Ancient Treasures & Natural Landscapes of Egypt & Jordan: From Cairo to the Dead Sea - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo (Egypt), Explore the Capital at Leisure

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt's sprawling capital and one of the largest cities in Africa. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. You could head to Cairo Tower on Gezira Island and ride the high-speed elevator 469 feet (143 m) up to the observation deck, where you can take in panoramic views of the cityscape, winding Nile River, and iconic landmarks like the Giza Necropolis in the distance. If you're hungry, stop by the revolving restaurant to enjoy a meal while slowly taking in 360-degree views of the city. 

Afterward, wander through the upscale Zamalek district below, known for its tree-lined streets, elegant villas, and vibrant art scene. Visit landmarks like the Cairo Opera House, where you can catch captivating performances from opera to ballet. The neighborhood is also known for its eclectic dining scene, offering everything from traditional Egyptian cuisine to international fare. If you choose a local restaurant for dinner, try Egypt's national dish, koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, all topped with a spicy tomato sauce).

Day 2: Guided Tour of Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis & the Giza Plateau

Start your day with a one-hour transfer to Memphis. This once political and cultural heart of ancient Egypt is now an open-air museum showcasing artifacts and ruins from the past. Wander through the archaeological site to see highlights like the 30-foot-tall (9 m) statue of Ramesses II and the impressive alabaster sphinx. Then, head to the Saqqara Necropolis, a burial ground from the early dynastic period, where you'll find the oldest stone pyramid in the world, the Pyramid of Djoser. Beyond the six-tiered pyramid, you'll find an array of tombs and smaller pyramids with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics.

Your last stop on today's full-day tour is the Giza Plateau, home to three iconic pyramids: the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the oldest and only surviving wonder of the ancient world—the Great Pyramid of Giza. Admire all three from outside or pay extra to explore the chambers and passageways within. Be sure to see the Great Sphinx with its lion's body and pharaoh's head as it stands guard over the plateau. After appreciating each pyramid, transfer 30 minutes back to your hotel in Cairo.

Day 3: Fly to Aswan, Visit the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple

Leave the capital behind and head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan, where you'll board a five-day cruise on the Nile River. Head to your cruise ship first to check in and leave your bags in the cabin, then follow your guide to the Aswan High Dam. Completed in 1970 CE, this engineering marvel harnesses the Nile's power to generate hydroelectric energy and improve agricultural productivity. Stand atop the dam and look over the world's largest artificial lake, Lake Nasser. Then, board a small boat to reach Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. The temple is dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis.

Explore the halls and sanctuaries within the temple, renowned for its well-preserved carvings and hieroglyphs that narrate the legendary tales of the goddess's life and worship. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the rest of the day on board or opt for a felucca (wooden sailboat) ride on the Nile. Glide along the river's currents past Kitchener's Island, known for its botanical garden, and Elephantine Island, to marvel at the local Nubian culture. You'll also see the Agha Khan Mausoleum before returning to the ship for dinner where you'll remain docked in Aswan overnight.

Day 4: Visit Abu Simbel, Cruise to Kom Ombo Temple

After your first night on board, disembark early this morning for a three-hour transfer south to Abu Simbel in the Nubian Desert. Enjoy a breakfast box en route, then on arrival, follow your guide to two rock-cut temples built to celebrate Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. Admire the four 66-foot-tall (20 m) statues of the pharaoh outside the bigger temple, then enter to see the intricate carvings, monumental hallways, and inner sanctuary adorned with more statues of the pharaoh and the gods Amon, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah.

Continue to the smaller temple dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, where you'll find impressive reliefs and inscriptions honoring both women. After exploring the temples, return to the ship for lunch as you cruise to Kom Ombo Temple. Disembark and discover the temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile deity of fertility and the Nile, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and war. To honor both gods, the temple features two sets of identical courts, halls, and sanctuaries, all adorned with intricate reliefs and inscriptions. Then, return to the ship for your second night on the Nile.

Day 5: Cruise to Gebel el-Silsila & Fawaza Island

Enjoy breakfast on board while you cruise to Gebel el-Silsila, a historic site renowned for its vast sandstone quarries that supplied the material for many of Egypt's great temples and monuments. It was also an important center for the cult of the Nile, as annual sacrifices were made here to ensure the fertility of the land. Explore the rock-cut tombs, temples, and inscriptions carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Stop at highlights like the Temple of Horemheb for a close-up look at the inscriptions and reliefs depicting Pharaoh Horemheb's military victories, religious ceremonies, and offerings.

Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise to Fawaza Island, known for its lush vegetation and clear waters. Anchor near the island and enjoy a leisurely evening on board. Grab a drink and relax on the deck, enjoying wide-ranging views of the riverbank and distant dunes. When the sun begins to set, watch the sky transform into a vibrant palette of warm oranges, pinks, and purples. Then, as darkness falls, look up at the star-filled sky uninterrupted by city lights before sitting down for dinner and spending your third night on the Nile.

