From Petra to the Pyramids of Giza: A Historic Journey Through Jordan & Egypt

Rise and shine, it’s your first full day in exciting Jordan and there’s not a moment to waste. Kickstart your day with a morning spent exploring in the city of Jerash, the site of ancient Gerasa, a Greek city which reached its peak under Roman occupation. Abandoned in the 12th century and hidden for several hundred years, the Greco-Roman ruins are some of the best preserved in the world. Observe the colonnades and temples in private as your guide explains the remarkable history that unfolded here.

This afternoon is all about soaking in the contemporary delights of Amman. Follow in the footsteps of a clued-up local, who knows Jordan’s imperious capital like the back of their hand. The walk has a cultural focus as you discover art galleries, street art, pottery stores and local markets selling jams and honey. This rest of the day is then yours to spend as you please. You can set off at your own pace, or our team can arrange to have a private guide accompany you around the sights of the city.

After a delicious breakfast this morning, collect your spacious and comfortable hire car and hit the road south to Petra. The journey takes about three hours travelling direct, however there are plenty of points of interest worth stopping at along the way, so why not turn the drive into a full-day adventure? First up: Mount Nebo, a 2,300ft viewpoint offering panoramic views across the Dead Sea and the vast landscape beyond. Stops at both the Madaba Archaeological Park and the imposing fortress of Kerak provide educational glimpses into the history of the region, as does Dana, an Ottoman-style stone village nestled in the mountainous biosphere reserve of the same name. Continue on to Petra and to your next hotel: a simple yet elegant property located right at the entrance of the site, where you’ll be hanging up your hat for the next two nights. The rest of today is then yours to spend settling into your new desert surroundings and enjoying the facilities at your hotel. Our team could also arrange to experience the ancient wonder of Petra at night when it’s lit up with flickering candles which makes for a truly mesmerising sight.

Today, you’ll spend a full day exploring Petra, the thriving capital of the Nabataean Empire which was carved from sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago. When people think of Petra, they often picture the Treasury, the most elaborate and famous monument known around the world for its exquisite craftsmanship. But at its peak, the city was four times the size of Manhattan and housed a thriving civilisation, so there is plenty more to see beyond the Treasury. Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a grand tour of the troglodyte city, taking in royal tombs, a Roman theatre, the Jinn blocks, an ancient dam and the Qasr Al Bint Temple, built to appease the Nabataean Gods. Round off your visit with a tour of the Monastery, which offers fabulous views of the ancient city.

Head deeper into the Jordanian desert today, as you travel two hours along the scenic Desert Highway to Wadi Rum. Your home for the night here is a Bedouin tented camp set in a warm and welcoming setting. After settling in and freshening up, head out in the company of a seasoned local driver-guide for a desert adventure in an all-terrain vehicle. Nicknamed the ‘Valley of the Moon’ for its resemblance to Mars, the protected desert of Wadi Rum dazzles with both its ancient history and lunar landscapes. These harsh lands have been the home of nomadic Bedouin tribes for centuries and many still live here today. Spend the afternoon admiring giant sculpted arches, dramatic rock formations and deep canyons before turning in for an evening of star gazing in your camp in the middle of the desert.

Your adventure across Jordan continues today with a five-hour drive north to the shores of the Dead Sea to experience the therapeutic thrill of floating on the salty surface. On arrival, settle in for one night in a luxurious sea front hotel and spend the rest of today soaking in the charms of the Dead Sea. This natural spa dazzles with its unusual properties: it’s the lowest body of water on Earth (at 1,000ft below sea level) and is completely devoid of life because of the high salt and mineral content.

The time has come to bid Jordan a warm farewell and commence the second chapter of your historic journey in Egypt. Sit back, relax and soak in your final views of Jordan as you’re privately transferred to the airport, where you’ll catch a one-and-a-half-hour flight to Cairo. A private driver will be waiting for you on arrival to whisk you off to your next hotel: an illustrious property overlooking the Pyramids of Giza. After settling in and freshening up, you’ll be met by a private guide, who’ll be leading you around this iconic ancient wonder. Built around the third millennium BC, these colossal structures are a testimony to the power of the pharaohs during the fourth dynasty and the golden age of ancient Egypt. This is a great opportunity to not only admire the legendary pyramids, but to also discover lesser-known sites like the Sphinx, guardian of the necropolis of Giza, and the megalithic temple of the valley.

