Signature: Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Wonders

Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Arrival Day: The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel. There will be an included dinner this evening at the hotel.

Stand in the colossal shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, feeling the heat radiating from the ancient limestone blocks that have watched over the desert for millennia. Leave the plateau for the fertile countryside to experience the G Adventures-supported Nawaya project. Share a warm, farm-to-table lunch in a verdant garden, prepared by local women reclaiming Egypt’s agricultural heritage. Discuss their vital work empowering women in rural communities before traveling to the necropolis of Saqqara. Here, explore the step pyramid of Djoser and the intricate, life-like carvings of the Mereruka Tomb, a masterpiece of the Old Kingdom that reveals daily life in ancient Egypt.

Included Experiences

• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
• Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour: Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your Expedition Leader has all the facts about these massive structures.
• Nawaya Project Visit: Nawaya is a community project dedicated to empowering females and preserving the deep heritage of small-scale farming families across Egypt, while fostering sustainable development, cultivation, and cooking practices. The project works with women, providing a safe space to gain independence while working to sustain the community. The project also works closely with local farmers and village youths, teaching them how to encourage the exchange of knowledge between those who visit Cairo and those who have always called this place home. Upon arrival, the group will meet with the local women who run and manage the kitchen, and enjoy a true farm-to-table meal amid the friendly hospitality of these local women as you swap stories and share laughter together.
• Sakkara Visit: Travel through desert and farm lands to visit Sakkara, the necropolis of the old kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The main attraction here is the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the very first constructed in human history. It dates back to 2750 BC! Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites.

Explore Experiences

Depart early and fly to Aswan. On arrival, board a small ferry to Philae Temple, a sacred complex dedicated to Isis — the goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and kingship — that was famously relocated to save it from rising waters after the dam was built. After exploring the colonnades, transfer to your elegant ship and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, board a traditional wooden felucca for a sail to Elephantine Island. Wander through a vibrant village to a local home for tea and authentic interaction with a family, gaining a personal perspective on enduring Nubian culture. Return to the ship to freshen up before a delicious dinner as the lights of Aswan begin to shimmer across the Nile.

Included Experiences

• Philae Temple Visit: Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.
• Plane: Fly from Cairo to Aswan this morning as the adventure continues.
• Motorboat: Climb in and move swiftly through the water to the next stop.
• Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea: Board a felucca and float along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village, where you will learn about Nubian people, their culture, and their own distinct language. A language that actually can not be learned as it does not have an alphabet. Visit a local family for mint tea and a chat about their lives and history.
• Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Create unforgettable memories during your Nile cruise experience over the next three nights. Sail along the magical Nile and witness life along the shore up close. From Aswan to Luxor, you'll see a lot of history and culture along the way.

Fly to the edge of the Sahara to visit Abu Simbel, a magnificent architectural masterpiece carved into a mountain by Ramses II. Stand before the four giant statues of the Pharaoh himself and learn about the temple’s unique solar alignment. Then, return to Aswan and board your ship to begin sailing toward Kom Ombo. Along the way, attend a fascinating presentation detailing the history of the sites ahead. Upon arrival, explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek — the ancient Egyptian crocodile god — and Haroeris, then visit the onsite museum to see ancient mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship for dinner as you begin an overnight sail to Edfu.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Temple of Abu Simbel Visit: Visit Abu Simbel temple. Abu Simbel is special due to its statues, and its unique solar alignment. The temples were carved into a mountain side along the Nile by Pharaoh Ramses II to reflect his power, it features four giant statues of him. Each year, sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary twice, on February 22nd and October 22nd. The Temple had to be moved in the 1960 to be saved from the flooding caused by the building of the dam. Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples.
• Kom Ombo Temple & Museum Visit: Enjoy a visit to Kom Ombo Temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago at the museum.
• Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Create unforgettable memories during your Nile cruise experience over the next three nights. Sail along the magical Nile and witness life along the shore up close. From Aswan to Luxor, you'll see a lot of history and culture along the way.

Experience the temple in near-silence at dawn with a private access pre-opening visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This Ptolemaic masterpiece features a grand pylon and intricate reliefs; wander the hypostyle hall before the crowds arrive to absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Return to the ship for a delicious breakfast as you sail toward Luxor. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on deck watching life along the Nile, spotting birds and more as you sail. Later, attend a presentation allowing for a deeper discussion on the day's discoveries. Enjoy dinner as the ship docks in Luxor.

