Hidden Jordan with Treasures of Egypt and the Nile

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a modern city with numerous ancient ruins. Atop Jabal al-Qala’a hill, the historic Citadel includes the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, known for its grand dome. Built into a different downtown hillside, the Roman Theater is a 6,000-capacity, 2nd-century stone amphitheater offering occasional events.

Today marks the beginning of your Jordan adventure as you arrive in Amman, and be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner. 

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a modern city with numerous ancient ruins. Atop Jabal al-Qala’a hill, the historic Citadel includes the pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules and the 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, known for its grand dome. Built into a different downtown hillside, the Roman Theater is a 6,000-capacity, 2nd-century stone amphitheater offering occasional events.

Begin your day with a guided tour of Amman, visiting the Roman Theatre, Nymphaeum, Citadel and King Abdullah Mosque. Wander through a traditional souk and enjoy a tasting of kanafeh, a popular Jordanian dessert. This afternoon, travel to Jerash to explore its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, then visit a nearby village for insight into local life and traditions. Return to your hotel this evening for time at leisure.

Insider Experience – Souk Visit & Kanafeh Tasting

Wander through a bustling local souk and sample kanafeh, a beloved Jordanian dessert made with sweet cheese and syrup-soaked pastry.

Insider Experience – Jerash

Explore the grand colonnades and temples of Jerash with your guide, then visit a nearby village to gain insight into local life and Jordanian traditions.

Depart Amman this morning and travel to Madaba, known as the ‘City of Mosaics’. Visit St George’s Church to view the famed Madaba Mosaic Map — a sixth-century masterpiece crafted from over two million coloured stones. This intricate floor mosaic offers the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land, including Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and surrounding biblical sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, where, according to tradition, Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land before his death. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and, on clear days, even Jerusalem

Later, visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan — also known as Al-Maghtas — the traditional site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site features Roman and Byzantine remains, including churches, chapels, and baptismal pools, and has long been a place of Christian pilgrimage.

This afternoon, arrive at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at approximately 431 metres below sea level. Spend time at leisure floating in its mineral-rich waters, renowned for their therapeutic properties. Dine at your hotel this evening.

Dramatic red-rock desert setting from "Lawrence of Arabia" with climbing & camping in Bedouin tents.

Journey south into the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed desert valley known as the “Valley of the Moon”. Pass through traditional Bedouin communities before an open-air jeep tour through sweeping valleys and towering sandstone formations etched with ancient carvings. As the sun sets, enjoy toasting the day with sparkling wine and light snacks amid golden desert hues. This evening, savour a traditional Bedouin dinner with music and warm hospitality. You may choose to Enhance Your Journey with a guided stargazing session beneath Wadi Rum’s famously clear night skies.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Stargazing

Join a guided stargazing session in Wadi Rum and witness the brilliance of the desert night sky, one of the clearest atmospheres on Earth.

Insider Experience – Wadi Rum Jeep Tour

Explore the dramatic desert terrain of Wadi Rum by open-air jeep, discovering towering rock formations, ancient carvings and sweeping valleys.

Insider Experience – Sparkling Wine & Snacks at Sunset in the Desert

Toast the day with a glass of sparkling wine and light snacks as the sun sets over Wadi Rum, casting golden hues across the sandstone landscape.

Dramatic red-rock desert setting from "Lawrence of Arabia" with climbing & camping in Bedouin tents.

Early risers can opt for the Enhance Your Journey experience — a breathtaking aerial adventure with sweeping views of the desert at sunrise. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed morning in Wadi Rum, soaking in the serene surroundings. Later, travel north toward Petra, stopping en route to explore Little Petra — or Siq al-Barid — a captivating archaeological site often described as a smaller, yet equally fascinating, version of its namesake.

As the wide-open sands give way to rugged hills, the shifting landscape signals your approach to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological treasures. On arrival, settle into your accommodation before an evening of fun during an interactive Insider Experience.

