Highlights of Egypt and Jordan: Ruins, Pharaohs & the Nile

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)

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. (Duration: four days/three nights; Private activities; Private transfers; Meals included: yes (all onboard meals); Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees and guide included)

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. Next, visit the Folklore Museum that 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. Finally, stop by the Nymphaeum, an elaborate public fountain built in AD 191, before the tour winds up. (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)

Learn to prepare an Arabic feast at Beit Sitti, an estate in Amman’s trendy Jabal Al-Weibdeh neighborhood. This family business keeps alive their ancestral culinary legacy. Upon arrival at the villa, your host will introduce themselves and offer you a refreshing beverage. Then, put on your apron, wash your hands and get ready for your class to begin. Under your instructor’s guidance you will make a salad, side dish, main course and dessert, which is easy to replicate at home. Begin by chopping vegetables and crushing garlic. Taste an array of spices and other ingredients, while learning to make local dishes. Finally, head to the terrace to dine al fresco, surrounded by scenic city views. Gain insight into Jordanian culture as you dig into your delicious meal. (Duration: half day; Time: 1000/1500 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch/dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

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)