Your adventure starts in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. A constant thrum of energy wrapped around you, feel the ever-present heartbeat of the country in the city streets. Located strategically along the banks of the Nile, generations of wanderers have traversed these grounds just as you do now. At your hotel this evening, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner featuring local specialties. (D) Stay: Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino (3 Nights)

This morning, join your Tour Manager-Egyptologist for an introductory talk on ancient Egypt. Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt's Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties before navigating Cairo's famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the Grand Egyptian Museum, a collection featuring some of the country's oldest artifacts. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. (B)

Early this morning, venture to nearby Giza and embrace the Egypt you have always imagined. Stand in awe before the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the stoicism of the Great Sphinx, a colossal structure jutting out of the desert sand, full of mystery and intrigue.

This afternoon, walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el-Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. (B)

Pre-dawn this morning, transfer to the Cairo airport for the 2-hour flight that takes you to Aswan, a breathtaking port city up the Nile. You may choose to partake in an optional tour to Abu Simbel and see the extraordinary temples of Ramses II relocated there during the construction of the High Dam. Experience the Nubian culture of Upper Egypt as you transfer by motorboat to your rustic riverside lodge, with its colorful decorations and naïve architectural style.

This afternoon, learn more about the Nubian people, their ancestral heritage and language during a walk in the nearby village, before relaxing over dinner at your lodge. (B/D) Stay: Anakato Wadi Kiki Nubian Houses

This morning, discover the mysteries of Philae Temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Philae is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, board your cruise ship and settle in for the next three nights. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you'll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum.

This evening, aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before relaxing over dinner aboard. (B/L/D) Stay: Sonesta St. George 1 (3 Nights)

Coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to the mesmerizing Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the ancient god Horus. Relax during an afternoon on board as you glide down the Nile, before enjoying a festive Galabeya Party, where you might don a traditional Egyptian gown. (B/L/D)

As dawn breaks, venture to Luxor's West Bank, trekking along the elaborate tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an included viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, it's your choice! Visit the expansive ruins of Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions -OR- admire expansive views of the Nile while you enjoy high tea at the Old Winter Palace which hosted esteemed guests such as Agatha Christie, Winston Churchill and the great Egyptologist Howard Carter. (B/L/D)

Pre-dawn this morning, say goodbye to the land of the pyramids as you fly to Cairo, where you connect to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Get a peek into this innovative city housing both modern technologies and ancient relics on your way to tonight's street food dinner which includes local specialties such as hummus, falafels and kunafa. (B/D) Stay: Amman Marriott Hotel

This morning, cross Jordan all the way to the south as you leave Amman for the isolated desert of Wadi Rum where you arrive by lunchtime. Nicknamed the Valley of the Moon, this ethereal landscape resembles nothing found on earth. Cruise through the reserve on the back of a pick-up truck and take in the vast landscape around you. Enjoy lunch at a local camp before venturing onward to Petra, the fabled “Rose Red City.”

In the evening, stroll down the street to an authentic Arabic cooking class. Prepare your meal, featuring fresh ingredients from local markets and traditional Jordanian recipes, before digging in family-style. (B/L/D) Stay: Movenpick Resort, Wadi Musa (2 Nights)

At daybreak, weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the vast archeological site of Petra with your guide. Serving as a crossroads between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra contains ages of hidden wonders just waiting to be explored.

This afternoon, it's your choice! Keep exploring Petra's vast archeological site on your own. Perhaps you'll trek up to the “Monastery,” one of Petra's legendary monuments -OR- join a local family at their home for tea and friendly conversation about life in the Bedouin community of Wadi Musa -OR- visit Little Petra, a Nabatean outpost located a few miles from its famous big sister, and featuring a 2000-year old Nabatean fresco that finds no corresponding in its larger neighbor. (B)

A full morning transfer takes you north to the fertile basin of the Jordan Valley. Here, connect with the local community during an Impact Moment at a cooperative promoting the conservation of traditional crafts through the employment of Bedouin women. After lunch at the cooperative, descend to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea for a 2-night stay at a hotel featuring direct access to the legendary sea. (B/L) Stay: Movenpick Resort and Spa (2 Nights)

Journey to Madaba and delve deep into St. George's Church and its famous Byzantine mosaic representing the Holy Land. Then, connect with the local community during a home hosted lunch. Experience traditional Jordanian hospitality and authentic home cooking as you share stories and connect with your hosts over a traditional meal. Gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo like Moses long before you.

