Luxury Highlights of Jordan & Egypt - 14 Days

Highlights

• Visit the awe-inspiring monuments of ancient Petra, a Wonder of the World
• Explore the otherworldly deserts of Wadi Rum by land and air
• Tour Cairo's museums, bazaars, and the iconic pyramids of Giza
• Spend days cruising the Nile, from the temples of Luxor to beautiful Aswan

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Amman (Jordan)

Welcome to the Kingdom of Jordan! This nation's location in the center of the Middle East has made it a crossroads of civilizations for thousands of years. At various times it has been under the control of the Persian Empire, conquered by Alexander the Great, and ruled by the ancient Romans. During the Byzantine period, Christianity spread through the region, and the seventh century saw the rise of Islamic caliphates. This rich history and heritage have made Jordan quite the melting pot, home to a diverse population and many wonders of the ancient world.

You'll arrive in the capital of Amman, which itself is a shining example of how Jordan seamlessly blends modernity with antiquity. Situated on the Amman Plateau, this bustling city offers visitors a captivating mix of archaeological wonders, rich cultural experiences, and warm hospitality. A driver will pick you up at the airport terminal and transfer you to the Grand Hyatt Amman.

Located in the city center, this 5-star hotel stands out with its distinctive carved pink stone facade, offering sweeping 360-degree city views. Its luxurious rooms feature welcome amenities like comfy king beds and windows looking out over Jordan's impressive skyline. After settling in, you can sit at the rooftop patio and enjoy a meal at Lombard, the hotel's gourmet restaurant, or head to nearby Sufra Restaurant for an authentic Jordanian meal you won't soon forget. 

Day 2: Transfer to Petra, Guided Archaeological Highlights Tour

Rise and shine! You'll meet your driver early this morning for the 3.5-hour ride south to the ancient city of Petra. The long drive and early start are well worth it, as today you'll embark on a full-day discovery tour of a place that is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. 

However, when you first arrive, you'll check into your accommodation for the night. The Movenpick Petra Resort is an opulent 5-star hotel just steps from Petra's famous archaeological site. Besides the impeccable service, international restaurant, and deluxe rooms/suites with modern conveniences, guests can expect jaw-dropping views of the resort's well-manicured gardens out to the Petra Mountains and the entrance to the ancient city. Enjoy these views right from your room or the rooftop patio. After checking in, you'll transfer to the archaeological site for a private tour.

Petra has been dubbed the "Lost City," as it was only "rediscovered" by the Western world in the 19th century. You'll see the origins of its actual history in the impressive sandstone palaces, temples, and tombs carved into the cliffs by the ancient Nabataeans in the third century BCE. After crossing a narrow gorge called the Siq ("The Shaft"), you'll marvel at Al Khazneh (popularly known as "The Treasury"). You'll also explore the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, as well as the amphitheater and caves. Return to the resort in time to enjoy its most popular feature: the sunset views over Petra.

Day 3: Secret Petra Hike, Transfer to Wadi Rum

Meet your local guide this morning for one more very special tour of Petra. On this backdoor trail hike, you'll enter the archaeological site via an entrance that's off the tourist trail. From there, trek through the mountains and alongside cliffs on your way to Ed-Deir ("The Monastery"), one of the most famous monuments in Petra, dating to around the first century CE. It's a two-hour hike that's generally considered moderate, and once at Ed-Deir, you'll have plenty of time to relax, snap photos, and sip some mint tea at the adjacent café. 

After lunch at the café, meet your driver for the two-hour ride south of Petra to Wadi Rum. This desert valley is known as The Valley of the Moon due to its almost otherworldly landscapes dotted with towering sandstone cliffs and interesting rock formations. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with many cultures, including the Nabateans, leaving their mark in the form of rock paintings and temples. It's also renowned for its connection with British officer T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who passed through several times during the Arab Revolt of 1917–1918.

Upon arrival, you'll meet your Bedouin hosts and hop in a 4WD vehicle. Then, set off on a grand desert adventure as you explore valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs as you admire the sweeping views. Your overnight accommodation will be at Sun City Camp, a captivating desert retreat nestled in the untouched desert expanse. With the camp's comfy domes and traditional Bedouin tents blending seamlessly into the surrounding sandstone mountains, you'll feel like you're overnighting on another planet.

Day 4: Hot-Air Balloon Over Wadi Rum, Transfer to the Dead Sea

Wake before dawn for a once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon flight over Wadi Rum. From your camp, you'll transfer to the launch site and receive a safety briefing as they ready the balloon. Then, hop in the basket and ascend to the sky, witnessing the full scope of this desert wonderland as you soar high above it. Over the course of an hour or so in the air, you can snap pics and enjoy the sunrise views.

