Ancient Wonders of Egypt, Jordan & Saudi Arabia

Upon arrival into Cairo International Airport, you will be met by Goway's local representative inside the customs and immigration area holding a sign board with your name on it. After being assisted with immigration formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Today, you will visit Cheops' Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the Sphinx, the great god-lion sentinel. Built over 35 centuries ago, the towering pyramids were erected to preserve bodies and treasures for afterlife. You'll continue on to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, and Sakkara, the ''City of the Dead'', to see the step pyramid of King Zoser and the Wall of Cobras.

Transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your ship, your floating hotel for the next 5 days as you cruise up the Nile. This morning, cross the Nile to Luxor's West Bank where you will explore the astonishing and extensive New Kingdom city of "Thebes". Sightseeing includes the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Colossi of Memnon and two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III. After lunch, visit the Luxor and Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues and obelisks built over many centuries, dedicated to the God Amon Ra, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu.

Luxor is a city often called the "world's greatest open air museum", with the number and preservation of monuments in the area, it is unparalleled to anywhere in the world. Luxor is actually composed of three different areas: the city of Luxor - located on the east side of the Nile, the town of Karnak, located just north of Luxor, and Thebes which is on the west side of the Nile across from Luxor.

Early in the morning sail to Edfu via Esna lock. The small town of Edfu is situated on the west bank of the Nile, 56 km south of Esna and 105 km north of Aswan. Today, Edfu is an important center for sugar production and pottery making. The site of Edfu was known as Wetjetser Hor (classical name Apollinopolos Magna), the place where the god Horus was worshiped and the ancient mythological battle between Horus and his traditional enemy, Seth, took place.

An exhilarating carriage ride takes you through town to the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Continue sailing to Kom Ombo to visit the Graeco Roman style Temple of Sobek. Standing serenely on a hilltop, the site offers an incredible view over the Nile.

The main monument at Edfu is the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus on the edge of the town. The temple is perhaps the best preserved in all of Egypt and ranks second behind Karnak, simply because of its immense size. At the temple's entrance stand two large black granite statues of Horus who is depicted as a falcon. The elaborate carvings on the walls of the temple are beautiful as if carved just yesterday. Inside the temple is a small sanctuary where the priests of the day offered the best parts of the animals to the gods.

Kom Ombo is located on a bend in the Nile River about 50 km north of Aswan. Located on the east bank, Kom Ombo is home to an unusual double Temple of Sobek built during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Despite being badly damaged, the temple is a beautiful sight as you approach from either direction on the river, particularly as sunset nears and the colors change.

This morning's sightseeing includes Aswan's High Dam, the ancient Granite Quarries and the Temple of Philae. After lunch, sail around Elephantine Island and the Botanical Gardens.

Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and ancient frontier town, is located about 81 miles south of Luxor and has a distinctively African atmosphere. Its ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche, watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.

Disembark from your ship after breakfast and transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight back to Cairo, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for the night.

Today visit the Egyptian Museum, the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt's kings and King Tutankhamun's treasures.
Also visit the Citadel which is situated on a spur of the Muqattam Hills and dominates Cairo's skyline. This was the nerve center of the city and all of Egypt for almost 700 years. Its construction was initiated in 1176 by Saladin and completed by Muhammad Ali. Mameluke sultans and Turkish governors later on made it their residence, building palaces and mosques within the Citadel walls. Facing the Citadel is the Mosque of Sultan Hassan, built between 1356 and 1363 and perhaps the most majestic monument of Arab architecture in Egypt.

Transfer to Cairo Airport for your departure flight. Upon arrival at Amman's Queen Alia airport, our representative will be waiting for you before the immigration office holding a sign with your names and will help you in the visa procedure and luggage collection and then coordinate with the driver to meet you outside the arrival hall. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast, start your tour of the capital city with a visit to the citadel, the archeological museum, the restored Roman Theater still used for events today, and old and new parts of Amman.

Then drive north to visit one of the best preserved Roman towns in the world - Jerash. Explore the ruins and architectural wonders including the colonnaded street also called Maximus Cardo where you can still see roadways with original stone showing the ruts from the chariots.

Continue the tour with a drive to visit Ajloun Castle, an awe-inspiring Islamic fortress that withstood the power of the Crusader armies in the 12th Century. Climbing the narrow staircases and walking through endless hallways takes you back to a time of chivalry and faith, where you can almost imagine the sounds of battling iron and the sight of the raging battlefield.

Today drive to Bethany, the place where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist and a holy pilgrimage site for Christians all over the world. But the site is known for more than holy waters and age-old churches, it is a valuable archeological site dating back to the 1st century.

Then continue to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea, a national wonder that is located 427 meters below sea level. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your beachfront resort including the pool, sun loungers and private beach. Take a float in the exceptionally buoyant and mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.

Our drive towards Petra includes some stops along the way to visit ancient sites and see stunning vistas. First we visit the charming city of Madaba, known for its endless churches and mosaics from the Byzantine Empire. Visit the famous 6th Century mosaic map flooring in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the oldest map in the world depicting the Holy Land.

Continue to visit Mount Nebo, the mountaintop memorial of Moses with captivating views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and River Jordan.

Then onto Kerak Castle, the biblical name is Qer Harreseth which means the Fortified forte. The medieval castle is one of the largest castles in the Levant and perhaps the most legendary of the Crusader castles in Jordan. Enjoy exploring the passageways and walking along the West Front wall where you can see views of the Dead Sea on clear days.Then continue the drive to Petra, where more archaeological wonders await!

