Treasures of Egypt & Jordan – Follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs and lovers of ancient history. For thousands of years Egypt has been the playground of emperors, kings and queens. Great civilisations have risen from its sandy interiors and the Nile continues to bring life to an otherwise barren land. A period of British occupation left its colonial mark but much of the scenery has barely changed since biblical times and the entire nation is wrapped in an ancient mysticism that has beguiled writers and romantics for centuries.
Join us on this awe-inspiring Women Only Journey through Egypt & Jordan and travel from Cairo, to Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Alexandria. Continue to fabulous Jordan and visit Amman, Petra and the Dead Sea.
Visit the iconic and legendary Sphinx in Giza and witness the awe-inspiring enormity of the great pyramids. Walk through the Valley of the Kings and visit the rock-hewn tomb of King Tutankhamen. Wander the edge of the Mediterranean in the ancient city of Alexandria.
Enjoy a five night cruise on a Dahabiya booked exclusively for us and the only way to truly appreciate sailing the Nile. Photograph magnificent Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, carved out of a rock cliff during the reign of Ramses II. Meander down the sphinx-lined entrance and bask in the grandeur of Luxor Temples at twilight. Meet local Nubian families, learn to create traditional Egyptian culinary delights and shop until you drop in colourful and chaotic bazaars.
From Amman you will witness the impact that waves of Romans, Crusaders, Christians and Muslims have had on the history and culture of Jordan. In Petra you’ll explore the ancient lost city marveling at the immense structures carved into the sandstone, before discovering Wadi Rum – the eerily beautiful desert brought to fame by Lawrence of Arabia.
End your journey at the Dead Sea where you will float weightlessly in the mineral-rich waters.
At the end of each action-packed day, rest and recharge in exquisite heritage hotels which have hosted the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie.
Above all you’ll enjoy travelling through time and discovering the ancient wonders of these enchanting lands with a group of like minded ladies.
Fully escorted from Cairo by our Collaborator, Sarah Hoyland, this fabulous Treasures of Egypt & Jordan journey provides the opportunity to get lost in this extraordinary country that today combines modern and ancient cultures, offering you a unique opportunity to get glimpse of these magnificent countries.
Start Point – Cairo
Finish Point – Amman
Tour Style – Hosted Tour
Accommodation – Premium Hotels, Private Dahabiya ‐ traditional sailboat
Meals – As per itinerary
Transport – Private Coach / Traditional Nile Boat / Domestic Flights
Max Group Size – Min 8, Max 16 guests
Included:
Not Included:
26 October – 17 November 2023
– from USD TBC per person Twin Rate
– from USD TBC per person Single Rate
*Rates are per person based on Twin Share & Single Room.
*Prices are subject to change until paid in full.
*International Airfares are not included. PLEASE ASK US FOR A QUOTE.
Welcome to Egypt!
For thousands of years Egypt has been the playground of emperors and kings. Great civilisations have risen from its sandy interiors and the Nile continues to bring life to an otherwise barren land. Much of the scenery has barely changed since biblical times and the entire nation is wrapped in an ancient mysticism which has beguiled writers and romantics for centuries.
Overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza, Mena House offers perhaps the finest views in all of Cairo. We enjoy a welcome drink and raise a toast to a fabulous fortnight ahead!
Overnight Marriot Mena House (Welcome Drink)
Visit two iconic ancient Egyptian sites this morning – the Giza Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx.
Explore the interior of one of the legendary pyramids & take in the panorama of the Giza Plateau on foot or from atop a camel before enjoying traditional Egyptian fare at a local restaurant.
This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the Civilization Museum, the only museum focusing on the first civilization in history and includes 22 modern state mummies from ancient Egypt.
Return to Mena House for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before a hosted Welcome Dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: Marriot Mena House (B / L / Welcome Dinner)
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, and will house the complete Tutankhamun collection. If it is open we will spend the morning on a guided tour; if not we will visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities currently home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including treasures from Tutankhamun and items dating to 4000 BC.
Enjoy a guided tour including access to the famous Mummy Room, housing the remains of many kings & queens of ancient Egypt, including Ramses II, Egypt’s longest‐ruling pharaoh.
Return to our hotel for the remainder of the afternoon & evening at leisure ‐ indulge in the spa, take a swim in the pool & dine in your choice of restaurant
Overnight Marriot Mena House. (B / L)
An early start today to tour of Old Cairo, enjoy lunch and then fly to Luxor.
Old Cairo is the home of the oldest religious buildings in Egypt, with Amr Ibn Al‐Aas Mosque representing Islam, the Hanging Church representing Christianity and Synagogue of Ben Ezra representing Judaism.
