Treasures of the Middle East Egypt, Jordan & Dubai
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt :On arrival at Cairo International Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for dinner tonight in the hotel.
Overnight Stay: Cairo
Day 2: Cairo – Alexandria :This morning travel by luxury coach to Alexandria, the former capital of the Roman Empire. On arrival tour the Kom el Shokafa or catacombs, considered one of the Seven wonders of the Middle Ages. Enjoy lunch at the lively Fish Market Restaurant. This afternoon visit the NationalMuseum before checking in to your hotel by the seaside.
Two Night Stay: Alexandria
Day 3: Alexandria :This morning continue your tour visiting the Roman Amphitheatre, Pompey’s Pillar and the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which holds millions of books and houses an art collection of wonderful Hellenic statues. Admire Qait Bay Citadel, one of the most important defensive strongholds of Egypt during the 15th century. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax, perhaps visit Montazah Palace and Gardens located close to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Day 4: Alexandria – Cairo :A highlight today is a visit to El Alamein, site of Montgomery’s famous victory over Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Visit the CommonwealthWarCemetery, dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War II. Continue by luxury coach to Cairo. This evening join your Egyptologist for a fascinating lecture on Egypt at a private Soirée.
Day 5: Cairo :A highlight today is your tour of the remaining 7th Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the sight of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid. Enter the amazing Solar Boat Museum to view the funeral boat of King Khufu. Your visit to Giza ends at the famous Sphinx, carved from a single limestone block. Tonight enjoy dinner with a local Egyptian Family.
Day 6: Abu Simbel – Lake Nasser Cruise :Fly direct to Abu Simbel on your private charter flight. On arrival check in to your luxury cruise boat and enjoy lunch onboard. Late this afternoon visit the temples of Ramses ll and Queen Nefertari. The breathtaking facade consists of four gigantic 20 metre statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne. The main temple was dedicated to Ramses II and to the three universal gods Ptah, Re-Harakhte and Amun-Re. The second, smaller temple was dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari. Tonight’s highlight is a ‘Sound and Light’ show in front of the temples of Abu Simbel.
Three Night Cruise: Lake Nasser Cruise
Day 7: Abu Simbel – Wadi El Seboua :This morning set sail from Abu Simbel, cruise past the temple of Kasr Ibrim to Amada and visit the temples of Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Penut. Amada is the oldest of the Lake Nasser temples and was dedicated to the important New Kingdom gods, Amun-Re and Re-Horakhty. It was originally built on the orders of Tuthmosis III and his son, Amenhotep II during Egypt’s New Kingdom 18th Dynasty. The Temple of Derr, like many others in Nubia, was dismantled and moved in 1964 to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard while sailing to Wadi El Seboua.
Day 8: Wadi El Seboua – Aswan :This morning visit the temples of Dakka, Meharakka and Wadi El Seboua. The latter was built by Setau, Viceroy of Kush (Nubia) in honour of Ramses II in the later part of his reign. The name Wadi El Seboua means Valley of the Lions in Arabic, due to the sphinxes guarding the temple entrance. Enjoy lunch as you cross the Tropic of Cancer on your way to Aswan to moor for the night.
Day 9: Aswan – Nile River Cruise :Disembark your cruise boat this morning and visit KalabshaTemple, the largest free-standing temple of Egyptian Nubia. Take a motorboat to the Temple of Isis at Philae, built in the third century B.C. and known as the “Jewel of the Nile”. The temple features well preserved buildings, courtyards, reliefs and murals. Continue to the remarkable Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s lifeline, providing irrigation and electricity for the whole country, before checking in to your luxury Nile River cruise boat in time for lunch. This afternoon travel by motorboat to a local Nubian village and wander amongst the mud houses for a fascinating insight into life on the Nile. Enjoy a refreshing drink inside a local house and watch a henna demonstration, before returning to the cruise boat.
Three Night Cruise: Nile River Cruise
Day 10: Aswan – Luxor :Set sail early this morning for Kom Ombo. The temple, built in the third century B.C., stands at a bend in the Nile where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. The temple is dedicated to two divinities: Sobek, the God of Fertility and Horus, the Solar War God. Then sail to Edfu. On arrival visit the magnificently preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Unique amongst the temples of Upper Egypt, Edfu temple is located on the west bank of the Nile (normally dedicated to the afterlife). Impressive features are the carvings and hieroglyphics that cover nearly every surface. Continue to Luxor where your boat moors this evening.
