Timeless Wonders of Egypt and Jordan

Touch down in Cairo, where you’ll be welcomed and whisked through customs before settling into the elegant St. Regis Cairo. Soak in enchanting Nile views from the pool and enjoy some downtime after the journey here. This evening, head to Zamalek for a refined dinner or a take a first wander through Cairo's labyrinthine streets. For over 6,000 years, Cairo has thrived along the banks of the Nile, blending the remnants of ancient civilizations with a buzzing, contemporary energy.

This morning, explore the Giza Plateau on a private morning tour of the Pyramids of Giza, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, as well as the enigmatic Great Sphinx and Khufu’s Solar Boat. A private Egyptologist guide brings these ancient marvels to life, offering expert insights and little-known facts. After lunch, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the full collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures and some of Egypt's most storied artifacts.

Today, meet your Egyptologist for a full-day exploration of Old and Islamic Cairo, uncovering the layers of history that give the city its unique character. Dive into Cairo’s spiritual past with visits to the Sultan Hassan Mosque, the Citadel, and the Hanging Church. Wander the winding alleys of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where gold, spices, and stories have traded hands for centuries. Consider ending with a taste of traditional Egyptian food, sampling koshari, a popular street food.

Today, you’ll fly south to Luxor. Once known as Thebes, Luxor was one of the most powerful spiritual and cultural centers of Ancient Egypt. The site of countless temples and tombs used throughout the ages, few places in the world feel so infused with mystery and magic. Explore Karnak, the world's largest religious complex, walking its vast hypostyle halls, then check in at the storied Old Winter Palace hotel. That evening, visit Luxor Temple by moonlight.

Cross the Nile to the West Bank, the ancient burial ground of the pharaohs, where the afterlife began. Visit the Valley of the Kings, including several exquisitely painted tombs. The Temple of Hatshepsut rises dramatically from the cliffs, a tribute to one of Egypt’s most revered female pharaohs. You’ll also have the option to explore the Tomb of Tutankhamun or the artists’ tombs at Deir el-Medina.

Travel to Esna, just south of Luxor, a thriving merchant town best known for the small ancient Temple of Khnum, which sits 30 feet below street level. Your trip will begin with a brief walk to the temple and a stroll through alleyways filled with beautiful textiles and other artisan goods before you board board your dahabiya, Nour el Nil Agatha, for a five-day cruise up the Nile to reach Aswan. Unlike the big cruise ships, this romantic traditional sailboat offers intimacy, quiet, and the luxury of time.

Over the next four days, you’ll drift down the Nile past ancient temples and small villages, stepping into a timeless tableau. Walk through El Kab’s necropolis, arrive at Edfu by horse-drawn carriage, and swim from the riverbanks. At Gebel Silsileh, you may be the only visitors amid the quarry cliffs, and at Kom Ombo, you’ll explore a temple dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and falcon-headed Horus. Evenings are spent on deck under the stars, savoring slow travel at its most elegant.

Disembark your dahabiya in Aswan. With granite hills rising from the Nile and a pace all its own, the city invites you to breathe deeply and linger in the golden desert light. Stop at the island Temple of Philae before settling into the boutique BenBen Hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or wander the Nubian village paths. The next day, explore the engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, and optionally, set sail at sunset on a felucca, a quiet return to the ancient rhythm of the river.

In the morning, a short flight takes you to Abu Simbel, where Ramses II carved his legacy into stone. These massive rock-cut temples marked the southern boundary between the Egyptian Empire and Nubia at the peak of its power during the New Kingdom. The site remains one of Egypt’s most dramatic and iconic. Later today, you fly onward to Amman, Jordan.

This evening, arrive in Amman and check in at the Four Seasons. Amman stretches across ancient hills and modern avenues. Western Amman hums with sleek cafes and galleries, while the older eastern side still whispers stories of empires past. Tonight, rest and enjoy dinner with a view. The next day, explore the Citadel and Roman Theatre with your private guide, then dive into Jordan’s culinary heritage with a lunchtime street food tour. The afternoon is yours to relax or peruse the city’s artisan boutiques.

Depart Amman early for the legendary ancient city of Petra. Enter through the narrow Siq and when you emerge, stand before the staggeringly beautiful facade of the Treasury. Continue on to the Monastery and explore the Royal Tombs of Petra, all led by an expert local guide who will decode and decipher the awe-inspiring ancient sites. Back in Amman, consider joining a Jordanian cooking class at Petra Kitchen, a relaxed way to end your day and connect with the local community.

Travel to the vast, Martian Wadi Rum Desert and meet your Bedouin guide. Rumble across rolling red sand dunes by 4x4 before settling into your luxe tented suite at Sahara Rum Camp. Dine under a canopy of stars, warmed by a crackling fire. The next day, wake to sunrise in the desert, and after breakfast, set off on a guided horseback ride through Khazali Canyon, riding past ancient inscriptions. By mid-afternoon, return to Amman for a final night at the Four Seasons and prepare for your departure.