ANCIENT EGYPT TOUR

ANCIENT EGYPT TOUR  (9 days) + JORDAN EXTENSIONS (5 and 6 days)

DAY 1: ARRIVE CAIRO

Arrive in Cairo after changing planes in London. Founded on the site of Babylon, near the ruins of ancient Memphis, Cairo has been the largest city in Africa for centuries. Modern Cairo encompasses many former cities and their monuments: the pyramids of the pharaohs; early Christian monasteries and churches; Salah al-din’s Citadel; mosques of the Mamluke and Ottoman sultans five thousand years of culture are concentrated here, at the center of three continents. You are met and escorted to the hotel of your choice.

DAY 2: PYRAMIDS/MEMPHIS/SAKKARA

Your tour includes the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramids of Giza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – including the Pyramid of Cheops and the Sphinx with its unsolved mysteries. These astounding works are monuments to the incredibly precise building skills of the ancient Egyptians. Continue outside of Cairo to fabled Memphis, once a vast metropolis and capital of the Old Kingdom. The Alabaster Sphinx and the colossal statue of Ramses II bear mute testimony to the mighty civilization that once reigned from this glorious site. Next visit Sakkara – the oldest stone complex in the world – where you will stare in amazement at the towering Step Pyramid of Zozer, earliest of all pyramids, dominating the extensive pyramid field of funerary monuments that stretch for miles in all directions. B

DAY 3: CAIRO CITY TOUR

Visit the world-renowned Egyptian National Museum, home to many ancient treasures including the splendid burial furnishings of Pharaoh Tutankhamenn. Proceeding back to Old Cairo, see the Citadel, one of Cairo’s most famous landmarks, with a panoramic view of the minarets and domes of Islamic Cairo; the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali and the colorful & centuries old Khan-el-Khalili Bazaar. B

DAY 4: CAIRO/ LUXOR – NILE CRUISE

After Breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Luxor. The Luxor area of Upper Egypt was the Thebes of the ancient Egyptians – the capital of Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms. Today it is famous for its temples and the nearby Valley of the Kings; domain of the deceased and it is dominated by mortuary temples and tombs. The major temples include the Ramesseum – the famous mortuary temple of the 19th-dynasty pharaoh Ramesses II. Most famous of all on the West Bank is the Tomb of Tutankhamen. Visit the Necropolis of Thebes and the enchanting Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of design cut from a massive cliff face. In the Valley of the Queens see the Temple of Medinet and the Colossi of Memnon – two huge seated statues. After the tour board cruise. This evening, a sound and light show displays the grandeur of the Karnak Temple. BLD

DAY 5: LUXOR/ EDFU- Nile Cruise

Breakfast on board. Tour Karnak, the greatest place of worship in history. It includes many singular temples, dedicated to Amun, his wife (Mut), and their son (Khonsu), the moon deity. The temple starts with the Avenue of the Rams, representing Amun: symbol of fertility and growth. Beneath the rams heads, small statues of Ramses II are carved. The Luxor temple, is an accretion of structures erected by succeeding kings. The principal entrance today is the Pylon of Ramesses II that is flanked by two seated statues of the king and one standing statueSailing to Esna, Lunch on board

Sail to Edfu. Dinner on board

DAY 6:             EDFU/ KOM OMBO /ASWAN

This morning, visit Edfu housing the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. Dedicated to Horus, The falcon-headed god, built during the reign of six Ptolemais. There are numerous relief’s, including a depiction of the Feast of the Beautiful Meeting, the annual reunion between Horus and his wife Hathor, and a particularly fine ceiling relief of the goddess Nut in the New Year Chapel.

Sail to Kom Ombo, visit Ptolemaic Temple, honouring the dual deities. Lunch on board

Visit the Temple shared by two gods Sobek and Haeroris in Kom Ombo. Dinner on board, sail to Aswan, BLD

DAY 7: ASWAN/ ABU SIMBEL

Breakfast on board. Early morning, transfer to the airport, fly to Abu Simbel. The design of Abu Simbel is unique – rock-hewn “grotto” temples, although unusual in Egypt, are frequently found in Nubia. But there is no other example of twin sanctuaries, in this case dedicated to Ramses himself and to his wife Nefertari, which combines to form a single ensemble. The image of the main temple facade, with its four colossi and row of grinning baboons is well known all over the world. Superb reliefs detail the Battle of Kadesh, and Ramses and Nefertari consorting with the deities and performing religious rituals. After your tour of Abu Simbel a short flight brings you to Aswan

Lunch on board is followed by sightseeing by traditional felucca (sailing boat) visiting Elephantine Island, the botanical gardens of Kitchener’s Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum. BLD

DAY 8: ASWAN / CAIRO

Disembark after breakfast & tour the Aswan Dam – one of the largest in the world, reveals a modern-day engineering marvel to match those of ancient Egypt. At the granite rock quarries, observe ancient stone-cutting techniques and see the “unfinished obelisk.” Followed by a visit to the Kalabsha Temple, the sandstone edifice was built by the Roman Emperor Octavius Augustus and dedicated to the fertility god Mandulis and the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is in a beautiful setting which has been landscaped to match its original site. Its various shrines and sanctuaries, which include a temple of Hathor, a Birth House and two pylons, celebrate all the deities involved in the Isis and Osiris myth.

