Highlights of Egypt Jordan and Dubai

Welcome to Cairo! Cairo, named Al-Qahirah in Arabic, is not only one of Africa’s largest cities (population of 23 million) but the political and cultural center of the Arab World. Cairo’s old quarters retain their ancient charm with many streets still known by descriptions given to them by medieval chroniclers. Modern Cairo’s architecture is distinguished by Ottoman and later European influences, especially in commercial architecture, particularly as the city’s population boomed during the 19th century. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in.Overnight in Cairo

Today you will visit the Pyramids & Sphinx — reckoned by the Greeks as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, an iconic location to see on Egypt trip packages.  A single pyramid is built from 2,300,000 blocks, each weighing an average of two and–half tons. In the face of such immensity, one cannot help but feel the wonder and awe that so many writers and artists have sought to convey over the centuries. The Cheops Pyramid is particularly interesting since its interior burial chambers are open for inspection by the public. Not far from the Pyramids stands the Great Sphinx of Giza, dating from the time of Chephren (2620 BC). Hewn from natural yellowish limestone and standing 65 feet high & 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion’s body. From there, you will return to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps book one of the following optional tours. Overnight in Cairo

Optional: Half Day Citadel, Mosques & Khan Khalili Bazaar
Explore the rich heritage of Cairo on a tour that begins with the Citadel of Salah al-Din (Saladin), a grand fortress constructed in 1176 to defend against Crusaders, which later became the seat of power for Egypt’s rulers for over 700 years and was significantly developed by Muhammad Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. Just below the Citadel stands the monumental Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Mamluk architecture in the Islamic world. Adjacent to it is the Mosque of Al-Rifai, constructed in two phases between 1869 and 1912, serving as a royal mausoleum for members of Egypt’s royal family, including King Farouk and the last Shah of Iran. The tour also includes a visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, founded in 1382 by Emir Djaharks El-Khalili in the heart of historic Fatimid Cairo, a lively market that remains a hub of commerce and culture, offering a wide array of antiques, traditional crafts, jewelry, and local eateries that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city.

Available: Every Day

Optional: Sound and Light show at the Pyramids
Enjoy the evening with the incredible Philae Temple Sound and Light Show. This show will take you on a narrated journey to discover the legends of Goddess Isis and God Osiris. There is a marvelous story for this temple, from the early centuries when the site of Philae was flooded for six months each year. An incredible restoration program was undertaken in the 1960s, and the Temple was moved stone by stone to its current location. Enjoy the spectacular lights of the multimedia presentations which vividly reveal the form and majesty of this ancient site and walk through the magnificent temple as its history is narrated.

Meeting Point: Hotel Lobby

English Summer program: at 8:30 PM. (except Thursday at 9:30 PM)

English Winter program: at 6:30 PM. (except Thursday at 7:30 PM)

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred back to Cairo International Airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be escorted to the cruise ship for embarkation. This will be your home for the next four nights. Lunch on board and in the afternoon, we will visit Luxor and Karnak Temples. Luxor Temple was the center of the most important festival, the festival of Opet. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, the temple served as a setting for the rituals of the festival, which was held to reconcile the human aspect of the ruler with his divine office. The procession of images of the current royal family began at Karnak and ended at the Luxor temple. Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC as a small shrine dedicated to Amun, the god of Thebes. The Temple of Karnak comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples — all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu, and Amun are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth.Dinner and overnight onboard cruise

Optional: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple
The Karnak Sound and Light Show highlight the dramatic history of ancient Thebes. The show will narrate the achievements of great Pharaohs, with poetic descriptions of the ancient treasures. As visitors walk through the complex, the pharaohs will rise to tell the story of their fascinating lives, as haunting music mysteriously flows through the ancient city. Ancient and poetic voices tell visitors about the birth of the Karnak Temple along with the heroic achievements of the pharaohs and the god Amun. It is an enchanting and supernatural experience to listen to the sound effects and gaze at the magnificent ruins illuminated during the well-presented show.

