SHORTLIST

Treasures of Egypt and the Nile with Hidden Jordan

Cairo → Amman

Uncover the ancient wonders of Egypt and Jordan as you explore two extraordinary countries. Discover the vibrant energy of Cairo and the timeless beauty of the Nile, where temples and tombs reveal the grandeur of a civilisation that shaped history. Journey through Jordan’s desert landscapes and marvel at the rose-red city of Petra. From iconic monuments to rich cultural experiences, every moment promises adventure, inspiration and lasting memories.

Highlights
  • Uncover the layers of Egypt’s capital on a guided city tour. Stand before the Great Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza — timeless symbols of ancient ingenuity that continue to inspire awe. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic treasures, where Tutankhamen’s legacy and Egypt’s golden age come vividly to life. Wander through the alleyways of Old Cairo, where centuries-old churches and mosques reflect a rich tapestry of faith and culture. End your day at Khan el Khalili bazaar, a sensory feast of spices, silver and storytelling.

  • Explore Karnak, the largest religious structure ever built and a sacred site for over 2,000 years. Dedicated to the Theban Triad — Amun, Mut and Khonsu — this vast temple complex showcases the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Wander through the Hypostyle Hall, where 134 towering columns still bear traces of original paint and inscriptions. Discover the sacred lake and ceremonial avenues once used by pharaohs in rituals to honour the gods and renew cosmic order.

  • Journey to the West Bank of the Nile to explore Egypt’s most sacred burial grounds. In the Valley of the King, over 60 tombs — including that of Tutankhamen — lie beneath the pyramid-shaped peak of Qurn, believed to symbolise the sun god Re. Nearby, the Valley of the Queens offers a more secluded setting, with over 90 tombs hidden in the hills, including the exquisitely decorated tomb of Queen Nefertari. Discover vivid wall paintings, rare inscriptions and sacred artefacts that reveal the rituals, beliefs and artistry of Egypt’s New Kingdom.

  • Step into Jordan’s most iconic archaeological site — the rose-red city of Petra. Enter through the narrow Siq, a dramatic sandstone gorge, and emerge before the awe-inspiring Treasury, carved directly into the cliff face. Discover royal tombs, temples and ancient dwellings that reveal the ingenuity of the Nabataeans, who transformed this desert valley into a thriving trade hub. With its monumental architecture and rich history, Petra offers a truly memorable journey into the heart of the ancient world.

  • Step back in time at Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Wander through colonnaded streets, grand plazas and soaring arches that once echd with chariot races and imperial ceremonies. Marvel at the Temple of Artemis, the imposing South Theatre and the Oval Plaza, where ancient life unfolded in spectacular fashion. With its remarkable preservation and scale, Jerash offers a vivid glimpse into Jordan’s classical past.

Tour details
Tour Provider Travel Marvel
Price From
$11,595
Number of Days
18
Start Location
Cairo → Amman
End Location
Age Range
Avg. 45+
Group Size
10 to 45
Tour Style
Premium
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1 - Arrive Cairo

Today marks the beginning of your Egypt adventure as you arrive in Cairo. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. 

Day 2 - Cairo

This morning, explore the Giza Plateau with your Egyptologist guide and uncover the mysteries of the Great Pyramids. Nearby, the Sphinx stands guard, carved from a single limestone ridge. Learn about the construction and importance of these sites to the Egyptians. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where ancient artefacts and modern design come together in a striking tribute to Egypt’s dynastic past. Later, return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 3 - Cairo

This morning, visit part of Cairo’s historic old town. Choose to Enhance Your Journey with a guided tour of the Old Kingdom, exploring Memphis and Saqqara, or delve into Coptic Cairo, including Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church — believed to be built upon a shelter once used by the Holy Family. Later, experience the sights and sounds of the bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar.

Enhance Your Journey – Coptic Cairo

Wander through the historic heart of Old Cairo and uncover Egypt’s rich Christian heritage in the ancient Coptic district.

Enhance Your Journey – Saqqara and Memphis

Step back into Egypt’s Old Kingdom and explore the ancient wonders of Memphis and Saqqara, home to the civilisation’s earliest pyramids and enduring legacy.

Day 4 - Cairo, Luxor, Embark Ship

This morning, take an included flight from Cairo to Luxor, where your discovery of Upper Egypt begins. On arrival, visit the vast Karnak Temple complex and walk among towering columns and sacred halls that once echd with ancient rituals. Then, transfer to the Nile River to board your ship, the Travelmarvel Sirius, and settle in with lunch on board. This afternoon, explore the beautiful Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of the Sphinx and once the centre of Egypt’s most important religious festival. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Dinner as your ship sets sail for Dendera.

