After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic introduction to Amman, including a drive past the modern Abdoun district, the bustling downtown area, and a glimpse of the Amman Citadel—home to the ancient Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.

Then head north to the legendary city of Jerash. Often referred to as the 'Pompeii of the East', Jerash is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Walk the ancient colonnaded streets, pass through Hadrian’s Arch—built to honor the emperor’s visit in AD 129—and marvel at the grandeur of the Oval Plaza. The Temple of Artemis, dedicated to the city's patron goddess, showcases the architectural brilliance of the Roman era. The acoustics of the Roman Theatre still impress during performances today.

Next, travel through forested hills to reach Ajloun Castle. This 12th-century Muslim fortress was built by Saladin’s general to defend against Crusader invasions. Perched high atop a mountain, the castle not only played a key role in the battles of its time but also offers breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

Return to Amman for the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

Following breakfast, venture east into Jordan’s barren yet evocative desert landscapes to explore the Umayyad Desert Castles. These early Islamic structures—Qasr Amra, Qasr Kharana, and Qasr Azraq—served as hunting lodges, military outposts, and places of leisure for caliphs in the 7th and 8th centuries. Qasr Amra is particularly famous for its remarkable frescoes depicting scenes of celestial constellations, royal banquets, and even nude figures—rare and bold for Islamic art.

After your desert exploration, descend to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at over 430 meters below sea level. Known in antiquity as the 'Salt Sea', this hypersaline lake is famed for its healing properties. Float easily on its buoyant waters and coat yourself in the mineral-rich mud once prized by Cleopatra herself. The tranquil setting is perfect for a restorative experience.

Return to Amman in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing south along the historic King’s Highway. Your first stop is Madaba, the 'City of Mosaics'. Here, visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, home to the oldest known mosaic map of the Holy Land. Crafted in the 6th century with over two million tiles, it depicts Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Jordan River with remarkable detail.

Continue your pilgrimage to Mount Nebo, the place where, according to Christian tradition, Moses stood to view the Promised Land before his death. From this windswept ridge, you’ll witness panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even the rooftops of Jerusalem on a clear day. Visit the memorial church and its stunning mosaics, which portray animals, hunters, and scenes of rural life.

Next, journey further south to Shobak Castle, a lonely Crusader fortress built in 1115 by King Baldwin I. Known as Mont Realis (Crak de Montreal), it withstood multiple sieges and is a symbol of the epic battles between Crusaders and Muslim armies. Explore its arched passages, cisterns, and secret escape tunnel—remnants of medieval ingenuity.

By evening, arrive in the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. Settle into your hotel and relax, or consider an optional visit to Petra by Night, where the Siq and Treasury glow with candlelight in an unforgettable spectacle.

Dinner and overnight stay in Petra.

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hidden behind a narrow canyon called the Siq, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom from the 4th century BCE. The Nabataeans were masterful traders, engineers, and stone carvers who built a prosperous city from the desert rock.

As you emerge from the Siq, the stunning façade of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) reveals itself—carved with astonishing precision from the rosy sandstone cliff. This iconic monument likely served as a royal tomb or temple and was later mythologized as a hiding place for pharaohs’ treasure.

Continue past the Street of Facades, the Roman-style Theatre, and the Royal Tombs, all showcasing Nabataean and Hellenistic influences. You may choose to climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), a vast structure perched high in the hills, or hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for panoramic views.

Let the silence of this lost city tell its ancient stories. Dinner and overnight stay in Petra.

Start your day with a visit to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), just a few miles north of the main Petra site. This lesser-known archaeological gem was once a suburb of the main city and hosted visiting merchants. Here you’ll find rock-cut staircases, carved houses, and frescoes that offer insight into the everyday life of the Nabataeans.

From there, journey south to the dramatic Wadi Rum desert, known as the 'Valley of the Moon'. This vast and haunting landscape is made up of ancient sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and endless dunes. T.E. Lawrence described it as 'vast, echoing and god-like' in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Board a 4x4 jeep and follow in his footsteps as you ride past iconic sites like the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, natural arches, and hidden springs.

Settle into your desert camp and enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner under the stars. Optionally, join a stargazing experience guided by astronomers to observe constellations free from light pollution.

Overnight in a desert camp in Wadi Rum.

Enjoy a serene breakfast in the silence of the desert before departing for Amman. Upon arrival, the day is yours to relax or explore the city further. Wander the old markets for spices and souvenirs, or revisit ancient sites like the Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre.

Optional: Join a guided city tour including visits to the Archaeological Museum, the Hercules Temple, and dinner at a local Jordanian restaurant.

Dinner and overnight stay in Amman.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, an Anteros Travel representative will assist you and escort you to your hotel. Cairo is a dynamic metropolis of over 20 million residents—a city where past and present collide daily.

Founded over a millennium ago, Cairo is home to some of the greatest treasures of ancient and Islamic history. You may spend your afternoon at leisure, shopping at the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar, relaxing at your hotel, or sampling authentic Egyptian cuisine like koshari or molokhia. This is your gateway to Egypt’s timeless wonders.

Overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the Giza Plateau—home to Egypt’s most iconic landmarks. Gaze up at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest and only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Constructed around 2560 BCE, this colossal structure is made of over 2 million limestone blocks, some weighing more than 70 tons.

You’ll also visit the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, each representing the might of the pharaohs and the mastery of ancient Egyptian engineering. Then stand before the Great Sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a king. Believed to symbolize strength and wisdom, the Sphinx has silently watched over the desert for thousands of years.

Later, you may choose to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), an architectural marvel housing over 50,000 ancient artifacts, including the complete treasure trove of Tutankhamun.

Optional Cairo by Night Tour: Stroll through Tahrir Square, cross the Nile to Zamalek, visit Cairo Tower, and enjoy dinner in an authentic Egyptian restaurant before finishing at the famous Mirror Café.

Overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. On arrival, you’ll be taken to the port to board your deluxe Nile cruise ship, your home for the next four nights. Enjoy lunch on board as you settle into your cabin.

In the afternoon, set off to visit the majestic Karnak Temple Complex—Egypt’s largest religious site. Walk among the 134 massive columns of the Hypostyle Hall, each carved with the names of powerful pharaohs. This temple was built and expanded over 2,000 years, beginning in the Middle Kingdom.

Continue to Luxor Temple, illuminated beautifully in the afternoon glow. Connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, Luxor Temple was a ceremonial site dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. Unlike other temples, it is not dedicated to a god, but to the living divine power of the king.

Optional Karnak Sound & Light Show: Experience ancient history come alive with lights and narration that tell the story of Egypt’s great dynasties.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Today’s exploration takes you to the legendary Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. This necropolis served as the final resting place for over 60 pharaohs from Egypt’s New Kingdom, including Ramses II and Tutankhamun. You’ll visit three intricately decorated tombs (excluding Tutankhamun’s unless ticketed separately), each adorned with vibrant scenes of the afterlife.

Next, visit the stunning Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Designed as a series of terraces nestled against the cliffs, this elegant structure honors one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, renowned for her prosperous reign and monumental building projects.

Finish your West Bank tour at the Colossi of Memnon—two 18-meter statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded the entrance to his grand mortuary temple. Though weathered by centuries, they remain a commanding presence on the Theban plain.

Return to the ship and begin your scenic cruise toward Edfu.

Full-board and overnight on board.

After breakfast, disembark in Edfu and climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a short ride to the Temple of Horus—one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god of kingship and the sky, this Ptolemaic temple was built between 237 and 57 BCE. Its massive pylons, elaborate reliefs, and sacred sanctuary provide a vivid picture of ancient Egyptian religious life.

Return to your cruise ship and sail toward Kom Ombo, an unusual riverside temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile deity of fertility, and Haroeris (Horus the Elder), god of healing and protection. The temple’s twin design means it has two symmetrical sections, each with its own sanctuaries and halls.

Visit the on-site Crocodile Museum to see mummified reptiles and explore how ancient Egyptians revered these creatures. You’ll also learn about the Nilometer—an ingenious tool used to measure the Nile’s flood levels.

Continue cruising to Aswan. Full-board and overnight on board.

Begin your day in Aswan, a relaxed city where Nubian heritage blends with pharaonic legacy. You may choose to rise early for an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. These two colossal rock temples were carved into a cliff in the 13th century BCE by Ramses II. The larger temple is dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, and features four towering statues of Ramses himself—each standing over 20 meters tall. The smaller temple honors Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

Remarkably, these temples were relocated block by block in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. Their dramatic history and sheer scale make them a marvel of both ancient and modern engineering.

Later, visit Aswan’s granite quarries where unfinished obelisks remain—evidence of the labor and skill behind Egypt’s architectural feats. Continue to the Old Dam, built by the British in 1902, and the monumental High Dam completed in the 1960s, which transformed Egypt’s economy and agriculture.

End your day with a relaxing felucca sail around Elephantine Island, offering serene views of the Nile at sunset.

Optional: Explore the Island of Philae and its Temple of Isis, dedicated to the goddess of magic and motherhood. Moved stone-by-stone to avoid submersion, it now rests on Agilkia Island.

Full-board and overnight on board.

After breakfast, disembark your cruise and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

You may choose to visit the Egyptian Museum, home to a staggering collection of ancient treasures, including royal mummies, colossal statues, and golden relics. Alternatively, dive deeper into Islamic Cairo with a visit to the Citadel of Saladin, where the alabaster-domed Mosque of Muhammad Ali offers panoramic views over the city.

Optional: Visit the historic Coptic Quarter to see some of the oldest churches in Christianity, including the Hanging Church.*

Overnight stay in Cairo.

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. As your journey comes to an end, take with you unforgettable memories of desert kingdoms, golden temples, star-lit skies, and ancient wonders brought to life by the stories that still echo across these timeless lands.