Day 01: Arrive Cairo (EGYPT)

Marhaba! Welcome to Egypt—the cradle of human civilization. After clearing immigration and customs, we are met and transferred to our hotel.  Check in time starts from 3:00 PM. Balance of the day is free to enjoy Cairo’s stunning architecture and people.

Overnight: Kempinski Cairo Hotel/Cairo Marriott (Nile Deluxe Room), Cairo (3 nights)

Day 02: Cairo

An exciting day ahead as we explore the last of the seven ancient wonders of the world still in existence! Morning we drive to visit Giza, capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. At the Necropolis of Giza*, we discover the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Great Pyramids. Each of these towering monuments took an average of 200 years and up to 100,000 workers to build. We may also enjoy an optional camel ride here. Next, we visit Memphis and the Saqqara Step Pyramid, the world's first great stone structure. (B)

Day 03: Cairo

Our day starts with a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with an exploration of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Afterwards, a brief stop at Tahrir Square before we dive into Islamic Cairo*, home to one of the largest and densest concentrations of historic architecture in the Muslim world. Tucked away amid the modern urban area of Cairo, we can find historical mosques, madrasas, baths and fountains. Founded in the 10th century, Cairo became the centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century. We see the graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 ACE to fortify the city against the Crusaders. The Citadel is now a complex of three mosques and four museums.  Our last stop is the maze-like Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, reputed to be the largest souq in the Middle East. Founded as a watering stop for the caravanserai in the 14th Century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. We will have a hot Egyptian lunch at Old Cairo. Evening, an optional viewing of the spectacular Sound & Light Show at the foot of the Great Pyramids. (B, L)

Day 04: Cairo/Luxor (Flight) /Nile Cruise

A short flight brings us to Luxor, where we board our cruise—our home for the next five days. This journey offers one of Egypt’s most iconic experiences: sailing the Nile. As we drift along, we witness daily life on the riverbanks and explore some of the world’s most extraordinary ancient sites. All offshore excursions, including ground transportation, entrance fees, and an English-speaking tour guide, are included in your tour cost.

In the afternoon, we visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, a vast site spanning the equivalent of ten cathedrals. Its immense courtyard, the towering hypostyle hall with 134 colossal columns, and six monumental entrances stand as lasting tributes to the ambition of the pharaohs. We then continue to the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. The first section features a grand courtyard and a chapel once used to store sacred boats, while the second hall boasts an imposing entrance, a colonnade, and towering columns that echo the grandeur of Egypt’s past.

Overnight: Acamar Nile Cruise/Minerva Nile Cruise (4 nights) (B, L, D)

You can also cruise the Nile using a Dhabiya (a traditional boat). These are small boats and offer an exclusive experience  – details available at: https://bestway.com/countries/egypt.php

Day 05: Nile Cruise Luxor/Edfu

Another exciting day on Nile’s West Bank Nile as we explore the Necropolis of Ancient Thebes*. Here we visit the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. For almost 15 centuries, great funerary temples were built at the foot of these hills, while tombs full of invaluable treasure were dug into the mountains, safe from tomb robbers. To the north, we discover the Temple of Qurna al Gedida, dedicated to Amon-Re, and the temple of Hathor, goddess of sweetness and joy. Even better known is the magnificent funerary Temple of Ramesses II, a stunning building lauded by many ancient writers. After viewing the Colossi of Memnon, one of the only remains of the temple of Amenophis III, go underground to admire the rich tombs of ancient pharaohs. Each of the 63 tombs in the valley is intricately decorated and provides a unique window into ancient times. It is here that British explorers Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the world-famous tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. We take time to explore this ancient treasure, as well as the tombs of other dignitaries, priests and priestesses hidden here. (B, L, D)

Optional: An early morning Hot Air Balloon safari over Luxor available @ US$ 195 per person

Optional: An early morning Hot Air Balloon safari over Luxor available @ CA$ 281 per person

Day 06: Nile Cruise Edfu/Kom Ombo

Go back in time and travel by traditional horse carriages to visit the Horus Temple, the most completely preserved temple in Egypt. We then sail and visit the Great Temple of Kom Ombo. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, the temple's finely carved reliefs give a glimpse of the glory of the former capital of the Ptolemaic era. Today, Kom Ombo may be a sleepy agricultural backwater surrounded by sugar cane fields, but its prime position along the Nile once made it one of Upper Egypt's most important centers. Wander through the temple's colonnades, gazing up at scenes of kingly propaganda and we'll capture a feel of this splendid history for ourselves. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Nile Cruise Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo (Flight)

Our epic day ahead starts with an exploration of the massive temples of Abu Simbel*. After an early morning flight, we visit the iconic monuments built by Ramesses II in ancient Nubia, which survive to the present day. Carved out of the mountainside in 13th century B.C., the Great Temple has four colossal statues depicting Ramsses II and smaller statues of Queen Nefertiti, his wife. When the Aswan High Dam was being constructed, the temples were saved from the rising waters of the Nile thanks to the international campaign launched by UNESCO in 1960, which assembled funds and technical expertise to move this temple to higher ground so that it would not be flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser.

