Pyramids to Petra

Cairo city pic

Welcome to the land of pharoahs & the world’s most historic destination, Egypt.

You’ll be met by our airport representative who will help you through airport procedures, and be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Free time for the remainder of the day.

Overnight Cairo hotel: Standard, Premium, Luxury or Ultra Luxury options

Meals: own arrangements

Activities

• Pyramids of Giza

• Great Sphinx

• Saqqara Necropolis

• Serapeum

pyramids saqqara, saqqara

Enjoy breakfast before starting your guided tour to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Great Pyramids of Giza. You’ll also see the Great Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a pharaoh.

Following a stop for lunch, you’ll pay a visit to the wonderous Saqqara Necropolis.

This remarkable complex includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the tombs which you will visit. You’ll also see plenty of hieroglyphics that adorn the walls of the complex throughout.

The Serapeum of Saqqara is a deeply evocative site and was the burial ground of the Apis bulls, considered sacred animals in ancient Egyptian religion.

The Serapeum represents the Egyptians' belief in the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The construction of the Serapeum is thought to align with celestial and terrestrial energies, a hallmark of Egyptian sacred architecture.

Overnight Cairo Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Grand Egyptian Museum

• Citadel

• Khan El Khalili Market

GEM‍ ‍citadel

Start the day with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. (GEM)

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), located just outside Cairo near the Giza Pyramids, is the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization. 

The GEM is already making waves for its striking modern design and the scale of its collection—over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before.

 Its crown jewel is the complete collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb, displayed together for the first time in one place.

Designed to enhance the visitor experience, the museum blends cutting-edge technology with rich storytelling. Expect immersive exhibitions, monumental statues (including a colossal 11-metre-tall statue of Ramses II), and panoramic views of the Pyramids through its glass façade. Whether you’re fascinated by mummies, temples, or ancient art, GEM offers a comprehensive journey through Egypt’s past.

Next, pay a visit to the impressive Citadel of Saladin. This preserved historic site of mosques and museums has a commanding position high above greater Cairo, and offers impressive sweeping views of the city and beyond.

The last visit of the day is Khan El Khalili Market. Nestled within the vibrant streets of the historic Islamic Cairo, this enchanting world of colors, scents, and cultural treasures offers a place to shop for unique pieces and souvenirs through its whimsical laneways.

Overnight Cairo Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Catacombs

• Roman Amphitheatre

• Qaitbay Fortress

Alexandria

catacombs

Today make your way north to the city of Alexandria, on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest city and boasts a thriving port along its 32 kilometres of coastline. Founded by Alexandria the Great, and once ruled by the Greek and Romans, the city has many incredible sights.

The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa is a historical archaeological site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. It is regarded as a huge necropolis and royal cemetery that dates back to the second century AD.

Next, see the Roman Amphitheatre. Once a grand spectacle, this ancient structure hosted gladiatorial contests and public events. Explore the remaining foundations and imagine the roar of the crowd echoing through this historic site

After lunch we’ll head to Qaitbay Fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Built by Sultan Qaitbay in the 15th century, the fort once protected Alexandria from Ottoman invaders, showcasing its military significance.

Overnight Cairo Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities

• Karnak Temple

• Luxor Temple

• Nile Cruise

karnakluxor

After breakfast you will be transferred to Cairo airport for your flight to Luxor. Check in to your cruise ship for the next 4 nights. After lunch you will start your guided tour. of Karnak Temple.

Built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. the great “Hypostyle Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. One of Egypt’s more prized attractions, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks. Simply put, everything here is on a gigantic scale.

Next is Luxor Temple. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor Temple reigns supreme as one of Egypt's most extraordinary archaeological gems built over 3,000 years ago. Marvel at the soaring columns and colossal statues, adorned with intricate hieroglyphics and reliefs depicting scenes from ancient Egyptian mythology and history. The Avenue of Sphinxes, stretching over a mile in length, connects Luxor Temple to its sister temple,

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Attractions:

• Valley of the Kings

• Hatshepsut Temple

• Esna Lock

Hatshepsut pic‍ ‍valley kings

Today you will explore one of Egypt’s most prized attractions, Valley of the Kings. Located on the west bank of the Nile River, this ancient burial ground served as the final resting place for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom era. Spanning over 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BCE, it contains around 63 tombs, including Tutankhamun's famous tomb. These tombs were carved into the rock and adorned with intricate paintings and hieroglyphics. Discovered in the 18th century, the Valley of the Kings remains a significant archaeological site, giving us valuable insights into the ancient Egyptian burial customs and beliefs.

Next on your tour is Hatshepsut Temple. This magnificent ancient structure is in honour of the powerful female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut.

As you continue sailing down to Aswan, be sure to be up on deck to view the boat passing through the engineering marvel of Esna Lock. As the boat enters the lock, the gates will be closed, allowing the water level in the lock to adjust to match the level of the river downstream. Once the water level is equalized, the boat can pass through and continue its journey down the river.

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner

Activities

• Edfu Temple

• Kom Ombo Temple

Edfu

The Edfu Temple, located in southern Egypt, is a stunning example of the well-preserved ancient Egyptian architecture. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this temple boasts intricate carvings and towering columns.

On return to our cruise ship, you will sail to Kom Ombo Temple. The Temple is dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god, and Haroeris the hawk. Kom Ombo temple stands on a promontory at a bend in the Nile, where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the river bank.

After dinner tonight will be the Egyptian Galabeya party, where you will be invited to dress up in traditional costume.

