Ancient Wonders of Egypt & Jordan

Day 1 - Thursday 7 November 2019

Melbourne - Cairo (Meals in flight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!  Meet with your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cairo.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airline as we make our way towards Egypt.

Day 2 - Friday 8 November 2019

Welcome to Cairo (D)

Upon arrival in Cairo we will be met by a representative who will provide assistance with airport & visa formalities, we then transfer to the hotel and check-in and meet with the Tour Guide for a briefing.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Early this evening we will enjoy a 1 hour Belly Dancing course.  The name “belly dance” or “raks sharki” has a long and colourful history.  Belly dancing does not mean moving only the belly.  When women belly dance, they use their entire body including their head, hair, shoulders, arms, hands, chest, belly, hips, bottoms, legs and feet.  It is magic!  Belly dancing is not popular only in Egypt but in many oriental countries.  Egypt, however, is the first country to come to mind when one thinks of belly dancing.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight:    Conrad Cairo or similar

Day 3 - Saturday 9 November 2019

Cairo (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast, we visit the awe-inspiring Sphinx and Giza Pyramids.

The Pyramids are the only present-day survivors of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We will stop at the Ancient Pyramid of Cheops and then make our way to the other two Pyramids of Chephren and Mykerinos (entry into one of the Pyramids can be available at an approximate additional cost of USD30 depending on which ones are open).

We then drive down to the Sphinx.  The Sphinx is a one block carved statue of limestone made for King Cheops representing him as a sitting lion with human head.  Just next to the Sphinx we will see the valley temple of King Cheops. It’s a small temple built of the red granite stone of Aswan. Egyptologists believe that this temple was the mummification place of the royal body.  Located just behind the Cheops Pyramid, is a small boat-shaped museum called the Solar Boat Museum where we can have an optional visit (extra cost). Here we will see a large wooden boat belonging to King Cheops himself. It’s one of five boats that were buried around his Pyramid for the afterlife.

We will then make a stop at a papyrus institute to attend a demonstration on how ancient Egyptians used to make papyrus and have a chance to buy some souvenirs, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch we will proceed to Sakkara,  which is a large open air desert area about half an hour drive from Giza Pyramids through the countryside.  This rich archaeological necropolis houses the funeral complex of King Zoser including his step pyramid, the oldest pyramid in Egypt.  See one or more of the Noble’s tombs.  They show the beauty and excellence of ancient Egyptian art and give an insight into the daily life of ancient Egypt as shown on the walls of these tombs in beautiful coloured scenes.  We will also see the Pyramid of King Teti (subject to it being open), 

Finally we visit Memphis which is an open air museum built on the ruins of the oldest capital city in ancient Egypt. See a collection of antiques especially the colossal of King Ramses II, carved of one block of limestone weighing 80 tons and measuring 12 metres high. We will also see the famous alabaster Sphinx of Memphis as well as many other monuments.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight:    Conrad Cairo or similar

Day 4 - Sunday 10 November 2019

Cairo (B,D)

This morning after breakfast, we will enjoy a guided tour of Cairo.  Visit the Citadel and Mohamed Aly Mosque, the Citadel is an old fortress originally built by Salah El-Din (Saladin) in 1176 to fortify the city against the crusaders.  It is a complex which houses a number of museums, mosques and other sites, located on a spur of limestone that had been detached from its parent Mokattam Hills by quarrying.  The most famous mosque to be visited at the Citadel is the alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali the Great, built in 1850.

We then continue on to visit Old Cairo (The Hanging Church, Amr Ibn Elass mosque and Ben Ezra synagogue), then proceed to visit the Egyptian museum.

The museum contains 107 halls.  On the ground floor there are the huge statues and the upper floor houses small statues, jewels, the golden treasures of the boy-king Tut Ankh Amun.  It also houses the royal mummies room (optional admission USD23 approx).

Later visit Khan El Khalily souk (old market) and have lunch in a local restaurant.

Return to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight:    Conrad Cairo or similar

Day 5 - Monday 11 November 2019

Cairo - Luxor (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast we will be transferred to Cairo Airport for the departure flight to Luxor.

Arrive early morning in Luxor.  A representative will meet us and transfer us to our luxurious Nile River Boat for an amazing 4 night cruise.  All meals starting with lunch today and ending with breakfast the last day will be served on board.  

