Best of Egypt & Jordan

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cairo & the Pyramids, luxury Nile River cruise, Abu Simbel, Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea

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.

First, experience Cairo as an insider—our tours offer the most in-depth, sophisticated Cairo touring available. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Hanging Church. Tour our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Fatimid, Islamic, Mameluk, Ottoman, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. See well-preserved medieval residences formerly occupied by wealthy merchants. Walk through fascinating markets such as the renowned Khan al-Khalili bazaar. Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture. If desired, we can also arrange visits to Cairo's top boutiques and reservations at the best restaurants in town.

One day, take a private excursion to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed necropolis of pyramids, tombs, temples and other monuments. See the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. Enjoy lunch with a view of the pyramids and if desired, venture inside the Great Pyramid. Also visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange VIP experiences such as exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public, private tours of conservation labs, visits with local artisans at the Ramses Wissa Wassef Arts Center and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Luxor, a bustling town built on the site of the ancient capital city of Thebes, and embark on a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Throughout the cruise, Artisans of Leisure will arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide. During private touring in Luxor, visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and tombs of King Tut and Seti I.

During your cruise, tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo.

In Aswan, which is considered Egypt's loveliest city, learn about Nubian life, history and crafts at the excellent Nubian Museum. Also visit highlights such as the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. One day, fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.

Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Aswan to Luxor.

Next, fly to Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During flexible private touring in the city, visit the hilltop Citadel to see ancient Roman ruins, the eighth-century Umayyad Palace complex and the archaeological museum. Browse the Jordan River Designs and Turquoise Mountain showrooms, and visit other favorite shops selling high-quality, handmade Jordanian crafts. Also visit the Jordan Museum, lively souks, sweets shops, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city according to your interests. Alternatively, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a homemade lunch of traditional Jordanian dishes prepared by local women.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill.

Continue to Petra, an awe-inspiring archaeological complex carved into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk (or take a golf cart) through the atmospheric Siq (gorge), and see the iconic Treasury. Explore the impressive Royal Tombs and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans, the ancient people who created Petra. If desired, venture to other parts of Petra, such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, for unforgettable views over the region. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles.

Next, travel into Wadi Rum, a spectacular landscape of monumental stone mountains, red sand dunes, rock bridges and petroglyphs. During a private four-wheel drive tour, see highlights of this otherworldly, UNESCO-inscribed region—also known as the Valley of the Moon—that has served as locations for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other films. Spend a night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum to appreciate the sublime beauty of the area as the sun sets and the stars emerge.

En route to the Dead Sea, stop for an introductory tour and time for lunch in Aqaba or opt take in breathtaking views over the rocky hills and deep canyons of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse landscape that's home to a wide range of plants and animals.

Continue to a resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lush grounds and many facilities, including an extensive spa, multiple swimming pools and a private beach that provides access to the Dead Sea, where you can float in mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cairo, Egypt VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights   Day 2 Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza Full-day private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum Day 3 Cairo Full-day private city tour Day 4 Cairo – Luxor Private transfer to airport for flight to Luxor. Private touring on arrival of the Luxor and Karnak temples. Embark on Nile River cruise for 4 nights Day 5 Luxor – Esna Morning private tour of Valley of the Kings and Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Seti I. Sail to Esna for overnight Day 6 Esna – Edfu – Kom Ombo Sail to Edfu for private tour of the Temple of Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo for private tour of the Temple of Kom Ombo and overnight Day 7 Kom Ombo – Aswan Sail to Aswan for private touring of the High Dam, Temple of Philae and other sights around Aswan. Sunset private motorboat or felucca ride Day 8 Aswan & Abu Simbel – Cairo Disembark cruise. Private transfer to airport for roundtrip flights to Abu Simbel. Private touring of Abu Simbel temples. Return to Aswan to connect to flight to Cairo. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 9 Cairo – Amman, Jordan Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance and flight to Amman. VIP airport assistance on arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private introductory city tour or excursion to Jerash Day 10 Amman – King’s Highway – Petra Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights with flexible touring en route Day 11 Petra Full-day private tour of Petra Day 12 Petra – Wadi Rum Morning private tour of Little Petra. Private transfer to Wadi Rum desert camp for 1 night. Afternoon private 4WD tour of Wadi Rum Day 13 Wadi Rum – Dead Sea Private transfer to resort for 1 night, with option to stop in Aqaba or Dana Biosphere Reserve en route. Afternoon at leisure Day 14 Dead Sea At leisure Day 15 Depart Jordan Private airport transfer

Hotels

Cairo: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or The St. Regis Cairo Nile River cruise: The Oberoi Philae or The Oberoi Zahra Amman: The St. Regis Amman, The Ritz-Carlton Amman or Four Seasons Amman Petra: Movenpick Resort Petra or Petra Marriott Hotel Wadi Rum: Discovery Bedu Dead Sea: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

Cost

Upon request