Compare Egypt & Jordan 15 Days First Class Tour & Nile Cruise by Pilgrim Tours vs Classic Egypt and Jordan Tour by Memphis Tours

Day 1: Departure

Our life-changing journey begins this evening as we board our overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 2: Arrive Cairo

We arrive in the land of the Pharaohs, Jacob, Joseph and Israel during the famine! Upon arrival at the airport we meet our guide and are immediately transported into Cairo, the capital of Egypt. We transfer to our hotel to settle in and start soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city.

Day 3: Alexandria

Breakfast and then a day tour to the ancient seaport of Alexandria where we will see the Greco-Roman culture in Egypt. The second largest city in Egypt, Alexandria, known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambiance and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country. First stop is the Fort at Quit Bay which will be followed with a visit to the ancient Catacombs of Kom and Pompey's Pillar. Before returning to Cairo we will relax with the breath-taking views of the Montana Palaces.

Day 4: Coptic Cairo, Hanging Church & Alabaster Mosque

We begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Hanging Church - the most famous Coptic church in Cairo. The Hanging Church was named so as it was built by the Nile River over the Roman Gate of Babylon. During a walking tour, our guide will point out that this section of the old city was definitely the route taken by Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the family of Jesus - an inspiring thought. Next we visit the beautiful Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali to better understand Moslem religious practices. Completed in 1848, the Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque is the most noticeable in all of Cairo and has dominated the skyline for the past 150 years. A stop will be made at the papyrus factory store, where we see the process of creating lovely Egyptian art pictures.

Day 5: Memphis, Sakkara, Joseph's Storehouses

We enjoy a short ride to Memphis. Founded around 3,100 BC, Memphis is the legendary city of Menes, the King who united Upper and Lower Egypt. From a Biblical perspective, Memphis is most likely where Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his wife Sarah being his sister and where Joseph served as second in command. While in Memphis we will view a very large and well-preserved statue of Ramses II. Next is Sakkara, which is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Egypt! Sakkara is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, dating back to 2700 BC. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the world! Enjoy a stop to see how local Egyptian carpets are made before a short drive to the south finds us in Faiyum, the region created by the divinely inspired wisdom of Joseph. Here you will find ancient storehouses and a man-made lake created by a canal, who's construction was ordered by Joseph. It was this lake that provided irrigation for a desert land and supplied the food needed to survive his prophesied seven-year famine.

Day 6: Transfer to Aswan, Optional Abu Simbel

This morning after breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to the modern city of Aswan. Upon arrival we take time to visit the High Dam, built from 1960 - 1971 and is a major factor in Egypt’s agricultural success. We then also spend time at Philae Temple on the Isi-Island. This complex was moved from up river due to the impending destruction upon the completion of the High Dam. For those who wish to participate a visit is available this afternoon to Abu Simbel, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments." Our Egyptologist guide discusses the relevance of this spectacular site from Egyptian history. We will also try to put in perspective the long history of Egypt. Here we visit the massive temple of Pharaoh Rameses II, perhaps the greatest builder of temples in ancient Egypt (13th Century BC) and a second one of Queen Nefertari, Rameses's most beloved wife. For those who do not participate on the trip to Abu Simbel, Free Time is available in Aswan followed by a Felucca ride around the Agh Khan Mausoleum. Late this afternoon we embark on our cruise ship and head south to Kom Umbo. We have dinner and overnight on board.

Day 7: Kom Ombo, Edfu. Esna

Breakfast is served on board before traveling to visit the remains of Kom Ombo Temple, situated on the riverside. Unlike most, this temple is dedicated to two gods - the crocodile god of Sebek and the solar god of war, Horus the Great. We spend time here before continuing on to Edfu, the location of one of the best preserved Egyptian Temples. After time for visit we continue through the Esna Lock to Luxor. We have dinner and overnight on board.

Day 8: Esna to Luxor, Karnak

After breakfast our travels continue to Luxor. Upon arrive in Luxor we have free time for lunch before visiting the Temple of Karnak (temple of the New Kingdom period) and the East Bank of the Nile. It was during this period that the bondage and Exodus occurred. Karnak second to Giza’s Pyramids, is one of Egypt’s most important Pharaonic sites. We visit the famous Temple of Luxor, which was founded in the reign of Amenhotep III, grandson of the pharaoh of the Exodus. Re-board our ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Valley of the Kings, Flight to Cairo

This morning we visit the Valley of the Kings (where many ancient pharaohs were buried) and the famous Temple of Hatshepsut, the princess who perhaps pulled baby Moses out of the Nile River. This temple may have been designed by Moses. We have dinner and overnight on board.

Day 10: Cairo

An early morning flight back to Cairo will allow for a full day of touring the wonders of the ancient world, some of which date back to 1000+ years prior to Abraham. We spend time at one of the seven wonders of the world- the pyramids. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Today, we will also see the Sphinx and tour the Egyptian Museum, location of Tutankhamen's treasures and ancient remains.

Day 11: Sharm el-Sheikh, Mt. Moses

This morning we depart Cairo with stories of the "Land of Goshen" to the north and travel southward passing over the Wilderness of Shur, arriving in the beautiful Red Sea coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Enjoy free time for a stroll along the beach and lunch before we transfer to Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb). Those who desire and are physically capable will depart for a memorable walk up Mt. Moses. You may choose to ride a camel part way, stop at one of the stations to take in scenery along the climb to the summit (750 steps) for a sunset to remember. Once at the top, enjoy a time of reflection and praise before departing down the mountain.