Today’s activities include a tour of the East Bank of Luxor.  See the Karnak temple and historic Luxor temple.  Karnak temple is a gigantic temple complex which is over 3,500 years old and dedicated to the greatly powerful Ram Headed God Amun.  Luxor temple is an important temple in that it was dedicated to three Gods; Amun, his wife Mut and his son Khons.  Together these temples and Gods are key players into the great Opet Festival which was held during the flood season.

The ship will be moored in Luxor for the night.

Overnight: MS Princess Sarah or similar 

Day 6 - Tuesday 12 November 2019

Luxor - Esna - Edfu (B,L,D)

Early this morning after breakfast, we will tour the West Bank of Luxor.  Start the tour off with the world famous Valley of the Kings and enter some of the incredible tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs, then onto the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.  Finish with the great Colossi of Memnon.

Return to the boat for lunch.  Sail to Esna and pass its lock.  Then sail to Edfu for overnight.

Overnight: MS Princess Sarah or similar 

Day 7 - Wednesday 13 November 2019

Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan (B,L,D)

After breakfast we will visit Edfu.  The city of Edfu contains the famous Temple of Horus.  The 2,000 year old Temple was dedicated to the Son of Osiris, Horus the Falcon Headed God, and is the best preserved and most complete temple in Egypt.

Later return to the boat and sail up the Nile to Kom Ombo.  In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. This is a Dual Greco-Roman Egyptian Temple dedicated to the Evil Crocodile god Sobek and the Good Falcon God Haroeris, which stands overseeing the Nile and had sacred crocodiles kept as pets.  Later we sail to Aswan where the ship will be moored for the night.

Overnight: MS Princess Sarah or similar 

Day 8 - Thursday 14 November 2019

Aswan (B,L,D)

Today we visit the Temple of Philae, a majestic Greco-Roman Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, the goddess of love.

Enjoy lunch on board and afternoon at leisure.

In the evening we will enjoy a felucca ride around Elephantine Island.  Return back to the ship for dinner and overnight on board.

Overnight: MS Princess Sarah or similar 

Day 9 - Friday 15 November 2019

Aswan - Abu Simbel - Cairo (B,L,D)

This morning we disembark the ship, transfer to the airport and fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel.

Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, we will be taken on a tour.  Explore the famous temples at Abu Simbel, in the southern region of Nubia, built by the pharaoh Ramses II in about 1260 B.C. to celebrate the 13th year of his reign.  Of all the pharaohs, Ramses II was the most prolific builder of monuments and temples.  Two of his greatest temples, the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and its smaller cousin, the Temple of Hathor are at Abu Simbel.  Both temples originally sat some sixty metres below where you find them today.  They were part of a massive UNESCO operation to save Egypt's Great Temples from Lake Nasser's rising waters.  Embedded into the mountain itself, the temples had to be cut free from the rock and painstakingly dismantled and rebuilt.

Later transfer to the airport and fly to Cairo. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Overnight:    Conrad Cairo or similar

Day 10 - Saturday 16 November 2019

Cairo – Baharyia Oasis (B.L.D)

This morning after breakfast we make our way to Bahariya Oasis (approximately 8 hours via Cairo).  Lunch will be at a local restaurant en-route.  Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

Dinner will be at the hotel.

Overnight: International Hot Springs Hotel or similar

Day 11 - Sunday 17 November 2019

Baharyia Oasis - White Desert (B,L,D)

After breakfast we depart from Baharyia Oasis in 4 x 4 jeeps for the journey to the White Desert (approximately 3 hours including visits).  Along the way, explore Crystal Mountain, the area of wonders with the desert roses, and the Black Desert.  Lunch will be at a local restaurant en-route. 

Before sunset we reach the White Desert and enjoy a BBQ dinner.  Tonight we will camp in tents under the stars.  Clean sleeping bags are provided.

Accommodation:  Camping in tents 

Day 12 - Monday 18 November 2019

White Desert - Baharyia Oasis (B,D)

Today we return to Bahariya Oasis, on the way visit Akabat Mountain (Mountain of Miracles).  Upon arrival in Baharyia board the bus to Cairo. 