Day 11: Luxor :This morning cross to the west bank of the Nile and explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. First stop is the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive quartzite statues once flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple and now stand alone in a field. Next visit the imposing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest ruling female pharaoh. The final stop is the Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of the dead, where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamen before returning to Luxor. Enjoy lunch on board. Tonight visit Luxor Temple, dedicated to the great God Amun-Re, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu, the Moon God, whom together represent the Theban Triad.
Day 12: Luxor – Hurghada, Red Sea :Disembark your cruise boat this morning and visit Karnak Temple, a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Thebian Gods. This afternoon journey by luxury coach to your resort on the shores of the Red Sea.
Two Night Stay: Hurghada
Day 13: Hurghada :This morning enjoy your FREECHOICE Activity choose from: (1) take it easy and enjoy a relaxing massage at your hotel; or (2) cruise around the islands for a full day and try some snorkelling; or (3) enjoy a morning cruise in a glass bottom boat. The rest of your day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. SCENICENRICH This evening enjoy a special Bedouin dinner in the desert.
Day 14: Hurghada – Cairo :Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport and flying to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel located on the banks of the Nile.
Two Night Stay: Cairo
Day 15: Cairo :This morning tour the incredible Egyptian Museum, home to the greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Visit King Tutankhamen’s collection of treasures. SCENICENRICH Then enter the Mummies Room and come face to face with some of the great rulers of Ancient Egypt. This afternoon enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE activity, choose from: (1) a fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo including Mohammed Ali Mosque and the Citadel, a walking tour through Moaz St before visiting Khan el Khalili bazaar; (2) Touring Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo including the Coptic Museum; or (3) Tour Saqqara and the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Zhoser and enter the colourful tomb of Mereruka. This evening enjoy an exclusive dinner in the Palace at the Cairo Marriott.
Day 16: Cairo – Amman, Jordan :
This morning fly to Jordan (flight not included). Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel in Amman. This evening dine with a local Jordanian family and experience their friendly hospitality whilst learning about the lifestyle and culture of the Jordanian’s.
Two Night Stay: Amman
Day 17: Jerash – Amman :This morning travel to the ancient city of Jerash, acknowledged as one of the best preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Your guided tour of the old walled city includes the Triple Arch Gate, the huge Hippodrome, the Colonnaded Street, the Forum, the Temple of Zeus and the paved way leading to the Temple of Artemis. After lunch return to Amman and take a walking tour of the old town including the oldest local market. Visit one of the oldest coffee shops in Amman. Stop at a local falafel restaurant and sample the famous falafel. Visit the Roman Ampitheatre and the ancient Citadel where you will see traces of Amman’s many lives: the columns of a Roman temple, the Byzantine church, Umayyad Palace and the fascinating displays in the Archaeological Museum.
Day 18: Amman – Petra :After breakfast leave Amman and travel to a key biblical site - ‘Bethany Beyond The Jordan’. Amazing archaeological discoveries have identified this as the area where Jesus was baptised. Continue to one of the most revered sites in Jordan - Mount Nebo. View the memorial to Moses at the presumed site of the prophet’s death and burial place. Enjoy breathtaking views across the JordanValley. Visit a local mosaic workshop where you will learn about the techniques used in designing the mosaic floors. Then visit Madaba and the Saint George Church, famous for the oldest mosaic map in the world before continuing to the Rose Red City of Petra.
Two Night Stay: Petra
Day 19: Petra :A highlight of your trip is today’s full day walking tour of magnificent Petra. This ancient city, carved into the sandstone mountains, is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. By the 16th century Petra had become completely lost to the West, and remained so until 1812 when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt persuaded his guide to take him to the site of the rumoured lost city. Marvel at Petra’s most famous monument: the Treasury, which appears dramatically at the end of the ravine or ‘siq’. This towering facade is only the first of Petra’s secrets. This evening enjoy the awe inspiring spectacle of Petra by Night, where 1,800 candles light the way through the ‘siq’ to the magnificent Treasury.
