Day 1 Sat Depart New York
Fly to Amman via London.
Day 2 Sun Arrive Amman | Meals: B
Connect in London to your flight to Amman, arriving late this evening.
Day 3 Mon Madaba-Mount Nebo-Kerak-Petra | Meals: B
This morning, we drive out of Amman and stop first in Madaba, the fifth largest city in Jordan. It is perhaps most well known for it's mosaics - and particularly the Map of Madaba Mosaic. Constructed in the 6th to 7th century AD, the mosaic represents the biblical land from Egypt to Lebanon, including Sinai, Israel, Palestine and Transjordan. It is believed to be the best toographical representation of the Biblical Lands. Our drive then continues to Mount Nebo, the presumed site of Moses' death and burial place. It is believed that Moses climbed the 3,300 foot mount and saw the Promised Land. We pass through the town of Karak, and ancient Crusader stronghold before arriving at our hotel in Petra. Later this evening, experience a visit to the famous Red City by candlelight.
Day 4 Tue Petra | Meals: B
A highlight awaits as you spend the day at Petra, the city carved out of the craggy rock mountains south of the Dead Sea. Petra was "rediscovered" in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage." Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans and it was their ability to control the water supply that led to the rise of Petra. You enter the city by dark narrow gorge that is only 9-13 feet wide in some spots. The journey is worth it as you exit the gorge and face the Treasury, probably Petra's most elaborate ruin. After exploring the area, return to the hotel this afternoon.
Day 5 Wed Petra-Wadi Rum-Amman | Meals: B
Set in south Jordan, Wadi Rum is 720 square kilometers of stunning dramatic and protected desert wilderness. Huge mountains rise up from the desert sands and narrow canyons hold ancient rock drawings etched out over the millennia. Bedouin tribes still live in the mountains of Rum and their goat-hair tents are a fixture on the horizon. As you drive through Wadi Rum, visions of Lawrence of Arabia might come to mind, as many scenes from the famous film were shot here. While some believe Lawrence might have actually fought here during the Arab Revolt of 1917-1918, it has not actually been proven. However, Lawrence does refer to Wadi Rum several times in his book, "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom." We arrive back in Amman late this afternoon.
Day 6 Thu Amman-Cairo | Meals: B
We fly to Cairo today where you will be met and escorted to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 7 Fri Cairo-Aswan (Abu Simbel) | Meals: BLD
A morning flight takes us to Aswan where you embark on your Nile Cruise vessel, your floating hotel for the next 3 nights. A short flight takes you to Abu Simbel. Judging from the position of the temples, the imposing colossi of Ramses II would have greeted travelers as they tried to enter Egypt and sent a message of Egypt's strength. Ramses II chief queen, Nefertari is celebrated in the Temple of Hathor, which Ramses II dedicated to her "Nefertari for whose sake the very sun does shine." Return to Aswan later this afternoon.
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-star cruise ship built in 1993 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche. The 5-deck ship measures 77 meters (252 feet) in length, 11 meters (36 feet) in height and 14 meters (45 feet) in width.
The ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.) and classified as A-1 river service.
Guest Cabins
The Sun Goddess offers 58 standard cabins, 2 Senator Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite with private lounge. All cabins feature:
* Panoramic Windows
* Private direct-dial Telephone
* Hairdryer
* Safety Deposit Box
* Mini-bar
* Music System
* Individual Climate Control
* Television and Movie Program
* Bathroom with full-size Bathtub
Bars & Restaurants
Main Dining Room
Serving breakfast, lunch buffet and � la carte dinners.
Lounge
Serving a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as light meals for lunch and dinner.
Sun Deck Bar
Overlooking the Nile, offering refreshing cocktails all day until sunset.
Entertainment
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabya Party and Nubian Folkloric Show.
