18 day trasures of the east - jordan & dubaijebel-musa-500

18 Day Treasures of the East – Jordan & Dubai

From $7095 per person Twin Share

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo, Egypt
On arrival at Cairo International Airport you will be met and transferred* to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. SCENIC ENRICH This evening join your Egyptologist for a welcome reception with hot and cold canapés and introductory lecture on Egypt.
Two Night Stay: Cairo
Day 2: Cairo – The Pyramids of Giza (FB,HL,D)
A highlight today is our tour of the remaining 7th Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Marvel at the sight of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the largest pyramid. SCENIC ENRICH We visit the Solar Boat Museum to view the original 141-foot funeral boat of King Khufu. Our visit to Giza ends with the famous Sphinx, carved from a single limestone block. We enjoy lunch at the exclusive Palm Club before visiting Saqqara and the step pyramid of King Zoser, the world’s oldest major stone structure. Enjoy some relaxing time at the hotel before tonight’s highlight the ‘Sound and Light’ show in front of the Sphinx and the Pyramids.
Day 3: Cairo – Luxor (FB,HD)
Early morning take a short flight to Luxor (ancient Thebes).  SCENIC ENRICH On arrival enjoy morning tea in the beautiful Sofitel Old Winter Palace.  Visit Karnak Temple, a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Thebian Gods. Hear tales of ancient Thebes and the lives of the pharaohs who built the necropolis. The afternoon is at leisure, perhaps relax by the swimming pool set in beautiful tropical gardens.  SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining this evening choose from: (1) La Corniche Restaurant; or (2) El Tarboush Oriental Restaurant; or (3) El Nakheel Italian Restaurant.
Overnight Stay: Luxor
Day 4: Luxor – Nile Cruise (FB,L,D)
This morning cross to the west bank of the Nile and explore one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. First stop is the Colossi of Memnon. These two massive quartzite statues once flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple and now stand alone in a field. Next visit the imposing Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the longest ruling female pharaoh. The final stop is the Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of the dead, where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks.  Enter the tomb of Tutankhamen before returning to Luxor. Check in to your luxurious Nile cruise boat and enjoy a leisurely lunch on board. Tonight visit Luxor Temple, dedicated to the great god Amun-Re, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu, the Moon God, who together represent the Theban Triad. Four Night Cruise: Nile Cruise
Day 5: Luxor – Esna (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH This morning join your Tour Director for a walking tour through Luxor’s lively local markets. After a leisurely lunch on board, set sail for Esna Lock.
Day 6: Esna – Edfu and Kom Ombo (FB,L,D)
Today we sail to Edfu and visit the magnificently preserved Temple of Horus, the Falcon God. Unique amongst the temples of Upper Egypt, the temple is located on the west bank of the Nile (normally dedicated to the afterlife). Impressive features are the carvings and hieroglyphics that cover nearly every surface. Continue to Kom Ombo where our boat moors this evening.
Day 7: Kom Ombo – Aswan (FB,L,D)
VisitKomOmboTemple which is dedicated to two distinct divinities: Sobek, the God of Fertility and Horus, the Solar War God. Continue upstream to picturesque Aswan. Enjoy lunch before taking a motorboat to the Temple of Isis at Philae. Built in the third century B.C. and known as the ‘Jewel of the Nile’, this lovely temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis. It features well preserved temple buildings, courtyards, reliefs and murals. SCENIC ENRICH This afternoon travel by motorboat to a local Nubian village and wander amongst the mud houses for a fascinating insight into life on the Nile. Enjoy a refreshing drink inside a local house, before returning to our cruise boat. We cruise past Elephantine Island and the Mausoleum of Aga Khan taking in spectacular views of ‘Agatha Christie’s’ Nile and the Old Cataract Hotel.
Day 8: Abu Simbel – Cairo (FB,L)
Our cruise ends this morning and we travel to the Aswan High Dam. Completed in 1970 after ten years of work, the dam is Egypt’s lifeline, providing irrigation and electricity for the whole country. SCENIC ENRICH Continue to the airport and take our morning flight to Abu Simbel and the temples of Ramses ll and Queen Nefertari. Arguably the greatest indulgence of any Pharaoh, the breathtaking facade consists of four gigantic statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne. Each statue is 20 metres high. Learn about the remarkable engineering feat of relocating the temple before completion of the High Dam. We return to the airport and fly to Cairo. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel on the banks of the Nile.
Two Night Stay: Cairo
Day 9: Cairo – Egyptian Museum (FB,HD)
This morning we tour the incredible Egyptian Museum, home of the greatest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. We continue with a visit to Salah el Din’s Citadel for a breathtaking view of the entire city and across to the pyramids. Next, Mohammed Ali’s great Mosque, started in 1830 and completed in 1857. Our afternoon ends with the famous Khan el Khalili bazaar, with its labyrinth of bustling alleys, with the opportunity to pick up some last minute bargains. SCENIC ENRICH This evening enjoy an exclusive dinner in the Palace at the Cairo Marriott with private folklore show.
Day 10: Cairo – Amman, Jordan (FB,HD)
This morning fly to Jordan (flight not included). Upon arrival we are met and transferred to our hotel in Amman. Scenic Enrich Tonight we visit Kan Zaman, an authentic 19th century walled village, where we meander through the lanes of tiny shops, with their wares of silk, brass and spices, before feasting on traditional Jordanian and Arabic foods at the village main restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Amman
