Ancient Wonders : Cairo & Jordan

Your historical journey begins as you arrive at Cairo International Airport. After completing immigration formalities, you'll be greeted by our representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in the heart of Cairo. After checking in and refreshing yourself, enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll along the Nile Corniche near your hotel to get your first glimpse of the mighty river that has sustained Egyptian civilization for millennia. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine, preparing you for the adventures ahead. Overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Cairo's most iconic monuments. Begin with a visit to the Giza Plateau to witness the majestic Pyramids of Giza, the only surviving structures of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, built as royal tombs for the pharaohs. Continue to the enigmatic Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a human, standing guard over the pyramids for more than 4,500 years. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the ancient capital of Memphis and the necropolis of Saqqara, home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest major stone structure. Return to your hotel in the evening. Optional Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids (at additional cost). Overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, delve deeper into Egypt's rich heritage with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, housing the world's largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities, including treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb. After lunch, explore Islamic Cairo, starting with the magnificent Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali at the Citadel of Saladin, offering panoramic views of the city. Continue to Khan El Khalili, Cairo's ancient bazaar, dating back to the 14th century, where you can shop for souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Amman. After checking in and refreshing yourself, embark on an afternoon city tour of Amman, visiting the Citadel with its Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, the Roman Amphitheater, and the modern downtown area. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Jordanian cuisine. Overnight stay in Amman.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your journey south towards Petra. En route, visit the mosaic city of Madaba, known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, particularly the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St. George's Church. Continue to Mount Nebo, the legendary place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and on clear days, even Jerusalem. After lunch, proceed to the crusader castle of Kerak, an impressive example of medieval military architecture. Arrive in Petra by early evening, check into your hotel, and prepare for the next day's exploration. Dinner and overnight stay in Petra

After breakfast, embark on a full-day exploration of Petra, the rose-red city half as old as time and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your adventure through the narrow Siq, a natural rock fissure, which dramatically opens up to reveal the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra's most elaborate facade. Continue through the ancient city, exploring the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the Theater, the Colonnaded Street, and the Great Temple. Those with extra energy can climb the 800 steps to the impressive Monastery (Ad-Deir) offering spectacular views. After lunch at a local restaurant within the site, continue your exploration at your own pace. In the evening, you have the option to experience Petra by Night (at additional cost), where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Petra.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Wadi Rum, the dramatic desert landscape also known as the Valley of the Moon. Embark on a two-hour jeep safari through this otherworldly terrain of ancient riverbeds, towering sandstone mountains, and natural arches, made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy lunch at a Bedouin camp, experiencing traditional hospitality. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 422 meters below sea level. Upon arrival, check into your Dead Sea resort and spend the remainder of the day enjoying the unique experience of floating effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters and applying the therapeutic mud. Dinner and overnight stay at the Dead Sea.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning at the Dead Sea. Take advantage of the resort's spa facilities or take one last float in the buoyant waters. Check out from your hotel (late check-out may be arranged, subject to availability), and depending on your departure time, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman for your onward journey, taking with you memories of two remarkable ancient civilizations.