Historic Marvels & Natural Wonders of Egypt & Jordan - 13 Days

Day 2: Fly to Aswan, Visit the Aswan High Dam & Philae Temple

Leave Cairo behind as you head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan, your gateway to the Nile River. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to the port to check in for your three-day river cruise. Enjoy lunch on board, then disembark to explore some of the city's highlights. Visit the Aswan High Dam, built in 1970 CE to control flooding, provide water for agriculture, and generate hydroelectric power for the country. Standing at 364 feet (111 m) high and stretching 12,561 feet (3,830 m) across, the dam creates Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.

After admiring the dam's vast lake and architectural ingenuity, continue to Philae Temple, nestled on Agilkia Island. Following a short boat ride, you'll disembark to discover the temple's halls, pylons, and sanctuaries, all dedicated to Isis, the goddess of magic, motherhood, and fertility. Be sure to see the detailed reliefs lining the walls as they depict scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology, including the famous story of Isis and her husband, Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Then, return to the cruise ship in the evening for a delicious dinner overlooking the water. 

Day 3: Visit Abu Simbel, Cruise to Kom Ombo Temple

Prepare for an early wake-up call as you disembark with a breakfast box and transfer three hours south along the river to Abu Simbel in the Nubian Desert. This monumental site features two massive rock-cut temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari. Start at the larger temple dedicated to the pharaoh, evident by the four colossal statues of him sitting majestically atop a throne. Inside, you'll find intricate carvings and hieroglyphs depicting the pharaoh's military victories and divine connections.

Continue to Nefertari's smaller yet equally impressive temple, which has six towering statues at its entrance. Discover the grand hypostyle hall and inner sanctuary to see well-preserved reliefs of the queen and goddess of love and motherhood, Hathor. After exploring both temples, return to the ship and enjoy lunch while cruising to Kom Ombo Temple. This temple features a double structure with two symmetrical entrances, halls, and sanctuaries as it's dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile deity of fertility and the Nile, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and war.

Day 4: Visit Edfu Temple, Cruise to Luxor Temple & Karnak 

After breakfast on board, switch to a horse-drawn carriage or toktok (Motorized rickshaw) to reach Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt. Admire the impressive facade adorned with towering pylons and detailed carvings of Horus, as this temple is also dedicated to the falcon-headed god. Inside, you'll find a grand hypostyle hall adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphs, an offering chapel, and an inner sanctuary where the statue of Horus was originally placed for worship. Return to the sh9o0ip for lunch as you cruise to Luxor, passing through the Esna Lock en route. 

Disembark on the east bank to visit Karnak, one of the world's largest and most impressive religious sites, spanning over 247 acres (100 ha). Explore the labyrinth of colossal halls, towering columns, and grand pylons dedicated to the god of the air, sun, and creation, Amun-Ra. Then, walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes to the nearby Luxor Temple, dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Admire the massive statues of Ramesses II and beautifully preserved hieroglyphic carvings depicting the pharaoh's divine power and royal ceremonies before returning to the cruise ship.

Day 5: Explore the Valley of the Kings, Transfer to Hurghada

Say goodbye to the cruise ship after enjoying your final breakfast on board and transfer to the Valley of the Kings, an ancient necropolis and the final resting place of numerous pharaohs from the New Kingdom. While the famous ruler, Tutankhamun, resides here, you won't be able to visit his tomb. Instead, your guide will share details of its interior and the ceremonial rituals ancient Egyptians followed. Then, head up to Deir el-Bahari, a mortuary temple complex renowned for its dramatic cliffside setting. The most famous of the temples is the Temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to the female pharaoh.

Approach the grand entrance flanked by statues of the queen and discover the inner courtyards and chapels within. End the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues depicting Pharaoh Amenhotep III at 60 feet tall (18 m). Originally part of a grand mortuary temple, the sandstone statues' sheer scale and carved details are extraordinary. After exploring Luxor's west bank, you'll escape to the Red Sea, transferring four hours to Hurghada, a friendly town known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

Day 6: Enjoy a Free Day in Hurghada

Today is free to spend as you wish. You might like to relax on one of the many beaches in the area or book an excursion. Some of your options include a boat tour to the Giftun Islands, a set of two islands known for their diverse marine life, clear turquoise waters, and colorful coral reefs. On the way, you'll stop at Dolphin House Hurghada to swim with the wild dolphins that gather there. Once you arrive at the islands, don your snorkeling gear and spend your day diving into the warm water in search of marine life below the surface among the coral.

Those who'd rather stay dry can opt for a ride on the Hurghada Submarine. Sit back and watch as the vessel descends 82 feet (25 m), offering a close-up look at the swaying coral, exotic reef fish, stingrays, and sharks. Alternatively, spend your day on an action-packed safari through the Eastern Desert instead. Ride a quad bike, dune buggy, and camel while you learn about the local Bedouins and tour their village. Watch the sunset over the dunes, then enjoy a traditional show and a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars to end your night. 

Day 7: Fly to Cairo, Guided City Tour

After exploring the Nile and Red Sea coast, it's time to return to the capital on a one-hour flight. On arrival, meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and prepare for a city tour. Follow your guide to the 12th-century Cairo Citadel, built atop a limestone hill as a fortress to protect the city from Crusader invasions. The citadel has since served as the seat of government over the centuries. Marvel at the citadel's most iconic structure, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its grand domes and towering minarets.

