Petra & the Nile Explorer

On arrival at Amman International Airport, we meet and welcome you, then transfer to your city hotel to check in and begin your Jordan journey.

We drive north from Amman to Jerash, passing rolling hills and traditional villages on the way to one of the finest Greco–Roman cities outside Europe. We walk through the oval Forum, visit the Nymphaeum and admire the grand Temple of Artemis. Back in the capital, we explore the Amman Citadel – taking in the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and a Byzantine church along with sweeping views across downtown. We also discover the Roman Theatre, a 6,000–seat amphitheatre that still hosts events, before enjoying a street–food tasting in bustling downtown – sampling favourites such as falafel, sweet kunafa and refreshing sugar cane juice, with dishes varying by day but always authentically Jordanian. We round off at the eco–friendly Wild Jordan Centre to relax with city views and learn how its work supports conservation and local communities.

We visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in Madaba to see the celebrated sixth–century mosaic map of the Holy Land. We continue to Mount Nebo, where tradition holds that Moses viewed the Promised Land, to enjoy sweeping vistas across the Jordan Valley and admire its restored mosaics and memorial church. We then explore Shobak Castle, a dramatic twelfth–century Crusader fortress with towers, gateways and hidden passages overlooking rugged valleys. Travelling south from Amman along the historic King’s Highway – past olive groves, deep wadis and rural villages – we make our way towards Petra.

We enter Petra through the dramatic Siq – a slender sandstone canyon etched with ancient water channels and terracotta pipes – for a magnificent approach to the city’s most iconic monuments. We pause before the renowned Treasury, its exquisitely carved façade rising from rose–red cliffs, and reflect on its Nabataean design, cultural significance and enduring legends. We continue to the monumental Royal Tombs, stroll the colonnaded street – once the commercial heart of Petra – and visit the rock–hewn Roman amphitheatre that later saw Roman expansion. Later, we travel south into the vast landscapes of Wadi Rum; at the desert camp you have free time to relax and take in the towering sandstone cliffs and sweeping sands.

We set off on an adventurous jeep safari through Wadi Rum’s golden sands and soaring cliffs, meeting local Bedouins for a genuine cultural exchange – walking with shepherds, learning traditional crafts and sharing a freshly prepared meal in their camp. We then continue north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, arriving at our resort for a relaxing evening by the water. We unwind and float effortlessly in the Dead Sea’s mineral–rich waters and try the therapeutic mud – you can capture the classic newspaper photo as you drift. You have free time at the resort to relax by the shore, make the most of the hotel’s facilities or explore the tranquil surroundings at your own pace.

We transfer from Amman to Queen Alia International Airport with assistance before boarding, then fly from Amman to Cairo. On arrival at Cairo International Airport we meet and assist with visa formalities and luggage handling before a comfortable transfer to your city hotel – enjoy your first glimpses of Egypt’s bustling capital as we travel through its lively streets. You have leisure time to relax, seek out local cafés or wander vibrant neighbourhoods before continuing your journey.

We stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza as we learn about their construction and the pharaohs who commissioned these monumental tombs that have endured for more than 4,000 years. We then admire the enigmatic Great Sphinx, its lion’s body and human face guarding the plateau. We continue to Memphis, capital of Old Kingdom Egypt, to visit the open–air museum and view the remarkable statue of Ramses II among artefacts from Egypt’s earliest dynasties, before rounding off at Saqqara to discover the Step Pyramid of King Djoser in its vast necropolis – a pivotal leap in royal architecture.

We take a short flight from Cairo to Luxor, trading the modern capital for Egypt’s ancient heart. We pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon – twin statues of Amenhotep III that have watched over the Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years – before exploring the Valley of the Kings to step inside beautifully decorated tombs, including that of Tutankhamun, which reveal beliefs about the afterlife and royal power. We admire the elegant, cliff–backed mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut and continue to Medinat Habu, the magnificent mortuary temple of Ramses III with striking gateways and vivid reliefs. As evening falls, we visit Luxor Temple, where columns and hieroglyphs glow in golden light to create a magical atmosphere.

We wander through the awe–inspiring Karnak Temple complex, an immense sanctuary to Amun–Ra whose forest of columns, serene sacred lake and intricate reliefs encapsulate the splendour of the New Kingdom. We then embark on a leisurely Nile cruise from Luxor to Edfu, savouring the unhurried rhythm of the river as we glide past ancient sites, palm groves and small riverside villages that showcase the timeless beauty of Upper Egypt.

We explore the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s best–preserved ancient temples, where towering columns and crisp hieroglyphs reveal Ptolemaic craftsmanship. We sail downstream to Kom Ombo, taking in sweeping Nile views and everyday life along the banks, then visit the unique riverside temple dedicated to both Sobek and Horus with its symmetrical design and fascinating carvings. We continue south towards Aswan, enjoying tranquil scenes of palm–lined shores and graceful feluccas.

We step aboard a traditional felucca to experience the timeless charm of the Nile, gliding peacefully past palm–fringed banks, small islands and riverside villages. We then sail to the beautiful island sanctuary of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, where intricate carvings and a serene setting tell moving stories of ancient devotion. We conclude at the mighty Aswan High Dam – a landmark of modern engineering – to learn how harnessing the Nile created Lake Nasser and reshaped Egypt’s landscape and heritage.

We take a short morning flight from Aswan to Cairo and return to the lively capital. On arrival we explore the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient artefacts – including the treasures of Tutankhamun – for a compelling window into Egypt’s royal past.

You have free time in Cairo to unwind, explore local cafés or wander the city’s vibrant streets. We then arrange your transfer from your Cairo hotel to the airport for your departing flight – a moment to reflect on an unforgettable journey through Egypt as you bid farewell to this historic land.