Day 20: Petra – Dead Sea :This morning take advantage of an optional excursion to visit Wadi Rum. (Additional expense). Leave Petra this morning and stop enroute for a panoramic view of ShobakCastle, one of the best preserved crusader castles on the Kings Highway. Continue north to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. This afternoon relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort, or float in the Dead Sea renowned for its therapeutic benefits. Enjoy a private dinner tonight with magnificent views over the Dead Sea.
Overnight Stay: Jordan
Day 21: Dead Sea – Dubai, United Arab Emirates ;This morning fly to Dubai(flight not included). On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Three Night Stay: Dubai
Day 22: Dubai :This morning sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on your comprehensive city tour. Visit Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum showcasing the cultural richness of the region in the past. Ride the Abra (water-taxi) across the creek and wander through the world famous gold and spice souks and experience the aroma of eastern spices and a profusion of gold. Continue to Jumeirah Mosque. Drive past impressive beach Palaces of Dubai’s Sheiks and reach Burj Al Arab, the landmark of Dubai. Enjoy some free time at the Mall of the Emirates before visiting Palm Jumeirah. Experience a ride on the monorail.The view is stunning as you look over this man-made marvel located in the Arabian Gulf.
Day 23: Dubai :The day is at leisure to relax by the pool or visit the markets and malls for which Dubai is famous. FREECHOICE This evening choose from: (1) the exciting Desert Dune Safari giving you the opportunity to explore the desert and enjoy a traditional Arabic camp; or (2) Cruise aboard the glass-covered, air conditioned Bateaux Dubai along Dubai Creek and enjoy the panoramic sights of Dubai, accompanied by freshly cooked cuisine; or (3) Cruise along the Dubai Creek onboard a traditional wooden Arabic Dhow whilst being pampered by Arabian hospitality and a variety of delicious food.
Day 24: Tour Ends :Your tour ends today and after breakfast you will be transferred* to Dubai International Airport for your onward or homebound flight (flight not included).
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt :On arrival at Cairo International Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for dinner tonight in the hotel.
Overnight Stay: Cairo
Day 2: Cairo – Alexandria :This morning travel by luxury coach to Alexandria, the former capital of the Roman Empire. On arrival tour the Kom el Shokafa or catacombs, considered one of the Seven wonders of the Middle Ages. Enjoy lunch at the lively Fish Market Restaurant. This afternoon visit the NationalMuseum before checking in to your hotel by the seaside.
Two Night Stay: Alexandria
Day 3: Alexandria :This morning continue your tour visiting the Roman Amphitheatre, Pompey’s Pillar and the famous Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which holds millions of books and houses an art collection of wonderful Hellenic statues. Admire Qait Bay Citadel, one of the most important defensive strongholds of Egypt during the 15th century. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax, perhaps visit Montazah Palace and Gardens located close to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner in the hotel.
Day 4: Alexandria – Cairo :A highlight today is a visit to El Alamein, site of Montgomery’s famous victory over Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Visit the CommonwealthWarCemetery, dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War II. Continue by luxury coach to Cairo. This evening join your Egyptologist for a fascinating lecture on Egypt at a private Soirée.
Day 5: Cairo :A highlight today is your tour of the remaining 7th Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the sight of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid. Enter the amazing Solar Boat Museum to view the funeral boat of King Khufu. Your visit to Giza ends at the famous Sphinx, carved from a single limestone block. Tonight enjoy dinner with a local Egyptian Family.
Day 6: Abu Simbel – Lake Nasser Cruise :Fly direct to Abu Simbel on your private charter flight. On arrival check in to your luxury cruise boat and enjoy lunch onboard. Late this afternoon visit the temples of Ramses ll and Queen Nefertari. The breathtaking facade consists of four gigantic 20 metre statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne. The main temple was dedicated to Ramses II and to the three universal gods Ptah, Re-Harakhte and Amun-Re. The second, smaller temple was dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari. Tonight’s highlight is a ‘Sound and Light’ show in front of the temples of Abu Simbel.
