DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Amman, Transfer to the Dead Sea
Arrive in Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Upon arrival, transfer to the Dead Sea. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Discover the beauty of the Dead Sea before dinner tonight at the hotel
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Baptismal Site of Jesus Christ
This morning, visit the archaeological World Heritage Site in Jordan known as the "Bethany Beyond the Jordan." Located on the east bank of the Jordan river, it is considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Tuesday - Mount Nebo, Madaba, Shobak Castle
Today, drive towards Petra. En route, visit Mount Nebo, the reputed burial site of Moses, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Continue to the mosaic city of Madaba, where an ancient map of the Holy Land is set into the floor of Saint George Church. Afterward, stop at Moses Springs and visit a mosaic school and workshop where you will have the opportunity to learn about this incredible craft. After lunch in Madaba, proceed to Shobak Castle. The ruins of this Crusader castle are located just east of Arabah. Arrive in Petra for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Petra City Tour
An astonishing day exploring Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the "rose red" city hand-sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC. Begin your walk through the "Siq," a winding canyon road. At the end, you'll gaze in total amazement at Petra's most extraordinary monument, the towering Treasury building rising over 140 feet. Beyond, discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theater, burial chambers and water channels, all remnants of a once great Nabatean culture
Overnight: Petra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Kerak Castle, Amman City Tour
Depart Petra this morning and travel north, towards Amman. En route, if time permits, make a stop to visit a local school, where you'll have the opportunity to meet the children and learn about their daily routines. Continue with a visit Kerak, situated on the King's Way. The city is known for its Crusader Kerak Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Tour the imposing fort that consists of stone-vaulted halls and endless passageways. Following lunch at a local restaurant continue north for a city tour of Amman, often referred to as the "White City" because of the white stone used to build the houses. The tour will take you to the museums, the Citadel, the Roman Amphitheater, the souks, and the city's modern district. The balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Amman
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Friday - Flight to Cairo
Following a leisurely morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in the lively capital city of Cairo, and check into your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with new Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza
After breakfast, visit the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not too far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out of one huge piece of limestone. Spend time at leisure this afternoon, or join the optional tour to Sakkara Pyramids with lunch. In Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs, view the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. Next, visit a carpet school before heading back to your hotel
Optional: Sakkara Pyramids with Lunch (PM)
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Flight to Luxor, Temples of Karnak
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, take a self-guided sightseeing tour of the East Bank. Visit the magnificent Temples of Karnak, dating back over 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns. After exploring this ancient structure, visit a shop where you can view a quick demonstration of how the papyrus paper is made from the papyrus grass. Browse the collection of artwork on display. Then, check into your hotel
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Monday - Dendera Temple, Nile Cruise Embarkation, Luxor Temple
This morning, participate in an excursion to Dendera Temple, one of the best preserved temple complexes in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile, approximately 40 miles away from Luxor. Explore the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the wife of god Horus. Marvel at the spectacular ceiling painting in the main hall, displaying stars, planets, and symbols of the Roman zodiac. The colors seen throughout the temple complex are original, and amazingly vibrant. Visit the temple crypt, and climb the staircase up to the roof, learning about Egypt's Ptolemaic period along the way. After, embark on your Nile cruise and have lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit Luxor Temple to admire the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Tuesday - Full Day Luxor
View the magnificence of the Luxor West Bank on this morning's optional excursion. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt's rulers. Next, head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's famous female ruler. Visit an alabaster factory, where you can view a demonstration of grinding alabaster the old-fashioned way. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Conclude the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep II. Return to the ship for lunch, and continue sailing onward this afternoon
Optional: Excursion to West Bank (AM)
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - Edfu Temples & Kom Ombo
This morning, visit the stunning Temples of Horus in Edfu, considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian Temples. It was built during the Ptolemaic times and was completed over a 180-year period. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris. Its extravagant design and sheer size is an indication of the country's prosperity at the time. Next, tour the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the sky god and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls. Return to the ship for dinner
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Thursday - Cruise to Aswan, Abu Simbel Temples
An early morning bus ride from Aswan transports you back in time to the mighty Temples of Abu Simbel, reclaimed from the floodwaters of the Aswan High Dam and totally reconstructed in the present location. The site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. It is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt. Afterwards, drive back to Aswan. Choose to relax the rest of the evening, or take part in the optional Aswan Felucca Ride. Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard a felucca, the traditional sailboat of Egypt used along the Nile
Optional: Aswan Felucca Ride (PM)
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Friday - Disembarkation, Nubian Village
This morning, after disembarking from your cruise ship, visit a Nubian Village. Board a motorboat and cruise along the Nile River to a Nubian village. Upon arrival, visit a traditional village in Aswan. Gain insight into the culture, history, and lifestyle of one of Africa's oldest civilizations. Enjoy a drink at one of the colorful rural houses, nestled amongst the natural scenery and through the local market to get a taste of the unique culture
Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Saturday - Philae Temple, Flight to Cairo
Begin the day with a tour to Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple's beautiful island location. Stop at a local perfume shop. During your visit, you can watch the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers. Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Arrive and check into your hotel
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 16, Sunday - Full Day in Cairo
Spend the day at leisure in Cairo, or join the optional Egyptian Museum & Khan el-Khalili bazaar with lunch. Begin with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, a neoclassical style building located in Tahrir Square that houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts. After lunch, continue to Khan el-Khalili bazaar to browse vibrant displays of fabrics, handicrafts, and antiques. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manger at dinner
Optional: Egyptian Museum & Khan el-Khalili with lunch (AM)
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 17, Monday - Depart Egypt
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast