Egypt and Jordan: Historic Highlights and the Dead Sea

Take in the lights of Cairo as you sail down the Nile on a felucca boat. In the evening, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the boarding point. Climb aboard the felucca and make yourself comfortable. This traditional boat is used on the river and its open, narrow design makes it perfect to take in the views. As you sail on the water, your guide will point out interesting landmarks and tell you about their historical and cultural significance. Then, sit down for a five-course meal of Middle Eastern delicacies with the soothing sound of a lute playing in the background. As you enjoy dinner, soak in beautiful views of the passing scenery. After the cruise winds up, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: five-course dinner, drinks on own account; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Begin the day with a tour of Giza’s pyramids, constructed about 4,500 years ago. These monumental tombs, erected by pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, were filled with everything each ruler would need to sustain himself in the afterlife. Built in 2560 BC, the UNESCO-listed Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, get up close to the gigantic Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks. It features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a pharaoh headdress. Next, drive to Memphis, ancient Egypt’s first capital, founded after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. In the open-air Mit Rahina Museum, see a colossal statue of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, sculpted from a single piece of white gypsum. Continue to the village of Sakkara, where you’ll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Surrounding the Step Pyramid, is a funerary complex, which contains tombs of high officials, halls and courts. Later, return to your hotel in Cairo. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Please note that admission into the pyramids is not included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy. Please note that private vehicles are not permitted inside the Pyramids complex. Guests will be required to use the designated shuttle service, which departs from the reception area. The shuttles will operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis across five designated stops within the complex, ensuring convenient access to key points of interest.)

Explore Cairo with your private guide on this engaging tour. Drive towards the Giza Plateau to the Grand Egyptian Museum. It is home to more than 100,000 artifacts ranging from statues and mummies to jewelry and mosaics. On display are objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun. You’ll also come across sculptures of Pharaoh Khufu who built the Great Pyramid and Nefertiti, wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Next, head to The Citadel of Saladin, perched atop Mokattam Hill, which contains some of the best examples of Islamic architecture. Walk through the courtyards to view the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Take in views of the historic quarter and its minarets, before visiting the centuries-old Khan El Khalili bazaar. Stroll through this bustling, vibrant market replete with stalls selling antiques, handicrafts and spices. Shop for souvenirs such as earrings with intricate designs and hand-painted pottery to wrap up your tour. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Discover the ancient Elephantine Island and the archaeological treasures housed in the Aswan Museum. Head to the Temple of Khnum, where you can explore the well-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphs that honor Khnum, the ram-headed god of Elephantine Island. Delve into its history as you walk along the Nilometer, an age-old device that is used to measure the water levels of the Nile. Your guide will tell you about how this ingenious invention played a crucial role in predicting the annual flooding of the river and its impact on the livelihoods of the people. Next, venture into a vibrant Nubian village. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets adorned with colorful houses, and learn about local traditions and culture. Conclude your tour at the Aswan Museum. View an extensive collection of artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi from various periods of Egyptian history. Gain insight into the island’s rich archaeological heritage before returning to Aswan. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1200 hr; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Experience the history and culture of the Upper Egypt region as you sail on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. Board the comfortable cruise ship at Aswan, settle in and then enjoy lunch at the main restaurant. Afterward, hop into a motorboat for a short ride to the awe-inspiring Philae Temple complex that sits on Agilika Island. Accessible only by boat, this temple complex was relocated block by block to prevent it from being submerged in the flood waters of the new Aswan Dam. You could then stop at the impressive new dam that supplies water for irrigation and electricity generation. Back onboard, spend the afternoon relaxing on deck while the ship sails along smoothly. Relish a gourmet dinner before you retire for the night. The next day, enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet. For lunch, there is a barbecue buffet with a live grill. In the evening, step ashore to explore Kom Ombo Temple, known for its unique double design dedicated to two deities — the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris. Wind up the day with traditional cuisine and music followed by a fun Galabia party in the lounge bar as the vessel sails to Edfu. On the third day, visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus and Hathor. Back onboard, head to the ship’s main restaurant for a private cooking class. At Luxor, visit the sprawling Karnak Temple complex, built in honor of the god Amon. You will also see the famous Luxor Temple. In the night, there is a gourmet dinner followed by a belly dancing show and tanoura performance in the lounge bar. On the fourth day, have an early breakfast before you checkout and disembark to visit the West Bank highlights : The valley of kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. (Duration: four days/three nights; Private activities & transfers; Meals included: yes (all onboard meals); Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees and guide included)

