Jordan and Egypt

Today, explore the Roman ruins of Jerash and Ajloun. Depart your hotel in Amman to visit Jerash, widely regarded as one of the most beautifully preserved cities in the world, nestled at the bottom of a green valley. Start the tour from the “South Gate” into the “Oval Plaza”, continue your way down through the “Street of Columns” until you reach the “Arch of Triumph” built on the honour of Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD. This afternoon, visit the castle of Ajloun located on a high peak overlooking the city of Ajloun. According to Salah-Eddin biographer, this castle was built between 1184 and 1185 by one of the Salah-Eddin nephews, to oppose the Crusaders castles of Kerak and Shobak. Transfer back to Amman later this afternoon.

Optional: Replace the afternoon visit to Ajloun with a walking tour of Amman
Afterward, return to Amman for a walking tour of the bustling downtown area, where you’ll explore lively souks, historic landmarks, and the famous Rainbow Street—a hub of cafés, shops, and street food delights. Savour local delicacies as you soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Optional (supplement applies): Visit the King Hussein Royal Automobile Museum in Amman (Open Sunday-Thursday).

This morning, depart Amman by private vehicle and journey along the historic King's Highway, one of the world’s oldest trade routes, toward Petra. This scenic drive offers a glimpse into Jordan’s rich past, with stops at key historical sites. In Madaba, marvel at the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, a stunning relic of Byzantine craftsmanship. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have gazed upon the Promised Land, and take in the breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley. Next, explore the imposing Kerak Crusader Castle, a 12th-century fortress showcasing medieval military architecture. Arriving in Petra, discover the legendary “Rose City,” a marvel carved into vibrant sandstone cliffs. Once the thriving capital of the Nabataeans, Petra remained hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in 1812. To truly appreciate its grandeur, visit in the soft light of morning or late afternoon, when the rock formations glow in shades of red and gold.

Depart Petra by private vehicle with a short stop at the rugged landscapes of Little Petra, a hidden gem showcasing Nabatean architecture in a more intimate setting. Wander through its narrow siq, ancient dwellings, and carved facades before continuing south to the breathtaking desert of Wadi Rum. This vast, otherworldly expanse, often called the "Valley of the Moon," was once traversed by Lawrence of Arabia and his Arab liberation army. Upon arrival, embark on a thrilling 4WD adventure, navigating through towering sandstone mountains, deep canyons, and rolling dunes sculpted by time and wind. Witness ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks and experience the raw beauty of this untouched wilderness. As the sun casts golden hues over the desert, immerse yourself in the silence and vastness of Wadi Rum, a landscape so surreal it feels like stepping onto another planet. A truly unforgettable desert experience awaits.
Note: Wadi Rum drivers & jeeps are locally based, so the quality may vary, and is beyond the control of Ancient Kingdoms Holidays or its Jordanian operators.

Depart Wadi Rum by private vehicle and journey north through the striking landscapes of Jordan, arriving at the legendary Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Nestled in the Jordan Rift Valley, this remarkable body of water stretches 75 kilometres in length and is renowned for its high salt and mineral content, nearly ten times saltier than the ocean. With no outlet and a rapid evaporation rate, the Dead Sea's waters create a unique, buoyant experience—floating effortlessly on its surface is a must-try sensation. The mineral-rich mud is famed for its therapeutic and skin-nourishing properties, a natural spa treatment enjoyed since the time of Herod the Great. Spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking up the serene atmosphere, exploring the shoreline, or indulging in a revitalizing mud bath. The Dead Sea offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining relaxation, history, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Today you will be transferred by private vehicle to Amman airport for your flight to Alexandria. On arrival at Alexendria airport, you will be welcomed by our local Airport representative PRIOR to immigration who will assist you with your included Egyptian Visa. Your special fast track immigration service ensures priority access. After immigration clearance, you will be assisted with your luggage collection and customs by our local team, then transferred by private vehicle to your Mediterranean coast hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

After breakfast meet your private Egyptologist for a tour of Alexandria. Start with a visit to the Alexandria National Museum. The museum comprises more than 1800 archaeological pieces that narrate the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, Islamic, and modern history of Egypt. One display features pieces picked up from the seabed at Abu Ker Bay and the eastern harbour near the Qaitbay Citadel. Continue to the Catacombs of Kom El-Shouqafa. These tombs were tunnelled into bedrock at the time of the Antonine emperors in the 2nd century AD for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. Although the funerary motifs are purely ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Greco-Roman style. Finally, visit the Roman Amphitheatre. This archaeological site includes ruins dating back to the Roman era and includes a theatre, baths and a villa decorated with mosaics. Upon completion of your tour, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your Giza area hotel. Catch your first glimpse of the Pyramids of Giza as you drive the Alexandria Giza highway.

Meet your private Egyptologist and embark on an enriching journey through Egypt's rich history and. Your first stop is Coptic Cairo, where you will visit the famous Coptic Museum, built on the site of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon, constructed about 30BC. Inside the fortress are several Coptic churches and the richest collection of Coptic art in the world. Additionally, visit Ben Ezra Synagogue, nestled within a pleasant shady garden in the centre of Cairo, housing several artefacts including the manuscript known as the ‘Atlas of Moses’.

