Signature: Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Wonders - 17 Days

Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.

Stand in the colossal shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, feeling the heat radiating from the ancient limestone blocks that have watched over the desert for millennia. Leave the plateau for the fertile countryside to experience the the tour operator-supported Nawaya project. Share a warm, farm-to-table lunch in a verdant garden, prepared by local women reclaiming Egypt’s agricultural heritage. Discuss their vital work empowering women in rural communities before traveling to the necropolis of Şaqqārah. Here, explore the step pyramid of Djoser and the intricate, life-like carvings of the Mereruka Tomb, a masterpiece of the Old Kingdom that reveals daily life in ancient Egypt.

Depart early and fly to Aswan. On arrival, board a small ferry to Philae Temple, a sacred complex dedicated to Isis — the goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and kingship — that was famously relocated to save it from rising waters after the dam was built. After exploring the colonnades, transfer to your elegant ship and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, board a traditional wooden felucca for a sail to Elephantine Island. Wander through a vibrant village to a local home for tea and authentic interaction with a family, gaining a personal perspective on enduring Nubian culture. Return to the ship to freshen up before a delicious dinner as the lights of Aswan begin to shimmer across the Nile.

Fly to the edge of the Sahara to visit Abu Simbel, a magnificent architectural masterpiece carved into a mountain by Ramses II. Stand before the four giant statues of the Pharaoh himself and learn about the temple’s unique solar alignment. Then, return to Aswan and board your ship to begin sailing toward Kom Ombo. Along the way, attend a fascinating presentation detailing the history of the sites ahead. Upon arrival, explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek — the ancient Egyptian crocodile god — and Haroeris, then visit the onsite museum to see ancient mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship for dinner as you begin an overnight sail to Edfu.

Experience the temple in near-silence at dawn with a private access pre-opening visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This Ptolemaic masterpiece features a grand pylon and intricate reliefs; wander the hypostyle hall before the crowds arrive to absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Return to the ship for a delicious breakfast as you sail toward Luxor. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on deck watching life along the Nile, spotting birds and more as you sail. Later, attend a presentation allowing for a deeper discussion on the day's discoveries. Enjoy dinner as the ship docks in Luxor.

Explore Luxor’s West Bank, starting at a G for Good project that empowers local youth through tourism training. Choose to cycle through the village or engage with students at the centre. Then, continue to the magnificent Habu Temple at the foot of the Theban Hills, and the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built into sheer cliffs. After a light lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex — a monumental labyrinth of towering columns, sacred lakes, and awe-inspiring temples built by generations of pharaohs over 4,000 years. Check into your hotel and enjoy an optional evening visit to Luxor Temple when the columns are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Dinner is served at your leisure at the hotel.

Return to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings — a UNESCO-listed site recognised for its immense historical and cultural value. Descend into the earth to witness the vibrant colours and preserved hieroglyphics within the royal tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. After lunch, fly back to Cairo and check into your beautiful hotel overlooking the Nile River. The travel day concludes with an elegant rooftop lounge experience. Enjoy a dinner of sophisticated tapas and drinks as the sun sets over the Nile, providing a panoramic view of the bustling city skyline below — the perfect transition from the quiet southern temples back to the energy of the capital.

Begin at the Saladin Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, then descend into Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. Wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar before you enjoy an atmospheric lunch with local music. The evening then features a private, after-hours access to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Here, visit the Royal Mummies gallery for a presentation on the science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs and practices. The evening is yours to do as you choose with dinner on your own.

Kick off the day experiencing the sheer scale of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon after lunch, you may choose to remain at the museum or return to the hotel to rest and enjoy free time. Gather with your Expedition Leader in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner. Set at a venue overlooking the eternal Nile, toast the memories of your Egyptian odyssey and the timeless wonders witnessed with your fellow travellers.

Bid farewell to the land of the Pharaohs and fly north to Jordan. Upon arrival in Amman, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader. A reception and presentation set the stage for your exploration of the Nabataean and Roman worlds, followed by a welcome dinner to mark the start of this new chapter.

Step back in time at Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Walk the colonnaded streets and stand in the vast oval plaza, imagining the roar of the crowds. For lunch, visit Beit Khayrat Souf, a the tour operator-supported cafe run by local women. Join a cooking class and share a traditional meal, supporting their financial independence. As the sun dips, ascend to the Amman Citadel for a private, after-hours visit while the city lights flicker on below. Enjoy the cool evening air and tour the Jordan Archaeological Museum after hours, where your expert illuminates the artifacts of Jordan’s storied past.

Rise early for an exclusive visit to the Royal Stables of the King of Jordan. Meet the trainer and witness the grace of the King’s Arabian horses, learning about the lineage of this magnificent breed over tea in the gardens. Travel to the the tour operator-supported, women-owned and managed social enterprise of Beit Al Jameed to meet the women making jameed (dried yogurt), and learn to craft a delicious local dessert. Explore the massive Crusader fortress of Karak before arriving in Petra. The evening culminates with Petra by Night. Walk the Siq in silence, guided by the light of 1,500 candles, until the Treasury emerges from the darkness to the sound of Bedouin flutes.

Dedicate the day to the rose-red city of Petra. Walk the narrow Siq until the sun hits the Treasury facade — a cinematic reveal of Nabataean artistry. Your expert provides deep context before you explore the royal tombs and temples carved into the rock cliffs. Enjoy lunch at The Basin Restaurant inside the site. In the evening, travel to nearby Little Petra for an intimate dinner served inside a centuries-old carved cave. Surrounded by history and candlelight, connect with the spirit of the ancient inhabitants who once called these canyons home.

Continue into the vast, silent sands of Wadi Rum, where sandstone mountains rise like cathedrals from the desert floor. Board 4x4 Land Cruisers to navigate the dunes, stopping for tea in the shadow of the rocks. As the heat fades, gather for a sunset dinner in the desert, enjoying authentic Bedouin music. As night falls, join expert astronomers for a deeper look into the night sky. Through powerful telescopes, explore the constellations and learn how the Bedouin used the stars to navigate this wilderness — a perspective that connects you to the cosmos and the history of desert travel.

Leave the desert for the lowest point on Earth. Stop at Safi Kitchen, a the tour operator-supported project helping local women gain financial independence. Enjoy lunch and try your hand at natural dyeing, connecting with the community. Witness the surreal landscapes of the Pink Lake and the blinding white formations of the Salt Beach before arriving at your Dead Sea resort. Settle in with a sunset cocktail, listening as your expert explains the unique geology of this salt-rich sea while the sun disappears behind the mountains of the West Bank.

Explore the spiritual history of the region, visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the site of Jesus’ baptism. Ascend Mount Nebo to stand where Moses viewed the Promised Land, taking in panoramic views of the Jordan Valley. Return to your hotel for an afternoon of rejuvenation. Cover yourself in therapeutic mud or float weightlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Conclude your expedition with a farewell dinner at an elegant restaurant, celebrating the diversity of history and nature you have experienced.

Your expedition to Jordan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.