Day 5 - Luxor, Esna

Early this morning, visit the Dendera Temple complex, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient sites. With your Egyptologist guide, explore the Temple of Hathor, renowned for its detailed astronomical ceiling and beautifully preserved reliefs. Wander through sacred spaces including the birth house and the Sacred Lake, once used for ritual purification. After your visit, return to your river ship for lunch and enjoy a scenic sail back to Luxor. This afternoon, continue exploring the East Bank, including the Avenue of the Sphinx, before setting sail for Esna this evening.

Insider Experience – Dendera Temple Visit

Enjoy a special visit to Dendera, where the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor reveals intricate carvings, celestial ceilings and sacred spaces that offer a rare glimpse into ancient Egyptian spirituality.

Day 6 - Edfu, Aswan

After breakfast on board, step ashore to visit Esna Temple, dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of creation. Admire its towering columns, lotus carvings and astronomical ceiling depicting the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

This afternoon, continue to Edfu to explore the Temple of Horus — one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient monuments. This grand sandstone structure is dedicated to the falcon god Horus and offers a remarkable glimpse into the architectural and religious legacy of the Ptolemaic era. Travel by coach with your Egyptologist guide and uncover stories of ancient festivals once held on this sacred site.

Later, return to your ship and enjoy dinner on board as you sail towards Aswan for an overnight stay.

Insider Experience – Edfu Temple Visit

Admire the impressive Temple of Horus at Edfu, explore its towering pylons, detailed reliefs and sacred halls in honour of the falcon god.

Day 7 - Aswan

In a city as serene and storied as Aswan, there’s always something to uncover. This morning, tour the impressive High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautifully preserved Philae Temple. Then, enjoy free time or perhaps choose to Enhance Your Journey with High Tea at the iconic Old Cataract Hotel. This afternoon, a special Insider Experience awaits. Later this evening, you may opt to Enhance your Journey by exploring Aswan’s vibrant Night Market.

Enhance Your Journey – Afternoon High Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel

Step into colonial elegance with a traditional high tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, overlooking the Nile.

Enhance Your Journey – Aswan Night Market Tour

Wander through Aswan’s lively night market, where colourful stalls brim with spices, textiles and local crafts.

Insider Experience – Felucca Sailing on the Nile

Glide along the Nile aboard a traditional felucca and take in the tranquil beauty of Aswan from the water, as the sun begins to set.

Day 8 - Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo

Today is sure to be a highlight as you take an included flight to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel. With your Egyptologist guide, explore this monumental complex, carved into solid rock under the reign of Ramses II. Admire the towering statues of the pharaoh and intricate carvings that celebrate ancient victories and divine worship. Learn how this UNESCO World Heritage site was relocated in a remarkable international effort to save it from rising waters.

After returning to your ship, enjoy lunch on board and spend the afternoon sailing north along the Nile towards Kom Ombo. Relax on deck and take in scenes of daily life along the riverbanks. This evening, dock overnight in Kom Ombo.

Day 9 - Kom Ombo, Luxor

This morning, step ashore to explore Kom Ombo Temple, a rare double temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Harwer, the falcon god of kingship. Admire its symmetrical layout and detailed reliefs, including Roman-era carvings that reveal the medical knowledge of ancient Egypt. After your visit, enjoy a relaxing sail back to Luxor.

This evening, choose to Enhance Your Journey with a visit to Karnak Temple for the captivating Sound and Light Show.

Enhance Your Journey – Karnak Sound and Light Show

Witness Karnak Temple in a whole new light during this atmospheric evening experience. As stories of gods and pharaohs echo through the complex, the temple’s towering columns and sacred spaces are illuminated in a dramatic retelling of Egypt’s ancient past.

Day 10 - Luxor

This morning, visit the monumental Colossi of Memnon before exploring the West Bank of the Nile — the world’s largest open-air museum. Discover the Valley of the Kings and Queens, once the sacred burial ground of pharaohs, queens and priests, and step into the awe-inspiring Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. With its dramatic cliffside setting and grand colonnades, it stands as a tribute to one of Egypt’s most powerful rulers.

This evening, enjoy a special dinner on board as you reflect on your journey through Egypt.

Day 11 - Luxor, Disembark Ship, Cairo, Amman

This morning, disembark your river ship in Luxor and take a flight back to Cairo, where your Egyptian journey concludes. From here, connect onwards to Amman, the capital of Jordan. On arrival this evening, meet your Tour Director and enjoy a Welcome Reception.

Day 12 - Amman

Today begins with a guided tour of Amman, where you’ll uncover the city’s layered history at the Roman Theatre, Nymphaeum and hilltop Citadel. Visit the striking King Abdullah Mosque before strolling through a traditional souk, filled with the scent of spices and the shimmer of gold. Later, travel to the ancient city of Jerash — often called the ‘Pompeii of the Middle East’ — and explore its remarkably preserved Roman ruins. Return to your hotel this evening for time at leisure.

