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Essence of Egypt and Jordan Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Giza (Egypt)
Fly from the UK to Giza and transfer to your hotel for a 3-night stay.
Day 2 - Giza
Enjoy a special Scenic Sundowner as you sample drinks and canapes whilst watching the sun set over the Pyramids. (B,D)
Day 3 - Giza
Be awed by the sheer magnitude of the pyramids and visit the Solar Boat Museum housing the restored cedar wood barge dating back to 2500BC, before marvelling at the 20 metre limestone monolith of the Sphinx. Visit the ancient site of Saqqara in the afternoon. At dusk, prepare for an exclusive night of historical discoveries as the doors of the new Grand Museum open just for you, long after they have closed to the general public. (B,L)
Day 4 - Giza - Luxor
Fly to Luxor and check in to your hotel, tonight's Special Stay. Discover the antiquities housed in the Luxor Museum followed by the the vast open-air temple complex of Karnak, and be awed by the enormity of the pillars as you walk through the impressive Hypostyle Hall. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Luxor
Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight - Choose to add an optional hot air balloon flight for a fascinating bird’s-eye view of the ancient sites (additional cost, please book on tour.) Cross to the West Bank of the Nile and be astounded by the well-preserved, colourful hieroglyphics adorning the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. See the impressive monument to Queen Hatshepsut. Return to Luxor and embark on your luxurious private charter on board the boutique Sanctuary Sun Boat III as you settle into your elegantly appointed cabin. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Dendera - Luxor
Cruise along the Nile to Dendera, an ancient healing centre where pilgrims came for miraculous cures, and see the Temple of Hathor which is dedicated to the Egyptian goddess of love and healing. Back in Luxor, discover the beautiful Luxor Temple, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments which was once connected to the temple complex of Karnak along the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Tonight, entertainment is whirling dervishes and the mesmerising moves of a Nubian dancing performance. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Edfu - Kom Ombo
Cruise past the villages and temples that line the banks of the river. This afternoon is spent exploring the famous Kom Ombo temple, dedicated to the crocodile God Sobek. On board tonight there is a Galabeyya party with traditional Egyptian delicacies, dancing and music. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Aswan
Aswan is the home of the Nubian people. Discover the beautiful Osiris temple complex of Philae which was moved to the island of Agilika to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser then visit the stone quarries to see the enormous Unfinished Obelisk which would have been the largest obelisk ever built if it had been completed. Take a traditional felucca boat trip along the river then join the Captain and crew for the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Aswan
Scenic FreeChoice activities to choose from today are a visit to a traditional Nubian village and a motorboat ride up the Nile. Enjoy an overnight Special Stay. Tonight's Scenic Enrich experience is pre-dinner drinks at The Terrace, where Agatha Christie spent time writing her novel Death on the Nile, followed by dinner at restaurant 1902. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Cairo
Fly to Abu Simbel to see the spectacular temples of Ramses II. (B,L)
Day 11 - Cairo
Fly to bustling Cairo for your two night stay. Discover the priceless antiquities in the Egyptian Museum including the artefacts recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb and the collection of Royal Mummies. (B,L)
Day 12 - Cairo
Discover Islamic Cairo or explore Old Cairo. This evening join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
Day 13 - Cairo - Amman (Jordan)
Fly to Amman and enjoy a two night stay. This afternoon join your Tour Director for a walk through the food and produce markets and stop to taste some traditional Jordanian sweets. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a dinner of local delicacies. (B,D)
Day 14 - Amman
Discover the ancient Roman city of Jerash, inhabited since the Bronze Age, and explore the impressive ruins. Visit the Royal Automobile Museum and see the fascinating collection of cars belonging to the Royal Family. Alternatively, experience Jordan’s wine heritage with a wine and food tasting in the Abdali walking district. (B,L)
Day 15 - Amman - Wadi Rum
At Madaba, discover the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land and visit the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration. Continue to the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum where you will feel like you have stepped onto the moon during your Special Stay in the luxurious Martian tents of the Sun Camp. Scenic Sundowner: Witness the dramatic colours of the desert at sunset over a refreshing drink. (B,L,D)
Day 16 - Wadi Rum - Petra
Travel in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia as you discover Wadi Rum. Explore Lawrence Road and marvel at the vistas of ancient valleys and towering weathered sandstone mountains rising out of the pink and white sands. 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. (B,L)
Day 17 - 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. (B,D)
Day 18 - Petra - Dead Sea
At Bethany Beyond the Jordan, see where Jesus was baptised, then view the memorial to Moses at Mount Nebo. Travel north to your Special Stay resort for the next two nights on the shores of the Dead Sea. Relax and enjoy sweeping views over the Dead Sea and across to Israel from your balcony. (B,L)
Day 19 - Dead Sea
Enjoy the facilities of your resort including direct access to the sea. Spoil yourself and allow the staff to lather you in therapeutic mud, or float in the hypersaline waters of the Dead Sea, while reading a book or newspaper. This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Scenic Sundowner: Join your Tour Director and toast the end of a wonderful Jordanian journey. (B,D)
Day 20 - Dead Sea - Amman
Transfer back to Amman and stay one night in a luxurious hotel. (B)
Day 21 - Amman - UK
Transfer to Amman airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.