Enhance Your Journey – Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Wadi Rum

Take to the skies at sunrise for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum. Drift above sandstone peaks and vast desert plains as the morning light paints the landscape in hues of gold and rose.

Insider Experience – Petra Kitchen Cooking Class & Dinner

Join local chefs for a hands-on cooking class and prepare traditional Jordanian dishes before sitting down to enjoy your meal in a warm, communal setting.

Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring Petra. Famous for its rock-cut architecture, stone colours and formations, otherwise referred to as the Rose City. Wander through a narrow gorge called the Siq and emerge to witness Petra’s most breathtaking and elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. This evening, perhaps witness Petra by Night as you wander through the lit-up complex of temples.

Enhance Your Journey – Petra by Night

Walk the candlelit path through the Siq to the Treasury and experience Petra’s magic under the stars.

After a leisurely morning, depart Petra and travel toward the historic town of Shobak. Here, visit Shobak Castle, the earliest Crusader stronghold in the region, perched dramatically on a hilltop and overlooking the surrounding valleys. Built in the 12th century, this imposing fortress has witnessed centuries of conflict and change, and its weathered walls tell tales of sieges, battles, and resilience.

Arrive back in Amman, where this evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and reliving the highlights of your Jordanian adventure.

After breakfast, your Jordanian adventure comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your included flight to Egypt. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. 

This morning, explore the Giza Plateau with your Egyptologist guide and uncover the mysteries of the Great Pyramids. Nearby, the Sphinx stands guard, carved from a single limestone ridge. Learn about the construction and importance of these sites to the Egyptians. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where ancient artefacts and modern design come together in a striking tribute to Egypt’s dynastic past. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

This morning, visit part of Cairo’s historic old town. Choose to Enhance Your Journey with a guided tour of the Old Kingdom, exploring Memphis and Saqqara, or delve into Coptic Cairo, including Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church — believed to be built upon a shelter once used by the Holy Family. Later, experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar.

Enhance Your Journey – Coptic Cairo

Wander through the historic heart of Old Cairo and uncover Egypt’s rich Christian heritage in the ancient Coptic district.

Enhance Your Journey – Saqqara and Memphis

Step back into Egypt’s Old Kingdom and explore the ancient wonders of Memphis and Saqqara, home to the civilisation’s earliest pyramids and enduring legacy.

This morning, take an included flight from Cairo to Luxor, where your discovery of Upper Egypt begins. On arrival, visit the vast Karnak Temple complex and walk among towering columns and sacred halls that once echoed with ancient rituals. Then, transfer to the Nile River to board your ship, the Travelmarvel Sirius, and settle in with lunch on board. This afternoon, explore the beautiful Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of the Sphinx and once the centre of Egypt’s most important religious festival. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Dinner as your ship sets sail for Dendera.

Since the early steamers visited Egypt in the nineteenth century, Luxor has remained a tourist hotspot. Situated on the east side of the Nile in the centre of The Nile Valley, Luxor is an ideal location for tours and trips to surrounding places of interest.

Early this morning, visit the Dendera Temple complex, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient sites. With your Egyptologist guide, explore the Temple of Hathor, renowned for its detailed astronomical ceiling and beautifully preserved reliefs. Wander through sacred spaces including the birth house and the Sacred Lake, once used for ritual purification. After your visit, return to your river ship for lunch and enjoy a scenic sail back to Luxor. This afternoon, continue exploring the East Bank, including the Avenue of the Sphinx, before setting sail for Esna this evening.

Insider Experience – Dendera Temple Visit

Enjoy a special visit to Dendera, where the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor reveals intricate carvings, celestial ceilings and sacred spaces that offer a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian spirituality.

Edfu is an Egyptian town of The Nile Valley situated halfway between Luxor and Aswan, on the west bank of the Nile. The town is popular with tourists for being home to one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to the sky god of the Nile, Horus.