Other Ship Facilities & Services
* In-room Dining available until midnight
* Water is fully purified, filtered and softened before distribution
* Barbecue area on deck
* Fully-equipped Conference Room for up to 16 persons (round table)
* International Telephone line and Internet access
Fitness and Recreation
* Outdoor Swimming Pool with Bar Service
* Billiards
* Table Tennis
* Massage Room offering therapeutic and relaxation treatments
Dress
Daytime - casual; evening - smart casual. Shorts are not permitted at dinner or for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Taxes and Gratuities
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-In/Out
Check-in 11:00 a.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
Credit Cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted.
Currency
Egyptian Pound, U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted.
Language
Arabic is the official language but English, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Electricty
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
×
Day 8 Sat Aswan-Kom Ombo-Edfu | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, visit the High Dam. Construction was completed in 1971. The stone and metal used could have built 17 pyramids the size of Cheops Pyramid and 15 Eiffel Towers! You'll also visit the unfinished obelisk. If it had been finished, the obelisk would have weighed 2.3 million pounds -- the largest piece of stone ever handled! On to Philae and the Temple of Isis. Isis was the sister and wife to Osiris, son of Re. After Osiris was killed and dismembered by his brother Seth, Isis found all of the parts and miraculously put them together. On to Kom Ombo, where you visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. This twin temple has its left side dedicated to falcon-headed Haroeris and the right dedicated to the crocodile-god, Sobek. Continue to Edfu for the night.
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-star cruise ship built in 1993 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche. The 5-deck ship measures 77 meters (252 feet) in length, 11 meters (36 feet) in height and 14 meters (45 feet) in width.
The ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.) and classified as A-1 river service.
Guest Cabins
The Sun Goddess offers 58 standard cabins, 2 Senator Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite with private lounge. All cabins feature:
* Panoramic Windows
* Private direct-dial Telephone
* Hairdryer
* Safety Deposit Box
* Mini-bar
* Music System
* Individual Climate Control
* Television and Movie Program
* Bathroom with full-size Bathtub
Bars & Restaurants
Main Dining Room
Serving breakfast, lunch buffet and � la carte dinners.
Lounge
Serving a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as light meals for lunch and dinner.
Sun Deck Bar
Overlooking the Nile, offering refreshing cocktails all day until sunset.
Entertainment
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabya Party and Nubian Folkloric Show.
Other Ship Facilities & Services
* In-room Dining available until midnight
* Water is fully purified, filtered and softened before distribution
* Barbecue area on deck
* Fully-equipped Conference Room for up to 16 persons (round table)
* International Telephone line and Internet access
Fitness and Recreation
* Outdoor Swimming Pool with Bar Service
* Billiards
* Table Tennis
* Massage Room offering therapeutic and relaxation treatments
Dress
Daytime - casual; evening - smart casual. Shorts are not permitted at dinner or for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Taxes and Gratuities
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-In/Out
Check-in 11:00 a.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
Credit Cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted.
Currency
Egyptian Pound, U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted.
Language
Arabic is the official language but English, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Electricty
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
×
Day 9 Sun Edfu-Luxor | Meals: BLD
After visiting the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God, sail to Luxor and visit the Temple of Luxor, built under Amenophis III and Ramses II, primarily to celebrate the Festival of Opet. Then on to the massive temples of Karnak, built over a period of 1300 years.
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-star cruise ship built in 1993 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche. The 5-deck ship measures 77 meters (252 feet) in length, 11 meters (36 feet) in height and 14 meters (45 feet) in width.
The ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.) and classified as A-1 river service.
Guest Cabins
The Sun Goddess offers 58 standard cabins, 2 Senator Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite with private lounge. All cabins feature:
* Panoramic Windows
* Private direct-dial Telephone
* Hairdryer
* Safety Deposit Box
* Mini-bar
* Music System
* Individual Climate Control
* Television and Movie Program
* Bathroom with full-size Bathtub
Bars & Restaurants
Main Dining Room
Serving breakfast, lunch buffet and � la carte dinners.
Lounge
Serving a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as light meals for lunch and dinner.
Sun Deck Bar
Overlooking the Nile, offering refreshing cocktails all day until sunset.
Entertainment
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabya Party and Nubian Folkloric Show.