Visit Jordan’s most iconic site - Petra the Rose Red City, one of the new seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many trials and archaeological sites to discover. Your visit will include the main sites such as the ''Siq'', a long winding fissure between two walls of overhanging cliffs, the ''Khazneh'' referred to as the Treasury, the Street of Facades, the CourtHouse and the Amphitheater.

Travel to Wadi Rum, an enchanting desert and open space that resembles that of the moon and has been used as the setting of several Hollywood films. Wadi Rum will engulf you with its enigmatic lure, whether you're an avid adventurer or a novice wanderer. Take a 2 hour off road desert tour by 4x4 to explore the vast landscapes and rock formations.

Embark on a remarkable journey as you cross the Jordanian border into Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. This day offers a seamless transition from one enchanting land to another. You will be warmly welcome at the border and greeted by the breathtaking landscapes of Tabuk. Tabuk, is the gateway to Saudi Arabia’s northwest, and for centuries a resting point for Jordanian and Egyptian pilgrims on their way to Mecca and Medinah. Arrive in time for a stroll through the streets. 

Head south to Wadi Disah, one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Loosely translated as the Valley of the Palm Trees, the beautiful valley is characterized by mountain forms and tall rocky columns in various colors, as well as freshwater springs which create a real oasis feeling. Explore the area on 4x4 for an off road adventure and also on foot to get a closer look at the archaeological sites. Enjoy lunch served under the fruit trees at a nearby fruit farm.

Next stop: AlUla, home to Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated deep in the desert, the draw to AlUla is its remarkable natural rock formations and canyons, extensive and varied pre-Arabic rock art, and immaculately preserved tombs built more than 2,000 years ago by the Nabataeans, and for most travelers the biggest highlight of their Saudi adventure. Arriving in AlUla before sunset leaves ample scope for a visit to Elephant Rock. Set in golden desert sands and climbing into the blue Arabian skies, the rock (also known as Jabal Alfil) is one of AlUla’s most impressive geological marvels. It is interesting to see how the AlUla local government gave the natural site an arty vibe with their design make-over.

You’ll start the day with a visit to the Nabataean site of Hegra, which was the southern capital of the Nabataean kingdom, dating back to the first century BCE. Today, visitors follow their ‘rawee’ or storyteller, to explore several of the more than 100 well-preserved monumental tombs, most with elaborate facades carved from rock formations scattered around the desert.

Next, head to AlUla historical old town, an ancient place that once sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road and the Incense Route, and one that rewards a leisurely stroll. Beyond the old town in the wadi or valley are numerous farms where lush palm trees sway gently and the smell of citrus fills the fresh air, adding to the oasis-feeling that AlUla still retains. Take a walk and follow the winding and shaded Oasis Heritage Trail, pass colorful vegetable fields, hear birds and imagine how the nomads of the past found water and refuge from the desert here. Exit the oasis to find a refreshed area called Al Jadindah, also known as ‘the new or art town’ which has a colorful vibe with street art and exhibits spread out in its walking streets, making for a great stroll with numerous options for a drink on a terrace, watching the world go by while the sun changes the colors of the towering cliffs around.

The remaining afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy the facilities of your hotel or continue your exploration of AlUla’s landscapes with an optional activity such as a hot air balloon ride (in season) or hike to better soak in the vistas.

Travel from AlUla through the desert and mountains to Medinah, along an ancient pilgrimage route. Medinah is one of the two holiest cities in Islam (the other is Mekkah), Medinah is centered around Al Masjid an Nabawi, a 10-minaret giant mosque that can accommodate 1 million people. Walk around the outside region of the mosque and watch pilgrims visiting. Next, visit the Madinah Art Center which is under the Madinah Region Development Authority and houses contemporary Islamic themed art. Both Saudi and regional artists, male and female are showcased.

In the afternoon, board one of Saudi Arabia’s state-of-the-art high-speed trains to make the short (under 2 hours) transfer to the coastal city of Jeddah, a commercial hub sitting to the west along the Red Sea with the second busiest seaport in the Middle East. Jeddah is perceived to be the most liberal city in Saudi Arabia and is a popular tourist destination, offering the beauty of ancient architecture mixed with the latest luxuries. Celebrate your arrival with sunset drinks on the city’s attractive corniche. Take a stroll along the seafront, which feels like an outdoor museum with the many modern sculptures, and spread out your ‘takwa’, the smart Saudi picnic seat to enjoy a drink.

Start the day at the Tayebat museum to gain background on Jeddah. After visiting a selection of what is on display, let’s head out to the Central Fish Market. The Red Sea puts local seafood at the forefront. Squid, shrimp, lobster and a great variety of fish, some only native to the Red Sea, are all fresh and sold here. Enjoy a seafood lunch in a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon visit the atmospheric old town Al Balad, which achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. Its traditional multi storey buildings and merchant houses are an architectural treasure trove. Visiting Al Balad is like a dive back in time with the buzz of trading, pilgrims shopping and the occasional tourist mixed in. Have your guide take you out for one final taste of Saudi cuisine before you can say ‘ma al salama’, goodbye, until next time.’

At leisure until you check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport.

If you have more time to explore Jeddah we suggest an optional half day snorkeling and swimming tour on the Red Sea by private boat. Please contact your Goway destination specialist to customize the perfect itinerary for you.