After breakfast on board, step ashore to visit Esna Temple, dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of creation. Admire its towering columns, lotus carvings and astronomical ceiling depicting the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

This afternoon, continue to Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus — one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments. This grand sandstone structure is dedicated to the falcon god Horus and offers a remarkable glimpse into the architectural and religious legacy of the Ptolemaic era. Travel by coach with your Egyptologist guide and uncover stories of ancient festivals once held on this sacred site.

Later, return to your ship and enjoy dinner on board as you sail towards Aswan for an overnight stay.

Insider Experience – Edfu Temple Visit

Admire the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu, explore its towering pylons, detailed reliefs and sacred halls in honour of the falcon god.

Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city and remains hot and dry all year round. It is considered the most picturesque setting on the Nile and serves as a base for tourist excursions to many local sites of interest.

In a city as serene and storied as Aswan, there’s always something to uncover. This morning, tour the impressive High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautifully preserved Philae Temple. Then, enjoy free time or perhaps choose to Enhance Your Journey with High Tea at the iconic Old Cataract Hotel. This afternoon, a special Insider Experience awaits. Later this evening, you may opt to Enhance your Journey by exploring Aswan’s vibrant Night Market.

Enhance Your Journey – Afternoon High Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel

Step into colonial elegance with a traditional high tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, overlooking the Nile.

Enhance Your Journey – Aswan Night Market Tour

Wander through Aswan’s lively night market, where colourful stalls brim with spices, textiles and local crafts.

Insider Experience – Felucca Sailing on the Nile

Glide along the Nile aboard a traditional felucca and take in the tranquil beauty of Aswan from the water, as the sun begins to set.

Today is sure to be a highlight as you take an included flight to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. With your Egyptologist guide, explore this monumental complex, carved into solid rock under the reign of Ramses II. Admire the towering statues of the pharaoh and intricate carvings that celebrate ancient victories and divine worship. Learn how this UNESCO World Heritage site was relocated in a remarkable international effort to save it from rising waters.

After returning to your ship, enjoy lunch on board and spend the afternoon sailing north along the Nile towards Kom Ombo. Relax on deck and take in scenes of daily life along the riverbanks. This evening, dock overnight in Kom Ombo.

Since the early steamers visited Egypt in the nineteenth century, Luxor has remained a tourist hotspot. Situated on the east side of the Nile in the centre of The Nile Valley, Luxor is an ideal location for tours and trips to surrounding places of interest.

This morning, step ashore to explore Kom Ombo Temple, a rare double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Harwer, the falcon god of kingship. Admire its symmetrical layout and detailed reliefs, including Roman-era carvings that reveal the medical knowledge of ancient Egypt. After your visit, enjoy a relaxing sail back to Luxor.

This evening, choose to Enhance Your Journey with a visit to Karnak Temple for the captivating Sound and Light Show.

Enhance Your Journey – Karnak Sound and Light Show

Witness Karnak Temple in a whole new light during this atmospheric evening experience. As stories of gods and pharaohs echo through the complex, the temple’s towering columns and sacred spaces are illuminated in a dramatic retelling of Egypt’s ancient past.

Since the early steamers visited Egypt in the nineteenth century, Luxor has remained a tourist hotspot. Situated on the east side of the Nile in the centre of The Nile Valley, Luxor is an ideal location for tours and trips to surrounding places of interest.

This morning, visit the monumental Colossi of Memnon before exploring the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor — often referred to as the world’s largest open-air museum, home to the tombs and temples of ancient Thebes. Discover the Valley of the Kings and Queens, once the sacred burial ground of pharaohs, queens and priests, and step into the awe-inspiring Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. With its dramatic cliffside setting and grand colonnades, it stands as a tribute to one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional experience to further explore the region’s rich archaeological heritage. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner on board as you reflect on your journey through Egypt.

Enhance Your Journey – Luxor Museum Visit

This afternoon, discover a thoughtfully curated collection of ancient artefacts at the Luxor Museum, celebrated for its elegant displays and rich historical insight.

This morning after breakfast take an included flight back to Cairo airport where your Egypt adventure comes to an end.