Day 1 Welcome to Cairo

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met by a representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight: Baron Hotel or similar, Cairo

Meals included: None

Day 2 Memphis, Pyramids & Sphinx, Giza, Egypt (B)

After breakfast, join your Egyptologist guide for a visit to Memphis: Visit the first unified capital of the ancient world. Most of the pyramids found near Cairo, were built during this period when Memphis was the most important city in Egypt and most probably the world.

Afterwards drive to Saqqara, the necropolis of Memphis, home of the step pyramid, the first limestone structure ever built. Explore its 4350-year-old coloured tombs. Have the chance to go inside a pyramid and see the ancient hieroglyphics, which have been engraved on its walls for thousands of years.

Continue your tour to the enigmatic Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza. At 500 feet (152.4 metres) high and 750 feet (228.6 metres) wide at its base, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is a breathtaking structure built from enormous stone blocks with a white limestone covering. Cheops Pyramid is the only survivor of the Seven Great Wonders of the Ancient World. Along with the smaller pyramids, the sight of these huge structures is unforgettable.

Overnight: Baron Hotel or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 Egyptian Museum, Salah El Din Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque & Old Cairo (B)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of the famous Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It's the richest museum of Egyptian antiquities in the whole world, it contains pharaonic treasures from more than 5000 years ago. The building is rectangular with a large rotunda on the ground floor containing massive exhibits, including the colossal statue of Ramses II.

Afterwards visit the massive mediaeval Salah El Din citadel, a mediaeval Islamic-era fortification in Cairo built to defend against the Crusaders. Explore this ancient fortress and marvel at its brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and commanding views of Cairo. The citadel houses the Alabaster Mosque, formally the Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha.

Afterwards, drive to Old Cairo and visit Coptic Cairo, a part of Old Cairo that encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church, The Greek Church of Saint George and many other Coptic churches and historical sites. It is believed in the Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga). Enjoy the evening free at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Baron or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 Cairo - Luxor - Begin 4-Night Nile Cruise - Luxor Temple (B/L/D)

This morning, check out and be transferred to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor.

Upon arrival, be transferred to the ship to begin a four-night cruise along the beautiful Nile River. Today after lunch, visit the amazing Abu El Haggag Mosque, Luxor Temple and the largest temple in the world, Karnak Temple, dedicated to the worship of Almighty God of the New Empire "God Amun".

Overnight: MS Nile Symphony Ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 5 Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Edfu (B/L/D)

After breakfast, be transferred to the West Bank of Luxor to tour the Valley of the Kings, known as the ‘Gateway to the Afterlife’.

The ancient Egyptians built impressive tombs for their pharaohs, of which the most famous can be found in the Valley of the Kings, like the tomb of Tut-Ankh-Amun (the visit to this tomb is not included). Outside, the guide will give explanations of the tombs, (entry to three tombs is included).

Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces, you will also see the Temple of Hatshepsut - often referred to as the Pharaoh Queen. On the way back to the river Nile, the road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Afterwards, return to the ship and sail to Edfu via Esna lock along the beautiful Nile River. This evening, enjoy the sunset, dinner and party on board.

Overnight: MS Nile Symphony Ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 6 Edfu - Kom Ombo, Egypt (B/L/D)

Today visit the Edfu temple. Join the tour guide for a visit to the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Upper Egyptian site dominated by a large well-preserved temple, dedicated to the Hawk God Horus.

The construction of the Ptolemaic temple of Horus, which was founded on the site of a much earlier temple, dates to the period between the reigns of Ptolemy the Third and Ptolemy the Twelfth, between 237 and 57BC. The depictions on the walls include the mythological tale of the conflict of Horus and Seth (probably performed annually as a religious drama).

Return onboard and sail to Kom Ombo.

Overnight: MS Nile Symphony Ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 7 Kom Ombo - Philae Temple - Aswan High Dam & Felucca ride (B/L/D)

Visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to the worship of the Egyptian Goddess of Love, Isis. Take a short motorboat ride to visit the majestic Philae Temple on Philae Island, a rocky island in the middle of the River Nile and the temple was an ancient pilgrimage centre for the cult of Isis. This sacred site was revered from the Pharaonic era and the Greek, as well as the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Afterwards, visit the Aswan High Dam followed by lunch onboard. In the afternoon, enjoy a sailing cruise around Elephantine Island on a traditional Egyptian timber felucca sailing boat.

Today you may also join an optional tour to Abu Simbel, the two famous massive rock temples on the western bank of Lake Nasser. (Can be booked onboard).

Overnight: MS Nile Symphony Ship or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 8 Aswan - Cairo, Egypt (B)

This morning, check out from your Nile River cruise and be transferred to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in the Egyptian capital city. This mega city's constant buzz and noise is a product of its 22 or so million inhabitants. Tap into the energy of the country that native Egyptians call Um Al-Dunya – the Mother of the World.