Marvel at ancient Thebes and the Nile from above on this tour. You will be transferred to the launch site for your hot air balloon ride very early in the morning. Your unforgettable experience begins as the light of dawn bathes the sky in a rich glow. Shortly after take-off, you will have a constant view of the Valley of the Kings as the altitude increases. Soar over Queen Hatshepsut’s tomb and the sphinxes guarding the stairs. The journey continues through the landscape lined with sugar cane fields and palm trees. Watch the pink and orange hues of the Egyptian sunrise light up the sky, with the towering Colossi of Memnon below. The mud brick houses with flat palm roofs on the banks of the Nile are also clearly visible from the balloon basket. Take in the special atmosphere of gliding as the balloon moves high above dusty desert roads before gradually losing altitude and landing gently. (Duration: 2 hours incl. transfers (balloon ride 25 to 40 min); Pick up from the hotel: 0345 hrs (summer)/0500 hrs (winter); Shared activity; Group size: up to 24 people per basket; Private transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please note that there is some walking involved; This tour is weather dependent)

Discover Amman, Jordan’s alluring capital, a modern city that maintains its Middle Eastern flair. Drive downtown, which is dominated by the ancient Roman Theater with a 6,000-person capacity. View the flight of steps leading to the stage and learn about the theater’s excellent acoustics. Your guide will point out the three seating areas clearly marked for royalty, military and commoners. Your touring will also include visits to both the Archeological and Folklore museums. The Folklore Museum exhibits traditional attire, jewelry and mosaics. There is also a Bedouin goat-hair tent, with displays of weapons, tools, musical instruments and coffee grinders. Afterward, ascend Jabal al-Qala’a or ‘Citadel Hill’, the site of the Umayyad Palace. Enter the complex through a domed hall, decorated with stucco colonnettes and Persian-style geometric patterns. Beyond, the colonnaded street leads to the administrative and residential quarters of the Governor of Amman. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please note that the afternoon tour can be combined with the Amman by night tour)

Experience Amman’s nightlife on this guided tour. This experience can be tweaked to suit your interests. You could drive past the ‘Circles of Amman’, a series of eight roundabouts that run along the downtown area. From the Roman Nymphaeum in the historic center, visit the Souk Al-Sukar. Here, you will find numerous shops selling fresh produce, dry fruits, perfumes, gold ornaments and brightly colored garments. Continue onward to Jabal Amman, one of the seven hills that originally made up the metropolis and has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. You may hear the muezzin’s beautiful call to prayer, as you proceed toward Rainbow Street. Explore this bohemian area that is lined with art galleries, cafes and boutiques. Then visit the legendary Hashem Restaurant, an Amman institution. Try classic Jordanian street food specialties including falafel, hummus, ful medames and moutabel before the tour wraps up. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs or later; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: traditional snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this tour can be combined with an afternoon city tour)