Later fly back to Cairo and transfer to your Hotel. This evening enjoy farewell dinner accompanied by belly dancing.  B

DAY 9: CAIRO/ HOME

This morning board your flight for home taking with you truly unforgettable memories, photos and tales of Ancient Egypt. B

JORDAN EXTENSIONS:

OPTION A- 6 Days/ 5 Nights Amman & Jordan

DAY 1- ARRIVE AMMAN

Arrive in Amman today, Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel of your choice.

DAY 2: ALJOUN & JERASH EXCURSION

After breakfast, visit Ajloun castle. Continue to Decapolis city of Jerash founded in 300 BC and a unique tour of the ancient Greco-Roman city, taking in Hadrian’s Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the Forum, and strolling through the impressive colonnaded streets, the churches, and the Amphitheaters. Proceed for the scenic mountains of Ajlun to visit Qala’at Ar-Rabad: the Castle of Ajlun which is a fine example of Islamic architecture. Return to Amman.

DAY 3: CITY TOUR & DESERT CASTLES

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Amman visiting  the Citadel, descending to the downtown visiting the Amphitheater and colonnaded street followed by a short walk to discover the “Souk”.  Continue on to the King Abdallah the First Mosque, and a drive through modern Amman.  You will be driven to Desert Castles of Kharaneh (The Caravan Sarai) and the lodge of merchants, the Baths of Amra: with the beautiful frescos, Al Azraq (the Roman defense fortress). Your next stop is at the Al-Mushatta palace, the largest of the castles with impressive carvings.  Return to Amman in the evening.

DAY 4: MADABA – NEBO- KERAK & PETRA

Leave Amman after Breakfast & tour the St. George’s Church in Madaba, home to the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land before moving on to Mt. Nebo prophet Moses last site at Holy Land and burial place.  Continue via the famous Kings’ Highway to Kerak for a tour of the famous Crusader castle of Reginald of Châtillon. Arrive in Petra and check in at your Hotel.

DAY 5: PETRA TOUR

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Red Rose City of Petra.  First established during the 6th C. BC by Nabataen Arabs, Petra became a trading center for the caravans during what was the Ptolemaic era in Egypt.  Hailed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it is a magical experience to enter this hidden city through a long narrow Siq. The natural beauty is breathtaking, and then to find beautifully carved buildings made by human hands is a memorable experience – the magnificent Treasury, temples, tombs, houses and the amphitheater.

DAY 6: PETRA/AMMAN/DEPART

Return back to Amman and connect with your onward flight.

OPTION B- 5 Days/ 4 Nights Amman & Jordan

DAY 1- ARRIVE AMMAN

Arrive in Amman today, Meeting assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel of your choice.

DAY 2: CITY TOUR & JERASH

After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Amman visiting the Citadel, descending to the downtown visiting the Amphitheater and colonnaded street followed by a short walk to discover the “Souk”.  Continue on to the King Abdallah the First Mosque, and a drive through modern Amman. Continue to Decapolis city of Jerash founded in 300 BC and a unique tour of the ancient Greco-Roman city, taking in Hadrian’s Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the Forum, and strolling through the impressive colonnaded streets, the churches, and the Amphitheaters. Proceed for the scenic mountains of Ajlun to visit Qala’at Ar-Rabad: the Castle of Ajlun which is a fine example of Islamic architecture. Return to Amman.

DAY 3: MADABA – NEBO- KERAK & PETRA

Leave Amman after Breakfast & tour the St. George’s Church in Madaba, home to the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land before moving on to Mt. Nebo prophet Moses last site at Holy Land and burial place.  Continue via the famous Kings’ Highway to Kerak for a tour of the famous Crusader castle of Reginald of Châtillon. Arrive in Petra and check in at your Hotel.

DAY 4: PETRA TOUR

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Red Rose City of Petra.  First established during the 6th C. BC by Nabataen Arabs, Petra became a trading center for the caravans during what was the Ptolemaic era in Egypt.  Hailed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, it is a magical experience to enter this hidden city through a long narrow Siq. The natural beauty is

breathtaking, and then to find beautifully carved buildings made by human hands is a memorable experience – the magnificent Treasury, temples, tombs, houses and the amphitheater.

DAY 5: PETRA/AMMAN/DEPART

Return back to Amman and connect with your onward flight.