Arriving into Cairo in the evening we will transfer to the hotel and later enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight:    Conrad Cairo or similar

Day 13 - Tuesday 19 November 2019

Cairo (B,L,D)

After breakfast we will drive to the Medinet Fayoum and see the seven water wheels and Ein El Seleen.  Enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Qaroun.  Spend the day around Egypt’s largest salt-water lake often described as the “bud on the stem of the Nile”.  Discover traditional village life, the famous waterwheels, and enjoy a peaceful day between the palms. 

Later return to Cairo for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight:    Conrad Cairo or similar

Day 14 - Wednesday 20 November 2019

Cairo - Amman (B,D)

This morning we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Amman, Jordan.

Upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport, we will be met and assisted through customs and immigration, then transfer to the hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

Overnight:  Seven Roses Hotel or similar

Day 15 - Thursday 21 November 2019

Amman (B,D)

Today after breakfast we will take a city tour of Amman, Jordan’s capital.  Amman, already mentioned in the Bible as Rabbath Ammon, is a bustling modern city.  The historical places are located in downtown, where we visit the Citadel with remains from the Roman to the very Islamic period.  Then visit the Archaelogical Museum, housing an excellent collection like several Dead Sea Scrolls.  Stroll via the Souq, for an idea of everyday life, to the 6000 seat Roman Theatre from the 2nd Century.  Drive north to Jerash, the best example of a roman provincial city in the Middle East.  Visit the spectacular Forum, Roman colonnaded Street, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. 

Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Overnight:  Seven Roses Hotel or similar

Day 16 - Friday 22 November 2019

Amman - Petra (B,D)

This morning we depart for Mt Nebo, the place where Moses gazed at the Promised Land before he died.  Visit the old monastery and overlook the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho and Jerusalem.  Proceed to Madaba to visit the famous mosaic 6th century map of Palestine in St Georges Church.  Afterwards drive to Kerak along the famous ancient biblical caravan route the King’s Way.  Have a short stop in Wadi Al-Mujib, a great wide valley with its breath taking geological formations.  In Kerak, the ancient biblical capital of the Moabites, see the famous crusaders castle that was built in 1132/34 by King Baldwin, the first of Jerusalem.  

Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight:  Old Village Hotel or similar

Day 17 - Saturday 23 November 2019

Petra (B,D)

Today after breakfast we will enjoy a full day tour to the red rose city Petra, the biggest attraction of Jordan.  Petra was first established around the 6th century BC by the Nabataen Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the foundations of a commercial empire that extended to Syria.  After the conquest by the Romans 106AD Petra declined in importance.  The city was rediscovered in 19th century by the Swiss explorer, Johann Burchardt. 

Upon arrival we will begin an unforgettable trip on a horse back to the canyon, the so called Siq and then by foot to the most beautiful monument – the treasury.  The local guide will give a brief history of the city.  Among other monuments we will see are the Pharaoh’s Castle, the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs. 

This evening enjoy a cookery course of traditional Jordanian food.  In a relaxed atmosphere, gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of a chef.  Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza and salads and a main course.  Get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.  

Overnight:  Old Village Hotel (or similar)

Day 18 - Sunday 24 November 2019

Petra - Dead Sea (B,D)

This morning we drive to Wadi Rum, the wild desert landscape which fascinated the British liaison officer, Lawrence of Arabia.  Embark on a 2 hour Bedouin Jeep Tour which leads to the sand dunes in Wadi Rum Ishrin where we can find Nabatean rock inscriptions. 

Drive 3½ hours to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth and the largest natural spa in the world.  The mineral rich waters and mud flow with natural health and beauty benefits are acclaimed globally.  We have the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea and experience the feeling of not sinking in the water. 

Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

Overnight:  Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar

Day 19 - Monday 25 November 2019

Dead Sea (B,D)

Enjoy a day of leisure at the Dead Sea to further explore the area or enjoy the facilities of the resort,

Our farewell dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

Overnight:  Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar

Day 20 - Tuesday 26 November 2019

Dead Sea - Amman - Melbourne (B, Meals in flight)

After breakfast transfer to Amman for our flight to Australia. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight hospitality of our airline as we head towards home.

Day 21 - Wednesday 27 November 2019

Melbourne

Welcome Home!  Arriving back into Melbourne in the evening.  We thank you for joining us for your latest adventure and look forward to welcoming you back.