After a break for lunch, walk through Old Cairo with your Egyptologist. Start at Bab al-Futuh and stroll through al-Moez Street visiting and viewing the magnificent Islamic architectural heritage including mausoleums, mosques, Sabils (fountains), and medieval houses dating back to the Fatimid and Mamluk periods. If you wish, take a moment to reenergize with a refreshing beverage at Fishawy Café, an optional stop amidst the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar.

An early start today as you are transferred by private vehicle to Cairo airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival into Aswan transfer by private vehicle to your Nile Cruise ship. After lunch on board set off to sail by traditional felucca around Kitchener’s Island with a view of the Agha Khan Mausoleum. This evening attend dinner and a Nubian folkloric show on board.

After an early breakfast visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the beautifully restored Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis (the mother of Horus). This remarkable temple was rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser at the time of the High Dam’s construction. Return to your cruise ship with lunch on board as you set sail for Kom Ombo. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the ship prior to a late afternoon visit to the Kom Ombo Temple. This remarkable temple was jointly shared by the two Gods: Sobek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, and Horus, represented with the head of a falcon. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic period, spanning from 237 to 57 BCE. Admire the beautifully preserved murals and intricate bas-relief, adorned with inscriptions that offer valuable insights into language, mythology, and religion during the Egypt's Greco-Roman era. Sail on this evening to Edfu. Dinner and a Galabeya party on board this evening.

Early this morning you will set out to visit Edfu's revered Temple of Horus – one of the holiest of the Egyptian pantheon of gods. Discover the remains of the Old Kingdom and the temple dedicated to the falcon God Horus, constructed during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. The walled descriptions describe its construction and display important drawings, capturing the Greco-Roman era in ancient Egypt. Return to your cruise ship, cross the Esna lock and spend the afternoon sailing leisurely to Luxor.

Note: Whilst crossing through the Esna Lock, entrepreneurial local families arrive by boat and cheerfully throw various handmade local ware up to the boat for inspection. We encourage our clients to support this local initiative, a key form of income for local families, with some local Egyptian cash on hand.

Late this afternoon you will explore one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums - Thebes. Visit the magnificent Luxor Temple then follow the Avenue of the Sphinx to the Temple complex of Karnak. This gigantic site was added to by approximately 30 different Pharaohs over time, which goes some way to explaining its immense size and majestic grandeur. Return to the ship. Dinner and a Whirling Dervish and Belly Dance Show on board this evening.

Disembark your cruise ship this morning and cross the Nile to explore the West Bank. Today is full of highlights including the Necropolis of Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, where you’ll find the tombs of the Theban rulers including Tutankhamun. The grandeur of Queens Hatshepsut’s Temple and the haunting Colossi of Memnon, named for the Ethiopian king who marched to the aid of Troy. Upon completion of your visit to the West Bank depart Pharaonic Egypt crossing the arid Eastern Desert and Red Sea Hills, via the Nile-side city of Qena, before reaching the coastal resort town of Hurghada on the Red Sea. Innovative Travel Bonus: Entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI included.

Two full days at leisure in Hurghada, relaxing on coral beaches, swimming in the crystal-clear Red Sea, or exploring vibrant coral reefs. Optional excursions and seaside activities showcase the region’s spectacular marine and coastal beauty.

Bid farewell to the calm of the Red Sea. This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Hurghada Airport for your flight to the cosmopolitan and vibrant Cairo. On arrival at Cairo airport, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your city hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure or exploring the character of Cairo downtown one last time.

This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Cairo Airport for your onward flight. Maa Salaama Cairo.

• 24/7 service and full local backup from our seven regional offices throughout Jordan & Egypt
• Fast Track Meet and assist prior to immigration at Amman and Alexandria Airports
• Jordan and Egyptian visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK passport holders
• Airport departure assistance
• 5 nights’ hotel accommodation in Jordan
• 1-night Tented Camp accommodation in Jordan
• 8 nights hotel accommodation in Egypt
• 3-night Nile Cruise Egypt
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• 1 Dinner Wadi Rum Tented Camp
• All meals on Nile Cruise
• 3 Dinners Hurghada Hotel
• Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
• Transportation in Jordan and Egypt by private vehicle with English speaking drivers
• Economy class International flight Amman/Alexandria
• Economy class domestic flights Cairo/Aswan and Hurghada/Cairo
• Local private English-speaking guide in Jerash and Petra and short horse ride inside Petra
• Bedouin jeep tour ride for 2 hours in Wadi Rum
• Private sightseeing (excluding on the Nile Cruise) in Cairo and Alexandria, with English speaking Egyptologist and licensed tourism driver
• Group sightseeing on Nile Cruise with English speaking Egyptologist
• Bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
• Entrance fees as mentioned in the program
• VAT taxes
• Jordan and Egypt Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares (Amman to Alexandria included)
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Egyptian Visa for non-US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above