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Activities

• Unfinished Obelisk

• Philae Temple

• Felucca sail

Philae Temple

Philae temple pic‍ ‍

Jump aboard a motor boat for the short journey to Philae Temple on the island of Agilkia. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple is a testament to Egypt's rich cultural heritage. You’ll hear stories from your Egyptologist guide amidst stunning columns and intricate hieroglyphics that adorn the walls throughout. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, the temple was moved to its present location, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Unfinished Obelisk

Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is an enormous, partially carved granite obelisk dating back to the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Had it been completed, it would have stood at about 42 meters and weighed nearly 1,200 tons. Its creation was abandoned when cracks appeared in the stone. Today, it offers unique insights into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques and the immense effort involved in constructing these monumental structures.

Felucca Sail

Felucca

There is no better way to embrace the beauty of the Nile River than on a traditional wooden sailing boat known as a felucca. Sit back and take in the tranquil surroundings as you gentle glide through the water. 

Overnight Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will disembark your cruise in Aswan and make you way to the airport for the flight back to Cairo. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Optional Tour of Abu Simbel: Why not join an unforgettable private tour of Abu Simbel, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. It is renowned for its colossal rock-cut temples and built by Ramses II. These iconic structures stand as a testament to ancient Egyptian civilization, attracting visitors worldwide with their impressive architecture and rich historical significance. The two colossal temples greeting visitors are dedicated to Pharaoh himself and his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. At conclusion of your tour, you will be transferred back to Aswan to board the flight to Cairo.

TOUR NOTE: Days 8 and 9 may be swapped to cater for the cruise schedule. Abu Simbel tours that depart on day 8 will leave approx 5am.

Overnight Cairo hotel

Meals: Breakfast

This morning you will continue you onward journey to Jordan.

After being met at Queen Alia International airport, you will escorted to your hotel.

Enjoy the remainder of the day free.

Overnight Amman

Meals : breakfast

Activities

• Madaba

• Mount Nebo

• Kerak Castle

• Petra by night (optional)

Begin your journey along the historic King’s Highway as we head for the “Rose Red City” of Petra.

MadabaMount nebo

Visit the Christian Town of Madaba, also known as ‘The City of Mosaics’. You will be visiting the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, where we will see the masterpiece of Madaba, a Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land dating back to the 6th century. We will also visit the Archaeological Park, which houses the remains of several Byzantine churches, including the amazing mosaics of the Church of the Virgin.

Your next visit is Mount Nebo.

Considered to be one of the most important holy sites in Jordan, Mount Nebo is believed to be the place where the Hebrew Bible says that Moses stood and witnessed the "promised land" as well as Moses’ last resting place. It features ruins from the 4th to the 6th century with marvellous mosaics adorning the grounds of the church still visible.  

The view from the summit provides a panorama of the Holy Land and, to the north, a more limited one of the valley of the River Jordan.

Our last stop for the day is the city of Kerak.

The Crusader's Castle has a diverse history dated from the Byzantine to the Mamluk period. Here, you will get to know the architectural military brilliance of the Crusaders. We continue south to the hotel in Petra.  

Petra by Night optional activity.

petra by night

After dinner (approx. 8.30 pm start) you will make your way to “Petra by Night”. 

Petra by Night invites you on an unforgettable journey through the candlelit Siq to the majestic Treasury, where ancient history comes alive through a spectacular fusion of light, sound, and storytelling.

Please note this activity only runs Sunday to Thursday. All guests will need to walk independently to the Treasury and back. Approx 4 km return. 

Overnight Petra

Meals : breakfast

Activities

• Petra UNESCO site - Treasury visit

• Wadi Rum jeep safari

• Wadi Rum luxury camp

petra wadi rum

Today is sure to be one of the great highlights of Jordan.

We journey to Petra, the legendary “Rose-Red City, half as old as time.” Founded by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, Petra is a masterpiece of carved sandstone façades and hidden wonders.

You’ll walk through the Siq – a narrow, winding gorge framed by towering cliffs – until the dramatic reveal of Petra’s most iconic monument: the Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Its scale, detail, and colour are truly unforgettable, and a visit here is an experience you’ll treasure forever. 

Todays' visit is only to the famous landmark - the Treasury. 
The walk from the main gate is around 2 km each way (roughly 30–40 minutes on foot one way depending on pace). Guests can hire shared golf carts for an additional cost on the day.

For those wanting to venture further than the Treasury, including to the Monastery, an extra day may be required. Ask us for more details.

We head south later in the day to the captivating desert of Wadi Rum. It is Jordan's largest desert, and one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.

Enjoy a 4x4 Bedouin Jeep Tour inside the Wadi, covering its “martian like” highlights. 

Duration appox 3 hours. 

Afterward head to your luxury camp for the evening.

Overnight WadI Rum Desert camp

Meals: breakfast & dinner

Activities

• Dead Sea

  dead sea

The Dead Sea is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures, lying at the lowest point on Earth’s surface, more than 430 metres below sea level. Renowned for its intense salinity—almost ten times saltier than the ocean—the water makes floating effortless, giving visitors the surreal experience of drifting on its shimmering surface.

Rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, the Dead Sea has been prized for centuries for its healing and therapeutic qualities. Cleopatra herself is said to have favoured the area for beauty treatments, and today, its black mud is used in skin therapies around the world. The surrounding landscapes, with their stark mountains and desert views, add to the sense of otherworldly beauty.

Overnight Dead Sea Resort

Meals : breakfast

We return you to Amman International Airport for your outbound flight.

We hope you have enjoyed your time in  Jordan.

Transfer time: approx 50 minutes

Meals: breakfast