Ancient Egyptians believed life on earth was part of an eternal journey and the Gods were stars in the skies watching over the land. Believing they would become Gods themselves, the Pharaohs commissioned construction of extraordinary monuments dedicated to their enlightened journeys to the afterlife.
The Great Pyramids and tombs, columns and temples adorned with hieroglyphs allow us to interpret the stories, legends and beliefs that ultimately gave rise to these incredible structures that remain profound, everlasting symbols of deep spirituality.
Since the days of the pharaohs, the Nile has been the integral transportation and economic artery of the region. Lined with ancient wonders and providing the perfect gateway to this amazing world, a cruise along the world’s longest river is a must for any traveller to this fascinating region.
In Jordan, it’s easy to see why Lawrence of Arabia was seduced by the arresting beauty of the land where desert landscapes, rose-red canyons and the Red and Dead Seas are flanked by ancient man-made wonders.
For centuries, visitors have flocked to the saline-saturated, crystalline waters of the Dead Sea. Floating on the mineral-rich water is an unforgettable experience.
The Wadi Rum desert is ablaze with rich red sands, dramatic rock formations and sandstone mountain ranges. The nights are so clear, the brightness of the stars illuminates the sky with a dazzling display that will take your breath away.
The World Heritage-Listed ghost city of Petra, carved into red sandstone, is filled with hidden secrets and architectural marvels. Its most famous site is the ornate and sheer rock facade of the 2,000-year-old Treasury.
Between Egypt and Jordan, there are countless treasures to explore and paths to follow. Here is a selection of ancient wonders to uncover on your journey.
Giza and the Pyramids
Built around 4,500 years ago on the Giza plateau bordering Cairo, you’ll be amazed by the scale of the Pyramids. No trip to Egypt is complete without seeing them.
The largest of them all, the Great Pyramid, was an astonishing feat of engineering comprising no less than two million massive stone blocks. There are 138 pyramids in total.
A defining symbol of the ancient Egyptians, the necropolis of Pharaoh Khafre includes the Sphinx that watches over the complex. To enrich your experience of this mysterious and fascinating world, don’t miss the Solar Boat Museum housing a restored cedar barge dating back to 2500BC.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most magnificent monuments and the resting place of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. Dominated by four imposing statues in front of the main temple, it was carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC.
The enormous World Heritage-Listed temples were rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam and meticulously moved, stone-by-stone, to higher ground in 1968 for protection.
Temple of Dendera
Dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and beauty, The Temple of Dendera is one of the best preserved in Egypt.
Dendera was associated with healing and attracted people travelling from far and wide seeking cures. Patients were housed in special buildings where it was said they could ‘rest, sleep and commune with the Gods in their dreams’.
Petra
Known as the Rose City due to the red sandstone it was carved from, Petra is a stunning honeycomb of caves, tombs and temples.
Originally named ‘Raqmu’ around 300 B.C, the former capital of the Nabatean Kingdom was later re-named by the Greeks. This city of stone tells the story of a lost civilisation. Standing 40 metres, The Treasury is the most well-known and spectacular of the various facades able to be explored.
To visit these sites and many more, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has a range of itineraries through Egypt and Jordan like the wonderful journeys below.
Egypt in Depth – 14 Days
Follow the course of the ancient pharaohs’ processions as you cruise leisurely up the Nile and discover ancient wonders and timeless villages along its banks.
Tour inclusions:
- 5-star luxury inclusions
- Smaller group sizes with a maximum of 34 guests
- 2 exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
- 3 Scenic Sundowners events
- Your choice of 9 Scenic Freechoice activities
- 4 memorable Scenic Special Stays
- 29 meals – 13 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L) and 9 dinners (D)
- Fully escorted by a handpicked Scenic Tour Director, expert Egyptologist and knowledgeable local guides
- All internal flights
- Return airport transfers
- All tipping and gratuities
Day 1 – Giza (Cairo)
Your journey into wonder begins at Giza with a three night Special Stay at your iconic hotel with views of the Great Pyramids from your balcony.
Sundowners
Enjoy drinks and canapés as the sun sets over the magnificent Pyramids.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Giza
Be amazed by the magnitude of the Pyramids and visit the Solar Boat Museum housing the restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500BC. Marvel at the 20 metre limestone monolith of the Sphinx. This evening watch the laser light display and entertaining show at the Pyramids.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Giza
Freechoice
Visit the site of one of World War II’s defining battles, El Alamein or visit the ancient sites of Saqqara and Memphis. Alternatively, play a round of golf against the backdrop of the Pyramids.
Tonight enjoy a barbeque dinner at 139 Terrace.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Giza > Aswan
Fly early to Abu Simbel and visit one of Egypt’s most magnificent monuments, the enormous World Heritage-listed temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari, rescued from the rising waters of the Aswan Dam.
Fly to Aswan where you will be ensconced in luxury during your two night Special Stay and admire the views over the Nile from the comfort of your balcony.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Aswan
Freechoice
Visit a Nubian village or the beautiful but often-overlooked Kalabsha Temple on the shores of Lake Nasser. Alternatively, take a motorboat ride to the upper reaches of the Nile and explore the Botanical Gardens.