Overnight: Baron Hotel or similar, Cairo

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 Cairo - Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (B/L/D)

This morning, check out of your hotel and be transferred to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Sharm el-Sheikh on the exotic Red Sea.

Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in an all-inclusive resort. Enjoy the excellent beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and some of the best dive spots in the world. Sharm el-Sheikh may just be the perfect beach vacation destination. Plus, its prime location at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and its proximity to the desert give the city an air of exotic mystery and romance.

Overnight: Dream Vacation Resort or similar, Sharm el-Sheikh

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 10 Sharm el-Sheikh Free Day (B/L/D)

Today, enjoy a free day at leisure to soak up the sunshine or engage in some holiday resort activities, such as scuba-diving and snorkelling, or optional tours including a desert safari.

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most fascinating landscapes of Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea. You can spend the day sunbathing at one of the best beaches in the world, or explore the local culture wandering around the Old Town. Go hiking on Mount Sinai or embark on an adventure to the deep seas and discover the underwater treasures at many diving spots. There are also many historical treasures in the region such as Saint Catherine's Monastery sits at the foot of Mount Sinai, Sharm Old Market and Al Sahaba Mosque (optional activities are bookable on the spot).

Overnight: Dream Vacation Resort or similar, Sharm el-Sheikh

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 11 Sharm el-Sheikh Free Day (B/L/D)

Enjoy another day at leisure on the Red Sea. If you didn't see all the fascinating sites you were hoping to visit or find enough time for relaxing in the sunshine, today is your day to do as you please.

Overnight: Dream Vacation Resort or similar, Sharm el-Sheikh

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 12 Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt - Aqaba - Wadi Rum, Jordan (B/D)

This morning after breakfast, a bus will transfer you to the port, where you will catch a ferry to Aqaba, Jordan (approximately 3 hours).

Upon arrival at Aqaba, be met and continue your journey to Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. It features dramatic sandstone mountains, including the many-domed Jebel Um Ishrin, and natural arches such as Burdah Rock Bridge. Many prehistoric inscriptions and carvings line rocky caverns and steep chasms, such as Khazali Canyon. The natural watering hole of Lawrence’s Spring is named after British soldier Lawrence of Arabia, who allegedly washed there.

Tonight you will spend the night in a desert camp (private tents with private facilities), where you will enjoy dinner under the stars.

Today is approximately a 70-kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Desert Camp Rum Oasis Luxury Camp or similar, Wadi Rum Desert

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Day 13 Wadi Rum - Petra, Jordan (B/D)

Today enjoy the wilderness adventure of a 2-hour jeep tour of Wadi Rum, following in the footsteps of British soldier, Lawrence of Arabia and climbing sand dunes.

Afterwards, continue to Petra. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabatean caravan-city, situated between the Red and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. Petra is half-built, half-carved into rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It’s one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture.

Today enjoy a tour of the magnificent site. Marvel at the beauty of the UNESCO Heritage-Listed Lost City of Petra, exploring its many caves and tombs. Walk through the canyon and be astounded at the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the ancient Nabateans city, now one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Travel along the Siq, the main entrance to the ancient city and a natural passage between two mountains, leading to the Treasury, the most elaborate temple in Petra. Across from the theatre and overlooking the city centre lies the Royal tombs on the East Cliff. The lower part of Petra, where the Romans resided after 107 AD, has ruins of Nabatean temples which are still standing.

Afterwards everyone will be transferred to the hotel.

Today's driving time/distance is approximately 110 kilometres.

Overnight: Hotel P. Quattro or similar Petra

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Day 14 Petra - Dead Sea, Jordan (B/D)

Today travel to the Dead Sea. Upon arrival enjoy a free day for bathing or relaxing.

The Dead Sea is a salt lake located more than 400 metres below sea level, the lowest point on dry land. Its famously hypersaline water makes floating easy, and its mineral-rich black mud is used for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments.

Watch the sunset over the hills of the West Bank with Jerusalem in the distance.

Today's driving time/distance is approximately 190 kilometres.

Overnight: Dead Sea Spa Resort or similar Dead Sea

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Day 15 Dead Sea - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Amman, Jordan (B/D)

Today drive to the town of Madaba and discover the amazing Byzantine mosaics excavated from throughout the town. See the Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands.

Continue to Mount Nebo and wonder at the view where Moses looked across to the Promised Land and later died and was buried. Afterwards, transfer to an Amman city tour where you will visit the Citadel and the Roman Theatre. Enjoy free time in the afternoon for some shopping in the city centre of Amman.

Today's driving time/distance is approximately 80 kilometres.

Overnight: Mena Tyche Hotel or similar Amman

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Day 16 : Amman - Depart Jordan (B)

After breakfast, check out and be transferred to the airport for the return flight back to Home

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight