Hone cities - Amman, Jordan

Today, we depart the US on our international flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival, we'll be greeted warmly and transferred to our hotel. We'll then enjoy dinner and rest from our travels.

Jerash-Um Qaiss

After breakfast, we will begin our exploration with a visit to the ancient city of Jerash. This remarkable site has a continuous history of human settlement that spans over 6,500 years. Nestled in a picturesque plain and framed by lush, hilly woodlands and fertile basins, Jerash offers a stunning backdrop that enhances its historical significance.

We will then continue to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by a general of Saladin to defend against crusader invasions. Explore the castle's towers and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Afterward, we visit Um Qaiss, perched on a plateau overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Here, you can explore remnants of Greco-Roman architecture. 

Amman- Madaba - Mount Nebo - Petra

This morning, we will check out of our hotel in Amman and travel south and visit the mosaic city of Madaba, where the oldest map of the Holy Land exists on the floor of St. George’s Church. We will then journey to Mt Nebo, the site where the Prophet Moses looked over the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea before sending the Children of Israel across without him. Here you view 4th and 6th century Byzantine churches with wonderful mosaics.  Known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics. Visit St. George's Church to see the famous Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, an intricate depiction of ancient Palestine.

We will then continue to Mount Nebo, the site where Moses is said to have gazed into the Promised Land. Visit the memorial church and enjoy panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

We will make our way along the scenic Kingsway route to visit the Kerak Castle, one of the largest Crusader castles in the Levant. Explore its winding corridors, towers, and the vast terrace overlooking the surrounding landscapes.

We then continue to Petra and enjoy dinner at our hotel.  

Petra, Jordan

The red-rose city of Petra is a unique destination. More than 2000 years ago the area was settled by the Nabataeans who carved magnificent buildings in the sandstone. We begin our adventure with an optional horse ride, then walk through the Siq, an immense crack in the stone, to see at the end Petra's most impressive monument: the Treasury. You walk along the Street of Facades, see the Royal Tombs, and Qasr al Bint.  

Wadi Rum, Jordan

This morning we will depart to Little Petra, an often-overlooked site that features narrow rock-cut canyons and charming facades. Explore this peaceful corner of Petra, known for its picturesque landscapes.

Mid-morning we will drive to the dramatic Wadi Rum, one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world, and view the spectacular rock formations, canyons, and Nabatean rock inscriptions. This landscape is reminiscent of Lehi’s family’s journey through the area. We will enjoy a jeep ride and witness the scenery that is almost beyond imagination. Tonight, we will stay at the Space Village Luxury Camp in Wadi Rum and enjoy an authentic Bedouin BBQ dinner, where you’ll savor dishes cooked in traditional ways, under a star-filled sky. 

Wadi Rum - Aqaba

This morning we will depart for Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city on the Red Sea. We will enjoy a guided city tour of Aqaba, visiting local markets, the historic Aqaba Fort, and the beautiful waterfront.

We will continue for the Dead Sea and experience the unique natural phenomenon of floating in its mineral-rich, hyper-saline waters.

Dead Sea- Amman

We will spend the morning at the Dead Sea and make our way back to Amman and enjoy a wonderful tour of the city, and a walk through downtown, known for its lively atmosphere. Explore local shops and markets. 

Amman – Cairo, Egypt

This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flights to Cairo, Egypt for our next adventure. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. 

Giza Pyramids

This morning we will visit the famous Egyptian museum the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities in the world. We will then explore the mysteries Egypt holds at the pyramids in Giza and discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. We have a safari on camels, or horse buggy if you prefer. We continue on to the Great Sphinx that was carved out of a solid natural rock around 2500 B.C (There is an option to enter the great pyramid for a supplement price TBA). After a stop for lunch, we visit the Papyrus institute to see how it is made and introduced to ancient Egyptian writing. An explanation is also provided as to what a cartouche is! 

Sakkara – Aswan 

Today we journey south outside of the city of Cairo to see the area of Sakkara which is one part of the old great necropolis of Memphis. Sakkara is probably best known as the location of King Zoser's step Pyramid, one of the oldest on record. Our excursion proceeds to the old capital of Memphis, which was the capital city of the Old Kingdom. We see the ruins of the Temple of Ptah, and the gigantic colossi of King Ramses the second. While in this area, we visit a local carpet school and we are able to watch the fascinating skills of those who make rugs by hand.  We will transfer to the airport for our flight to Aswan. Upon arrival in Aswan, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. 

Nile Cruise 

Our tour begins with a visit to the famous High Dam. We will then drive to one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt, the Philae Temple, which is the temple of ISIS, goddess of magic and maternity. To access this temple, we ride a motor boat, which also provides us our first views of the local terrain and interaction with people. After our visit, we embark on our deluxe Nile cruise boat which is our home for the next three nights. We enjoy lunch and some free time onboard. (Afternoon optional visit to the Nubian village to discover the civilization and life of Nubia (this will be an optional cost to you – price TBA) 

Nile Cruise

Today we will start sailing North heading to Kom Ombo to visit the only double temple in Egypt which is dedicated to Horus the falcon and Sobek the Crocodile. We will continue on sailing to Edfu. \

Nile Cruise 

This morning we will visit the Edfu temple the most complete temple in Egypt. We will then sail to Luxor and arrive in the evening. (You can do an optional relaxing horse cart tour around Luxor for an additional cost – Price TBA).

Valley of the Kings - Cairo 

For those who are adventurous and up for a thrill, there is an opportunity for an optional hot air balloon ride this morning over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor (a separate additional fee is required – price TBA). The view is incomparable and lets you appreciate the large scale of the burial place of many famous pharos. We will then disembark the ship and start our official tour today by visiting the Valley of the Kings and admire the magnificence of the grandeur of architecture which was used for many kings' burial sites. We visit 3 famous tombs, price excludes the tomb of Tut Ankh Amen (for a supplement – price TBA) We pass by the temple built by Queen Hatshepsut, the daughter of Thutmosis I for photo opportunity. This afternoon, one of the tour highlights of the whole tour is visiting the Karnak Temple, the greatest example of worship in the history of Egypt. It is dedicated to the god Amon, his wife Mut, and their son Khonsu. We will then transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo. 

Flights Home 

Today (early AM) we depart Egypt and take our flights home with memories to last a lifetime!