Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Ruins & Natural Landscapes - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo (Egypt), Dinner With a Local Family

Welcome to Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until this evening's dinner. When it's time, meet your guide in the lobby and head to a local family's home to learn more about Egyptian ingredients, dishes, and culinary traditions. Sit down around a communal table and sample a spread of appetizers, such as kofta (minced-meat skewers), hummus, and freshly baked pita, served alongside tangy tahini and vibrant salads.

For main courses, you may savor Egyptian classics, like a fragrant tajine accompanied by fluffy couscous or Egypt's national dish, koshary, made with lentils, rice, chickpeas, macaroni, and tomato sauce, then covered with crispy onions. End the night with baklava or basbousa, a moist semolina cake soaked in syrup and garnished with nuts. When you're full, thank your hosts for their warm welcome and return to the hotel to relax.

Day 2: Visit Memphis, the Saqqara Necropolis & Giza Pyramid Complex

Join your guide for a full day of discovering some of the area's ruins, starting with a one-hour transfer to Mit Rahinah, home to the capital of ancient Egypt, Memphis. Explore the ruins of this once-thriving city to see the scattered remnants of colossal statues, temples, and royal tombs. Visit the Saqqara Necropolis next, just 20 minutes away, which served as a burial ground for the royal family and noblemen of Memphis. Wander around the site adorned with tombs, mastabas (flat-roofed tombs), and pyramids spanning several dynasties.

Visit the site's highlight, the Pyramid of Djoser, built in 2670 BCE, making it the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Admire the six-tiered structure, which showcases the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineering, before transferring one hour to the Giza Plateau, home to three of the most iconic pyramids in Egypt. Start at the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the three main pyramids and the only survivor of the Seven Great Wonders of the Ancient World.

Continue to the Pyramid of Khafre, the best-preserved pyramid, to see the original, smoothly finished stone at the tip. The final pyramid is the smallest, the Pyramid of Menkaure, offering a more intimate look at ancient Egyptian funeral practices. Step inside the dimly lit passageways to discover the sacred chambers that once cradled Egypt's rulers and marvel at the hieroglyphs depicting royal ideology and religious beliefs. Adjacent to the pyramids, the Great Sphinx guards the plateau. Admire the colossal limestone statue depicting a lion's body with a pharaoh's head, then return to your hotel in Cairo.

Day 3: Fly to Aswan, Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple & a Nubian Village

Say goodbye to Cairo this morning as you head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan, your gateway to the Nile River and the landmarks lining its shores. When you land, meet your driver at the airport and begin your city tour, starting at the Aswan High Dam. Built in the 1960s, the dam was a modern engineering feat as it provided improved water storage, doubled the country's electricity supply, and increased cultivable land by 30 percent. Continue to a nearby dock, where you'll board a small boat to Agilkia Island, where Philae Temple awaits your visit.

Explore the complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, who embodies love, magic, and motherhood in Egyptian mythology. Admire the well-preserved colonnades, intricately carved reliefs, and hieroglyphics adorning the walls. In the afternoon, cruise to a Nubian village on the West Bank to learn more about the locals' culture and traditions. Tour the village to see the traditional mud-brick houses painted in bright colors, then observe the locals going about their daily lives, weaving baskets, cooking hearty Nubian food, and tending to their pet crocodiles. After trying a traditional drink, head to your hotel in the city.

Day 4: Discover Abu Simbel, Board a Felucca, Sail Down the Nile River

Leave the city behind for the morning as you transfer 3.5 hours south to the historic site of Abu Simbel, home to two temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE. Pass the colossal statues of Ramesses II to enter the temple's main hypostyle hall, where more statues of the pharaoh and walls adorned with hieroglyphs greet you. Explore the inner chambers dedicated to different deities and admire the seamless integration of art, architecture, and religious symbolism.