Afterward, you'll meet your driver and begin the return journey north, traveling about 4.5 hours to the Dead Sea. Located on the border with Israel and the West Bank, this body of water is the lowest point on earth at 1,423 feet (434 m). One of the Dead Sea's most famous characteristics is its extreme salinity, nearly 10 times higher than the world's oceans. This high salt concentration allows visitors to effortlessly float on the water's surface, creating a sensation of weightlessness, both relaxing and exhilarating.

When you arrive, you'll check into Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort. Located on the shores of this famous salt lake, this 5-star hotel features a private sandy beach and a luxury spa offering rejuvenating experiences infused with Dead Sea-rich minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. After checking in, you can indulge in a famous mud treatment, a time-tested method to exfoliate and nourish the skin. The hotel also features large rooms with king beds and a massive swimming pool, but you may want to save that for later—right now, a long, buoyant float in the Dead Sea awaits. 

Day 5: Fly to Cairo (Egypt), Nile Dinner Cruise

Say goodbye to Jordan because you'll transfer to the Dead Sea airport this morning and board a 1.5-hour flight to Cairo. Located on the banks of the Nile River, Egypt's sprawling capital is filled with historical landmarks, ancient citadels, ornate mosques, and bustling bazaars—it's the ideal place to kick off any grand tour of the country. A driver will pick you up at the airport for the ride into the city and the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence.

Located in the Giza district, this 5-star hotel sits on the Nile and is conveniently located next to major attractions, like the prestigious First Mall complex. Amenities include a pool, spa, and several high-end restaurants, including Aura, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes; Bella, known for its gourmet Italian cuisine; and the Tea Lounge, offering afternoon tea and light snacks. The well-appointed rooms and suites provide the utmost in comfort, and dazzle with views looking all the way out to the pyramids. Upon arrival, you can relax and indulge in an aromatic massage once reserved for Egyptian royalty. 

In the evening, you'll transfer to the Nile and hop aboard a traditional riverboat (designed to look like a pharaonic barge) for a dinner cruise. Admire the panoramic views of the Cairo skyline from the deck, then head to the dining room for a buffet dinner with a mix of local and international dishes and desserts. Complementing the meal will be performances of Egyptian music, belly dancing, or whirling dervish shows. After dinner, return to the deck, enjoy the cool breeze, and take in the glittering sights of the Cairo skyline as you cruise back to the harbor.

Day 6: Giza Pyramids & Insider's Sphinx Tour

Rise and shine! This morning, you'll meet your private guide and set off to visit some of Egypt's most iconic sites, starting with the ancient pyramids of Dahshour, constructed during Egypt's fourth dynasty around 4,600 years ago. Then, continue to the famed Giza Plateau. First up is the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest of the three pyramids and the only one to remain largely intact. Built as a tomb in 2600 BCE, its shape was intended to help the dead pharaoh's spirit rise to heaven.

Nearby, you'll find Khafre, the best-preserved of the main pyramids, and Menkaure, the smallest of the three. Of course, with millions of tourists visiting the pyramids each year, the site can sometimes feel crowded. Lucky for you, the next activity involves special insider access to the Great Sphinx, the iconic limestone statue depicting a creature with a man's head and a lion's body. This exclusive tour will take you right up to the statue's paws, between which is an epigraphic stele commissioned by the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose IV in the 14th century BCE.

Finally, you'll head to the ancient ruins of Memphis, the first unified capital of the ancient world. Here, you'll visit the necropolis of Saqqara, an ancient burial ground, to explore the pyramid of Djoser and 4,350-year-old tombs with ancient hieroglyphics engraved on the walls.

Day 7: Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, Dinner at Felfela

No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting its world-class museums. This morning, you'll be treated to a grand overview of this country's rich history on a tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). One of the largest museums in the world, this ambitious project was completed in 2021 and stands as a showpiece for one of the most ancient civilizations on the planet. Displayed over its millions of square feet of floor space are over 100,000 artifacts. Highlights include treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, including his iconic golden mask and funerary objects.

Dinner tonight is a memorable affair as a table awaits at Felfela. Opened in 1959 as a modest food cart, it has evolved into a renowned restaurant with dazzling decor featuring colorful murals, mosaic tiles, and ornate lanterns adorning the walls. The menu features a wide variety of Egyptian specialties, including classic dishes such as koshary (a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with tomato sauce), taameya (Egyptian-style falafel made with fava beans), and grilled meats served with fragrant rice and savory sauces.

Day 8: Fly to Luxor, Board Nile Cruise, East Bank Tour

Return to the airport this morning for the one-hour flight to Luxor. This small city in the Nile Valley was once the capital of ancient Thebes and is a veritable open-air museum due to its many historical landmarks. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to the riverbank, where you'll board your accommodation for the next few days: the Farah Nile Cruise, a luxury sailing vessel purpose-built to deliver memorable river adventures in Egypt. This stylish ship offers just 60 airy and light-filled staterooms, with panoramic windows and spacious balconies that showcase the passing Nile scenery. 