Afternoon at leisure on arrival in Luxor with a hosted dinner this evening.
Overnight Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa (B / L / D)
Travel to the West Bank of the Nile to explore the Valley of the Kings and its decorated tombs of the ancient Pharaoh Kings, including Tutankhamun’s tomb enclosed in 35‐century‐old walls.
Visit the enormous Temple of Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt’s first female pharaoh and the gigantic Colossi of Memnon that acted as the Guardians of the West Bank of Luxor before visiting the Valley of workers, where the artists who decorated the king’s tombs are buried.
Lunch in one of the famous local restaurants by the Nile before crossing back to the East Bank with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Luxor or relax by the pool on the banks of the Nile.
Overnight: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa (B / L)
Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride above the Valley of the Kings early this morning.
Today we board our Dahabiya ‐ a stunning traditional sailboat and our private floating hotel for the next 5 nights.
We will discover the Nile’s significant impact on ancient Egyptian civilization as we sail upstream from Luxor to Aswan aboard ‘Queeny of the Nile’. We have exclusive use of ‘Queeny’ & will enjoy lunch and dinner on board.
Overnight Accommodation: Queeny of The Nile (B / L / D)
After breakfast on the shores of Edfu we will board a horse & carriage and travel to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon‐headed God of the sky. This stunningly well‐preserved & colourful structure is one of the largest in Egypt, built in 230BC by Ptolemy III it reveals what temple worship was like in ancient Egypt.
Back on board, we sail to Ğebel el‐Silsila ‐ an archaeological site on both banks of the Nile & once the most important sandstone quarry in Egypt.
It is one of the less frequented sites along the mighty Nile as larger vessels cannot reach this site (on our small Dahabiya we can!)
This evening we dine on traditional Egyptian food & enjoy Arabic Music and dancing ‐ time to break out your bespoke Gallabeyah or Belly Dancing outfit!
Overnight Accommodation: Queeny of The Nile (B / L / D)
We first alight this morning to visit the Temple of Horemheb at Silsila, dedicated to the God Amon, & we explore the breathtaking caves that suround it.
Later we stop at the Faris Coffee Shop, a traditional local coffee house where locals drink tea & coffee, smoke the famous shisha & play dominoes ‐ an insight into traditional Arabic life.
Enjoy lunch as we sail to Bashir Island where you have the opportunity to swim before dinner under the twinkling stars.
Overnight Accommodation: Queeny of The Nile (B / L / D)
Our Dahabiya moors almost directly in front of the Greco‐Roman Temple of Kom Ombo (Hill of Gold) dedicated to the Sun God Haroeris & the Crocodile God Sobek, considered by some ancient Egyptians to be the creator of the world.
We will walk to the entrance & enjoy a guided tour before viewing the mummified remains of several crocodiles that once basked along the ancient Nile shore, just as their descendants do today.
Later we continue sailing upstream watching the golden sand dunes to reach Alheriab Beach where we can swim, sunbathe and walk before dinner on board as we make our way to moor close to Aswan.
Overnight: Queeny of The Nile (B / L / D)
On arrival in Aswan we will moor & board a small motorised boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. This sacred complex was dedicated to the Goddess Isis and reflects a fusion of three great civilizations ‐ Egyptian, Greek, and Roman. The temple was dismantled and painstakingly reassembled when the Aswan High Dam was constructed.
Enjoy lunch back on deck & a final afternoon watching the world go by from our deck.
We will celebrate our final night aboard Queeny with an evening of traditional Egyptian food, Arabic music & dancing.
Overnight: Queeny of The Nile (B / L / D)
Disembark from ‘Queeny’ this morning bidding a fond farewell to our fabulous crew as we transfer to our hotel in Aswan.
Enjoy lunch before we check in to the Old Cataract Hotel with the remainder of the afternoon & evening at leisure to enjoy this spectacular iconic hotel.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel (B / L)
An early start to check in for our flight to Abu Simbel to view the iconic, commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertiti. This entire site was moved here & reassembled to save it from the floodwaters created by the Aswan High Dam.
Return to Aswan by air arriving for lunch (to own account) at our hotel.
Later this afternoon we board a traditional felucca for sunset
cruise before dinner in a Nubian Village with a local family.
Note: we may drive to Abu Simbel if the scheduled flight times change significantly in order to make the most of our day.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel (B / D)
Our final morning in Aswan provides the opportunity to visit a perfumerie & take a walk through the souk.
After an early lunch we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairo.
