Pyramids to Petra

From Egypt’s open-air museum of astounding monuments to Jordan’s fabled Petra, this magnificent journey explores some of the most glorious settings in the ancient world. A deluxe 5-day cruise on the Nile Adventurer brings us to ethereal temples from Luxor to Aswan, and we visit dramatic Abu Simbel, the celebrated World Heritage Site on cliffs above the Nile. At Petra, hidden in a desert canyon, we discover a 2,000-year-old metropolis carved into sheer rock walls, then head out to stunning Wadi Rum, haunt of T. E. Lawrence, to explore by camel or on foot and watch an unforgettable desert sunset. Expert Trip Leaders and our small group size make this the perfect way to experience these legendary wonders.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Cairo and the Great Pyramids

The mesmerizing Great Pyramids and Sphinx and the incomparable Egyptian Museum, with its golden artifacts of King Tut’s tomb and famed Mummies Room, introduce us to Egypt’s treasures. Overnights are at the renowned Mena House, set in the shadow of the Pyramids.

Days 3-7
Nile Cruise / Luxor to Aswan / Abu Simbel

In Luxor, we walk among the massive stone columns of Karnak, explore the striking Nile-side Temple of Luxor, and discover the spectacular Valley of the Kings and Queens, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent temples honor the Pharaohs entombed in the nearby cliffs. Our Nile cruise brings us to bewitching monuments including the mammoth temples at Edfu, Esna, and Kom Ombo. Disembarking in Aswan, we fly to Abu Simbel to see the famous statues of the empire-builder Ramses II gazing out over the Nile Valley.

Days 8-11
Amman, Jordan / Jerash / Kerak / Petra

Our explorations en route to Petra include Roman Jerash, an archaeological masterpiece framed by the hills of Gilead, and the great stone-built Crusader fortress at Kerak. Magical Petra, one of the world’s grandest archaeological sites, is “a rose-red city half as old as time.” We enter this spellbinding city on foot to behold its astonishing and lavish temples, theaters, and palaces chiseled into solid rock.

Days 12-14
Wadi Rum / Aqaba / Red Sea

Massive rock peaks rise out of pink sands at Wadi Rum, where British officer T. E. Lawrence was based during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Our delightful tented camp in this epic desert canyon offers the perfect retreat for our optional hikes and camel rides. Our final overnight is in Aqaba, set on the turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Depart on Day 14.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 1+, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern civilization. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.

Explanation of Trip Levels