Day 11: Jerash – Ajloun Castle (FB,L)
This morning we travel to the ancient city of Jerash, acknowledged as one of the best preserved province cities of the Roman Empire. Our guided tour of the old walled city includes the Triple Arch Gate, the huge Hippodrome, the Colonnaded Street, the Forum, the Temple of Zeus and the paved way leading to the Temple of Artemis. After lunch we journey to Ajloun Castle, a fine example of Islamic architecture. Explore the fascinating warren of towers, chambers, galleries and staircases. Built in 1184, this fortress, from its hilltop position, dominated a wide stretch of the northern Jordan Valley. SCENIC ENRICH Return to Amman and savour local delicacies when we visit a traditional Arabic sweet shop.
Day 12: Amman City Tour – Madaba – Mount Nebo (FBL)
This morning we tour Amman including the Mosque and the Roman Theatre. High above the city, at the ancient Citadel we will see the traces of Amman’s many lives: the columns of a Roman temple, the Byzantine church, Umayyad Palace and the fascinating displays in the Archaeological Museum. Leaving Amman we stop at the city of Madaba and Saint George Church, with its famous mosaic floor map. After lunch we visit one of the most revered sites in Jordan – Mount Nebo. View the memorial to Moses at the presumed site of the prophet’s death and burial place. Enjoy breathtaking views across the Jordan Valley before admiring the large display of mosaics at the Byzantine Church. We continue to the Rose Red City of Petra.
Two Night Stay: Petra
Day 13: Petra (FB,D)
A highlight of our trip is today’s full day walking tour of magnificent Petra. This city, carved into the sandstone mountains, is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Petra was widely admired for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. By the 16th century Petra had become completely lost to the West, and it remained so until 1812 when a Swiss traveller Johann Ludwig Burckhardt persuaded his guide to take him to the site of the ru­­­moured lost city. Marvel at Petra’s most famous monument the Treasury, which appears dramatically at the end of the ravine ‘siq’. This towering facade is only the first of Petra’s secrets. We continue our tour to include spectacular sites such as the Theatre, the Roman Way, Monumental Arch, Temple and the Royal Tombs.
Day 14: Bethany – Dead Sea (FB,HD)
This morning take advantage of an optional excursion to visit Wadi Rum. After breakfast we travel along the King’s highway to a key biblical site – ‘Bethany Beyond The Jordan’. Amazing archaeological discoveries have identified this as the area where Jesus was baptised. Continue north to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. Relax and enjoy the facilities of the Resort, or float in the Dead Sea renowned for its therapeutic benefits. SCENIC ENRICH Enjoy our exclusive dinner tonight on the rooftop with mesmerising views over the Dead Sea.
Overnight Stay: Dead Sea
Day 15: Jordan – Dubai, United Arab Emirates (FB)
This morning transfer* to Amman Airport and fly to Dubai (flight not included). On arrival we are met and transferred* to our hotel at Jumeirah Beach. Relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel.
Three Night Stay: Dubai
Day 16: Dubai – Dune Safari (FB,HD)
This morning relax by the pool or visit the markets and malls for which Dubai is famous. You may choose an early morning start with an optional balloon flight over the desert. SCENIC ENRICH Late afternoon we depart on our highlight in Dubai, the Desert Dune Safari. We visit the eastern desert of Dubai, driving over the sand dunes to arrive at a local camel farm. Witness the sun setting over the dunes before reaching a traditional Arabic camp for our enchanting Arabian night. Relax on the comfortable cushions and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner by torchlight. Be mesmerised by the captivating belly dancer who entertains you with her Arabian charm and beauty.
Day 17: Dubai Sightseeing (FB)
This morning we sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on our comprehensive city tour. We start at Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and exclusive residential area of Dubai and home to the famous Jumeirah Mosque. Enjoy a photo-stop at the distinctive landmark of Dubai, Burj Al Arab, before continuing to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai and the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. We cross Dubai Creek and visit the spice souk with a final stop at the gold souk.
Day 18: Dubai (FB)
Our tour ends today and after breakfast you will be transferred* to Dubai International Airport for your onward or homebound flight (flight not included).

Departure Dates and Prices per Person Twin Share

Departure Date

Return Date

Price

12 May 2010

29 May 2010

7095.00*

Scenic Highlights

• Guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
• Tour Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Zoser
• Sound and Light Show in front of the Pyramids and the Sphinx
• Tour Luxor including Karnak, Luxor and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temples, the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamen’s tomb
• Tour old and modern Dubai
• Nile Temple visits – Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples
• Philae Temple – tour this ‘Jewel of the Nile’
• Cairo Museum and Islamic Cairo Tour
• Tour the ancient City of Jerash and view the Triple Arch Gate and Temple of Zeus
• Aljoun Castle visit to explore its warren of towers, chambers and staircases
• Amman City Tour including the ancient Citadel and the Mosque
• Historic sites of Jordan including Mount Nebo, Madaba and the St George Church
• Petra full day tour of this magnificent city
• Visit Bethany beyond the Jordan
• Relax on the shores of the Dead Sea
• Tour old and modern Dubai