Journey Through Egypt and Jordan

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. At your hotel this evening, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner featuring local specialties. (D) Stay: Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino (3 Nights)

This morning, join your Tour Manager-Egyptologist for an introductory talk on ancient Egypt. Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt's Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties before navigating Cairo's famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a collection featuring some of the country's oldest artifacts. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Early this morning, venture to nearby Giza and embrace the Egypt you have always imagined. Stand in awe before the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the stoicism of the Great Sphinx, 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. (B)

Pre-dawn this morning, transfer to the Cairo airport for the 2-hour flight that takes 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. Experience the Nubian culture of Upper Egypt as you transfer by motorboat to your rustic riverside lodge, with its colorful decorations and naïve architectural style.

This afternoon, learn more about the Nubian people, their ancestral heritage and language during a walk in the nearby village, before relaxing over dinner at your lodge. (B/D) Stay: Anakato Wadi Kiki Nubian Houses

This morning, discover the mysteries of Philae Temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Philae is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, board your cruise ship and settle in for the next three nights. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you'll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum.

This evening, aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before relaxing over dinner aboard. (B/L/D) Stay: Sonesta St. George 1 (3 Nights)

Coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to the mesmerizing Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the ancient god Horus. Relax during an afternoon on board as you glide down the Nile, before enjoying a festive Galabeya Party, where you might don a traditional Egyptian gown. (B/L/D)

As dawn breaks, venture to Luxor's West Bank, trekking along the elaborate tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an included viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, it's your choice! Visit the expansive ruins of Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions -OR- admire expansive views of the Nile while you enjoy high tea at the Old Winter Palace which hosted esteemed guests such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and the great Egyptologist Howard Carter. (B/L/D)

Pre-dawn this morning, say goodbye to the land of the pyramids as you fly to Cairo, where you connect to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Get a peek into this innovative city housing both modern technologies and ancient relics on your way to tonight's street food dinner which includes local specialties such as hummus, falafels and kunafa. (B/D) Stay: Amman Marriott Hotel

This morning, cross Jordan all the way to the south as you leave Amman for the isolated desert of Wadi Rum where you arrive by lunchtime. Nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, this ethereal landscape resembles nothing found on earth. Cruise through the reserve on the back of a pick-up truck and take in the vast landscape around you. 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. (B/L/D) Stay: Movenpick Resort, Wadi Musa (2 Nights)

At daybreak, weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the vast 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. (B)

A full morning transfer takes you north to the fertile basin of the Jordan Valley. Here, 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, descend to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea for a 2-night stay at a hotel featuring direct access to the legendary sea. (B/L) Stay: Movenpick Resort and Spa (2 Nights)

Journey to Madaba and delve deep into St. George's Church and its famous Byzantine mosaic representing the Holy Land. 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. Gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo like Moses long before you.

This evening, celebrate the end of your Middle Eastern journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/L/D)

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