Continue to the nearby Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, one of the largest mosques in the world. Enter the grand courtyard surrounded by four towering iwans, each intricately decorated with geometric patterns and calligraphy. Then, end the tour at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to learn more about the country's rich history. The museum's highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, where an interactive display using new technology allows you to closely encounter the preserved remains of some of Egypt's most famous pharaohs, including Ramesses II and Hatshepsut.

Day 8: Half-Day Food Tour, Explore Khan el-Khalili

Have a light breakfast this morning, as your first activity of the day is a food tour where you'll eat and drink like a local. Spend four hours savoring and learning about different Egyptian dishes, their ingredients, and preparation, as well as the culinary traditions that accompany them. Make four stops to sample street food favorites like ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel), succulent kebabs, and an assortment of mezze (small dishes), such as hummus or baba ghanoush. Then, wash everything down with a refreshing sugar cane juice or a robust cup of Egyptian coffee. 

After the food tour, follow your guide to Khan el-Khalili, a bustling souk (market) dating back to the 14th century. Wander the labyrinthine alleys lined with stalls brimming with traditional crafts and local goods, from intricate jewelry and handwoven textiles to aromatic spices and captivating perfumes. Indulge your senses in the sights, sounds, and smells as old and new Egypt converge while you haggle and shop like the locals. Take a break from shopping at one of the many cafés, such as the historic El Fishawy, to unwind with a cup of mint tea.

Day 9: Fly to Amman (Jordan), Transfer to Petra via Mount Nebo & Madaba

Bid farewell to Cairo for the last time as you head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Amman, Jordan's dynamic and historic capital. Meet your driver at the airport and start the three-hour journey south to Petra, a famous archaeological site dating back to 300 BCE. On the way, you'll stop at Mount Nebo, which is believed to be where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death. Enjoy the same views as Moses, then jump back in the vehicle and continue to Madaba, an ancient town better known as the "City of Mosaics." 

Discover some of these mosaics at the St George's Greek Orthodox Church, including the famous Madaba Map, which offers a detailed depiction of the Holy Land. Your last stop is the nearby Madaba  Archaeological Park, where you'll find a remarkable collection of mosaics and ruins from the Byzantine and Umayyad periods. Wander through the site to see the remains of grand buildings, including the Church of the Virgin Mary, with its detailed floor mosaics depicting scenes of nature and mythology. When you're done exploring, complete the drive to your hotel in Petra.

Day 10: Guided Tour of the UNESCO-listed Petra

Spend your day exploring the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs thousands of years ago. Follow your guide through the Siq, a narrow gorge that takes you straight to the iconic Treasury, which you may recognize from movies like "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Continue down the Street of Facades, lined with tombs and intricately carved rock-cut structures. If you're up for a trek, climb 800 steps to the Monastery, the ancient city's oldest structure, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Other highlights include the Petra Museum, where you can learn more about the city and Nabataean culture, and the High Place of Sacrifice, an elevated ceremonial site accessible only by a challenging trek. Be sure to see the Byzantine church, built more recently in the fifth or sixth century CE, reflecting Christianity's spread throughout the region. After exploring the UNESCO site, exit through the Siq and transfer 1.5-2 hours to Wadi Rum, a vast desert expanse characterized by towering sandstone mountains, deep canyons, and imposing red dunes. 

Day 11: Half-Day Jeep Tour of Wadi Rum

Wake up in the otherworldly landscape of Wadi Rum and set off on a three-hour Jeep tour with your Bedouin guide. Begin by climbing the shifting, fiery-red dune, Al Ramal Red Sand Dune, to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding dunes and rock formations. Then, continue to Raqabat al Wadak, better known as the "Little Bridge" for its bridge-like structure. Your guide will help you clamber up the natural rock formation for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding valley and desert.

Your next stop is Khazali Canyon, a narrow gorge renowned for its dramatic rock walls and striking colors ranging from deep red to warm oranges. As you navigate the canyon, look for ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the rocks by early Nabataean inhabitants. Finally, head to Lawrence Spring, named after T.E. Lawrence, a British officer known as "Lawrence of Arabia," who used the spring as a crucial water source for his troops during the Arab Revolt. Climb up to the spring, which offers a sharp contrast to the surrounding desert and towering cliffs.

Day 12: Transfer to Amman via the Dead Sea

Enjoy breakfast in the desert, then meet your driver for a scenic trip along the Dead Sea Highway to reach the lowest point on Earth. When you arrive, enjoy a leisurely afternoon floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Apply a full-body mask with the mineral-rich mud, or soak up the sunshine in the therapeutic water as you enjoy views of the surrounding landscape characterized by stark, desert-like beauty and dramatic salt formations. In the late afternoon, join your driver for a transfer back to Amman, where you can check into your hotel and relax until your flight home tomorrow.

Day 13: Depart Amman

It's time to say farewell to Jordan as you fly home today. If you have a later flight, explore a bit of the capital on your own. A good place to start is the Amman Citadel, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Explore the ruins of ancient structures, like the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and Roman theater. Then, head to the Jordan Museum to learn more about the country's rich history through diverse exhibits, including artifacts from the Dead Sea Scrolls. When it's time, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!