This evening, celebrate the end of your Middle Eastern journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/L/D)

Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of these mystical lands. (B)

Your adventure starts in Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Meet your Jordanian Tour Manager who will accompany you throughout your time in the Middle Eastern country. Stay: Amman Marriott Hotel

This morning, tour Amman, a city built on seven hills, with a rich history spanning nearly 10,000 years. Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, indulging in meze – a large variety of small sharing plates showcasing the exotic flavors of the Levant.

This afternoon, take in Jordan's rocky landscape during your four-hour journey to Petra, the fabled “Rose Red City.” At your hotel, connect with your fellow adventurers at a welcome dinner. (B/L/D) Stay: Petra Marriott Hotel (2 Nights)

At daybreak, weave along sandstone carvings as you tour the vast archeological site of Petra. Serving as a crossroads between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra contains ages of hidden wonders just waiting to be explored. Take advantage of an afternoon at leisure to adventure further on your own. Perhaps you'll trek up the 850 steps to the “Monastery,” one of Petra's legendary monuments.

In the evening, roll up your sleeves and join an authentic Arabic cooking class in a local home. During this Impact Moment, learn about the evolving role of women in Jordanian society as you chat about Bedouin traditions, ingredients and recipes from your host. Dig into dinner, family-style before returning to your hotel for the night. (B/D)

A full morning transfer takes you to the once-fertile basin of the Jordan Valley. In Madaba, view its famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land and engage with the local community during a home-hosted lunch. Experience proverbial Jordanian hospitality and authentic home cooking as you share stories and connect with your hosts over a traditional meal.

This afternoon, like Moses long before you, gaze upon the Promised Land at Mount Nebo. Then, descend to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea for a two-night stay at a hotel featuring direct access to the legendary sea. (B/L/D) Stay: Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa (2 Nights)

This morning, it's your choice! Travel the short distance between your hotel and the Jordan River to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the UNESCO-recognized site believed to be where St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ -OR- take advantage of your hotel's private access to the beach and enjoy a morning at leisure to experience the Dead Sea's natural buoyancy. Wrap up your afternoon at leisure with a scenic sunset overlooking the Dead Sea, before gathering for dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Pre-dawn this morning, say goodbye to your Jordanian Tour Manager before boarding a 90-minute flight to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Arrive in the land of the Pharaohs and meet your Egyptian Tour Manager, who will accompany you for the rest of the trip. Feel Cairo's constant thrum of energy wrap around you as you transfer to the hotel for a two-night stay. (B/D) Stay: Marriott Cairo Hotel & Casino (2 Nights)

This morning, get a glimpse into ancient Egypt's Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during a visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Be prepared for a dose of Cairo's legendary traffic as you head to Giza. Embrace the Egypt you always imagined as you stand in awe before the iconic Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Marvel at the stoicism of the Great Sphinx, a colossal structure jutting out of the desert sand, full of mystery and intrigue. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. (B)

Pre-dawn this morning, transfer to the Cairo airport for your 75-minute flight to Luxor.

Upon arrival, visit the expansive ruins of Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. Then, board your cruise ship and settle in for the next four nights. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, take in the views from the sundeck, before joining your fellow travelers for your first dinner aboard. (B/L/D) Stay: M/S Blue Shadow I, Nile River Cruise (4 Nights)

As dawn breaks, venture to Luxor's West Bank, trekking along the elaborate tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Delve even further into Egyptian legends with an included viewing of the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for a late lunch. In the early afternoon, set sail to Edfu, where you'll arrive early tomorrow morning. As you sail upstream, glimpse the small farms scattered along the Nile's banks, and appreciate the simple, modest livings of local farmers. (B/L/D)

In Edfu, pick between an early or a late start to your day, because it's your choice! Head out at daybreak for a guided visit of the mesmerizing Temple of Horus, returning for a late breakfast aboard -OR- rise at your leisure and linger over a relaxed breakfast, as you take in views of a place where daily life has changed little over the centuries.

This afternoon, coast along to Kom Ombo and visit a rare double temple. Then, watch the Egyptian landscape slowly drift by as you sail on to Aswan.

This evening, don a traditional Egyptian gown and join a festive galabeya party for a fun evening on board. (B/L/D)

Your morning opens in Aswan, the Nubian city. Discover the mysteries of Philae Temple. Located on a small island, this complex can only be reached by motorboat. Philae is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you'll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum.

This evening, aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before relaxing over dinner aboard. (B/L/D)

Early this morning, return to Cairo. Head towards the old town and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon.

This evening, celebrate the end of your Middle Eastern journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: Intercontinental Citystars

Your epic adventure comes to a close today. Return home with a new understanding of these mystical lands. (B)