Other Ship Facilities & Services
* In-room Dining available until midnight
* Water is fully purified, filtered and softened before distribution
* Barbecue area on deck
* Fully-equipped Conference Room for up to 16 persons (round table)
* International Telephone line and Internet access
Fitness and Recreation
* Outdoor Swimming Pool with Bar Service
* Billiards
* Table Tennis
* Massage Room offering therapeutic and relaxation treatments
Dress
Daytime - casual; evening - smart casual. Shorts are not permitted at dinner or for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Taxes and Gratuities
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-In/Out
Check-in 11:00 a.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
Credit Cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted.
Currency
Egyptian Pound, U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted.
Language
Arabic is the official language but English, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Electricty
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
×
Day 10 Mon Luxor-Cairo | Meals: B
Begin the day on the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. So far, 62 tombs have been discovered in the Valley of the Kings - most famous perhaps being that of King Tutankhamun. Continue to the Valley of Queens where more than 70 tombs have been discovered. One that stands out is that of Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II. On to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri. Then fly back to Cairo.
Day 11 Tue Cairo | Meals: B
Today's full day tour begins at the Egyptian Museum. The Museum was built in 1902 and contains one of the most impressive and comprehensive collections of artifacts in the world. Of the more than 120,000 objects, at least 44,000 are on display at any one time. It could take months to see each exhibit on display in the museum -- we'll spend a few hours visiting some of the most well known. We continue to Giza with to visit the Great Pyramid of Cheop, one of the seven wonders of the world. This is the oldest and largest of the pyramids found in Giza.
Day 12 Wed Cairo-New York
Your journey of discovery ends today as you board the flight back to New York. Welcome Home!
Fly to Amman via London.
Day 2 Sun Arrive Amman | Meals: B
Connect in London to your flight to Amman, arriving late this evening.
Imperial Palace
Day 3 Mon Madaba-Mount Nebo-Kerak-Petra | Meals: B
This morning, we drive out of Amman and stop first in Madaba, the fifth largest city in Jordan. It is perhaps most well known for it's mosaics - and particularly the Map of Madaba Mosaic. Constructed in the 6th to 7th century AD, the mosaic represents the biblical land from Egypt to Lebanon, including Sinai, Israel, Palestine and Transjordan. It is believed to be the best toographical representation of the Biblical Lands. Our drive then continues to Mount Nebo, the presumed site of Moses' death and burial place. It is believed that Moses climbed the 3,300 foot mount and saw the Promised Land. We pass through the town of Karak, and ancient Crusader stronghold before arriving at our hotel in Petra. Later this evening, experience a visit to the famous Red City by candlelight.
Beit Zaman
Day 4 Tue Petra | Meals: B
A highlight awaits as you spend the day at Petra, the city carved out of the craggy rock mountains south of the Dead Sea. Petra was "rediscovered" in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. UNESCO has described it as "one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage." Petra was the capital of the Nabataeans and it was their ability to control the water supply that led to the rise of Petra. You enter the city by dark narrow gorge that is only 9-13 feet wide in some spots. The journey is worth it as you exit the gorge and face the Treasury, probably Petra's most elaborate ruin. After exploring the area, return to the hotel this afternoon.
Beit Zaman
Day 5 Wed Petra-Wadi Rum-Amman | Meals: B
Set in south Jordan, Wadi Rum is 720 square kilometers of stunning dramatic and protected desert wilderness. Huge mountains rise up from the desert sands and narrow canyons hold ancient rock drawings etched out over the millennia. Bedouin tribes still live in the mountains of Rum and their goat-hair tents are a fixture on the horizon. As you drive through Wadi Rum, visions of Lawrence of Arabia might come to mind, as many scenes from the famous film were shot here. While some believe Lawrence might have actually fought here during the Arab Revolt of 1917-1918, it has not actually been proven. However, Lawrence does refer to Wadi Rum several times in his book, "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom." We arrive back in Amman late this afternoon.