Head back outside to admire the exterior of the smaller (though no less grand) temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, the pharaoh's beloved wife. Guarded by statues of the queen and pharaoh, the chambers within are adorned with intricate reliefs depicting scenes of Nefertari making offerings to the gods. After exploring the twin temples, transfer back to Aswan, where you'll board a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat that will be your transportation and accommodation for the next two nights. Enjoy dinner on board while you slowly sail down the Nile.

Day 5: Sail to Kom Ombo, Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, Sail to Edfu

Have breakfast on board while you cruise to Kom Ombo, home to the Temple of Kom Ombo. Disembark and explore the temple, dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility, and Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky and kingship. Explore the duplicated halls, courtyards, and sanctuaries, reflecting the duality of these gods and their complementary roles in Egyptian mythology. Admire the hieroglyphs that provide insight into the rituals and ceremonies that once unfolded within this sacred space. After exploring, return to the boat for lunch before continuing down the Nile to Edfu.

Day 6: Visit the Temple of Edfu, Transfer to Luxor

Enjoy one last breakfast on board, then bid farewell to your friendly crew as you disembark at Edfu to visit the Temple of Edfu, also dedicated to Horus. Approach the temple's entrance, flanked by colossal statues of the falcon-headed god, and step inside the vast courtyard adorned with towering columns and intricate hieroglyphs. Discover the inner chambers and sanctuaries, housing shrines and statues of the deity, then trace the footsteps of ancient pilgrims along the sacred processional route. After exploring the temple, transfer 2.5 hours north along the Nile to the city of Luxor, where you'll visit Luxor Temple.

Admire the temple's imposing facade before entering to see the sanctuaries, chapels, and shrines. Back outside, follow what's left of the Avenue of Sphinxes to Karnak, an awe-inspiring temple complex dedicated to the deities of Thebes. Look up at the towering obelisks adorned with hieroglyphs and soaring great halls lined with statues and vibrant reliefs depicting the exploits of pharaohs and gods. Navigate through the different precincts dedicated to Amun-Re, Mut, and Montu to witness the evolution of the complex over centuries. Following a full day of sightseeing, check into your hotel in Luxor.

Day 7: Explore the Temple of Seti I & the Dendera Temple of Hathor

Take a breakfast box on the road with you as you transfer 2.5 hours north along the Nile to Abydos, where you'll visit the Temple of Seti I, built during the 19th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period. Pass through the towering pylons into the hypostyle hall to admire the labyrinth of columns adorned with vibrant hieroglyphs and depictions of gods and pharaohs. Admire the temple's centerpiece, the sanctuary, housing a shrine dedicated to Osiris, the god of the afterlife, where Seti I was revered as a divine ruler.

After exploring the temple, sit down for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, on your return to Luxor, stop at the Dendera Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and joy. Step inside the main hall featuring a forest of towering columns intricately decorated with depictions of Hathor's sacred symbols. Make your way through the inner sanctuaries to visit shrines dedicated to the goddess and her consort, Horus, each offering a glimpse into ancient Egypt's complex religious rituals and beliefs. 

Day 8: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Visit the Valley of the Kings

Wake up before dawn for what's sure to be a highlight of the trip—a 40-minute hot-air balloon ride over Luxor for a different perspective of the city. Transfer to the launch site, where you'll complete a safety briefing and watch the balloons inflate before jumping into the basket. As you rise above the city and serpentine Nile River, marvel at the majestic temples, ancient ruins, and lush fields below. Then, when you touch down, join your guide for a tour of the Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO-listed necropolis you may have just spotted from above.

Listen as your guide highlights the pharaohs, like Tutankhamun, and noblemen buried here as you descend to the meticulously carved tombs. Then, explore Deir el-Bahari, a complex of mortuary temples adjacent to the tombs dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut. End the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and the last surviving remnants of his mortuary temple. After a day of discovering Luxor and its surroundings on foot and from the air, return to your hotel in the city.

