you’ll trek up the 850 steps to the “Monastery,” one of Petra’s legendary monuments. In the evening, roll up your sleeves and join an authentic Arabic cooking class in a local home. During this Impact Moment, learn about the evolving role of women in Jordanian society as you chat about Bedouin traditions, ingredients and recipes from your host. Dig into dinner, family-style before returning to your hotel for the night.

A full morning transfer takes you to the once-fertile basin of the Jordan Valley. In Madaba, view its famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land and engage with the local community during a home-hosted lunch. Experience proverbial Jordanian hospitality and authentic home cooking as you share stories and connect with your hosts over a traditional meal. This afternoon, like Moses long before you, gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo. Then, descend to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea for a two-night stay at a hotel featuring direct access to the legendary sea.

This morning, it’s your choice! Travel the short distance between your hotel and the Jordan River to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the UNESCO-recognized site believed to be where St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ -OR- take advantage of your hotel’s private access to the beach and enjoy a morning at leisure to experience the Dead Sea’s natural buoyancy. Wrap up your afternoon at leisure with a scenic sunset overlooking the Dead Sea, before gathering for dinner at your hotel.

Pre-dawn this morning,* say goodbye to your Jordanian Tour Manager before boarding a 90-minute flight to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Arrive in the land of the Pharaohs and meet your Egyptian Tour Manager, who will accompany you for the rest of the trip. Feel Cairo’s constant thrum of energy wrap around you as you transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay.

*The exact flight schedule will be confirmed closer to departure. Due to limited flights, your flight from Jordan to Egypt may take off as early as 4:30 a.m., requiring a 1:30 a.m. departure from the hotel.

This morning, get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during a visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.** Be prepared for a dose of Cairo’s legendary traffic as you head to Giza. Embrace the Egypt you always imagined as you stand in awe before the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Marvel at the stoicism of the Great Sphinx, a colossal structure jutting out of the desert sand, full of mystery and intrigue. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

**The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum is experiencing repeated delays. Once opening is confirmed, we will be pursuing ticketing and replacing the visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities with a visit to the new museum.

Pre-dawn this morning,*** transfer to the Cairo airport for your 75-minute flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, visit the expansive ruins of Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. Then, board your cruise ship and settle in for the next four nights. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, take in the views from the sundeck, before joining your fellow travelers for your first dinner aboard.

***The exact flight schedule will be confirmed closer to departure. Due to limited flights, your flight from Cairo to Luxor may take off as early as 5:30 a.m., requiring a 2:30 a.m. departure from the hotel.

As dawn breaks, venture to Luxor’s West Bank, trekking along the elaborate tombs of the Valley of the Kings.**** Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an included viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for a late lunch. In the early afternoon, set sail to Edfu, where you’ll arrive early tomorrow morning. As you sail upstream, glimpse the small farms scattered along the Nile’s banks, and appreciate the simple, modest livings of local farmers.

****Visiting the Valley of the Kings requires walking on sand and mostly unpaved paths. In addition, visiting the tombs requires navigating through multiple steep staircases and/or ramps with limited help from handrails.

In Edfu, pick between an early or a late start to your day, because it’s your choice! Head out at daybreak for a guided visit of the mesmerizing Temple of Horus, returning for a late breakfast aboard -OR- rise at your leisure and linger over a relaxed breakfast, as you take in views of a place where daily life has changed little over the centuries. This afternoon, coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Then, watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to Aswan. This evening, don a traditional Egyptian gown and join a festive galabeya party for a fun evening on board.

Your morning opens in Aswan, the Nubian city. Discover the mysteries of Philae Temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Philae is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum. This evening, aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before relaxing over dinner aboard.

Early this morning,***** return to Cairo. Head towards the old town and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon. This evening, celebrate the end of your Middle Eastern journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel.

*****The exact flight schedule will be confirmed closer to departure. Due to limited flights, your departure from Aswan to Cairo may take off as early as 6:00 a.m., requiring a 3:30 a.m. departure from the ship. Occasionally, your visit to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar may take place during your first stay in Cairo.

Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of these mystical lands.