Pyramids to Petra

Explore Egypt's most famous site today as we enjoy a tour of the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The largest of the three pyramids, Cheops, will tower above you at 481ft tall - it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for 3,800 years.

Later, continue to Saqqara to see the famous Pyramid of Djoser and explore the countless tombs and burial sites that this necropolis has to offer. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.

Today we'll visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum. This vast museum is home to thousands of artefacts, some of which have never been on display before. Built just 2km from the pyramids, the new museum is also home to a large Tutankhamun exhibition and makes use of modern technology including virtual reality.

After our tour we head over to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization where 20 mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall, including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut. After we've seen the mummies we return to the hotel where there's time to relax before we board the overnight train to Aswan this evening.

Please Note: The Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.

Arrive in Aswan and enjoy some free time before we take a boat trip to Agilkia Island this afternoon. Here we discover the beautiful Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia in the 1960s after floods from Lake Nasser threatened to destroy it. After our final visit to the a perfume oil emporium,you can spend the rest of today at leisure - perhaps take a stroll through Aswan's bustling market.

This morning you may join our optional trip to Abu Simbel to marvel at the 4 giant statues of Ramses II that guard the entrance to this famous temple.

Later, we say goodbye to Aswan and board a traditional felucca sail boat to begin our cruise along the Nile. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5-star luxury Nile cruise. Please request this when enquiring.

Relax onboard our felucca as we cruise along the mighty Nile.

This afternoon we dock at Kom Ombo and explore the famous symmetrical temple, dedicated to both the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. We then continue downriver and spend our final night onboard the felucca.

Disembark this morning as we drive to ancient Luxor. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city and there is an optional trip to Luxor Temple tonight. After dark the site is beautifully illuminated by hundreds of lights.

Today we'll explore the famous Valley of the Kings, where important pharaohs were buried in richly decorated tombs. Our excursion will also take in the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Marvel at these two giant statues of King Amenhotep III, all that remains of what was once the largest temple complex in the world.

This afternoon our tour continues to the colossal Karnak Temple. You'll feel like a pharaoh yourself as you walk down the Avenue of Sphinxes and admire the towering columns of Hypostyle Hall.

This evening, we return to Cairo on the night train.

Arrive back in Cairo and enjoy a day in the bustling capital at leisure. Perhaps explore Khan el Khalili bazaar where you can buy souvenirs and taste delicious street food.

This morning we'll tour the citadel and Archaeological Museum in Amman and walk through a local souk to taste typical Jordanian street food.

We then leave Amman and travel to Mt Nebo - the site from where Moses first saw the Promised Land. Enjoy the same view over the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea and Jericho before we explore Madaba. We'll tour highlights of the town including the Church of St George and the Madaba Museum.

Our day continues with a trip to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Umm-ar-Rasas, where we'll see the beautiful mosaic floor of St. Stephen's Church, before we finally arrive in the “Rose City” of Petra. There is an optional excursion tonight to see Petra by night (approx. USD$25 payable locally), as we take a candlelit stroll to the ancient Treasury.

Enjoy a guided tour of Petra today as we walk along the Siq to the Khazneh (The Treasury), which you may recognise from the blockbuster film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Our tour will also climb the steep steps to Ad-Deir (The Monastery), hidden high in the hills.

This evening why not enjoy our Petra Kitchen add-on and prepare a delicious Jordanian dinner?

See more of Petra this morning as we climb to the High Place of Sacrifice and enjoy magnificent views of our surroundings. We also visit Wadi Farasa, then say goodbye to Petra as we travel to the desert of Wadi Rum. Enjoy a 4X4 safari into the wilderness to our remote campsite and feast on a delicious Jordanian meal.

Tonight, we settle down to sleep under the stars, away from the lights and noise of civilization.

Our adventure ends today with a departure transfers are offered at 04:00, 07:00, 12:00 and 23:00 only. If you would like a departure transfer at any other time or a transfer with post tour accommodation this can be arranged at an additional cost upon request, please enquire.

If you have extra time and wish to head back to Amman, why not book our 2 day end in Amman add on? Perfect for those who wish to spend more time in Jordan's ancient capital, Amman.