Day 9: Visit the Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina & Ramesseum

Your last day in Luxor takes you 30 minutes away to the Valley of the Queens, a picturesque valley that served as the final resting place for queens, princesses, and other members of the royal family during the New Kingdom period. Discover the rock-cut tombs and well-preserved wall paintings depicting scenes of the afterlife, religious rituals, and daily life. Stop at Queen Nefertari's tomb to admire the intricate artwork and elaborate decorations before continuing to the nearby ancient village of Deir el-Medina, once home to the skilled artisans who built the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. 

Walk through the narrow streets lined with well-preserved mud-brick houses and listen as your guide shares what the villagers' daily life may have been like, from cooking and crafting to religious practices and social interactions. End the tour at Ramesseum, a mortuary temple dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II. As you approach, you'll be greeted by towering statues of the pharaoh, once adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant paint. Wander across the sprawling complex to see the remnants of colossal columns, towering pylons, and intricate reliefs before returning to Luxor.

Day 10: Transfer to Kharga Oasis, Explore the Town's Landmarks

Trade the Nile for the Western Desert this morning as you set off on a 4.5-hour transfer to the Kharga Oasis, the largest of the five oases in the region. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route, then check into your hotel when you arrive, followed by a guided visit to the Kharga Museum. Browse the museum's collection, including pottery, tools, jewelry, and religious artifacts, as your guide shares tales about the oasis' ancient inhabitants. Continue to El-Bagawat, one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world, dating back to the fourth century CE.

Explore the labyrinthine passages and sandstone tombs adorned with colorful frescoes and inscriptions. You'll also see over 250 mud-brick chapels and churches that reflect the fusion of Egyptian, Roman, and Byzantine influences. Your next stop is the Temple of Hibis, dedicated to the god of sun and air, Amun. Admire the sandstone walls lined with vibrant reliefs and hieroglyphs while learning about the site's significance and role in ancient religious practices. End the night at a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner featuring hearty lentil soup, fresh flatbreads, and succulent grilled meats.

Day 11: Transfer to Dakhla Oasis, Tour the Madrasa & Nearby Villages

After just one night in Kharga, head to another oasis in Dakhla on a 2.5-hour transfer. After you've checked into your hotel, follow your guide to the town's ancient madrasa, an Islamic school, to learn about the scholarly practices of the past. Step through the intricately carved wooden doors and wander the courtyard, corridors, and classrooms before continuing to El-Qasr, a small village within the oasis. Stroll down maze-like streets lined with mud-brick houses, passing vibrant markets, bustling cafés, and the towering El-Qasr Mosque.

Your next stop is Balat, another quaint village, where you can explore the tranquil streets and watch locals go about their daily lives. After a day of cultural immersion, it's time to unwind at a nearby hot spring. Let go of your fatigue and soak in the warm waters, surrounded by the serene desert landscape, while the sun slowly sets over the dunes. When darkness starts to fall, head to an Egyptian restaurant for dinner. Sample local delights like ta'meya, Egypt's version of falafel made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, to end the night. 

Day 12: Transfer to Luxor, Sound & Light Show at Karnak

This morning, you'll travel back to Luxor on a seven-hour transfer with regular stops to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat for lunch. When you arrive in the late afternoon, check into your hotel to relax before a 10-minute evening transfer to Karnak, an awe-inspiring temple complex dedicated to the deities of Thebes. Admire the illuminated towering obelisks adorned with hieroglyphs and soaring great halls lined with statues and vibrant reliefs depicting the exploits of pharaohs and gods while you wait for a 75-minute sound and light show with storytelling to begin.

Then, travel back in time to when Luxor was the capital of the ancient world as you watch the ruins come alive with vivid projections depicting scenes of pharaohs, gods, mythological tales, and the temple's construction, accompanied by an enchanting soundtrack and narration. Experience the last act while seated along the Great Sacred Lake before returning to your Luxor hotel.