Day 6: Explore Edfu Temple & El Kab, Cruise to El Hegz Island

Disembark in Edfu and switch to a horse-drawn carriage to reach Edfu Temple, a remarkably well-preserved complex dating back to the Ptolemaic period. Admire the imposing facade and colossal statues of the falcon-headed god, Horus. Then, step inside to explore the series of grand hypostyle halls intricately adorned with hieroglyphics that tell the story of Horus's legendary battles and triumphs. Be sure to see the expansive courtyard with 32 columns depicting various deities and mythological scenes. Then, return to the ship for lunch as you cruise to El-Kab, a historic site on the Nile's east bank.

Wander through the site, which includes prehistoric and ancient Egyptian settlements, temples, and tombs. The most notable structure is the Temple of Nekhbet, which features impressive reliefs and inscriptions detailing the divine and royal figures of the time. Other highlights you'll see include a series of rock-cut tombs with intricate wall paintings that provide insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and beliefs. After exploring the archaeological site, return to the ship for dinner as you cruise to El Hegz Island near Esna for your fourth night on the Nile. 

Day 7: Guided Tour of Luxor's West & East Bank

Cruise to Luxor this morning for an action-packed day of sightseeing, starting at the Valley of the Kings. This vast necropolis is the final resting place of many of Egypt's renowned pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Ramesses the Great, and Seti I. Visits to the tombs aren't included, but your guide will highlight what's inside. Head up to Deir el-Bahari next to discover the mortuary temple complex dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut in a dramatic cliffside setting. Your last stop on the west bank is the Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, and all that remains of his mortuary temple.

Cross to the east bank to explore Luxor Temple, built to celebrate the rejuvenation of kingship and the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Look up at the towering statue of Ramesses II before strolling through the vast courtyard, hypostyle hall, inner sanctuaries, and Chapel of Alexander the Great. Move on to nearby Karnak, the second-largest religious complex in the world at over 200 acres (80 ha) and renowned for its hypostyle hall with 134 towering columns intricately decorated with hieroglyphics and reliefs. After your full day of temple touring, return to the ship for your last night on the Nile.

Day 8: Transfer to Hurghada, Discover the Coastal City at Leisure

Bid farewell to the cruise ship as you check out this morning and transfer four hours to Hurghada, a coastal city on the Red Sea. When you arrive, check into your hotel and enjoy the next three days at your own pace. You could stay at the hotel today to take advantage of its amenities or book a tour of a Bedouin village in the Eastern Desert. Venture across the desert in an ATV or quad bike, which makes navigating the rugged terrain and undulating dunes easier. In the village, you'll be welcomed by the locals with fascinating tales of their desert life and ancestral traditions. 

Then, mount a camel and feel the gentle sway as it rises to its feet before heading off behind your cameleer guide across the dunes. The elevated vantage point offers the perfect sunset view, so you can watch the sky gradually shift from brilliant blue to a canvas of fiery shades. When darkness falls, return to the village for a traditional Bedouin show and a delicious barbecue dinner before transferring back to your hotel. 

Day 9: Self-Guided Day Trip to the Giftun Islands

Enjoy another free day in Hurghada on one of the many beaches in the area, or book a boat tour to the Giftun Islands in the Red Sea. The two islands are known for their colorful coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters. On the way, you'll stop at Dolphin House Hurghada to swim with the wild spinner dolphins that gather there. When you arrive at the islands, don your snorkeling gear and spend the day searching the crystal-clear water for marine life. The reefs are home to various marine species, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish.

You may also spot moray eels peeking from crevices and even the occasional sea turtle gracefully swimming by. Take a break from the water and enjoy a buffet lunch on board with free-flow soft drinks and water. After a day on the water, transfer back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner. Head into town and try grilled kofta (ground lamb or beef on skewers) or some fresh seafood from the Red Sea, and then finish with the very sweet om ali, a pudding made with pastry, milk, and raisins and topped with coconut and nuts. 

Day 10: Optional Submarine Tour, Visit the Hurghada Grand Aquarium

Spend your final free day in Hurghada discovering more of its underwater world, this time in a submarine. Step through the hatch and descend 82 feet (25 m) beneath the waves, searching for aquatic life through the large panoramic windows. If you're lucky, you may see an abundance of colorful fish, including lionfish, triggerfish, pufferfish, and even a blue-spotted stingray just inches away from the glass. After your tour beneath the sea, head to Sahl Hasheesh Beach to relax or discover more of the area's marine life in the Hurghada Grand Aquarium.

