Petra, the Pyramids and a Nile Yacht Cruise

Extending a warm hand of friendship to the west since the reign of King Hussein, Jordan’s modern capital of Amman sits perched atop seven majestic hills in the northeastern corner of Jordan. This colorful and accessible urban center makes an ideal home base from which to explore the Dead Sea and Petra to the south.

Explore third-century Jerash, the “Pompeii of the Middle East,” walking its well-preserved Roman ruins. After lunch, get to know Amman, visiting the Citadel and the impressive Roman Theater.

Journey this morning to Mount Nebo, in the footsteps of Moses, for expansive views of the Holy Land. Proceed to Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics” for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad examples of the vividly colored local stone tiles. Travel to Wadi Rum — the “Valley of the Moon” — which you explore by 4x4, traversing rose-tinted vistas and visiting a place where Lawrence of Arabia once lived. “Vast, echoing and God-like,” as Lawrence himself once described it, the area takes its name from the grandest of Jordan’s wadis, or valleys, and for the past thousand years it has witnessed life among the nomadic Bedouin and the trading caravans en route to or from the Arabian Peninsula. Tonight, embrace Bedouin life firsthand with a chef-led dinner beneath twinkling desert skies.

Explore stunning Petra, the ancient Nabataean city carved from solid rock. Enter through the Siq, a narrow gap, to view the majestic Treasury, Temple of the Winged Lions and Palace Tomb. After lunch, relax on a drive to your hotel along the shore of the Dead Sea.

You’re on your own time today, free to float in the restorative waters of the Dead Sea. Sitting some 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the planet. Since the days of Cleopatra and Herod the Great, people have flocked to its waters in pursuit of their curative secrets. Alternatively, you may opt to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, known as the baptism site of Jesus.

Fly to Cairo, set on the Nile delta. Egypt’s “city of a thousand minarets” enjoys a rich architectural tradition that includes no less than the only remaining Ancient Wonder of the World — the Great Pyramid of Giza — as well as the Grand Egyptian Museum, which you visit this afternoon to view a vast trove of artifacts including treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, better known as King Tut.

Fly to Luxor and journey to the Temple of Karnak, where generations of pharaohs wished to record their names. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its expertly aligned columns, a sight to behold. Board Zein Nile Chateau, embarking on a four-night cruise. After lunch, disembark to visit the striking Temple of Luxor and marvel at the Colonnade of Amenhotep III, which leads to the Court of Amenhotep III.

Discover the Valley of the Kings, the legendary burial ground of the pharaohs, including entrance into the tomb of “the boy king,” Tutankhamun. Also view the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut before returning to your boat.

Cruise to the Temple of Horus, the falconheaded god, at Edfu. Built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III, this well-preserved and colorful structure reveals what temple worship in ancient Egypt was like. Sail toward Aswan, sipping a sundowner cocktail while overlooking the Nile.

Disembark at Kom Ombo (hill of gold) to visit the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god). Continue to Aswan and boat to Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. Then board a felucca (traditional sailboat) to sail around Elephantine Island and later dine aboard Zein Nile Chateau.

Fly to Abu Simbel and discover the commanding twin temples of Ramses II — Egypt’s longest-ruling pharaoh — and his wife, Queen Nefertari. Located on the banks of Lake Nasser, this site is both an ancient and a modern engineering marvel. Return to the airport and fly to Cairo via Aswan, where you enjoy the evening to yourself.

The necropolis of Sakkara, site of the storied Step Pyramid of King Djoser and the oldest known Egyptian pyramid, begins today’s show. Then take in the panorama of the Giza Plateau, backdropped by its three iconic pyramids, as well as the fabled Great Sphinx. Tonight, toast to your travels with fellow guests at a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.