Explore Jordan’s archaeological treasures on this day trip. Journey north of Amman to Jerash, a Roman city, also known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Set in the bowl of a valley, the expansive site of Jerash is reached by crossing a bridge over the River Zarqa. Enter through the South Gate and follow your guide over 2,000-year-old cobblestone paths that lead to Hadrian’s Arch, Oval Plaza and South Theater. Vantage points along the way offer bird’s eye-views of the surrounding eucalyptus and olive groves. Visit the temples of Zeus and Artemis, and the Hippodrome that could seat 15,000 spectators. Pause at the Forum, an oval-shaped plaza encircled by 56 unfluted Ionic columns, which served as a marketplace. Next, drive to Ajloun Castle that boasts a strategic hilltop location. A fine example of Islamic military architecture, it was built as a fortification against invading Crusaders. In the warren of chambers and galleries, learn about this iconic landmark’s history through interactive displays, before heading back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch at local restaurant; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Discover the ancient city of Petra on this tour. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Visitor Center to start your tour. Walk through the Siq canyon until you catch your first sight of the Treasury, the city’s most iconic structure. It was carved out of the sandstone mountains to serve as a tomb for the Nabataean King Aretas III. Your guide will tell you all about Petra’s history as you discover the Royal Tombs and explore the Roman ruins. See the Street of Facades, which features tombs and houses built into the mountain side more than 2000 years ago. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant before the tour wraps up. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900/1400 hrs; Private activity & transfers; no meals included; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Can be visited en route from Amman or Dead Sea to Wadi Rum or Red Sea and vice versa)

Explore the Siq Al-Barid, also known as Little Petra. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at a time of your choosing and take you to Little Petra, which is just 10 minutes north of Petra by road. Start with the classical temple that stands guard outside. Follow the narrow path that extends through the 400 m long Siq while your guide tells you about the tombs, temples and houses that line the way. Continue towards the Painted House. The frescoes of vines, flowers and birds on the underside of the interior arch are rare examples of Nabataean painting. Climb the steps at the end of the Siq for great views of the landscape before returning to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activities & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman or Dead Sea to Wadi Rum or Red Sea)

Experience the rugged desert landscape of the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum on this jeep tour. Set off in a comfortable jeep to the sandstone and granite valley. Enjoy an off-road drive across the moonscape-like terrain. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the rich history and geology of this protected area. The region is home to pre-historic trails, petroglyphs, and traditional Bedouin settlements. You will pass water holes and dramatic rock formations carved over millions of years. The natural arches, canyons, and mountain tops have featured in numerous movies including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Martian’, and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’. From vantage spots, take in panoramic views of the arid terrain colored in various hues by different oxides. After driving across the undulating terrain for a couple of hours, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 3 hrs incl. lunch; Time: morning/afternoon; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman, Petra or Dead Sea to Red Sea (Aqaba) or vice versa)

Venture into the moonscape terrain of the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum on this private tour. Begin your adventure with an off-road jeep drive through the sandstone and granite valley. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the rich history and geology of this protected area. The region is home to pre-historic trails, petroglyphs, and traditional Bedouin settlements. You will pass water holes and dramatic rock formations carved by the elements over millions of years. Take a break to visit with a Bedouin family. Watch as they show you the traditional way in which they make bread, and sample a cup of flavorful local tea. You will also learn interesting facts about Arabic coffee and the rules of drinking the brew. Afterward, you have the option of joining the family to cook a typical Arabic meal. Dine on what you helped prepare, before the tour winds up. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman, Petra or Dead Sea to Red Sea (Aqaba) or vice versa)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting the Dead Sea in Jordan. Also known as the Salt Sea, it is an ideal location for rest and relaxation while also offering outdoor activities for those who want a little action. Spend your time sunbathing on the beach in easy reach of restaurants, bars and cafes. Indulge in a natural spa by covering your body with the mineral rich mud. After it has dried, wash it off in the dense water. You can also get a professional spa treatment that uses the surrounding mud and salt. Enjoy a float in the water as the high salt content makes it impossible to swim. Explore the Dead Sea Panorama Complex, which houses a museum about the Dead Sea and provides panoramic views all the way to the Judea Mountains. There is also a short hiking trail that is suitable for all ages. Visit nearby Wadi Mujib reserve or go looking for waterfalls in Wadi Weida’a. The latter hike will take you through juniper, oleander, reeds and palms. Mount Nebo is a short drive away and offers views of the Dead Sea and Jericho and Jerusalem in Israel. (Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)