Included Experiences

• Private Opening of Edfu Temple: Enjoy an early morning pre-opening visit to Edfu Temple. Dating back to the Ptolemaic period, Edfu Temple is one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Dedicated to Horus, it features a gran pylon, courtyard, hypostyle hall, and inner sanctuary with well-preserved reliefs depicting rituals and mythology. Learn more about this beautiful structure from your Expedition Leader.
• Expedition Expert-Led Presentation & Free Time Aboard Nile Cruise: Spend a free afternoon aboard the cruise vessel on the Nile Attend a pre-dinner cocktail hour with a Q&A session lead by your Expedition Leader and Expert.
• Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor: Create unforgettable memories during your Nile cruise experience over the next three nights. Sail along the magical Nile and witness life along the shore up close. From Aswan to Luxor, you'll see a lot of history and culture along the way.

Explore Experiences

Explore Luxor’s West Bank, starting at a G for Good project that empowers local youth through tourism training. Choose to cycle through the village or engage with students at the centre. Then, continue to the magnificent Habu Temple at the foot of the Theban Hills, and the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built into sheer cliffs. After a light lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex — a monumental labyrinth of towering columns, sacred lakes, and awe-inspiring temples built by generations of pharaohs over 4,000 years. Check into your hotel and enjoy an optional evening visit to Luxor Temple when the columns are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Dinner is served at your leisure at the hotel.

Included Experiences

• Funtasia Project Visit: After breakfast the group will travel to the West Bank to meet our student-guide on a visit to the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in after school programs that teach art, communication, and social skills. Afterwards, the group will bike through the village. If unable you may remain at the centre to speak further with the student guides about life in the village.
• Habu Temple Visit: Visit Habu Temple, a magnificent complex built by Ramses III, famed for its well-preserved carvings and vivid depictions of ancient battles. The group will spend an hour here exploring before moving on to the next site.
• Hatshepsut Temple Visit: Visit the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural masterpiece built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, honoring Egypt’s remarkable female pharaoh.
• Karnak Temple Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.

Optional Experiences

• Luxor Temple After Dark: Take in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years. Your visit will take place after dark to allow you to witness the temple lit up in all of its glory.

Explore Experiences

Return to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings — a UNESCO-listed site recognised for its immense historical and cultural value. Descend into the earth to witness the vibrant colours and preserved hieroglyphics within the royal tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. After lunch, fly back to Cairo and check into your beautiful hotel overlooking the Nile River. The travel day concludes with an elegant rooftop lounge experience. Enjoy a dinner of sophisticated tapas and drinks as the sun sets over the Nile, providing a panoramic view of the bustling city skyline below — the perfect transition from the quiet southern temples back to the energy of the capital.

Included Experiences

• Valley of the Kings Visit: Cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings. Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. The group will visit King Tut’s tomb along with three others.
• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
• Evening Rooftop Experience: Gather at the rooftop lounge of your hotel in Cairo tonight. Enjoy a cocktail and tapas dinner with panoramic views of the Nile and city. The perfect end to a travel day featuring elegant bites.

Explore Experiences

Begin at the Saladin Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, then descend into Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. Wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar before you enjoy an atmospheric lunch with local music. The evening then features a private, after-hours access to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Here, visit the Royal Mummies gallery for a presentation on the science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs and practices. The evening is yours to do as you choose with dinner on your own.

Included Experiences

• The History & Sites of Old Cairo: Enjoy the historic sites of Old Cairo today as you become acquainted with the city. Begin after breakfast with a visit to Saladin Citadel of Cairo. Then stop by Mohamed Ali Mosque. From there the group will visit the Hanging Church, St Sergej Church and Synagogue Ben Ezra.After the mosque visit in the moring, this is a walking tour with short distances between the churches and synagogue. As you go, gain a deeper appreciation for the overlapping of three major world religions in one city.
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit & Lunch: Visit the narrow alleyways of Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. Rummage through the stalls and check out the fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, and antiques it is famous for. Lunch will be had nearby.
• Visit to the Royal Mummies Museum After-hours: Enter the Royal Mummies Museum after-hours and in the quiet of the evening attend a presentation by you expedition expert on the whole science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs surrounded by history itself.
• Free Time: Spend the evening at your leisure.

