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 Egypt and Jordan.
Hotel Name: Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino

Your adventure starts in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. A constant thrum of energy wrapped around you, feel the ever-present heartbeat of the country in the city streets. Located strategically along the banks of the Nile, generations of wanderers have traversed these grounds just as you do now.

Visit Area: Cairo

This morning, join your Tour Manager-Egyptologist for an introductory talk on ancient Egypt. Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties before navigating Cairo’s famous traffic on your way to the expansive collection of artifacts at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.* This evening, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner featuring local specialties.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
Venture to the most iconic sites of Egypt. The limestone structures are over 4,500 years old, and the Sphinx is one of the world’s largest monuments. The sphinx – with the body of a lion and the head of a human – signified a spiritual guardian to ancient Egyptians. The pyramids are believed to be tombs for ancient pharaohs.

Early this morning, venture to nearby Giza and embrace the Egypt you have always imagined. Stand in awe before the iconic Pyramids of Giza,** one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the stoicism of the Great Sphinx, a colossal structure jutting out of the desert sand, full of mystery and intrigue. This afternoon, walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el-Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Anakato Wadi Kiki Nubian Houses

Visit Area: Historic Cairo

Pre-dawn this morning,*** transfer to the Cairo airport for the 2-hour flight that takes you to Aswan, a breathtaking port city up the Nile. You may choose to partake in an optional tour to Abu Simbel**** and see the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated there during the construction of the High Dam. Experience the Nubian culture of Upper Egypt as you transfer by motorboat to your rustic riverside lodge, with its colorful decorations and naïve architectural style. This afternoon, learn more about the Nubian people, their ancestral heritage and language during a walk in the nearby village, before relaxing over dinner at your lodge.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Sonesta St. George 1

Visit Area: Aswan
Aswan is a city in the south of Egypt located just north of the Aswan dams on the east bank of the Nile River and is 81 miles south of Luxor, Egypt. It is said to be Egypt’s sunniest southern city and has a busy market and tourist center.

This morning, 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. Then, board your cruise ship and settle in for the next three nights. 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.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: 3-Night Nile River Cruise
Cruise along the Nile River as the diverse Egyptian landscapes drift by. Enjoy festive Nubian shows and Galabeya parties along the way. The Nile River is known as the longest in the world, and has been a crucial resource for civilizations dating back 5,000 years.

Coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to the mesmerizing Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the ancient god Horus. Relax during an afternoon on board as you glide down the Nile, before enjoying a festive Galabeya Party, where you might don a traditional Egyptian gown.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Drive By: Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo is a town in Egypt famous for its temple, the Temple of Kom Ombo. This Graceo-Roman temple was built in 332 B.C. Being a double temple makes it quite unique. One temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.

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 lunch. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Visit the expansive ruins of Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions -OR- admire expansive views of the Nile while you enjoy high tea at the Old Winter Palace which hosted esteemed guests such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and the great Egyptologist Howard Carter.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Sheraton Amman Al Nabil & Towers

Visit Area: Edfu
Visit the mesmerizing Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved shrines. It honors the ancient god of the sky, Horus, who is often depicted as the iconic falcon. The temple towers over anyone standing at its entrance, decorated with stone inscriptions.

Pre-dawn this morning,*** say goodbye to the land of the pyramids as you fly to Cairo, where you connect to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Get a peek into this innovative city housing both modern technologies and ancient relics on your way to tonight’s street food dinner which includes local specialties such as hummus, falafels and kunafa.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Movenpick Resort, Wadi Musa

Visit Area: Luxor
Home to a vast majority of Egypt’s antiquities, Luxor is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. This city, parted by the Nile, has been visited by travelers for centuries. Even the Greeks and Romans would travel to see the treasures that lie here. Its immense number of monuments is incredible. There’s the famous Valley of the Kings which boasts 63 royal tombs, one more elaborate than the next…and Karnak, a vast complex of temples and gigantic statues including the Temple of Amun, known to be the largest religious building ever constructed. Luxor will bring you back to ancient times while you are awed by the wealth of its leaders and the skill of its people.