Imperial Palace
Day 6 Thu Amman-Cairo | Meals: B
We fly to Cairo today where you will be met and escorted to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Sheraton Dreamland
Day 7 Fri Cairo-Aswan (Abu Simbel) | Meals: BLD
A morning flight takes us to Aswan where you embark on your Nile Cruise vessel, your floating hotel for the next 3 nights. A short flight takes you to Abu Simbel. Judging from the position of the temples, the imposing colossi of Ramses II would have greeted travelers as they tried to enter Egypt and sent a message of Egypt's strength. Ramses II chief queen, Nefertari is celebrated in the Temple of Hathor, which Ramses II dedicated to her "Nefertari for whose sake the very sun does shine." Return to Aswan later this afternoon.
Sonesta Sun Goddess
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-star cruise ship built in 1993 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche. The 5-deck ship measures 77 meters (252 feet) in length, 11 meters (36 feet) in height and 14 meters (45 feet) in width.
The ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.) and classified as A-1 river service.
Guest Cabins
The Sun Goddess offers 58 standard cabins, 2 Senator Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite with private lounge. All cabins feature:
* Panoramic Windows
* Private direct-dial Telephone
* Hairdryer
* Safety Deposit Box
* Mini-bar
* Music System
* Individual Climate Control
* Television and Movie Program
* Bathroom with full-size Bathtub
Bars & Restaurants
Main Dining Room
Serving breakfast, lunch buffet and � la carte dinners.
Lounge
Serving a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as light meals for lunch and dinner.
Sun Deck Bar
Overlooking the Nile, offering refreshing cocktails all day until sunset.
Entertainment
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabya Party and Nubian Folkloric Show.
Other Ship Facilities & Services
* In-room Dining available until midnight
* Water is fully purified, filtered and softened before distribution
* Barbecue area on deck
* Fully-equipped Conference Room for up to 16 persons (round table)
* International Telephone line and Internet access
Fitness and Recreation
* Outdoor Swimming Pool with Bar Service
* Billiards
* Table Tennis
* Massage Room offering therapeutic and relaxation treatments
Dress
Daytime - casual; evening - smart casual. Shorts are not permitted at dinner or for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Taxes and Gratuities
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-In/Out
Check-in 11:00 a.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
Credit Cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted.
Currency
Egyptian Pound, U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted.
Language
Arabic is the official language but English, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Electricty
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
×
Day 8 Sat Aswan-Kom Ombo-Edfu | Meals: BLD
After breakfast, visit the High Dam. Construction was completed in 1971. The stone and metal used could have built 17 pyramids the size of Cheops Pyramid and 15 Eiffel Towers! You'll also visit the unfinished obelisk. If it had been finished, the obelisk would have weighed 2.3 million pounds -- the largest piece of stone ever handled! On to Philae and the Temple of Isis. Isis was the sister and wife to Osiris, son of Re. After Osiris was killed and dismembered by his brother Seth, Isis found all of the parts and miraculously put them together. On to Kom Ombo, where you visit the Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. This twin temple has its left side dedicated to falcon-headed Haroeris and the right dedicated to the crocodile-god, Sobek. Continue to Edfu for the night.
Sonesta Sun Goddess
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-star cruise ship built in 1993 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche. The 5-deck ship measures 77 meters (252 feet) in length, 11 meters (36 feet) in height and 14 meters (45 feet) in width.
The ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.) and classified as A-1 river service.
Guest Cabins
The Sun Goddess offers 58 standard cabins, 2 Senator Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite with private lounge. All cabins feature:
* Panoramic Windows
* Private direct-dial Telephone
* Hairdryer
* Safety Deposit Box
* Mini-bar
* Music System
* Individual Climate Control
* Television and Movie Program
* Bathroom with full-size Bathtub
Bars & Restaurants
Main Dining Room
Serving breakfast, lunch buffet and � la carte dinners.
Lounge
Serving a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as light meals for lunch and dinner.
Sun Deck Bar
Overlooking the Nile, offering refreshing cocktails all day until sunset.
