Jordan & Egypt: Desert Sands & Ancient Wonders

Step into the kingdom of Jordan and walk in the footsteps of past civilizations and modern culture as you explore the country’s abundant natural wonders and ancient sites. We welcome you to Amman, and to Jordan, and we invite you to see this beautiful country in a way that allows you to experience its culture, people and natural beauty.

Leave Amman for the day as you head north to explore ancient orchards and historical sites. Part of the fertile crescent, the region is rich with agricultural tradition and also home to incredible tales of Roman Invaders, Christian churches, the rise of Islam and Crusader attacks. Experiencing this part of the country will quickly give you a deep appreciation for what makes Jordan so unique.

Food and culture are one of the best ways to fully understand a city and its people, and you'll see why today in Amman. While historical sites allow you to hear stories of the past, it's the market stalls with freshly prepared dishes and coffee with a host family that allow you to experience the present. Prepare to be immersed in all the great stories Amman has to tell, both past and present.

From Mount Nebo it is said that Moses set sight for the first time on the promised land, how beautiful it must have been, and it still is. Wander into the Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to human settlement well before the earliest writing. Here set against the expansive semi desert landscape sits the Feynan Ecolodge, devoted to the protection of the country’s finest natural landscapes. Choose to wander through the lush, elevated terrain surroundings to reveal panoramic vistas of the valley below. Soak in the atmosphere of a forgotten time and spend an evening deep in the heart of the mountains in an idyllic candle-lit lodge.

One of the best gifts of travel is seeing the world from the perspectives of others. Born naturally curious, we search a special connection and an understanding of the larger world, and today you get to pick how you get that connection. Choose between walking with a Bedouin shepherd to immerse yourself in a truly unique way of life or meet with a Bedouin Family to learn more about their culture, with the opportunity to prepare traditional dishes together.

Sprawling over a hundred square miles, the city of Petra is one of the world's most iconic cultural sites-a New Wonder of the World. With only 15% of the site exposed, there are still mysteries and secrets that are destined to remain locked in time. We likely will never witness the site returned to its former glory, when over 20,000 people lived within the city, but that shouldn't stop you from harnessing your inner explorer and following the ancient back trail from Little Petra to Petra, a unique way to enter the site, leaving the crowds behind.

Witness the dawn of a new day in the red rose city as old as time itself. Watch as the sun awakens the enigmatic wonder of Petra in its warm golden light, and feel as if you are the one who discovered this carved city built by the Nabateans more than 2000 years ago. The sands of time are no match for this magnificent structure in the Middle-East. Head further south and continue your discovery of Jordan, entering the sandy valley of Wadi Rum.

Like travel, the power of water knows no bounds, which you will see evidence of even in the middle of a desert. Take in the shockingly pink hue of the Pink Lake and Salt Beach then follow it up by submerging yourself in the Dead Sea, making you feel weightless in water that feels lighter than air.

Say your final goodbye to Jordan and board your flight to Egypt today. Spend the remainder of the day settling in and exploring Cairo on your own terms with free time.

Consider the sheer, staggering scale of the undertaking required to construct these pyramids and contemplate the ancient ingenuity while you marvel at their impressive structures. Ponder the mysteries still held within their immense stone blocks – secrets of their construction, the lives of those who built them, and the pharaohs they eternally entombed – mysteries that continue to captivate and challenge archaeologists, historians, and scientists to this very day. While none of this was new to the locals, seeing them for the first time can take your breath away.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of choice while travelling. After flying from Cairo to Aswan you will choose to explore one of two incredible Egyptian temples. Aswan sits near the dam that formed Lake Nassar. The world united around the mission to save the Abu Simbel and Philae temples from being submerged forever in the rising waters of the lake. A global effort was put in place to dismantle and rebuild the temples at a site above the high water mark. That feat of humanity meant that these temples were saved for travellers to continue to enjoy today.

Our journey north begins today along the Nile aboard a traditional dahabiya. Sail past farmlands and small islands that have forever been bathed by rich nutrients, creating fertile land in a narrow green ribbon along the river's banks, surrounded by desert on both sides. Our day ends as we dock near Gebal El Silseila, the perfect vantage point for a sunset on the Nile.

The sails are up and your first full day of sailing on the Nile. Get ready to discover incredible sites and enjoy an experience only possible on your dahabiya.

Embark on an early morning excursion to delve into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the temples of the West Bank. While tales of ancient curses persist, the genuine challenge lies in the limited time available to thoroughly explore each tomb. The amazement you feel is profound when your eyes first see the great temples of Egypt. You immediately understand why for centuries people have been coming here to explore and observe these incredible monuments.

Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. You may be leaving Egypt behind, but the experiences you have will last forever.