Upon return this morning, we visit the High Dam and the astonishing Granite Quarries of Aswan*, exploited by pharaohs from early antiquity. Here, colossal unfinished obelisks are left for us to discover. We then explore the Temple of Philae*, located on an island in Lake Nasser. Our water approach offers stunning views. Seen from the level of a small boat, the island, with its palms, colonnades and pylons, seems to rise out of the river like a mirage. In the afternoon, we sail around the islands in Aswan on a traditional felucca boat and visit the Botanical Garden before being transferred for our evening flight to Cairo.

Overnight: Kempinski Cairo Hotel/Cairo Marriott (Nile Deluxe Room), Cairo (2 nights) (B)

Day 08: Cairo & GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum)

After years in the making, a date has officially been set for the full opening of Egypt’s Grand Egyptian Museum—July 3, 2025! This world-class museum is home to an unparalleled collection of over 50,000 ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, with many pieces on display for the first time. We’ll dedicate the morning to exploring this incredible museum, with the afternoon free to continue enjoying Cairo on our own. (B)

Day 09: Cairo/Amman (Flights) (JORDAN)

This morning, transfer to the airport for our flight from Cairo to Amman as we make our way to another cradle of civilization, Jordan (flight at additional cost). Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport in the capital city of Amman, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel. Jordan is home to over 100,000 archaeological, religious, and natural wonders, including Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Jerash. Despite its rich history, most key sites can be explored in under a week! Balance of the day is at leisure—our hotel’s prime location allows for an easy stroll around the city.

Overnight: Centro Mada Hotel (4-star), Amman (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 10: Amman/Jerash/Amman

This morning, we journey to Jerash, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities. Strolling through its colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, and baths transports us back to its golden age. Next, we explore Ajloun Castle, built in 1184 to defend against the Crusaders, and visit the Ajloun Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period. After a lunch break, we return to Amman to explore the Citadel, Roman Theatre, Jordan Archaeological Museum, and Folklore Museum, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient and modern history. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner at Windmehl Restaurant, featuring its famed Mixed Grill or Mansaf—the national dish of Jordan, made with lamb, fermented yogurt sauce, and rice or bulgur. (B, D)

Day 11: Amman/Madaba/Mt. Nebo/Shoubak/Petra (Drive)

Delve into Jordan’s ancient past, beginning in Madaba, renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics. The highlight is the 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at Saint George’s Orthodox Church, the oldest surviving religious map of the region. At Mount Nebo, we visit the site where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land before his passing. We then explore the remains of an ancient monastery, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho, and Jerusalem. Continue to Shoubak and visit the imposing Kerak Castle, one of the most significant Crusader fortresses. By evening, we arrive in Petra and check into our hotel.

Overnight: Petra Moon Hotel (4-star), Petra (1 night) (B, D)

Day 12: Petra/Wadi Rum (Drive)

Explore the legendary city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in the 6th century BCE by the Nabateans, this stunning rock-carved city was a thriving trade hub. We enter through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, emerging at the breathtaking Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most iconic monument, featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We continue exploring its highlights, including the Roman Theatre, Street of Façades, and Royal Tombs. Adventurous travelers can hike to the High Place of Sacrifice or climb 800 steps to the Monastery for panoramic views.

A two-hour drive takes us to the awe-inspiring Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon. This desert wilderness, famed for its red sands and dramatic rock formations, was immortalized in Lawrence of Arabia. At the campsite enjoy optional activities such as a jeep safari, camel rides, or retracing Lawrence of Arabia’s historic journey. As the sun sets, gather around the campfire for a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under a starlit sky.

Overnight: Mazayen Camp (Deluxe Tent), Wadi Rum (1 night) (B, D)

Day 13: Wadi Rum/Dead Sea (Drive)

Early risers can witness Wadi Rum’s mesmerizing sunrise from “Little Bridge,” a popular viewpoint. After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour 4WD safari through towering sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and surreal landscapes. An optional camel ride offers a more traditional desert experience. With Wadi Rum behind, we drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (335kms/207miles). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters and experience the therapeutic benefits of the famous Dead Sea mud baths.

Overnight: Dead Sea Hotel (4-star), Dead Sea (1 night) (B, D)

Day 14: Dead Sea/Depart Amman (Drive)

After a fascinating journey through some of the oldest wonders of the world, we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. Hotel check out time is 11:00 AM. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
Email us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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