This 15 day vacation will take you through both Jordan and Egypt for an amazing tour of the Middle East! Discover the ancient cities within, rich with history and culture. Below is a day to day guide of what you can look forward to experiencing during your journey.
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Start your journey with an overnight flight* to your first stop on this fantastic tour.
Day 2: Arrive Amman, Jordan
You will arrive today in Amman, Jordan, known as the "White City" because of the color of the limestone most of the buildings are constructed from. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner tonight.
Day 3: Amman - Jerash - Amman
Take a tour of Amman this morning where you can visit sites such as the amphitheatre and the citadel. A guided walk through the souks (marketplaces) of this city gives you a chance to interact with the locals and view the carts full of regional produce and spices. Your next stop after a short drive through the valley and along the mountains of Gilead will be to Jerash, a city of ruins known as the "Pompeii of the East" because it is so well-preserved. Explore 2,000 years worth of history with walks along columned streets and through hilltop temples. Then, another short drive will take you through forests of pine and groves filled with olive trees before you reach Ajloun, an Arab castle built in the 12th century. This castle on the hill will give you a fantastic view of the Jordan Valley. You'll be returning to Amman for the night.
Day 4: Amman - Madaba - Petra
You'll be traveling along the biblical route of the Kings Highway this morning on your way to Madaba. Enjoy the sights you'll see including prehistoric villages and Roman fortresses. Upon arriving in the "City of Mosaics," Modaba, you'll be taken to the church of St. George for a view of the 6th Century Byzantine regional mosaic map. Then head over to the museum where you can see other mosaics displayed as well as visit a mosaic school to learn how to make your own! Visit Mt. Nebo, which is said to be the final resting place of Moses before continuing your travels onto Petra.
Day 5: Petra
Today will be spent touring the ancient city of Petra, one of the new Wonders of the World. Before being discovered in 1812, Petra was a "hidden" city beyond the mountains for over 3 centuries. With the help of your guide, you'll learn about how Petra was an important part of many ancient trade routes and the story of its rediscovery. In the evening, you'll be cooking your own dinner with the assistance of an expert chef and locals who will teach you about the variety of flavors and traditional meals this region has to offer.
Day 6: Petra - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea
The desert of Wadi Rum is full of stunning scenic beauty and was the film site for the movie "Lawrence of Arabia." Have lunch at a Bedouin camp for an experience of life in the desert and learn the history of the Bedouin people. Tonight, you'll arrive at the Dead Sea.
Day 7: Dead Sea - Amman - Cairo, Egypt
Enjoy a day spent at leisure while exploring the lowest body of water on the planet, the Dead Sea. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a unique experience because the high concentration of salts allows you to "float" effortlessly. You can also choose to spend the day at the spa courtesy of the resort you'll be staying at. In the afternoon, you'll board a flight* that will take you to Cairo, Egypt.
Day 8: Cairo - Giza - Memphis - Sakkara - Cairo
Spend the morning in Giza for a visit to the famous Pyramids. In the afternoon you'll be going to the ancient city of Memphis where you can see the 40-foot statue of Ramses II and then Sakkara where you can tour the Step Pyramid. The ancient art of making papyrus will be demonstrated for you in the afternoon. In the evening, you can take an optional tour to the pyramids for a light and sound show.
Day 9: Cairo - Aswan - Board Cruise
Take a flight to Aswan this morning. You can choose to take a tour of the Abu Sumbel when you land. A tour of Aswan will take you around to see the Philae Temple of Isis and the High Dam as well as other historic sights. Tonight, you'll be boarding the Mirage for a three day cruise along the Nile River.
Day 10: Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu
Set sail for Kom Ombo this morning, a structure dedicated to both the falcon and crocodile gods. Spend the afternoon aboard the Mirage at leisure as you drift en route to Edfu.
Day 11: Edfu - Luxor
You'll be visiting the temple of Horus while in Edfu where you'll learn about its construction and expansive history while touring. Once back aboard the Mirage, you'll be continuing your cruise before arriving in Luxor.
Day 12: Disembark Cruise - Luxor
Debark from the Mirage this morning and begin your exploration of Luxor, including the Valley of Kings and Queens, full of tombs constructed for powerful nobles over a period of 500 years. One of the temples you'll visit is that of Queen Hatshepsut.
Day 13: Luxor - Cairo
You'll spend this morning exploring the Temple of Karnak, the largest temple in the world. Built over a period of 1300 years, this temple dates back to 16th century BC. Take a flight back to Cairo this afternoon.
Day 14: Cairo
This morning will be spent exploring the collection at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Statues, sarcophagi, and a few of the treasures of Tutankhamen all find their home here. An optional tour of the El Khalili Bazaar is available. Enjoy your farewell dinner this evening.
Day 15: Cairo - Tour Ends
Your tour will be ending today in Cairo. Board your flight* back home but don't forget all you've seen and experienced during your amazing journey in Jordan and Egypt!
*Airfare not included in total price