After breakfast, cross the newly constructed Luxor Bridge to visit the Valley of the Kings, which is home to many pharaonic tombs of the New Kingdom, including those of King Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. You will visit 3 Royal tombs based on the availability of the day. Each king's formal name and title are inscribed in his tomb, which is also adorned with his images and statues. Most of the tombs were cut into limestone following a similar pattern: three corridors, an antechamber, and a sunken sarcophagus chamber. Explore several amazing Royal Tombs. Then visit the Valley of the Queens which includes between 75 and 80 tombs. These tombs belong to Queens of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Among these is the famous tomb of Nefertiti, one of the five wives of Ramses II. Afterward tour the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty was built just north of the Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep Nebhepetre, amid the bay of cliffs known as Deir El-Bahri. In ancient times the temple was called Djeser-djeseru, meaning the sacred of sacred. The female pharaoh chose to build her temple in a valley sacred to the Theban Goddess of the west, on a direct axis with Karnak Temple of Amun on the East Bank. After lunch on board, we sail to Edfu via Esna. Ancient Nubia was known to the pharaohs as the “Land of Gold,” and its wealth and lands were eventually incorporated into Egypt around 1500 BC. In the afternoon, join your shipmates for afternoon tea.Dinner and overnight on-board cruise

Optional: Hot Air Ballooning Over the Valley at Sunrise
Bask in the splendor of the ancient historical sights of Luxor from the air. See this spectacular landscape from a unique perspective that only hot air ballooning can provide. Glide majestically over the temples and burial grounds of the Pharaohs and allow history to come to life before your eyes. 

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 4 am - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point / flight time  

Enjoy breakfast on board before visiting the Temple of Edfu. It is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Egypt. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth. Hence, the current temple was but the last in a long series of temples built on this location. You will then sail to Kom Ombo and enjoy lunch and afternoon tea onboard the ship. This afternoon, disembark and enjoy a short walk to the Temples of Kom Ombo. This complex consists of two temples: The Temple of Sobek and the Temple of Haroeris. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank nearby. The Temple has scanted remains, due first to the changing Nile, then the Copts who once used it as a church, and finally by builders who used the stones for new buildings. As you sail toward Ancient Nubia, you may participate in an Egyptian Galabeya Party.Overnight on-board cruise

After breakfast, you will visit the Aswan High Dam (completed in 1971); the Old Dam (completed in 1902). You will also visit the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a structure rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam's construction. The High Dam, just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan lies the Aswan High Dam, a huge rockfill dam that captures the world's longest river, the Nile, in the world's largest artificial reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, known as “Sadd El-Aali” in Arabic, was completed in 1970 after 10 years of work. Later, you may take a short trip on a motorboat to discover the Philae Temple. The Boat ride will bring the visitor to a magnificent vista of the island, before landing at what would have been the ancient quay on the south side. The temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after his murder by his brother Seth.Dinner and overnight onboard cruise

Optional: Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple
Enjoy the evening with the incredible Philae Temple Sound and Light Show. This show will take you on a narrated journey to discover the legends of Goddess Isis and God Osiris. There is a marvelous story for this temple, from the early centuries when the site of Philae was flooded for six months each year. An incredible restoration program was undertaken in the 1960s, and the Temple was moved stone by stone to its current location. Enjoy the spectacular lights of the multimedia presentations which vividly reveal the form and majesty of this ancient site and walk through the magnificent temple as its history is narrated.

Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Schedule: In Winter it is at 6:30 PM, In Summer it is at 8:00 PM 

Disembark the cruise after breakfast before being transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. There, you will be met and escorted back to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or perhaps take an optional tour.Overnight in Cairo

Optional: Morning visit to Abu Simbel
This morning you will transfer to Aswan Airport to board a flight to Abu Simbel. Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, you will be transferred to the temple site. Visit the Temple of Ramses and Temple of Queen Nefertari. Not only are the two temples located at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world, but their removal and reconstruction were historic events. Two of the temples, Rameses II (primarily dedicated to Re-Harakhte), and that of his wife, Nefertari (dedicated to Hathor) were originally located in Lake Nasser (280 km from Aswan) but had to be relocated due to the risk of sinking.