Three Night Cruise: Lake Nasser Cruise
Day 7: Abu Simbel – Wadi El Seboua :This morning set sail from Abu Simbel, cruise past the temple of Kasr Ibrim to Amada and visit the temples of Amada, Derr and the Tomb of Penut. Amada is the oldest of the Lake Nasser temples and was dedicated to the important New Kingdom gods, Amun-Re and Re-Horakhty. It was originally built on the orders of Tuthmosis III and his son, Amenhotep II during Egypt’s New Kingdom 18th Dynasty. The Temple of Derr, like many others in Nubia, was dismantled and moved in 1964 to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard while sailing to Wadi El Seboua.
Day 8: Wadi El Seboua – Aswan :This morning visit the temples of Dakka, Meharakka and Wadi El Seboua. The latter was built by Setau, Viceroy of Kush (Nubia) in honour of Ramses II in the later part of his reign. The name Wadi El Seboua means Valley of the Lions in Arabic, due to the sphinxes guarding the temple entrance. Enjoy lunch as you cross the Tropic of Cancer on your way to Aswan to moor for the night.
Day 9: Aswan – Nile River Cruise :Disembark your cruise boat this morning and visit KalabshaTemple, the largest free-standing temple of Egyptian Nubia. Take a motorboat to the Temple of Isis at Philae, built in the third century B.C. and known as the “Jewel of the Nile”. The temple features well preserved buildings, courtyards, reliefs and murals. Continue to the remarkable Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s lifeline, providing irrigation and electricity for the whole country, before checking in to your luxury Nile River cruise boat in time for lunch. This afternoon travel by motorboat to a local Nubian village and wander amongst the mud houses for a fascinating insight into life on the Nile. Enjoy a refreshing drink inside a local house and watch a henna demonstration, before returning to the cruise boat.
Three Night Cruise: Nile River Cruise
Day 10: Aswan – Luxor :Set sail early this morning for Kom Ombo. The temple, built in the third century B.C., stands at a bend in the Nile where sacred crocodiles once basked in the sun. The temple is dedicated to two divinities: Sobek, the God of Fertility and Horus, the Solar War God. Then sail to Edfu. On arrival visit the magnificently preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Unique amongst the temples of Upper Egypt, Edfu temple is located on the west bank of the Nile (normally dedicated to the afterlife). Impressive features are the carvings and hieroglyphics that cover nearly every surface. Continue to Luxor where your boat moors this evening.
Day 11: Luxor :This morning cross to the west bank of the Nile and explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. First stop is the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive quartzite statues once flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple and now stand alone in a field. Next visit the imposing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest ruling female pharaoh. The final stop is the Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of the dead, where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks. Enter the tomb of Tutankhamen before returning to Luxor. Enjoy lunch on board. Tonight visit Luxor Temple, dedicated to the great God Amun-Re, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu, the Moon God, whom together represent the Theban Triad.
Day 12: Luxor – Hurghada, Red Sea :Disembark your cruise boat this morning and visit Karnak Temple, a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Thebian Gods. This afternoon journey by luxury coach to your resort on the shores of the Red Sea.
Two Night Stay: Hurghada
Day 13: Hurghada :This morning enjoy your FREECHOICE Activity choose from: (1) take it easy and enjoy a relaxing massage at your hotel; or (2) cruise around the islands for a full day and try some snorkelling; or (3) enjoy a morning cruise in a glass bottom boat. The rest of your day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort. SCENICENRICH This evening enjoy a special Bedouin dinner in the desert.
Day 14: Hurghada – Cairo :Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport and flying to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel located on the banks of the Nile.
Two Night Stay: Cairo
Day 15: Cairo :This morning tour the incredible Egyptian Museum, home to the greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Visit King Tutankhamen’s collection of treasures. SCENICENRICH Then enter the Mummies Room and come face to face with some of the great rulers of Ancient Egypt. This afternoon enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE activity, choose from: (1) a fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo including Mohammed Ali Mosque and the Citadel, a walking tour through Moaz St before visiting Khan el Khalili bazaar; (2) Touring Old Cairo and Coptic Cairo including the Coptic Museum; or (3) Tour Saqqara and the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid of Zhoser and enter the colourful tomb of Mereruka. This evening enjoy an exclusive dinner in the Palace at the Cairo Marriott.
