Egypt: Suggested Tours

Today land at Amman International Airport under your own arrangements (We recommend the flights offered by BMI from London Heathrow). On arrival you will be met by a Corinthian Travel representative, then transferred to your chosen hotel.

Accommodation: Stay for 1 night at the Grand Hyatt Hotel (Guest Room) / Four Seasons Hotel (Deluxe Room).

This morning visit ancient Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Here you will tour the ruins including the distinctive elliptical forum with its beautiful Ionic colonnade, Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome and the Temple of Artemis – the site’s most splendid monument. Following a Lebanese lunch transfer to Petra.

Accommodation: Stay for 3 nights at the Movenpick Hotel (Standard Room) / Movenpick Hotel (Junior Suite).

Today visit ancient Petra on a privately guided tour lasting 2 to 3 hours. The site is approached via the Siq, a dramatic narrow gorge of striking beauty hemmed in by cliffs up to 80 metres in height. After 1.5 kilometres the stunning edifice of the Treasury (El Khazneh) emerges dramatically through a narrow gap. Further on the intricately carved Royal Tombs, Street of the Facades, High Place of Sacrifice, Qasr al Bint and the enormous Monastery (El Deir) all wait to be discovered. A buffet lunch will be provided within the site. The afternoon will be free to explore independently.

This morning there will be a second (unguided) opportunity to visit Petra. In the afternoon drive south to explore the stunning desert valley of Wadi Rum by 4WD vehicle. This vast timeless and starkly beautiful place where uniquely shaped mountains rise out of the rose-red desert was used by T. E. Lawrence as his headquarters during the Arab Revolt of 1917 – 18, and was the location for many shots in David Lean’s epic film ’Lawrence of Arabia’. This evening experience the unforgettable spectacle of Petra by Candlelight when the Siq and forecourt of the Treasury are bathed in the soft flickering light of thousands of candles.

Drive to Kerak and visit the huge Crusader and Mamluk castle with its awe-inspiring ring of walls. The castle was once under the control of Raynald de Chatillon, one of the most daring and controversial of the Crusaders. Next, continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth above sea level. On arrival the remainder of the day will be at leisure to relax and float in the Dead Sea’s saline waters.

Accommodation: Stay for 1 night at the Movenpick Resort & Spa (Deluxe Room) / Kempinski Ishtar Spa & Resort (Ishtar Superior Room).

Today transfer to Amman International Airport and fly to Cairo. On arrival you will be met by a Corinthian Travel representative and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay for 3 nights at the Mena House Oberoi (Pyramid View Room, Garden Wing) / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo At Nile Plaza (Standard Room).

An Egyptologist will meet you this morning for a full day privately guided tour of the pyramid complexes outside Cairo. The Stepped Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara will be your first stop. Comprised of 6 massive steps, it once rose to a height of 62 metres. Nearby, at Dashur are the distinctive ‘Bent’ pyramid, and the ‘Red’ pyramid. The latter structure is believed to have been the first successful attempt at constructing a ‘true’ smooth-sided pyramid. In the afternoon tour the pyramid complex at Giza. Visit the Museum of the Solar Boat and see the enigmatic Sphinx - said to portray the image of the 4th dynasty Pharaoh Kafre.

After breakfast visit the Egyptian Museum with its incredible collection of antiquities which include the golden treasure of Tutankhamen and the elaborately wrapped mummified Pharaohs in the Royal Mummy Room. This afternoon enjoy a heritage walking tour through the bustling colourful lanes and alleyways of medieval Cairo and the Khan el Khalili Bazaar: a real immersion into the Middle Eastern experience. Later, visit the beautiful mosque of Ibn Tulun Mosque and the little known Gayer-Anderson Museum – a traditional house dating from the 18th century.

Today fly with Egypt Air to the ancient city of Luxor. On arrival transfer to your Nile cruise ship. This afternoon there will be an excursion to the stunning temples of Karnak and Luxor. A belly dance show will be given prior to dinner. Overnight: Luxor. Note: Sightseeing from the cruise is on a shared basis and is accompanied by the ship’s resident Egyptologist. Boarding and disembarking the cruise requires negotiating small gangways, making the cruise potentially unsuitable for passengers who require assistance or have difficulties with mobility.

Accommodation: Stay for 4 nights at the Movenpick Royal Lily (Standard Cabin) / Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise (Beethoven Suite).

Following breakfast, continue your Luxor sightseeing with a visit to the famed tombs in the Valleys of the Kings and Queens with their wonderful painted walls, the rock-cut temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch will be served as you cruise slowly south to Edfu (Royal Lily) / Esna (Star Goddess). This evening a welcome cocktail reception will be held prior to dinner.

This morning your Egyptologist will guide you around the temple of the falcon headed god Horus at Edfu, one of the most complete buildings surviving from the age of the Pharaohs. Following your tour, sail on to Kom Ombo to see the temples dedicated to Horus the Elder and the crocodile god Sobek. This evening a traditional Egyptian night and galabeya costume party will be held aboard. Overnight: Aswan (Royal Lily) / Kom Ombo (Star Goddess).

Aswan is one of the most beautiful spots in Egypt. Here the sands of the Sahara tumble directly into the Nile from high dunes, and the sleek hulls of sailing boats ply the tranquil waters between emerald islands and pink granite boulders. This morning visit the Aswan High Dam, the Quarries of the Pharaohs, and the beautiful Temple of Isis on Philae Island. In the afternoon sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca. Lively Nubian entertainment will precede dinner. Overnight: Aswan.

Disembark from your Nile cruise for the last time this morning and check in at the luxurious Old Cataract Hotel – a grand palatial property designed in the Moorish style and dating back to 1898. The afternoon will be at leisure to relax, enjoy the wonderful view and facilities, and perhaps have tea on the Old Cataract’s famous terrace.

Accommodation: Stay for 1 night at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel (Premium Garden View Room, Palace Wing) / Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel (Cataract Nile Facing Suite, Palace Wing).

Fly to Abu Simbel with Egypt Air this morning for a guided visit of the enormous rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II over 30 centuries ago. For many Abu Simbel is second only to the Great Pyramid in its impressiveness. Following your visit fly with Egypt Air to Cairo. On arrival transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay for 1 night at the Mena House Oberoi (Pyramid View Room, Garden Wing) / Four Seasons Hotel Cairo At Nile Plaza (Standard Room).

Transfer to Cairo International Airport and check-in for your onward flight.