Day 12: Mt. Moses, Red Sea, Aqaba

A visit to St. Catherine's Monastery, claimed to be built around the area of Moses' Burning Bush, will be followed by a short ride to the Red Sea. A stop for lunch along the shore will provide a view of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel to the north. Gazing across the Gulf of Aqaba, we can begin to imagine the miracle of the parting of the sea. We then travel north viewing the Red Sea en-route to the border crossing between Egypt and Israel. Transferring through Eilat in southern Israel, we arrive in Jordan Aqaba, Biblical Ezion Geber - the lovely seaport of King Solomon. Our lodging this evening will be in Petra.

Day 13: Petra

This morning we visit the amazing mountain fortress of Petra, known to be inhabited by the Edomites - the descendants of Esau. Begin the tour with a walk through the "Siq," an immense crack in the Nabatean sandstone, to the city of Petra carved out of the rose-red rock. The Treasury, El Khazneh, is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity. Beyond El Khazneh we are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's carved and built structures. Departing Petra, we travel northward on the King's Highway where to the west we view the hills bordering the Dead Sea. This is the area of the hilltop palace/fortress of Machaerus, where John the Baptist was beheaded. We overnight in Amman for the next two evenings.

Day 14: Mt Nebo, Madaba, Amman

Mt. Nebo, believed to be the site of the tomb of Moses, commands a spectacular view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. The drive continues to the town of Madaba, the biblical Medeba, 30 kilometers south of Amman. Madaba is best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George we may view the earliest surveying original map of the Holy land. Looking to the northwest we view the Plains of Moab, the area where the tribes of Israel camped before crossing the Jordan. We enjoy a driving tour of the highlights of Amman including visits to the Citadel, Roman Theatre and Old City before checking into our lodging for one last night.

Day 15: Homeward

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Arrival Cairo

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt (Around The Clock)

Your tour manager will meet and assist you at Cairo International Airport (Arrival procedures) and then he will escort you to the hotel by exclusive air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. At hotel the tour manager will assist with a smooth check-in and review your holiday itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour. Overnight in Cairo.

Welcome Drink

Day 2: Pyramids – Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then met by your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus, famous Sphinx, and Valley temple facing the great statue. Lunch at a good quality local restaurant. Then transfer to enjoy the Egyptian Museum. Continue driving to Islamic Cairo, where you will be able to explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar. Back to hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3: Cairo - Luxor Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Check out from hotel in the morning then transfer to Cairo Airport for a flight to Luxor where you will be met and assisted, then taken by an air-conditioned vehicle to board your 5 star Egypt Nile cruise to check in. After lunch on board, enjoy a visit to the impressive Karnak Temples and Luxor Temple. Dinner and overnight on board Nile cruise.

Day 4: Luxor West Bank

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on your Nile cruise, take an excursion to the royal cemetery for 62 Pharaohs, Valley of the Kings, then to mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which was built by the architects of the New Kingdom Pharaoh Hatshepsut approximately in the 15th century BC. Head to the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch, you will sail to Edfu enjoying a leisurely dinner on board. Overnight on board Nile Cruise.

Day 5: Edfu - Kom Ombo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on Nile Cruise, visit the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple dedicated to Horus at Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo to see the unique Temple of Sobek, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. Lunch on board. Continue sailing to Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board your deluxe Nile Cruise.

Day 6: Aswan Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on Nile cruise, enjoy a day’s sightseeing in Aswan. Start with the High Dam and the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the northern region of the stone quarries of ancient Egypt, the Unfinished Obelisk, then on to the beautiful Temple of Philae, which is devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor. Dinner and overnight on board deluxe Nile Cruise.

Day 7: Back to Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

Disembark from your Nile cruise after breakfast, then transfer to Aswan Airport for your return to Cairo where you will be met and assisted at the airport then taken to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 8: Cairo - Fly to Amman

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for flight to Amman. Upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport our representative will meet and assist you through the customs and immigration procedures. Transfer to the hotel in Amman for overnight.

Day 9: Jerash, Ajloun and Umm Qais Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning we drive two hours from Amman to Gadara (Umm Qais), which belonged to the famous decapolis, a union of 10 cities, founded by Alexander the Great. Here you have an overwhelming view over the north Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. We leave to Jerash, situated in the foothills of the mountain of Gilead, the ancient city is a reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Being one of the largest and well-preserved sites of Roman Architecture outside of Italy its grandeur can be seen in the colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. Next stop is Ajloun the great 12th century Islamic castle build around 1184/85 by the famous Islamic leader Salah al-Din. Back to Amman and overnight.

Day 10: Dead Sea in Jordan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast drive to Mt. Nebo, the place where Prophet Moses gazed at the promised land before he died and his alleged burial place. You visit the old monastery and overlook the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho and Jerusalem. After we proceed to Madaba, where to find the famous mosaic 6th century map of Palestine in St. George’s church. Afterward we drive to the Dead Sea, Being the lowest point on earth and filled with a variety of minerals with medicinal properties the site has developed into a health spa-like hotspot. The mineral concentration in the mud is used for therapeutic and beauty treatments. Queen Cleopatra and Sheba both were said to have known the value of the site and used it. Due too high salinity the water supports no form of life hence the name the Dead Sea and floating is very easy. Be sure to prepare to swim and relax in the mud before heading back to Amman. Overnight Amman hotel.

Day 11: Petra Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast drive about 2.5 hours to the Rose Red City of Petra, Jordan’s largest attraction. First started in the 6th century B.C. by Nabataean Arabs the city boasts beautiful facades carved directly into the walls of the mountain sides. Arriving at the visitor’s center it’s a 700 meter walk to the Siq entrance which is an impressive 1200 meter long gorge of a kaleidoscope of colors the towers more than 80 meters above you. As you exit the chasm you’re instantly transfixed by the beauty of Petra, chosen as one of the New World Wonders, the place speaks for itself. After your time at Petra you make your way back through the Siq before returning to Amman.

Day 12: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast transfer to Queen Alia Airport for final departure.