From Desert Kingdoms to the Nile

When you touch down in Amman, you're greeted right off the plane for a smooth arrival. Jordan’s capital is a gateway to the country’s history and culture, where Roman ruins and medieval mosques meet contemporary cafes and galleries. Settle in at the Four Seasons Amman and spend your afternoon at leisure. Opt for a short walk through the leafy neighborhoods of Western Amman or ease into the trip with dinner at a local upscale restaurant.

Travel from Amman to reach Petra. Once a thriving trading center, Petra was built by the Nabateans more than 2,000 years ago and is now one of the world’s most famous archaeological wonders. En route, visit Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land, and Madaba, home to a Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land. In the evening, participate in a hands-on traditional cooking class and dinner at Petra Kitchen.

Today, explore the tombs of Petra, along with its iconic Treasury and monastery. There's something here for every level of adventurer. In the afternoon, travel to Wadi Rum Desert and meet your Bedouin guide for a sunset 4x4 tour across the red dunes. Unwind at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, a glamorous take on desert camping with private domed tents. Gather around the fire, swap stories, and bask in the star-filled sky.

After a relaxed morning, head to the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. The hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea make floating effortless, and the surrounding region holds biblical and natural significance. Spend the afternoon enjoying the pools, spa, and a unique Dead Sea float. If your family is up for it, we can arrange canyoning in Wadi Mujib for a wet-and-wild desert adventure. 

Catch your flight to Cairo, Egypt and check in at The St. Regis Cairo. Egypt’s sprawling capital is a palimpsest of history and culture, from pharaonic monuments to Islamic mosques and Coptic churches. The energy here is non-stop, and the contrasts are captivating. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, trying a local specialty for dinner or wandering through the city’s warren of streets taking in the din of street vendors and the call to prayer.

Explore the Giza Plateau with a private Egyptologist guide, visiting the Great Pyramids of Egypt and the enigmatic Great Sphinx. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Grand Egyptian Museum. The next day, dive into the multi-layered history of Islamic and Coptic Cairo on a Cairo city tour. Walk the historic alleys, visit iconic mosques and churches, and wander the bustling stalls of Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Those interested in architecture or history will be captivated by the contrasting styles and stories.

Fly from Cairo to Luxor. Home to more ancient temples and tombs than anywhere else in Egypt, Luxor is a deep dive into the golden age of the pharaohs. Begin with a visit to Karnak, a vast complex of temples, halls, and obelisks, then check in at the tranquil and artfully designed Al Moudira Hotel on the West Bank. The next day, your Egyptologist decodes ancient monuments as you explore the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.

From Luxor, drive south to Esna where you’ll board the Kemet Dahabeya for a four-night sailing up the Nile. The dahabiya experience offers a slow, immersive way to take in life along the Nile, with private guided stops without the crowds. Along the way, explore El Kab, the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, the ancient quarry and shrines of Gebel el-Silsila, and the twin temples at Kom Ombo. Stop to swim off the riverbanks, explore small fishing villages, and watch the river shimmer at sunset with a drink in hand.

Arrive in Aswan, marked by a slow pace, sun-soaked, timeless tableaus, and a rich Nubian heritage. After disembarking your cruise, spend the day exploring Elephantine Island and the Unfinished Obelisk, and set sail at sunset by felucca. Your hotel, BenBen, is a peaceful eco-retreat on Heissa Island. The next day, fly to Abu Simbel, home to the colossal temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, one of Egypt’s most enchanting sites.

After days of dusty ruins and cultural deep dives, unwind in the resort town of Sharm El Sheikh. Check in at the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh, a luxurious haven between desert and sea. Whether you're snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park, diving historic shipwrecks, or simply relaxing by the pool, this is a well-earned retreat to cap off your epic family trip to Egypt and Jordan.

Fly back to Cairo to connect with your international flight home. The journey ends, but you’ll be leaving with indelible family memories — and maybe a bit of sand in your shoes.