Enrich
Discover the history of the hotel as you sample delicious cuisine during a private dinner at The Terrace.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – Aswan > Nile Cruise
Embark on your luxurious private charter on board the boutique Sanctuary Sun Boat III and settle into your elegantly appointed cabin. Discover the granite quarries of ancient Egypt, learn about ancient carving techniques and see the enormous unfinished obelisk. Later, enjoy traditional felucca cruise on the Nile.
Sundowners
Toast the start of your Nile cruise and enjoy a display of Nubian dancing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Nile Cruise
Discover the Osiris temple complex of Philae, then follow the course of the ancient pharaohs’ processions along the Nile as you cruise north. Explore Kom Ombo temple, perched high on the east bank. A fun night awaits on board with a colourful Galabeyya party with Egyptian delicacies, music and dancing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Nile Cruise
Cross to the West Bank of the Nile and admire the colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. See the impressive monument to Queen Hatshepsut and the well-preserved temple of Ramses III. At the vast temple complex of Karnak marvel at the enormous pillars as you walk through the impressive Hypostyle Hall. Tonight join the Captain and crew for a farewell Gala Dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Luxor
Disembark and join a walking tour through the local produce markets. Later, relax in the beautiful gardens of your overnight Special Stay in luxury rooms overlooking the gardens.
Late this afternoon discover the fascinating antiquities housed in the Luxor Museum followed by the treasures of Luxor Temple.
Enrich
Relax in the gardens of the hotel and enjoy a barbeque dinner Egyptian style.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Luxor > Red Sea
Travel to the temple complex of Dendera and marvel at the vibrant colours of the hieroglyphics adorning the roof of Hathor’s temple. Drive through the desert moonscape to reach your luxurious resort, the Kempinski Soma Bay, set on the shores of the Red Sea.
Balloon Flight – Choose to add an optional hot air balloon flight. Additional cost, please book on tour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 – Red Sea
Relax and enjoy a day at leisure on the sparkling shores of the Red Sea. Your resort features a daily activity program or you can just relax pool or beachside.
Sundowners
Raise your glass as you watch the play of colours across the dramatic desert and sea landscapes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Red Sea > Cairo
This morning is at your leisure before flying to Cairo for your two night stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13 – Cairo
Discover Islamic Cairo and Khan el Khalili Bazaar or explore Old Cairo and the Hanging Temple of Babylon. Alternatively, visit the old Egyptian Museum and see the collection of Royal Mummies.
Tonight join your Tour Director for a farewell to Egypt dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 – Cairo
Say farewell as you transfer to Cairo airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
The Kingdom of Jordan Unveiled – 10 Days
If you have a lingering sense of curiosity and wonder, you’re free to explore them on this delightful 10 day journey uncovering the hidden treasures of the Kingdom of Jordan.
Tour inclusions
- Scenic highlights
- 1 exclusive Enrich experiences
- Your choice of 3 Freechoice activities
- 2 Special Stays
- 2 Sundowners event
- 18 meals – 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
Day 1 – Amman
Your journey into wonder begins in Amman, the capital of the Kingdom of Jordan, where you’ll enjoy a two night stay. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a dinner of local delicacies.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Amman
Discover the ancient Roman city of Jerash, inhabited since the Bronze Age. Explore the impressive ruins and witness an exciting re-enactment of a Roman chariot race in the hippodrome.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Amman & Petra
At Madaba discover the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land then continue to the rose red city of Petra for your two night stay. An unforgettable sight awaits as you visit the Treasury and chasms lit by candlelight.
Enrich
During a private visit to the Royal Automobile Museum you will be captivated by the extensive private collection of the Royal Family.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Petra
This magnificent World Heritage-listed city is the legacy of the Nabataeans, who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago.
The impressive eastern entrance leads through a brilliantly coloured narrow gorge to the imposing Treasury, more than 40 metres high. Designed to impress, the rock-cut facade will take your breath away. This is only the first of many wonders you will discover here today.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Petra & Wadi Rum
Travel in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia as you discover the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Explore Lawrence Road and be awed by the vistas of ancient valleys and towering weathered sandstone mountains rising out of the pink and white sands. You will feel like you have stepped onto the moon during your Special Stay in the luxurious Martian tents of the Sun Camp.
Sundowners
Witness the dramatic colours of the desert at sunset over a refreshing drink.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Wadi Rum & Aqaba
Early risers will be rewarded with the stillness of the desert at sunrise. Later, continue south to Aqaba for a two night Special Stay. Relax in the luxurious surrounds of your hotel, step onto your balcony with sweeping Red Sea views or take a dip in the pool.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Aqaba
Freechoice
Cruise and snorkel the Red Sea or ride the glass bottom boat in search for marine life. Alternatively, you may choose a relaxing Spa treatment.
The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of your resort.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 – Aqaba & Dead Sea
Travel north toward the Dead Sea, stopping at Bethany Beyond the Jordan to see where Jesus was baptised and view the memorial to Moses at Mount Nebo. Continue on to the Dead Sea for a two night stay at your luxurious resort. Relax and take in the views over the Dead Sea across to Israel from your balcony.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 – Dead Sea
Enjoy the facilities of your resort including direct access to the sea. Perhaps spoil yourself and allow the staff to slather you in the therapeutic mud. Or float in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea, while reading a book or the newspaper.
Sundowners
Join your Tour Director at the Sky Bar and toast the end of a wonderful journey.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 – Dead Sea > Amman
Say farewell as you transfer to Amman airport taking a lifetime of wonderful memories with you.
Meals included: Breakfast
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