Kick off the day experiencing the sheer scale of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon after lunch, you may choose to remain at the museum or return to the hotel to rest and enjoy free time. Gather with your Expedition Leader in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner. Set at a venue overlooking the eternal Nile, toast the memories of your Egyptian odyssey and the timeless wonders witnessed with your fellow travellers.

Included Experiences

• Grand Egyptian Museum Visit: Visit The Grand Egyptian Museum, explore the greatest treasures of Egypt after a guided visit of some of the main artifacts, enjoy time to explore on your own and make sure to gaze at the treasures of King Tut.
• Free Time: After lunch on your own in the afternoon, you can choose to stay at the GEM and explore more, or return to the hotel for some time to walk around Cairo, or rest. There will be a farewell dinner in the evening.

Explore Experiences

Bid farewell to the land of the Pharaohs and fly north to Jordan. Upon arrival in Amman, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader. A reception and presentation set the stage for your exploration of the Nabataean and Roman worlds, followed by a welcome dinner to mark the start of this new chapter.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Cairo and Amman.

Step back in time at Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Walk the colonnaded streets and stand in the vast oval plaza, imagining the roar of the crowds. For lunch, visit Beit Khayrat Souf, a G Adventures-supported cafe run by local women. Join a cooking class and share a traditional meal, supporting their financial independence. As the sun dips, ascend to the Amman Citadel for a private, after-hours visit while the city lights flicker on below. Enjoy the cool evening air and tour the Jordan Archaeological Museum after hours, where your expert illuminates the artifacts of Jordan’s storied past.

Included Experiences

• Jerash Guided Visit: Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.
• Beit Khayrat Souf Cooking Class & Lunch: Part of the G Adventures for Good program, Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-run cafe with the purpose of training and employing women to gain their own financial independence. Women manage the cafe and lead cooking classes on site. Enjoy one such cooking class during today's visit and learn how to make a traditional Jordanian meal before gathering together to eat a lunch of your efforts; an ideal way to connect with the local community .
• Private After Hours Visit of Amman Citadel and Jordan Archaeological Museum: Enjoy a private post-closure visit of the Amman Citadel to get the highest point for sunset and watch the city's lights come alive. Continue to the Jordan Archaeological Museum within the citadel where the expert will take you around, telling stories of ancient and modern Jordan while observing the artifacts.

Rise early for an exclusive visit to the Royal Stables of the King of Jordan. Meet the trainer and witness the grace of the King’s Arabian horses, learning about the lineage of this magnificent breed over tea in the gardens. Travel to the G Adventures-supported, women-owned and managed social enterprise of Beit Al Jameed to meet the women making jameed (dried yogurt), and learn to craft a delicious local dessert. Explore the massive Crusader fortress of Karak before arriving in Petra. The evening culminates with Petra by Night. Walk the Siq in silence, guided by the light of 1,500 candles, until the Treasury emerges from the darkness to the sound of Bedouin flutes.

Included Experiences

• Visit the Royal Horse Stable of the King of Jordan: Visit the Royal Horse Stable of the King of Jordan. The King's Stable produces and houses some of the most beautiful Arabian horses in the world. Gain an insider’s look into one of the passions of the Royal Family. Championed by Her Royal Highness Princess Alia, sister of the late King Hussein. Established in the 1970s, the stables are home to horses owned by members of the Hashemite Royal Family and feature a Saddles Museum showcasing rare pieces dating back to the early Islamic period and the Arab Revolt. The visit is conducted by the Royal Stables’ staff and includes a guided tour of the stables, the Saddles Museum, and a morning horse-riding demonstration. Please note that petting the horses is not permitted.
• Beit Al Jameed Visit: Join a unique tasting experience and lunch in Al Karak, where you'll learn about the traditional process of making Jameed, a sun-dried yogurt, before indulging in a delicious Mansaf lunch, Jordan's national dish.
• Karak Castle Visit: Take a step back in time at Karak Castle, one of the largest crusader castles in Jordan. Constructed in 1140, the castle, with its moat and steep sides, is a good reminder of the Crusader days of years gone by.
• Petra by Night: Petra by Night is a magical evening experience where the Siq and the Treasury are lit by over 1,500 candles, accompanied by traditional Bedouin music and storytelling under the stars.