Insider Experience – Souk Visit & Kanafeh Tasting

Wander through a bustling local souk and sample kanafeh, a beloved Jordanian dessert made with sweet cheese and syrup-soaked pastry.

Insider Experience – Jerash

Explore the grand colonnades and temples of Jerash with your guide, then visit a nearby village to gain insight into local life and Jordanian traditions.

Day 13 - Amman, Petra

On the way to Petra, stop in Madaba — the ‘City of Mosaics’ — to see its famed 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, intricately crafted from more than two million coloured stones. Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and the River Jordan.

Before reaching Petra, explore Little Petra — or Siq al-Barid — a captivating archaeological site often described as a smaller, yet equally intriguing, version of its namesake.

Later, arrive in Petra for a fun and interactive Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Petra Kitchen Cooking Class & Dinner

Join local chefs for a hands-on cooking class and prepare traditional Jordanian dishes before sitting down to enjoy your meal in a warm, communal setting.

Day 14 - Petra

Following breakfast at your hotel, spend the day exploring Petra. Famous for its rock-cut architecture, stone colours and formations, otherwise referred to as the Rose City. Wander through a narrow gorge called the Siq and emerge to witness Petra’s most breathtaking and elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. This evening, perhaps witness Petra by Night as you wander through the lit-up complex of temples.

Enhance Your Journey – Petra by Night

Walk the candlelit path through the Siq to the Treasury and experience Petra’s magic under the stars.

Day 15 - Wadi Rum

Journey south into the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed desert valley known as the “Valley of the Moon”. Pass through traditional Bedouin communities before an open-air jeep tour through sweeping valleys and towering sandstone formations etched with ancient carvings. As the sun sets, enjoy toasting the day with sparkling wine and light snacks amid golden desert hues. This evening, savour a traditional Bedouin dinner with music and warm hospitality. You may choose to Enhance Your Journey with a guided stargazing session beneath Wadi Rum’s famously clear night skies.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Stargazing

Join a guided stargazing session in Wadi Rum and witness the brilliance of the desert night sky, one of the clearest atmospheres on Earth.

Insider Experience – Wadi Rum Jeep Tour

Explore the dramatic desert terrain of Wadi Rum by open-air jeep, discovering towering rock formations, ancient carvings and sweeping valleys.

Insider Experience – Sparkling Wine & Snacks at Sunset in the Desert

Toast the day with a glass of sparkling wine and light snacks as the sun sets over Wadi Rum, casting golden hues across the sandstone landscape.

Day 16 - Dead Sea

Start the day with an optional Enhance Your Journey — a spectacular experience from the skies.

After breakfast, travel north to Shobak and visit its hilltop Crusader castle, the earliest of its kind in the region. Built in the 12th century, Shobak Castle offers sweeping views and a glimpse into centuries of history. Continue to the Dead Sea and enjoy a leisurely afternoon floating in its mineral-rich waters at the lowest point on Earth.

This evening, dine at your hotel.

Enhance Your Journey – Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Wadi Rum

Take to the skies at sunrise for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Wadi Rum. Drift above sandstone peaks and vast desert plains as the morning light paints the landscape in hues of gold and rose.

Day 17 - Amman

After the morning at leisure, travel to Bethabara and visit the archaeological site 'Bethany Beyond the Jordan' traditionally recognised as the baptismal site of Jesus Christ.

From here, return to Amman, where this evening enjoy a Farwell Dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories and reliving the highlights of your Jordanian adventure.

Day 18 - Depart Amman

Your discovery of Egypt and Jordan comes to an end today with a transfer back to Amman airport.

Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
05 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026 Available $11,595
12 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 Available $11,595
03 Oct 2026 20 Oct 2026 Available $11,895
10 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026 Available $12,195
31 Oct 2026 17 Nov 2026 Available $12,795
07 Nov 2026 24 Nov 2026 Available $12,795
09 Jan 2027 26 Jan 2027 Available $12,495
30 Jan 2027 16 Feb 2027 Available $12,495
06 Feb 2027 23 Feb 2027 Available $12,495
27 Feb 2027 16 Mar 2027 Available $12,795
06 Mar 2027 23 Mar 2027 Available $12,795
27 Mar 2027 13 Apr 2027 Available $12,795
03 Apr 2027 20 Apr 2027 Available $12,195
24 Apr 2027 11 May 2027 Available $11,995
04 Sep 2027 21 Sep 2027 Available $11,995
11 Sep 2027 28 Sep 2027 Available $11,995
02 Oct 2027 19 Oct 2027 Available $12,195
09 Oct 2027 26 Oct 2027 Available $12,495
30 Oct 2027 16 Nov 2027 Available $13,195
06 Nov 2027 23 Nov 2027 Available $13,195