After dropping your bags, you'll step back ashore for a private walking tour of Luxor's East Bank. Start at Karnak Temple, the second-largest ancient religious site in the world. Founded in the Middle Kingdom era (2040 to 1782 BCE), this massive complex took almost 2,000 years to finish. From there, continue to the Luxor Temple, built during the New Kingdom around 1400 BCE and dedicated to Amun Ra. Walk down the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Luxor with Karnak, guarded by the giant statues of Ramesses II. Afterward, return to the ship, where you'll spend the night moored in Luxor.

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Day 9: Luxor West Bank Tour, Cruise to Esna

This morning, you'll hop over to Luxor's West Bank area for another private tour. First, your local guide will lead you to the famed Valley of the Kings. The rock-cut tombs here were built for kings and pharaohs, buried between the 16th and 11th centuries BCE. Visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the beautiful Temple of Deir el-Bahari, a complex of mortuary temples and tombs, including the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.

You'll also stop at the Colossi of Memnon to see the imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that guard the entrance of his memorial temple. Return to the ship in time for dinner, after which the boat will begin the journey south to the city of Esna, located on the Nile's west bank. After an elegant dinner of contemporary Egyptian cuisine, savor a cocktail on deck as you watch the sunset, then retire to your plush suite for your second evening on the water.

Day 10: Nile Cruise to Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples 

From Esna, the ship will continue south to Edfu. During this part of the journey, you'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck and watch as the beautiful riverine scenery passes you by. Eventually, you'll reach Edfu, a city on the west bank of the Nile that's home to iconic landmarks. Perhaps the most famous is the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt. Constructed between 237 BCE and 57 BCE, it features many intricate inscriptions, which you'll see on a guided tour.

Afterward, return to the ship and continue cruising to the Temple of Kom Ombo, built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty from 180-47 BCE. Dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility, and the falcon-god Horus, the temple features duplicate halls and sanctuaries for each deity, creating a harmonious layout. During a private tour, you can admire the intricately carved reliefs and hieroglyphics that narrate stories of ancient rituals and medical practices. The ship will dock at a river island near Kom Ombo for the evening.

Day 11: Cruise to Aswan, Tour Aswan's Highlights

This morning, you'll cruise to the final stop on this river adventure: Aswan, a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on the Nile, Aswan is renowned for its idyllic setting, with palm-fringed islands, granite outcrops, and shimmering waters creating a picture-postcard backdrop.

Later, you'll meet a local guide for a private sightseeing tour. Highlights include the Temple of Philae, an island temple complex that dates to the fourth century BCE and is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Then, continue to Egypt's engineering achievement of the modern era, the Aswan High Dam, to admire the sweeping views. You'll also stop at the Unfinished Obelisk. This massive granite monolith measures 138 feet (42 m), making it the world's largest known ancient obelisk. Afterward, you'll return to the ship, where you'll spend one more night on the water.

Day 12: Fly to Cairo, Optional Abdeen Palace Tour

Transfer to the airport in Aswan this morning for the 1.5-hour flight north to Cairo. When you land, you'll transfer to downtown and the final 5-star hotel of this luxury holiday, the Kempinski Nile. This sophisticated lodging option features downright imperial rooms with plush king-size beds, elegant furnishings, and a spa where you can enjoy relaxing sessions in private treatment rooms. After settling in, feel free to head up to the rooftop pool, snag a seat in a lounger, and enjoy a sundowner.

There's also the option for a small-group tour of Abdeen Palace. Located in the Old Cairo district, this palace symbolizes Egypt's rich history and cultural heritage. Constructed in the late 19th century, it served as the primary residence of Egypt's royal family for generations. Today, the palace is open to the public as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Egypt's monarchy and showcasing its impressive collection of art, furniture, and historical artifacts.

Day 13: Tour the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

Your penultimate day in Egypt involves a full-day private tour of Cairo's historic sites and cultural landmarks. Your first stop is at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Old Cairo, which showcases 50,000 artifacts that tell the story of Egyptian heritage and culture.

Next, learn about Islamic Cairo at the Citadel of Saladin, a shining example of military architecture from the Middle Ages, and the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a monumental mosque dating to the 1300s. Continue to the mosque of Mohamed Ali, known as the Alabaster Mosque. The domed ceilings, suspended lights, and city views from this former stronghold against the Crusaders are unparalleled.

Finally, follow your guide through the teeming streets of Khan el-Khalili. Cairo's oldest bazaar dates to the 14th century and is packed with legendary shops that sell everything from fine brassware to perfumes to antiques. Hunt for treasures at this historic souk (market), where you'll find lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more, and learn the art of bargaining as you pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Day 14: Depart Cairo

You've checked off some of the Middle East's most famous landmarks and ancient sites—now where to next? You can ruminate on the answer when, after breakfast, you transfer to the hotel in Cairo, where your flight home awaits. Safe travels!

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