Explore Experiences

Dedicate the day to the rose-red city of Petra. Walk the narrow Siq until the sun hits the Treasury facade — a cinematic reveal of Nabataean artistry. Your expert provides deep context before you explore the royal tombs and temples carved into the rock cliffs. Enjoy lunch at The Basin Restaurant inside the site. In the evening, travel to nearby Little Petra for an intimate dinner served inside a centuries-old carved cave. Surrounded by history and candlelight, connect with the spirit of the ancient inhabitants who once called these canyons home.

Included Experiences

• Petra Guided Tour: Journey to Petra to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Wind your way through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long (.6 mi) gorge flanked by soaring 80m-high (262 ft) sandstone walls. Take in the astounding colours and patterns of the rock, and, at the end of this passage, catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the famed treasury of Petra. Explore in depth with your Expedition Leader and Expert to get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit some of the key monuments like the Pharaoh's Column, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the Royal Tombs. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant within the site before returning to the hotel. Golf carts will be available for the return trip from the site for those who wish.
• Dinner at Little Petra: Drive to nearby "Little Petra", home to several tombs and temples carved into the canyon walls, and have and unforgettable dinner in a private cave.

Continue into the vast, silent sands of Wadi Rum, where sandstone mountains rise like cathedrals from the desert floor. Board 4x4 Land Cruisers to navigate the dunes, stopping for tea in the shadow of the rocks. As the heat fades, gather for a sunset dinner in the desert, enjoying authentic Bedouin music. As night falls, join expert astronomers for a deeper look into the night sky. Through powerful telescopes, explore the constellations and learn how the Bedouin used the stars to navigate this wilderness — a perspective that connects you to the cosmos and the history of desert travel.

Included Experiences

• Wadi Rum 4x4 Excursion: Ride into the stunning, colourful desert on this 4x4 excursion. Make stops along the way to get out and explore, learn about the region or scramble up rocks or sand dunes. Stop for tea in a Bedouin tent before returning to camp.
• Wadi Rum Stargazing: After dinner the group will be joined by two astronomers with their telescopes for a unique and immersive Stargazing Experience. Hear as they explain the sky above and help guide the group in exploring the night sky. It is also an opportunity to hear from our National Geographic Expert about how the Bedouin used the night sky to navigate.

Leave the desert for the lowest point on Earth. Stop at Safi Kitchen, a G Adventures-supported project helping local women gain financial independence. Enjoy lunch and try your hand at natural dyeing, connecting with the community. Witness the surreal landscapes of the Pink Lake and the blinding white formations of the Salt Beach before arriving at your Dead Sea resort. Settle in with a sunset cocktail, listening as your expert explains the unique geology of this salt-rich sea while the sun disappears behind the mountains of the West Bank.

Included Experiences

• Al Safi Community Lunch: Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.
• Safi Crafts Visit: A visit to Safi Crafts offers a captivating experience that merges cultural education with conscious shopping. Guests are welcomed into the facility where they can observe the artisans as they meticulously carry out the natural dyeing process, and learn about the local plants and ancient techniques used. This is a unique opportunity to witness traditional craftsmanship firsthand and gain a profound appreciation for the artistry and dedication involved. By purchasing a product, travellers not only take home a beautiful, handmade souvenir but also directly contribute to the economic empowerment of these skilled women, supporting their continued success and the preservation of this invaluable heritage.
• Pink Lake and Salt Beach: Stop at the "Pink Lake," a striking natural phenomenon where the microscopic algae and and high salinity of the water in the Dead Sea create a visual display. Make a photo stop at the "Salt Beach" for a first introduction to the Dead Sea on the way to the hotel.

Explore the spiritual history of the region, visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the site of Jesus’ baptism. Ascend Mount Nebo to stand where Moses viewed the Promised Land, taking in panoramic views of the Jordan Valley. Return to your hotel for an afternoon of rejuvenation. Cover yourself in therapeutic mud or float weightlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Conclude your expedition with a farewell dinner at an elegant restaurant, celebrating the diversity of history and nature you have experienced.

Included Experiences

• Bethany Beyond the Jordan: Visit the archaeological site of Bethany, thought to be the site of John the Baptist's settlement and where Jesus was baptized. Fairly recently rediscovered, the site is an important archaeological find, numerous sites are being uncovered including Roman and Byzantine Baptismal pools, ancient churches, and caves.
• Mt Nebo Visit: Visit Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Reach to the summit (817m or 2,680 ft), and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance.
• Dead Sea Visit: Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.

Your expedition to Jordan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

Included Experiences

• Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.