Inclusions:

• 23 Meals – 11 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• Stand before the Pyramids of Giza
• Meander through historic Petra
• Take in the landscape of Wadi Rum the Valley of the Moon
• Enjoy a traditional lunch cooked by a local in Madaba
• Arabic cooking class
• 3 night cruise on the Nile
• Viewing of the toms of King Tut and Ramses VI
• Connect with the locals

Itinerary

Day 1 Cairo, Egypt – Tour Begins

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.

Day 2  Cairo

Spend the morning with an Egyptologist for a lecture on ancient Egypt. Your look into the past continues at the Egyptian Museum, a collection featuring some of the area’s oldest artifacts. This evening, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner featuring local specialties.

Day 3 Cairo – Giza – Cairo – Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Venture to nearby Giza and embrace the Egypt you have always imagined at the iconic Pyramids. Stand in awe before the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the Great Sphinx’s stoicism, 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.

Day 4 Cairo – Aswan – Philae – Board Ship Sonesta St George Nile Cruise Ship

A 2-hour flight brings 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. This afternoon, discover the mysteries of Philae’s temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Then, board your cruise ship, your home for the next three nights, and watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by you. After a captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner, connect with Egypt’s culture at an ancient Nubian show.

Day 5  Sonesta St. George Nile Cruises  Kom Ombo – Edfu – Esna

Coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Continue on to the mesmerizing Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the ancient god Horus and serving as one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Sail to Esna before enjoying a festive Galabeya Party, where you might don a traditional Egyptian gown.

Day 6  Sonesta St. George Nile Cruises  West and East Bank of Luxor

Start the day on Luxor’s West Bank, trekking along elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an exclusive viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Continue on to a local farm nestled along the banks of the Nile. At the farm, discuss this Egyptian way of life between sips of freshly brewed tea. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Behold the Luxor Temple, a creation of kings Amenhotep III and Ramses II -OR- admire incomparable views of the Nile while you enjoy high tea at the Old Winter Palace which hosted esteemed guests such as Winston Churchill and the great Egyptologist Howard Carter, who announced the discovery of King Tut’s tomb here. This evening, enjoy the sound and light show at Karnak Temple.

Day 7 Luxor – Disembark Ship – Amman, Jordan

Say goodbye to the land of the pyramids as you fly from Luxor to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Get a peek into this innovative city housing both modern technologies and ancient relics. Tonight’s street food dinner includes local specialties of hummus, falafels and kunafa.

Day 8 Amman – Wadi Rum – Petra

Cross Jordan all the way to the south as you leave Amman for the isolated desert of Wadi Rum. Nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, this ethereal landscape resembles nothing found on earth. Cruise through the reserve in the back of a pickup truck during an open-air vehicle tour. 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.

Day 9  Petra

Weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the 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.

Day 10 Petra – Dead Sea

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, arrive at your hotel in the Dead Sea and take advantage of the luxuries and direct access to the legendary sea.

Day 11  Dead Sea – Madaba – Dead Sea

Get a glimpse into the foundation of Christian reverence at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the venerated site of Jesus Christ’s baptism. In Madaba, delve deep into St. George’s Church and its famous Byzantine mosaic. 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. Before returning to your hotel, gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo like Moses long before you. This evening gather with your fellow travelers to toast to a memorable journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Day 12 Dead Sea – Tour Ends

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