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 1500 hrs. Balance of the day is free to enjoy Cairo’s stunning architecture and people.

Overnight: Cairo Kempinski Hotel, 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. Afternoon visit the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures from the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Optional tours to see the Royal Mummies and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) (subject to being open). (B)

Day 03: Cairo

Today we are swept back to medieval times as we explore Historic Cairo*. Tucked away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the world's oldest Islamic cities, with historical mosques, madrasas, baths and fountains. Founded in the 10th century, it became the centre of the Islamic world, reaching its golden age in the 14th century. We will visit the Citadel with the Mohammed Ali Mosque, the Sultan Hassan & Al-Rifa'i Mosques, the Old Gates of Cairo, Bayt Al-Suhaymi, an old 17th-century Ottoman house, and the famous Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. (B)

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

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for our flight to Luxor.  Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to board our unforgettable Nile Cruise.  All offshore excursions mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour cost so there is no extra to be paid for these. This afternoon, explore the East side of the Nile, starting with the Karnak Temple Complex. This sprawling complex is composed of three temples, and takes up the space of about 10 cathedrals! The immense courtyard, the great hypostyle hall with 134 colossal columns and the six monumental entrances are relics of pharaohs eager to leave behind marvelous testimonials to their name. We then head to the Temple of Luxor, built by Amenophis III and Ramesses II. The first complex boasts a great courtyard and chapel that once served as a storehouse for boats, while the second includes an immense entrance and colonnade, a courtyard and a hall crowned with tall columns.

Overnight: Esmeralda Nile Cruise or similar (4 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Nile Cruise

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)

Day 06: Nile Cruise

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

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. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Aswan/Abu Simbel (Flight)

An epic day ahead as we explore 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.  Evening enjoy the clear, starlit skies of Abu Simbel.

Overnight: Seti Hotel, Abu Simbel (1 night) (B)

Day 09: Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo/Amman (Flights) (JORDAN)

This morning, transfer to the airport for our return flight to Cairo.  We will be in transit to connect with our flights to yet another cradle of civilization, Jordan. Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport in the capital city of Amman, we are warmly received and transferred to our hotel.

Overnight: Movenpick Hotel, Amman (3 nights) (B)

Day 10: Amman/Jerash/Amman (Drive)

After breakfast, we take a morning tour of Jordan’s capital, visiting the archaeological site known as the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, the Jordan Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum and one of Amman’s many art galleries, as we get a glimpse of old and modern Amman. In the afternoon, we explore the ancient city of Jerash, generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. The Gerasa of Antiquity features colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, spacious public squares and baths. (B)

Day 11: Amman/Desert Castles/Dead Sea/Amman (Drive)

Early this morning we head out to the visit the Desert Castles, beautiful examples of both early Islamic art and architecture. Qasr Al-Mushatta, Qasr A-Kharrana, Qasr A-Tuba and Qasr Al-Hallabat, Qasir Amra* stand testament to a fascinating era in the country's rich history. We also visit the black basalt fort at Azraq, headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt. We then drive down to the lowest spot on earth and experience floating in the waters of the Dead Sea.  We then head to the Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)* and explore the archaeological site and the area of the churches of Saint John the Baptist near the river. Situated in a pristine natural environment the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place. The site is a Christian place of pilgrimage. We return to Amman late afternoon. (B, D)

Day 12: Amman/Umm ar Rassas/Madaba/Mt. Nebo/Kerak/Petra (Drive)

Today we travel along the 5,000-year-old Kings' Highway, one of the most memorable journeys in the Holy Land. We will see some of the finest Byzantine church mosaics at Umm ar Rassas*, followed by a visit of Madaba, city known for its spectacular mosaics, including the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. We then head to Mt. Nebo, the alleged burial site of Moses that overlooks the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley and drive through the magnificent scenery of Wadi Mujib with an optional stop for lunch at the Crusader Castle of Kerak. Arrive Petra and check in hotel.

Overnight: Quattro Hotel, Petra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 13: Petra

This morning we explore the pink city of Petra*, an ancient Nabatean city set deep inside a narrow desert gorge. We will walk through a long chasm to Petra's most dramatic monument, the Treasury. We then explore the Roman Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, the Temple of the Winged Lion and the Monastery with a break for optional lunch. After our breath-taking exploration of Jordan’s most famous monuments, we have the afternoon free. We can do a tour through the old town of Petra which surprisingly has not had much closer contacts with outsiders as Petra itself. Evening we are transferred to the Petra Kitchen where we learn about Jordanian food and taste the delicacies. (B, D)

Day 14: Petra/Wadi Rum/Amman (Drive)

The last day and its yet another highlight as we take a 2-hour drive to Wadi Rum - the land of Lawrence of Arabia. Here we explore haunting desert landscapes and get fascinated with Bedouin culture in Wadi Rum*. We embark on a 2-hour 4x4 exciting jeep safari to explore the desert. At about noon time we head for Amman. Evening free.

Overnight: Movenpick Hotel, Amman (1 night) (B, D)

Day 15: Depart Amman

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 1100 hrs. (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 02 and a maximum of 10 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
You may e-mail 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.

Inquire About this Trip

Tour Application Form