Entertainment
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabya Party and Nubian Folkloric Show.
Other Ship Facilities & Services
* In-room Dining available until midnight
* Water is fully purified, filtered and softened before distribution
* Barbecue area on deck
* Fully-equipped Conference Room for up to 16 persons (round table)
* International Telephone line and Internet access
Fitness and Recreation
* Outdoor Swimming Pool with Bar Service
* Billiards
* Table Tennis
* Massage Room offering therapeutic and relaxation treatments
Dress
Daytime - casual; evening - smart casual. Shorts are not permitted at dinner or for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Taxes and Gratuities
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-In/Out
Check-in 11:00 a.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
Credit Cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted.
Currency
Egyptian Pound, U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted.
Language
Arabic is the official language but English, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Electricty
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
×
Day 9 Sun Edfu-Luxor | Meals: BLD
After visiting the Temple of Horus, the Falcon God, sail to Luxor and visit the Temple of Luxor, built under Amenophis III and Ramses II, primarily to celebrate the Festival of Opet. Then on to the massive temples of Karnak, built over a period of 1300 years.
Sonesta Sun Goddess
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-star cruise ship built in 1993 in Cairo by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche. The 5-deck ship measures 77 meters (252 feet) in length, 11 meters (36 feet) in height and 14 meters (45 feet) in width.
The ship was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.) and classified as A-1 river service.
Guest Cabins
The Sun Goddess offers 58 standard cabins, 2 Senator Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 1 Royal Suite with private lounge. All cabins feature:
* Panoramic Windows
* Private direct-dial Telephone
* Hairdryer
* Safety Deposit Box
* Mini-bar
* Music System
* Individual Climate Control
* Television and Movie Program
* Bathroom with full-size Bathtub
Bars & Restaurants
Main Dining Room
Serving breakfast, lunch buffet and � la carte dinners.
Lounge
Serving a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as light meals for lunch and dinner.
Sun Deck Bar
Overlooking the Nile, offering refreshing cocktails all day until sunset.
Entertainment
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabya Party and Nubian Folkloric Show.
Other Ship Facilities & Services
* In-room Dining available until midnight
* Water is fully purified, filtered and softened before distribution
* Barbecue area on deck
* Fully-equipped Conference Room for up to 16 persons (round table)
* International Telephone line and Internet access
Fitness and Recreation
* Outdoor Swimming Pool with Bar Service
* Billiards
* Table Tennis
* Massage Room offering therapeutic and relaxation treatments
Dress
Daytime - casual; evening - smart casual. Shorts are not permitted at dinner or for the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Reception.
Taxes and Gratuities
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax.
Check-In/Out
Check-in 11:00 a.m.
Check-out 08:00 a.m.
Credit Cards
American Express, MasterCard, Visa and JCB are accepted.
Currency
Egyptian Pound, U.S. Dollar and Euro are accepted.
Language
Arabic is the official language but English, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Electricty
220 volts, AC, 50 cycles.
×
Day 10 Mon Luxor-Cairo | Meals: B
Begin the day on the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. So far, 62 tombs have been discovered in the Valley of the Kings - most famous perhaps being that of King Tutankhamun. Continue to the Valley of Queens where more than 70 tombs have been discovered. One that stands out is that of Nefertari, the wife of Ramses II. On to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri. Then fly back to Cairo.
Sheraton Dreamland
Day 11 Tue Cairo | Meals: B
Today's full day tour begins at the Egyptian Museum. The Museum was built in 1902 and contains one of the most impressive and comprehensive collections of artifacts in the world. Of the more than 120,000 objects, at least 44,000 are on display at any one time. It could take months to see each exhibit on display in the museum -- we'll spend a few hours visiting some of the most well known. We continue to Giza with to visit the Great Pyramid of Cheop, one of the seven wonders of the world. This is the oldest and largest of the pyramids found in Giza.
Sheraton Dreamland
Day 12 Wed Cairo-New York
Your journey of discovery ends today as you board the flight back to New York. Welcome Home!