It’s up and at ‘em again today as you leave the big city behind and take a quick one-hour flight to Luxor, nicknamed ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum’. On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to the Nile and guided onto the Steam Ship Sudan, our luxury vessel which was the inspiration behind Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile after she sailed on the very same boat. Your home for the next three nights is a beautifully designed cabin that invites you to rest and rejuvenate in the utmost comfort after a busy day of sightseeing.

After a delicious lunch onboard, head out and spend this afternoon discovering the eastern bank of Luxor and the revered Temple of Karnak, one of the largest sacred complexes in the world. Home to the temple of the sovereign god Amon, this sanctified space was constructed over a period of nearly 2,000 years, from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic era. Come evening, climb back aboard the steamship and sail towards Qena, a quieter area of the Nile less frequented by big cruise ships, and enjoy your first dinner and sunset on this magical river.

Wake up bright and early and embark on a guided adventure to Abydos, the holy city of Osiris (the god of the underworld). The city has remained an important place for pilgrimage since the Old Kingdom dynasties and houses an enchanting temple said to be the birthplace of Ramesside art. On the way back, make a stop at Dendera, a finely -preserved temple complex featuring intricate hand-carved chapels, winding staircases and panoramic terraces offering splendid views across the surrounding countryside. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening savouring life on the Nile as you cruise up to Luxor.

On today’s agenda: an action-packed day of sightseeing in Luxor. Your first stop is the Valley of The Kings, one of the most iconic symbols of Ancient Egypt and a site that offers a glimpse into the ancient journeys of deceased pharos in the afterlife. The star of the show is the tomb of Ramses VI, a beautifully decorated, cathedral-like tomb in the heart of the valley. Next, continue on to the Valley of the Queens, an equally stunning set of tombs housing the Queens and Princesses of ancient dynasties.

This afternoon is dedicated to taking in the lesser-visited Valley of the Nobles, the resting place of prominent nobles, and Valley of Artisans, an ancient village that housed the workmen who constructed the grand temples of the kings, queens and noblemen. Round off today’s temple-hopping adventure with a visit to the grand temple complex of Luxor and its fabulous pharaonic buildings. Built under Menophis III and extended under Ramesses II, Luxor Temple is an ancient structure that has stood the test of time, paying homage to ancient Egypt’s impeccable capabilities. Kick back and relax on the Steam Ship Sudan this afternoon as you continue sailing to Edfu.

Wake up bright and early and beat the crowds to the Temple of Edfu, which, built in the third century BC, is dedicated to the falcon god of Horus. The temple is one of the best preserved in Egypt and documents fascinating relics of ancient Egyptian religion. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board the cruise ship as you sail to Kôm Ombo just in time for sunset. Spend the evening touring the unusual temple complex, which is dedicated to two ancient deities: the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. Settle in for a hearty dinner onboard and a good night’s rest ready for another action-packed day tomorrow.

Your historic journey across Jordan and Egypt continues today as you sail along the golden banks of the Nile to Aswan, a charming riverside city and gateway to the ancient civilisation of Nubia. As early as the third millennium BC, this region (particularly nearby Elephantine Island) acted as the centre of commercial exchange in the civilised world. Nubia was a rich and powerful land that supplied Egypt with not only gold (Nubia, in fact, means ‘gold’), but also powerful soldiers, sought-after wood and precious ivories. In short, ancient Nubia was a force to be reckoned with and its power and glory can be seen nowhere more so than in its incredible architectural relics.

Spend today soaking in the delights of the Temple of Philae, a pristine sanctuary located on Aguilkia Island which is dedicated to the great mother Isis, goddess of healing and magic. The cult of the goddess continued here for a long time, until it was transformed into a Coptic church by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the sixth century. Spend the rest of today savouring your final evening on the Steam Ship Sudan with a delicious meal and a spot of stargazing from the teak decks.

Wave goodbye to your luxurious cruise ship as you sail in a felucca (traditional wooden boat) to your next destination: the beautiful El Nabatat Island. Hang up your hat for one night in a beautiful hotel that showcases the elegance and grace of yesteryear and spend today exploring the lush sea-fronted gardens of the island.