Africa & Middle East | Cultural Discovery of Egypt & Jordan

Day 1 |  USA / Cairo, Egypt

Upon your airport arrival, receive a warm welcome and assistance from your Ahlan Service representative who will escort you to a private lounge and assist in final arrival procedures, luggage retrieval and locating your private hotel transfer. Travel to the heart of Cairo to the InterContinental Cairo Semiramis, where you will spend three indulgent nights in luxurious serenity with scenic historic city or Nile River views. Close to Egypt's coveted sights, delight in nine bespoke international dining and lounge options, relaxing Semiramis Spa, indoor pool, opulent rooftop pool and casino.

Day 2 |  Cairo

This morning, head out for the day on the guided Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramds, Sphinx & Bazaar Excursion. Your enriching day of historical adventures begins at the pyramids of Giza built by rulers Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and experiencing the enormity of the great Sphinx who stands guard over these sacred tombs. Then, view stunning Pharaonic antiquities at The Egypt Museum, featuring treasures of Tutankhamen. Continue to the cherished Citadel, an impressive medieval Islamic fortress and its alabaster-walled Mohamed Ali Mosque, with a final stop to the colorful Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.

After your exciting introduction to the city today, indulge in mouthwatering cuisines from brasserie French cuisine in The Grill Restaurant & Lounge and Thai specialties in the opulent Bird Cage to authentic Italian selections in Pano Vino Terrace with serene Nile River views.

Day 3 |  Cairo

Sip a frothy cappuccino with a flakey Egyptian pastry before embarking on the half-day Explore Coptic Cairo excursion. Delve into rich Coptic history as you stroll amid the ancient city with your guide, enjoying sights of the 3rd-century Hanging Church of the Virgin Mary, Church of St. Sergius and 9th-century Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the country. Then, explore the Coptic Museum filled with a priceless fusion of Pharaonic-, Greco-Roman- and Islamic-inspired artifacts, including frescoes, silver antiquities, wood works, textiles and manuscripts.

In the evening, depart on a relaxing Cairo by Night with Dinner Cruise, discovering Cairo from a whole new perspective. Celebrate the reflection of the shimmering lights along the shore as you celebrate a dinner buffet of Egyptian favorites, followed by live music, traditional dance performances for memorable evening.

Day 4 |  Cairo / Luxor

Depart your Cairo hotel this morning to the airport for your short flight to Luxor. Meet your transfer to the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa where you will spend three exciting nights along the riverbanks. After settling in, meet your transportation to the great national monument of the Karnak Temple complex, with its massive pillars and pylons, shrines, chapels and colonnades on the Visit East Bank Excursion. Continue with your Egyptologist to the sphinx-lined road to the Luxor Temple, noting the grandeur of the seated statues of Ramses II at the entrance, for an informative tour of the Land of the Pharaohs.

Day 5 |  Luxor

With views of the Nile, enjoy an exotic fruit juice or Turkish coffee this morning before departing on the West Bank Classical Visit Experience. A sprawling desert site where pharaohs once reigned, learn about the ancient history of Luxor's Valley of the Kings in the West Bank with your guide. Explore the magnificent Valley of the Queens and stand in awe at the architectural masterpiece of Hatshepsut Temple and the 60-foot statues of Colossi of Memnon.

Day 6 |  Luxor

For the venturous, travel east before the sun rises for an extraordinary ride in the sky on the Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Nile excursion. Sip pre-flight refreshments and receive safety instructions before ascending into the air for a glimpse of the Karnak and Hatshepsut Temples, and more. Receive a personal flight certificate upon your safe return for memorable experience above this incredible land.

As the goes down this evening, head to the desert for and illuminating experience on the Sound and Light Show in Karnak. Be captivated by ancient history as the landscape comes to life with a colorful light show of Karnak Temple, complete with hieroglyphics and statues, and voices of the of the Pharaohs who will reveal the secrets of their afterlife.

Day 7 |  Luxor / Amman, Jordan

Following breakfast, head to the airport for your flight to Jordan. Upon arrival in Amman, meet your private transfer to the Grand Hyatt Amman for two exquisite nights. With sweeping city views minutes from the Citadel and Roman amphitheater, relax in stylish elegance with marble baths, indulgent culinary experiences, extensive wine menu, tropical pool, and Zara Spa.

Later, indulge in a delectable cooking experience on a private terrace overlooking the vibrant capital city of Amman. Your Cooking Lesson with Lunch begins as serene Arabic music sets the mood, and local chefs teach you the techniques and recipes of preparing a four-course lunch of traditional Arabic dishes before sampling your own tasty creations for a true taste of Jordan.

