Best of Egypt & Jordan

(14 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Luxor, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman

This tour is the perfect introduction to the cultural and archaeological highlights of Egypt and Jordan.  Each day, touring is with your own private guide and driver and accommodation is in top rooms at the best hotels in each location.

Begin in Cairo. Our Egypt specialists have left no stone unturned in their quest to uncover the city’s most interesting cultural attractions, neighborhoods and markets—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. In addition to visiting well-known attractions such as the Citadel, Egyptian Museum, Hanging Church and Khan al-Khalili bazaar, also tour our favorite neighborhoods filled with beautiful Fatimid, Mameluke, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture; well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants; fascinating markets and shopping streets; and smaller, lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts, Egyptian culture, Impressionist paintings and more.

One day, take a private excursion to the impressive Pyramids of Giza. If desired, attend the impressive Sound & Light Show there one evening. Then fly to Abu Simbel and explore some of the most beautiful Pharaonic temples in existence at the first light of day­—the most beautiful time to visit.

Cruise the Nile River aboard a luxury boat. Our travelers stay in a top suite and have their own private Egyptologist to accompany them on private tours of the extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Philae in Aswan, Temple of Horus in Edfu and Valleys of the Kings and Queens in Luxor. Upon request, arrangements can be made to tour monuments usually closed to the public or museums outside of opening hours. Return to Cairo for one night before your flight to Jordan.

Next, fly to Amman, Jordan, where you will be transferred directly to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, the most luxurious resort on the Dead Sea. You will have ample time to enjoy the resort’s lavish facilities, including an Anantara Spa, several restaurants and pools, and private beach—where you may relax with a float in the salt- and mineral-laden water, famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.

Continue to Petra, one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD, sculpting monuments and tombs into the surrounding mountainside—the most spectacular of which is the pink-hued Treasury. Learn about the history, beliefs, architecture and daily life of the Nabataeans during private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder.

Also enjoy an excursion into Jordan’s southern desert to explore the spectacular natural environment of Wadi Rum. Perhaps most famously known as the setting of Lawrence of Arabia, this vast area is dotted with red sand dunes, canyons, natural springs, Bedouin tents, strangely shaped mountains and naturally formed rock bridges.

Conclude your tour in Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During flexible introductory touring, see ancient Roman ruins, the impressive 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex, lively souks and shopping streets, or various contemporary art galleries. Also see the famed Mosaic Map housed in a church in Madaba, and Mt. Nebo, with its Memorial Church of Moses containing exquisite ancient mosaics, and boasting gorgeous panoramic views of the Jordan River, Dead Sea and beyond. Alternatively, enjoy an excursion to Umm Qais, home to the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara and gorgeous panoramic views over the Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights; and Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East, located amid the rolling, verdant hills and lush valleys of northern Jordan.