Wander from exhibit to exhibit, stopping at touch pools to gently handle marine invertebrates such as starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. The highlight of the aquarium is the acrylic glass underwater tunnel, where you'll have an up-close view of large marine predators, like sharks and rays, swimming above and around you as you walk through. In the evening, visit a local restaurant to enjoy a fresh seafood platter or dish, like fish curry. Then, end the night with a cup of traditional Egyptian tea and baklava (layered pastry filled with nuts and syrup).

Day 11: Fly to Cairo, Visit the Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo & Islamic Cairo

Trade the coast for the capital as you transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight back to Cairo this morning. On arrival, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up for a full-day city tour. Head with your guide to the Egyptian Museum first to wander through the grand halls and discover treasures like the golden mask of Tutankhamun, statues of ancient deities, and intricately crafted mummies that offer a glimpse into the elaborate funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians.

Day 12: Fly to Amman (Jordan), Transfer to Wadi Rum, 4WD Desert Tour

Say goodbye to Cairo and Egypt this morning as you transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Amman, Jordan's sprawling capital. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer four hours to Wadi Rum, often called the "Valley of the Moon" because its red sand and towering sandstone cliffs offer an otherworldly experience. When you arrive at the visitor center, meet your Bedouin guide and switch to a 4WD vehicle to traverse the rugged terrain. First, you'll travel off-road to the Bed of the Valley of the Moon to marvel at the towering sandstone cliffs and rock formations and snap some pictures.

Then, walk through Lawrence's Siq, a narrow gorge named after T.E. Lawrence, who famously traversed it during the Arab Revolt. Follow in Lawrence's footsteps and look for ancient petroglyphs believed to date back to the prehistoric and early historical periods. The engravings depict animals, human figures, and hunting scenes, providing valuable insights into the lives and cultures of the ancient people who lived here. Before darkness falls, you'll head to a traditional Bedouin camp for a delicious dinner under the stars and overnight in the desert. 

Day 13: Transfer to Petra, Guided Tour of the Rose City

After a restful night and breakfast at camp, transfer two hours to Petra, an ancient Nabataean city known as the "Rose City" for its pink-hued rock formations. Walk through the narrow, winding Siq, a dramatic gorge that leads to the iconic Treasury, a 130-foot-tall (40 m) facade carved directly into the sandstone cliff face. Admire the blend of Greco-Roman architectural styles and Nabataean craftsmanship before continuing down the Street of Facades, lined with impressive rock-cut tombs. The path will then take you to the Roman Theater and Royal Tombs before ascending to the Monastery. 

If you're up for a bit of a trek, climb the 800 steps to the Monastery's entrance to marvel at the city's tallest structure at 148 feet (45 m). Then, once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert. When you're done exploring the UNESCO-listed site, transfer to your nearby hotel for dinner. If you're visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can book tickets for Petra by Night. It's well worth the return visit, as you'll experience the city illuminated by thousands of candles while you enjoy traditional Bedouin music and dancing. 

Day 14: Transfer to Jerash, Explore the Archaeological Site, Transfer to Amman

Now that you've seen some of southern Jordan's highlights, transfer four hours north to Jerash, known for the well-preserved Greco-Roman Decapolis city of Gerasa just outside the modern city. Follow your guide through the ancient site to discover highlights like the Oval Plaza, surrounded by a colonnaded street, and the Roman Theater, renowned for its excellent acoustics. You'll also find elaborate temples dedicated to Artemis and Zeus, each with imposing columns and intricate stonework.

While you walk, keep your eyes peeled for detailed mosaics and elaborate sculptures, which provide a glimpse into the Romans' artistic and cultural achievements. After exploring the archaeological site, transfer 45 minutes to Amman to check into your hotel. If you're not too tired, venture out on your own to Rainbow Street, a lively pedestrian-only avenue filled with a diverse mix of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in traditional dishes like mansaf (Jordan's national dish, consisting of lamb cooked in a rich yogurt sauce, served over a bed of rice).

Day 15: Transfer to the Dead Sea, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

Your penultimate day in Jordan begins with a one-hour transfer to a resort overlooking the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. Enjoy free time lazing by the pool, indulging in a spa treatment, or effortlessly floating in the salty sea. Should you skip the spa, you can apply your own face mask with the Dead Sea's mineral-rich mud, known for its skin benefits. While you float in the therapeutic water, enjoy views of the surrounding landscape characterized by stark, desert-like beauty and dramatic salt formations. Then, return to the hotel in the evening for your final dinner in Jordan.

Day 16: Transfer to Amman, Depart

After spending 16 days exploring Egypt and Jordan's landmarks and natural landscapes, it's time to head home. Wake up early to enjoy one last float in the Dead Sea before checking out and starting the one-hour transfer back to Amman. Watch the rolling hills and pristine farmland pass by on the way to the capital. Then, on arrival, head straight to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!