This morning, cross Jordan all the way to the south as you leave Amman for the isolated desert of Wadi Rum where you arrive by lunchtime. Nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, this ethereal landscape resembles nothing found on earth. Cruise through the reserve on the back of a pick-up truck and take in the vast landscape around you. Enjoy lunch at a local camp before venturing onward to Petra, the fabled “Rose Red City.” In the evening, stroll down the street to an authentic Arabic cooking class. Prepare your meal, featuring fresh ingredients from local markets and traditional Jordanian recipes, before digging in family-style.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: High Tea at Winter Palace or Karnak Temple
In Luxor, you have the choice between two activities. You can choose to admire incomparable views of the Nile while you enjoy high tea at the Old Winter Palace, which hosted esteemed guests such as Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, and the great Egyptologist Howard Carter. Your second choice is to explore the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions in company of your Egyptologist-Tour Manager. NEO DAY #7 - High Tea at Winter Palace Activity Level: 1 There is 1 flight of steps to climb from the street level to access the tearoom/terrace where high tea is served. NEO DAY #7 - Karnak Temple Visit Activity Level: 2 Tour is approximately 90 minutes of walking in the archeological site which is mostly flat, with a few steps here and there (max of 4-5 at a time). Please note, terrain is uneven and unpaved.

At daybreak, weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the vast archeological site of Petra with your guide. Serving as a crossroads between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra contains ages of hidden wonders just waiting to be explored. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Keep exploring Petra’s vast archeological site on your own. Perhaps you’ll trek up to the “Monastery,” one of Petra’s legendary monuments -OR- join a local family at their home for tea and friendly conversation about life in the Bedouin community of Wadi Musa -OR- visit Little Petra, a Nabatean outpost located a few miles from its famous big sister, and featuring a 2000-year old Nabatean fresco that finds no corresponding in its larger neighbor.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Movenpick Resort and Spa

Visit Area: Valley of the Kings
Located among the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor is the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. The tombs were built here over a period of almost 500 years. There are 63 tombs in the valley, 26 of them carved for kings, and the others were carved for royal family members.

A full morning transfer takes you north to the fertile basin of the Jordan Valley. Here, connect with the local community during an Impact Moment at a cooperative promoting the conservation of traditional crafts through the employment of Bedouin women. After lunch at the cooperative, descend to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea for a 2-night stay at a hotel featuring direct access to the legendary sea.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Jordanian Family Home Visit or Petra Exploration or Little Petra
In Petra, you have the choice between three activities. After the morning tour of Petra’s main highlights, you have the choice to keep exploring Petra’s vast archeological site on your own. Perhaps you’ll trek up to the ‘Monastery,’ one of Petra’s legendary monuments. Your second choice is to join a local family at their home for tea and friendly conversation about life in the Bedouin community of Wadi Musa. Your third choice is to visit Little Petra, a Nabatean outpost located a few miles from its famous big sister, and featuring a 2000-year old Nabatean fresco that finds no corresponding in its larger neighbor. NEO DAY #10 - Jordanian Family Home Visit Activity Level: 1 Travelers will visit a local family in their home in Wadi Musa (Petra village) for conversation about life in the Bedouin community, including the role of women in society. During the visit, the hosting family will offer tea, coffee and home-made cookies. NEO DAY #10 - Explore Little Petra (led by Tour Manager) Activity Level: 2 Travelers can join the Tour Manager for a visit to the small archeological site of Little Petra, which is located about 8 miles from Petra. This site was an outpost of the Nabateans on the Silk Road and is the only Nabatean site where frescoes were found. Travelers should expect to walk about 10 minutes on sand and climb up/down about 10 tall steps to view the fresco inside the ruins. NEO DAY #10 - Petra in Depth Exploration Activity Level: 4 Travelers have the choice to make full use of their daily admission pass to Petra to access other monuments that are located higher up in the hills. Depending on which monuments they wish to view, travelers should expect to climb inclines on loose gravel or unpaved ground. Some areas of the Petra archeological site are accessible through steep staircases that do not always have handrails.

Journey to Madaba and delve deep into St. George’s Church and its famous Byzantine mosaic representing the Holy Land. Then, connect with the local community during a home hosted lunch. Experience traditional Jordanian hospitality and authentic home cooking as you share stories and connect with your hosts over a traditional meal. Gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo like Moses long before you. This evening, celebrate the end of your Middle Eastern journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Amman
Visit the Jordan city of Amman, where ancient relics meet modern wonders. The city is bustling with people and culture, and is often recognized as the most modernized Arab city. The city dates back even before 7,000 B.C., but rapidly increased in size following World War I – now it is home to Jordan’s king.

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

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Wadi Rum
Visit the Wadi Rum, “the Valley of the Moon” for its otherworldly, isolated desert landscape. The valley lies among sandstone and granite rock, and has been inhabited by a number of civilizations since prehistoric times. It is now one of Jordan’s most significant tourist destinations, especially to trekkers and climbers.