Day 8 |  Amman

Order a sweet Belgian waffle, eggs benedict or simple fruit platter with your favorite beverage this morning for a leisurely breakfast. Then, take a dip in the pool or unwind with a soothing spa therapy before your afternoon excursion. Recognized as a national park where many of the prophets have passed through, embark on a journey to Bethany Beyond the Jordan's baptism site on the Bethany - Place of Jesus' Baptism Experience. Preparing the way, John the Baptist baptized many in the Jordan River and surrounding springs, before making his way to Bethany and the place of where Jesus Christ was baptized. Considered one of the holiest sites of Christianity, see the baptismal pools, ancient churches and riverbanks along the Jordan River for a transcendent experience.

Day 9 |  Amman / Petra

Checkout of your Amman hotel and don your hiking shoes for your transfer to Petra where you will meet your guide to Petra Exploration. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named one of the new "Seven Wonders of the World" experience this incredible Nabatean Red-Rose city. Marvel at the dazzling rock formations, 265-foot high cliffs and narrow gorges that reveal intricately cut rock tombs, Romanesque theater, a treasury, great temple and city center with colonnaded-lined streets, plus an 850 winding-stone staircase to a monastery and more.

Then, transfer to the Petra Marriott Hotel where you will stay for two peaceful nights. Set in the backdrop of the Petra Mountains and picturesque valley, unwind in a blend of Arab and Western distinction. Savor unique dining experiences including Bedouin drinks, dishes and music at Al Matal Tent or an incredible nightly dinner buffet spread in Dushara Restaurant.

Day 10 |  Petra

For an adventurous day, board a four-wheel drive jeep vehicle for a must-see desert wilderness discovery on the Wadi Rum Jeep Ride. A UNESCO World Heritage Site described by locals as the Valley of the Moon, admire Petra's red sands and uniquely-shaped rock formations, series of natural archways, dramatic cliffs, narrow canyons and gorges, ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions in several languages for a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

After an astounding day in the desert, restore with a loofah Turkish bath spa amenity before a cocktails and mountain views in the Aretas Bar & Lounge. Savor local delicacies in Hala Hala Arabic Restaurant featuring flavorful dishes and signature Mansaf, a traditional Levantine dish.

Day 11 | Petra / Dead Sea

Depart your Petra hotel to embark on the private guided Bethany, Madaba, Mt. Nebo & Dead Sea Experience today, beginning in the ancient town of Madaba. Famous for its artistic beauty, religious ruins and home to colorful Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, discover the 6th-century mosaic floor map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land in Saint George church. Continue to Mt. Nebo where Moses gazed upon the Land of Caanan, also known as the Promised Land, and a place where he would never enter. Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be where Jesus Christ was baptized and enjoy lunch at a Dead Sea Resort, plus swimming in the rich waters and relaxation along the shores.

Transfer to the lowest point on earth, the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, where you will stay for two nights with direct access to the eastern shores of the Dead Sea. Take a dip in the infinity pool with a swim-up bar before exploring contemporary international dining offerings from Italian to Lebanese, and dance into the late night on the rooftop with a favorite nightcap and snack at the Sky bar & Lounge.

Day 12 |  Dead Sea

This morning, board your private transfer for an authentic wellness journey at the Ma'in Hot Springs. A true oasis located deep in the hills between Madaba and the Dead Sea, frequently visited by King Herod the Great for its healing properties, immerse in the natural thermal hot springs and waterfalls of Ma'in. Following your mineral-rich healing experience, enjoy access to the adjacent resort, and delight in a delicious lunch before your return to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 13 |  Dead Sea / Amman

Depart your Dead Sea hotel to the city of Amman. Set on the city's highest hill, your guided day begins in at the ancient Citadel, its miles of walls, Temple of Hercules ruins and Umayyad Palace complex on the Amman City, Jerash Roman Ruins & Aljoun Castle Excursion. Be amazed at the lavish King Abdullah Mosque and remarkable blue dome, and see the 2nd-century Roman amphitheater before visiting the Folklore and Archeological Museums. Next, travel to Jerash to discover the provincial archeological ruins of Mount 'Auf in Aljoun, an imposing 12th-century Islamic military fortress.

Then, transfer to the Grand Hyatt Amman for your final night in Jordan. Raise a glass as you are transported to Italy by the flavors of signature Northern Italian favorites on the terrace at The Lombard, or savor fresh seafood at 32 Degrees North for your last celebration in these unforgettable destinations.

Day 14 |  Amman, Jordan / USA

Following a delicious breakfast, say goodbye to your remarkable Middle Eastern getaway, as you take your private transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. hataa naltaqi mujadadan . . . mae alsalamati! (until we meet again . . . goodbye!)