Day 16: Cairo – Amman, Jordan :
This morning fly to Jordan (flight not included). Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel in Amman. This evening dine with a local Jordanian family and experience their friendly hospitality whilst learning about the lifestyle and culture of the Jordanian’s.
Two Night Stay: Amman
Day 17: Jerash – Amman :This morning travel to the ancient city of Jerash, acknowledged as one of the best preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire. Your guided tour of the old walled city includes the Triple Arch Gate, the huge Hippodrome, the Colonnaded Street, the Forum, the Temple of Zeus and the paved way leading to the Temple of Artemis. After lunch return to Amman and take a walking tour of the old town including the oldest local market. Visit one of the oldest coffee shops in Amman. Stop at a local falafel restaurant and sample the famous falafel. Visit the Roman Ampitheatre and the ancient Citadel where you will see traces of Amman’s many lives: the columns of a Roman temple, the Byzantine church, Umayyad Palace and the fascinating displays in the Archaeological Museum.
Day 18: Amman – Petra :After breakfast leave Amman and travel to a key biblical site - ‘Bethany Beyond The Jordan’. Amazing archaeological discoveries have identified this as the area where Jesus was baptised. Continue to one of the most revered sites in Jordan - Mount Nebo. View the memorial to Moses at the presumed site of the prophet’s death and burial place. Enjoy breathtaking views across the JordanValley. Visit a local mosaic workshop where you will learn about the techniques used in designing the mosaic floors. Then visit Madaba and the Saint George Church, famous for the oldest mosaic map in the world before continuing to the Rose Red City of Petra.
Two Night Stay: Petra
Day 19: Petra :A highlight of your trip is today’s full day walking tour of magnificent Petra. This ancient city, carved into the sandstone mountains, is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. By the 16th century Petra had become completely lost to the West, and remained so until 1812 when the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt persuaded his guide to take him to the site of the rumoured lost city. Marvel at Petra’s most famous monument: the Treasury, which appears dramatically at the end of the ravine or ‘siq’. This towering facade is only the first of Petra’s secrets. This evening enjoy the awe inspiring spectacle of Petra by Night, where 1,800 candles light the way through the ‘siq’ to the magnificent Treasury.
Day 20: Petra – Dead Sea :This morning take advantage of an optional excursion to visit Wadi Rum. (Additional expense). Leave Petra this morning and stop enroute for a panoramic view of ShobakCastle, one of the best preserved crusader castles on the Kings Highway. Continue north to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. This afternoon relax and enjoy the facilities of the resort, or float in the Dead Sea renowned for its therapeutic benefits. Enjoy a private dinner tonight with magnificent views over the Dead Sea.
Overnight Stay: Jordan
Day 21: Dead Sea – Dubai, United Arab Emirates ;This morning fly to Dubai(flight not included). On arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Three Night Stay: Dubai
Day 22: Dubai :This morning sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on your comprehensive city tour. Visit Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum showcasing the cultural richness of the region in the past. Ride the Abra (water-taxi) across the creek and wander through the world famous gold and spice souks and experience the aroma of eastern spices and a profusion of gold. Continue to Jumeirah Mosque. Drive past impressive beach Palaces of Dubai’s Sheiks and reach Burj Al Arab, the landmark of Dubai. Enjoy some free time at the Mall of the Emirates before visiting Palm Jumeirah. Experience a ride on the monorail.The view is stunning as you look over this man-made marvel located in the Arabian Gulf.
Day 23: Dubai :The day is at leisure to relax by the pool or visit the markets and malls for which Dubai is famous. FREECHOICE This evening choose from: (1) the exciting Desert Dune Safari giving you the opportunity to explore the desert and enjoy a traditional Arabic camp; or (2) Cruise aboard the glass-covered, air conditioned Bateaux Dubai along Dubai Creek and enjoy the panoramic sights of Dubai, accompanied by freshly cooked cuisine; or (3) Cruise along the Dubai Creek onboard a traditional wooden Arabic Dhow whilst being pampered by Arabian hospitality and a variety of delicious food.
Day 24: Tour Ends :Your tour ends today and after breakfast you will be transferred* to Dubai International Airport for your onward or homebound flight (flight not included).
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