Dinner will be hosted in a restaurant overlooking the Nile this evening.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel (B)
Today we admire the twin‐towered Bab el‐Foutouh, a fortified gate in Cairo’s Old City walls & the entrance to Khan el‐Khalili Bazaar…. and then the rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vast souk housing all manner of treasures from carpets to jewellery and antiques to spices.
Enjoy lunch in one of the many cafes & return to our hotel at your leisure.
This evening we enjoy a final farewell dinner for those who may elect to return home tomorrow.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel (B / D)
Today you journey to the Mediterranean with a relaxed departure from Cairo this morning as you head to the seaside town of Alexandria.
Afternoon at leisure to wander the beach & relax by the incredible pool.
A delicious dinner this evening is included.
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel at San Stefano (B / D)
A full day exploring Alexandria including the impressive sites from the Greco‐Roman era ‐ Kom Al Shoqafa Tombs, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, Pompey’s Pillar & the Qaitbay Citadel.
A seafood spread for lunch will be followed by a visit to the vast & striking Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the state-of-the-art new library) before we marvel at the most valuable display of jewels in the Royal Jewellery Museum.
This evening we will stroll the corniche & enjoy a hosted dinner
Overnight: Four Seasons Hotel at San Stefano (B / L / D)
Take an early morning walk along the corniche or a dip in the pool before you return to Cairo.
In Cairo we will enjoy lunch (to own account) in a hotel close to the International Airport before transferring to the airport for check-in – to board your flight to Jordan.
On arrival it is a 1hr transfer to your hotel.
Enjoy a Welcome Drink on arrival & the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel, Amman (B)
This morning you travel 45 mins north of Amman to visit the mighty Crusaders Castle Of Ajlun – an Islamic Castle built high on a hill in 1184 & overlooks the entire Jordan valley below.
Winding your way through the olive groves & thick green pine forests of the Ajlun mountains, you reach the ancient Greco Roman city of Jerash – Jordan’s largest
and most interesting Roman site.
Returning to Amman, you have a panoramic city tour followed by a hosted dinner
Overnight: Fairmont Hotel, Amman (B / L / D)
Exploring the south of Amman today you visit the town of Madaba, best known for its famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land & Mount Nebo, where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land.
Driving on Kings’ Highway via Wadi Al Mujib you’ll navigate a deep and majestic chasm through the rugged highlands that drain into the Dead Sea, and continue to Kerak Castle – the largest late Islamic castle in Jordan.
As the day draws to a close you’ll continue to the Movenpick Petra hotel, which is located directly at the entrance to Petra. Enjoy a glorious sunset from the Al Ghadeer Roof Garden and a Hosted Dinner.
Overnight: Movenpick Resort, Petra (B / L / D)
A rewarding full day tour of the Red Rose City of Petra today – one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world it requires little introduction.
Take an optional horseback ride, or simply walk, to the main entrance of the ancient
Nabatean city where we will continue on foot.
Walking through the deep, narrow gorge you will arrive at Al Khazneh – one of the most elaborate temples before viewing the theatre, royal tombs, great temple, Petra church and the treasury – made famous in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Throughout the day you can expect to see the theatre, royal tombs, the great Temple, the Petra church, and the treasury, whose towering façade bedecked with magnificent columns. Seeing Petra’s immense structures carved into the sandstone rock face is humbling and awe-inspiring -a wonder of the world that must be seen to be believed.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Movenpick Resort, Petra (B / L / D)
Travel from Petra to the silent ancient riverbed landscape of Wadi Rum, a dramatic desert wilderness, where you find huge sandstone & granite outcrops, deep canyons & fissures, ancient rock drawings and an enduring Bedouin culture.
Enjoy a 4WD drive through this starkly beautiful environment ending at the Dead Sea – the lowest place on earth.
Remainder of the afternoon at leisure with dinner included tonight.
Overnight: Kempinski Hotel, Ishtar (B / L / D)
The Dead Sea is one of the most intriguing natural phenomena on Earth.
This saltwater lake is almost completely devoid of life and due to its high salt content it has powerful healing properties. Its healing waters have been sought after since Biblical times and it is widely recognised as the biggest free spa on Earth!
Today we will float in the healing turquoise waters. You may also wish to indulge in our hotel spa, voted the best in Jordan, offering six outdoor individual treatment areas, sauna, whirlpool, Tepidarium heated lounges and the largest hydro‐pool in the Dead Sea – there could be no better way to spend the day.
Overnight: Kempinski Hotel, Ishtar (B / D)
This morning is at leisure to pack & prepare for our departure mid-afternoon.
Sarah Hoyland – Tour Host
