Sands of Time: Jordan, Egypt & the Nile

Luxury Small Group Journeys: The finest small-group travel experience

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Amman, Jordan

Today your flight arrives into Amman. After proceeding through customs and immigration, you are met by an A&K Representative and transferred to your hotel.

InterContinental Jordan

Day 2: Amman/Jerash/Amman

Travel to Jerash, a third-century city dubbed the “Pompeii of the Middle East” for its well-preserved Roman remains. Following lunch, tour Amman, visiting its historic downtown. Stop at the ancient Citadel, the remains of a small Byzantine basilica and the Great Temple of Amman, among other sites. Later this evening, gather with fellow guests for a special welcome dinner.

InterContinental Jordan   |   Meals: B L D

Day 3: Amman/Bethany/Dead Sea/Petra

This morning, set off for Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Afterward, you continue to the Dead Sea for a dip in its restorative waters; these and the mud on the shorelines have been famous for their therapeutic powers since the days of Herod the Great. Continue to Petra.

Mövenpick Resort Petra   |   Meals: B L D

Day 4: Petra

Explore the “rose-red” city of Petra, sculpted from mountains by the Nabataeans. Meander through the baths, markets, Treasury, Temple of the Winged Lions, Corinthian Tomb and Palace Tomb alongside your expert guide.

Mövenpick Resort Petra   |   Meals: B L

Day 5: Petra/Madaba/Amman/Cairo, Egypt

Travel through mountains along the scenic King’s Highway and the breathtaking Gorge of Amman. Proceed to Mount Nebo, the site where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Beyond, Madaba — the “City of Mosaics” — reveals the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Pause for lunch at a charming local restaurant in Madaba before continuing to Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport to fly to Cairo.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence   |   Meals: B L D

Day 6: Cairo/Giza/Cairo

This morning, discover the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which houses the world’s greatest collection of Egyptian artifacts — including the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb and the Mummy Room. After lunch, explore the 4,500-year-old pyramids of pharaohs Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus at the Giza Plateau. Step inside of one of these monuments and explore its passageways and corridors. Guarding the pyramids is the Great Sphinx. Visit the Solar Boat Museum, site of Cheops’ funeral barge.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence   |   Meals: B L

Day 7: Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan

Fly to Abu Simbel to view the two temples built during the reign of Ramses II. The temples of Abu Simbel are considered among the most beautiful in all of Egypt. The larger temple houses statues of Ra-Harakhte, Ptah, Amun-Ra and Ramses II himself. Continue to Aswan and visit the granite quarries where the Unfinished Obelisk lies. Later, board Sanctuary ‘Sun Boat IV’.

Sanctuary 'Sun Boat IV'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 8: Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu/Esna

Take a motorboat ride to the island of Agilika to see the Temple of Philae. Back on board your deluxe Nile cruiser, sail to Kom Ombo, built at a bend in the Nile where crocodiles basked in the sun. One of its sides is dedicated to Sobek (the crocodile god) and the other to Haroeris (the sun god). Cruise to Edfu to the Temple of Horus. This evening, attend an “Egyptian Night” costume party, featuring a lavish buffet of local fare, music and dance.

Sanctuary 'Sun Boat IV'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 9: Esna/Luxor

Today you cruise to Luxor, home to the Temple of Karnak, the largest in Egypt, and the Temple of Luxor. After lunch, explore the West Bank of Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom were laid to rest. Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s first female pharaoh.

Sanctuary 'Sun Boat IV'   |   Meals: B L D

Day 10: Luxor/Cairo

This morning, fly to Cairo to tour the Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. Walk the Khan el-Khalili thoroughfare from Bab el-Fotouh to the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, the heart of the old walled city of Cairo. Later this evening, gather for a farewell dinner at your hotel with fellow guests.

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence   |   Meals: B D

Day 11: Depart Cairo

Board your international departure flight.

Meals: B