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 7 am - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point / flight time  

Optional: Visit the Incredible Egyptian Museum
In the afternoon, you may experience the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. The Egyptian Museum boasts 107 halls filled with approximately 160,000 objects covering 5,000 years of Egypt’s past. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt’s king and Tut Ankh Amun treasures.

Available: Every Day

Departure Time: Approx. 12 pm - *Pick up time may vary depending on the location / pick up point

Today, you'll be transferred to Cairo International Airport to board your flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you'll be met and assisted with immigration and customs procedures. Afterward, begin your journey south along the historic King’s Way toward Petra. En route, stop in Madaba to view the renowned ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. Next, visit Mount Nebo, the traditional burial site of Moses, offering sweeping views over the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. Continue driving through the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Mujib to reach Kerak, where you'll tour the imposing Crusader Castle (with an optional stop for lunch).Overnight in Petra

In the morning after breakfast, spend the entire day exploring Petra, the remarkable city carved into the red cliffs of the Sharah Mountains by the Nabateans and rediscovered in the 19th century by Swiss explorer Burckhardt. Enter through the narrow Siq to behold the iconic Treasury. Visit landmarks such as the Roman Theater, the Royal Tombs, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, the Temple of the Winged Lion, and more. Optional lunch break or hike up to the Monastery for panoramic views.Overnight in Petra

After breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the breathtaking desert landscape of Wadi Rum, often described as one of the most stunning natural environments on Earth. Begin with a short but exhilarating 4x4 ride through this vast, silent wilderness of dramatic sandstone mountains, red sand dunes, and ancient rock inscriptions. Known as the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum was the filming location for the epic Lawrence of Arabia and continues to captivate visitors with its raw beauty and timeless atmosphere. After your desert adventure, you will travel back to Amman via the Desert Highway or opt for a transfer to Aqaba and the Araba border crossing. Later, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Amman for an overnight stay.Overnight in Amman

Today, embark on a full-day tour from Amman to explore three of Jordan’s historical treasures: Jerash, Ajloun, and Umm Qais. Start with Jerash, a remarkably well-preserved Roman city featuring colonnaded streets, temples, plazas, and Hadrian’s Arch. Continue to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by Saladin’s forces to defend against the Crusaders, offering striking views and rich history. End your journey at Umm Qais, the ancient city of Gadara, where Roman ruins stand alongside remnants of an Ottoman village and biblical heritage. Return to Amman in the evening for drop-off at your hotel.Overnight in Amman

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to Dubai. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free at leisure.Overnight in Dubai

Today you will explore this fascinating city with a tour of Dubai. While the vast swathes of Dubai have been transformed with contemporary architecture into a modern and luxurious city, traces of the historic town from 40 years ago are still evident in certain areas. This tour will take you on a cultural journey through time into mini mazes of wind-towered buildings, narrow lanes, and meandering pathways of the lively souks. During the tour, you will visit the heritage area of Bastakiya and the 225-year-old Fort Al Fahidi, which houses the Dubai Museum. Pay a visit to the Spice and Gold Souks. With tantalizing scents and shimmering jewelry, you will drive by the Burj Al Arab, the iconic hotel in the shape of a sail. Enjoy a photo stop at the Jumeirah Mosque, an architectural landmark. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Dubai

Enjoy your morning at leisure. Later this afternoon you will be picked up for a dune drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. This mysterious desert beckons you for a magical evening out — an adventure you will never forget. Leaving behind the bustle of the city in the afternoon, our safari guides will take you on a thrilling journey over rolling dunes deep into the heart of the desert. From the crest of a high dune, watch the setting sun cast its orange glow over the vast expanse of rippling sand all around you. Like a shimmering mirage in the distance, you will see the flickering lights of your camp where a traditional Arabian welcome will await you. The encampment conjures up images of Arabian nights. Relax on comfortable cushions in Bedouin tents and quench your thirst, have your hands painted with intricate henna designs, head on a short camel ride, or just enjoy the aromatic shisha. A feast of grilled meats, fresh salads, and delectable Arab sweets will be served under a galaxy of stars. You will be entertained by the bewitching belly dancer swaying to the haunting strains of Arabian music.

Overnight in Dubai

Today you will be transferred back to Dubai International Airport for your flight back home.