Today marks the beginning of your incredible Egypt and Jordan adventure as you arrive in Cairo.
On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Reception where you'll meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Stay Three Nights: Cairo Marriott Hotel
This morning will be spent exploring Giza, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. With the head of a human and the body of a lion, the mythical Sphinx is the most recognisable statue associated with ancient Egypt. Walk through the emerald-green gardens of Al Azhar Park before enjoying lunch overlooking Cairo.
This afternoon, the choice is yours, with a range of select experiences on offer. Perhaps take in a tour of Coptic Cairo, including the Church of St. Sergius – believed to be built upon a shelter the Holy Family used during their time in Egypt. Or, choose to dine like a local at a traditional restaurant, from falafel, to Mahshi (vegetables stuffed with rice), and shawarma. (B/L)
Today, perhaps choose to Enhance Your Journey by exploring Memphis and Sakkara. Memphis was the first capital of Ancient Egypt, with over 100 pyramids built in this city. This was probably the most important city in Egypt and the world. Visit Egypt's richest archaeological site, Saqqara, where the oldest surviving pyramids remain.
Later, set off on a Cairo city tour with admission to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Home to the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic artefacts, with more than 160,000 pieces on display, come face-to-face with genuine Tutankhamun treasures and antiquities.
Later, stroll through the colourful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, where you might find some memorable keepsakes. (B)
After breakfast this morning, we'll transfer you to the airport for an included flight from Cairo to Luxor. Once in Luxor, head for the water where you will board your privately chartered cruise along the Nile on the premium ship, MS Moon Goddess. After settling in and enjoying lunch, this afternoon you will discover Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed.
You'll also explore the impressive Luxor Temple. Built in approximately 1400 BC and once the capital of Egypt, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the veneration of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu and held Egypt's most important religious festival – the annual Opet Festival. Delight in a belly dancing demonstration before dinner and afterwards, perhaps choose to revisit Karnak Temple for the Sound & Light Show Stay Four Nights: MS Moon Goddess (B/L/D)
Today, enjoy the chance to visit the monumental Colossi of Memnon twin statues before taking in the West Bank of the Nile, the world's largest open-air museum. Here, you'll journey to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Also known as the ‘Gateway to the Afterlife', the Valley of the Kings and Queens was once a royal burial ground for pharaohs, queens, priests, and chosen elects. Relax in comfort, with afternoon tea, as you sail to Edfu via Esna. Tonight, indulge in a Captain's Welcome Reception on board. (B/L/D)
Today is sure to be a highlight as you fly to Abu Simbel and visit the imposing temples. Once buried under centuries of sand, lost to the world until 1813, marvel at the two awe-inspiring temples considered masterpieces of ancient Egypt. Later, board a traditional wooden sailing boat and drift alongside this island home, turned botanical garden. Keep an eye out for the beautiful trees and luscious plants native to Aswan.
This evening, enjoy dinner followed by a Nubian folkloric show. Popular in Egypt, Nubian music is performed in Arabic and relies on drum beats, clapping, fiddles, lutes and various other percussion instruments. (B/L/D)
Insider Experience: Sail by Kitchener's Island on a felucca.
Today in Aswan, bid farewell to the MS Moon Goddess. You'll cruise down the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, taking in the sites of the island-based Philae Temple dedicated to the gods Isis, Osiris, and Horus. Take in this ancient beauty, which was built nearly 2000 years ago and absorb its history told through stunning architecture and hieroglyphics.
Encounter the Aswan High Dam, which holds the distinction of being Egypt's largest dam, and one of the planet's most substantial embankment dams. Its construction aimed to contribute to flood regulation, irrigation, and the generation of hydroelectric power. Later, board your included flight back to Cairo. Stay: Le Meridien Cairo (B)
After a leisurely breakfast, take your included flight from Cairo to Amman airport.
On arrival in Amman, you will be transferred to your hotel, and later enjoy a Welcome Reception where you will meet your Jordanian Tour Director. Stay: Amman, Rotana Hotel (B)
Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps floating on the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Later travel to Bethabara, the Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ. Arrive in Aqaba this afternoon, a picturesque port set on the Red Sea. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Stay: Movenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba (B)
Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning exploring Petra. Famous for its rock-cut architecture, stone colours and formations, Petra, otherwise referred to as the Rose City. Wander through a narrow gorge called the Siq and emerge to witness Petra's most breathtaking and elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. Among the numerous temples, caves and tombs in this UNESCO World Heritage site is the Ad-Deir Monastery, worth the 900-step ascent for those who wish to explore more.
This evening, perhaps witness Petra by Night as you wander through the lit-up complex of temples. (B)
After breakfast, travel to Shobak and visit the earliest crusader castle in the region. Set within the walls of the old city, the fortified castle dominates the town and has been the setting for a number of battles. Continue to Madaba, best known as the ‘City of Mosaics', for its beautiful Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Madaba is most famous for the 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Covering the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, witness over two million pieces of coloured stone depicting the hills and valleys, villages and towns.
Afterwards, head to the mountaintop Memorial of Moses at Mount Nebo. It is here, that the Bible states, Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land that he could never enter. Atop the mountain, enjoy captivating views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and River Jordan. Continue to Amman this afternoon. Tonight, feast at a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Amman, Rotana Hotel (B/D)
Your discovery of Egypt and Jordan comes to an end today with a transfer back to Amman airport. (B)
35sqm. With premier positioning at the front of the vessel on decks two and three, these suites offer the most space featuring a sitting area, double or twin beds, private balcony and ensuite with shower over bath.
20sqm. Set across Decks 2 to 4, these spacious cabins have double or twin beds, ensuite with shower over bath, minibar, TV, and private balcony.
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
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