Day 13: Fly to Amman (Jordan) via Cairo, Transfer to Wadi Rum

Bid farewell to Egypt this morning as you head to the airport for a one-hour flight to Cairo, then a 1.5-hour flight to Amman in Jordan. Meet your driver and transfer 3.5 hours to the Wadi Rum Protected Area, a Martian-like landscape of vast desert, towering sandstone mountains, and surreal red dunes. On arrival, jump in a Jeep for a two-hour tour across the desert. Start at the Al Ramal Red Sand Dune, where you'll climb to the summit for panoramic views of the landscape. Continue to Raqabat al-Wadak, better known as the "Little Bridge," a sandstone arch that spans a narrow chasm.

Although you can't walk across the bridge, you can clamber up the rock for another perspective of the surrounding landscape. Back in the Jeep, venture into Khazali Canyon, a narrow gorge renowned for its ancient rock carvings. Look at the inscriptions and petroglyphs adorning the rocks that tell tales of the Nabataean and Bedouin cultures that once thrived in the region. End the tour at Lawrence's Spring, a natural oasis in the middle of the arid desert. Dip your toes in the crystal-clear water while you take in the surrounding mountains before heading to your campsite for dinner.

Day 14: Transfer to the Jordan Trail, Hike to Aqaba, Explore City

Lace up your hiking shoes and set off on a one-hour transfer to your starting point for an 11.4-mile (18.4 km) trek along the final portion of the Jordan Trail. Follow your guide across the diverse terrain, from rocky outcrops to sandy expanses, as you make your way to the coastal city of Aqaba. Look out at picturesque wadis, ancient ruins, and towering mountains as you walk. When the trail descends toward the shores of the Red Sea, you'll be rewarded with far-reaching views of the azure waters. After five to seven hours, you'll arrive in Aqaba, where you can check into your hotel and refresh.

Afterward, you'll have the rest of the late afternoon free to enjoy the city. You could relax on one of Aqaba's pristine beaches, such as South Beach, where you can also partake in watersports like jet skiing, windsurfing, or parasailing. Those who want to dive into the region's history can explore sites like Aqaba Fort, built by the Mamluks in the 16th century, and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. Step inside the museum's grand halls and browse the exhibits showcasing pottery, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts unearthed from archaeological sites across the region.

Day 15: Transfer to Petra, Explore the Archaeological Site at Your Own Pace

Start your penultimate day in Jordan with a two-hour transfer to Petra, often called the "Rose City," as ancient Nabataeans carved their structures directly into rose-red cliffs. Explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological site on your own, starting with a walk through the narrow Siq, a natural rock gorge. At the end, you'll get your first look at the Treasury, a towering mausoleum with an elaborately carved entrance. Beyond the Treasury, the site opens to a vast expanse of monuments, temples, and dwellings.

Walk along the Street of Facades, showcasing impressive Nabataean tombs, until you reach the Theater, where you can imagine the echoes of ancient performances. Deeper into the archaeological site, you'll find the Royal Tombs, a testament to the city's regal history. End your self-guided tour in the Monastery and climb to the top, which takes 45 minutes to an hour, to enjoy bird's-eye views of the ancient city's monuments and surrounding mountains. In the evening, transfer to your nearby hotel to rest your feet.

Day 16: Transfer to Amman via the King's Highway, Depart

Unfortunately, your 16-day journey across Egypt and Jordan comes to a close today. Make a few stops on your three-hour transfer back to the airport in Amman, starting in Madaba, known as the "City of Mosaics." Head to St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, home of the famous Madaba Map, an ancient detailed mosaic depicting Jerusalem during the Byzantine period. Admire more mosaics adorning the floors and walls while you're here. Then, continue to the Madaba Archaeological Park to see the remnants of grand structures from the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Crusader periods.

Wander through ancient chapels, houses, halls, and arches, looking for mosaics depicting mythological scenes. Your final stop is Mount Nebo, believed to be where Moses died, overlooking the Holy Land. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Dead Sea and the vast Jordan Valley. On a clear day, you can even catch glimpses of Jerusalem in the distance. Back in the car, complete the 40-minute transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!