Ancient Encounters Expedition

On arrival at Cairo International Airport, we meet and assist with visa formalities and luggage, then transfer you comfortably to your city hotel. Settle in as Cairo unfolds beyond the window – your first glimpse of the capital’s bustle as we drive through lively streets. You have the rest of the day at leisure – you can relax at the hotel, explore nearby cafés or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

We stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza, learning about their construction and the pharaohs who built these monumental tombs over 4,000 years ago. We marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx, its lion’s body and human face guarding the plateau. We explore Memphis, once the capital of the Old Kingdom, visiting the open–air museum to view the colossal statue of Ramses II and other artefacts. We then discover Saqqara, home to Egypt’s first pyramid – the Step Pyramid of King Djoser – a landmark in early architectural innovation.

We fly from Cairo to Luxor, exchanging the modern capital for Egypt’s ancient heart. On arrival we pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon for a striking photo stop, then continue to the legendary Valley of the Kings – burial place of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including Tutankhamun – and step inside beautifully painted tombs that reveal vivid stories of the afterlife and royal power. We admire the elegant terraces of Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple beneath dramatic cliffs and explore Medinat Habu, the impressive mortuary temple of Ramses III with vivid reliefs. As evening falls, we visit Luxor Temple under the night sky – its columns and hieroglyphs aglow for a memorable finale.

We wander through the vast Karnak Temple complex, dedicated to Amun–Ra, where a forest of columns, a serene sacred lake and intricate reliefs showcase New Kingdom grandeur. We then embark on a relaxing Nile cruise from Luxor to Edfu, savouring the unhurried rhythm of the river as ancient temples, lush palm groves and small riverside villages drift by – a timeless portrait of Egypt’s heartland.

We explore the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, among the best preserved in Egypt, its towering columns and finely carved hieroglyphs revealing Ptolemaic–era artistry. We continue downstream to Kom Ombo, watching life unfold along the riverbanks as our cruise glides towards the next ancient wonder. We visit the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus – its symmetrical design, fascinating carvings and riverside setting make it wonderfully photogenic – before cruising south to Aswan past palm–lined shores and traditional feluccas.

We board a traditional felucca to drift along the Nile, embracing the timeless rhythm of sail as we pass palm–fringed banks, quiet islands and riverside villages – a soothing way to take in Aswan’s serene beauty. We sail to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, an island sanctuary whose intricate carvings and tranquil setting speak of ancient devotion. We then visit the mighty Aswan High Dam to learn how this vast structure harnessed the river, created Lake Nasser and reshaped the landscape.

We take a short morning flight from Aswan to Cairo, returning to the capital’s lively pace. We explore the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient artefacts – including treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun – for a compelling insight into Egypt’s royal past.

On arrival in Amman, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Settle in and get to know the neighbourhood as we confirm tomorrow’s collection time with your guide. You have the afternoon at leisure – you can wander historic districts, browse charming cafés and markets, or visit highlights such as the Citadel and the Roman Theatre while soaking up the city’s friendly atmosphere.

We leave Amman on a scenic drive to the historic hilltop town of As–Salt and explore its charming lanes, once a key trading hub and former capital of Jordan. We stroll the narrow streets along the Harmony Trail to learn about the town’s unique blend of Islamic and Christian heritage. Returning to Amman, we take a panoramic drive through modern neighbourhoods and historic quarters before visiting the Citadel – with the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and a Byzantine church – for sweeping views across downtown. We continue to the Roman Theatre, an impressive 2nd century AD amphitheatre, and round off the day with a food tasting tour through downtown, sampling favourites such as falafel, manakish, mansaf and knafeh.

We set out on a guided hike through the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest protected area, walking amid rugged canyons and terraced cliffs alive with diverse plant and birdlife, and taking in far–reaching views of the Great Rift Valley. From the mountain village of Dana, we travel through dramatic desert landscapes to the Red Sea city of Aqaba. You then enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the shore – you can swim, snorkel or simply unwind at your beach resort, with views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

We depart from the Red Sea city of Aqaba and drive into the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, where towering sandstone cliffs rise above vast open valleys. We set off on an adventurous jeep safari across golden sands and beneath soaring rock faces, then meet Bedouin hosts for an authentic cultural encounter – walking with shepherds, learning traditional crafts and sharing a freshly prepared meal in their desert camp.

We begin with an off–road jeep safari beneath Wadi Rum’s towering cliffs, followed by a Bedouin experience where we walk with shepherds, learn time–honoured crafts and share a freshly cooked meal. After our desert morning, we depart Wadi Rum and drive north towards Petra, enjoying the scenic journey to the rose–red city. On arrival, you may choose to join Petra by Night for a magical first glimpse, or you can relax, browse the shops and linger in local cafés.

We set off on a scenic hike from Little Petra, following the quieter mountain trail that leads into the main site. Taking the lesser–travelled back route, we enjoy sweeping desert views and peaceful solitude, reaching the magnificent Monastery before descending into the city below. We then spend the day exploring Petra – walking the Siq to the Treasury, admiring rock–cut tombs and temples, and tracing the ancient colonnaded streets that once thrived with traders and pilgrims.

We travel north from Petra along the King’s Highway towards the Dead Sea, passing dramatic canyons, open desert and shimmering salt flats before descending to the lowest point on Earth. We then tackle the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail – between April and October we wade, clamber and swim beneath waterfalls for one of Jordan’s most exhilarating outdoor experiences. We round off the day by relaxing and floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea’s famously buoyant waters, and at your resort you can try the mineral–rich mud and capture the classic newspaper photo as you drift.

We begin in Madaba, famed for exquisite Byzantine mosaics, and at St George’s Church we see the celebrated Madaba Map – the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land. We continue to Mount Nebo, where tradition holds that Moses gazed upon the Promised Land – you can savour sweeping views towards the Jordan Valley and Jericho and admire restored mosaics in the memorial church. In the afternoon we explore Jerash, one of the best preserved Greco–Roman cities outside Europe, strolling through the oval Forum, visiting the Nymphaeum and viewing the grand Temple of Artemis before travelling south to Amman.

You have free time in Amman before your scheduled transfer. We collect you from your hotel and take you to Queen Alia International Airport in good time for your departure flight.