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Itinerary

Main Tour (14 Nights / 15 Days)
October 30–November 13, 2026 

Day 1: Friday, October 30
Arrival in Cairo

  • Arrive in Cairo
  • A local representative will meet you and walk you to your hotel
  • Hotel: Le Meridian Airport (Airport Hotel)
  • Meals: None

Welcome to Cairo, a city of amazing discoveries! After customs, you will be met, assisted, and escorted to your hotel by our representative at Cairo International Airport. Enjoy the free day. Those who arrive before dinner are invited to gather informally at the hotel restaurant at 6 p.m. and order from an à la carte menu at their own expense. Hotel Overnight.

Day 2: Saturday, October 31
Cairo / Alexandria

  • Drive to Alexandria
  • Roman Theatre, Roman Catacombs, Mosque & St. Mark Church
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Welcome Dinner
  • Hotel: 5-star hotel   

After breakfast, at 7:30 a.m., we will drive to Alexandria city, approximately 3 hours with one stop along the way. Alexandria is known as the house of both Alexander the Great and Cleopatra, the last Egyptian Queen of the 1st century B.C. Upon arrival, we will visit the Roman Theatre, Roman Catacombs, and Alexandria Mosque. Then we will enjoy a light lunch, followed by a visit to St. Mark the Evangelist Church. We will check into our hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, followed by a group welcome dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 : Sunday, November 1
Alexandria / Cairo

  • Alexandria Library 
  • One of the Wadi El Natroun Monasteries (if open)
  • Sunday church service
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: Four Seasons first residence, The St. Regis, or similar 

After breakfast, we will check out of the hotel at 9 a.m. and explore the Alexandria Library, one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. The library was part of a larger research institution called the Mouseion, dedicated to the nine goddesses of the arts. Built by Ptolemy II, it contained thousands of manuscripts that made Alexandria the capital of knowledge and learning. Please note that Sunday is a regular operating day for the Alexandria Library, and we fully expect it to be open for our visit. However, occasional local circumstances may necessitate an unexpected closure, and we are prepared to adjust our plans as needed. On our way back to Cairo, we will stop to explore a monastery (if open). We will enjoy a local light lunch and check into our hotel in Cairo. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner & overnight.

Day 4 : Monday, November 2
Coptic Cairo & Grand Egyptian Museum

  • Crypt Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue
  • GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum)
  • Traditional Egyptian barbeque dinner
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: Four Seasons first residence, The St. Regis, or similar 

Today, at 8 a.m., you will explore Coptic Cairo, visiting sites that sheltered the Holy Family in their flight to Egypt. You will see the Crypt Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Later, we will drive to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Currently, visitors can explore the Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, and 12 galleries. The GEM is the largest archaeological museum complex globally, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts. For the first time, King Tut’s entire treasure collection will be on display. Later, we will have an Egyptian barbeque dinner. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Tuesday, November 3
Giza Pyramids & Private entry to the Sphinx / Saqqara Steps Pyramid

  • Giza Pyramid
  • Special private entry to the Sphinx
  • Step pyramid of Saqqara
  • Carpet tapestry school & shop
  • Meals:  Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: Marriott Mena House, Ritz Carlton, or similar

Optional extras paid locally: Entry to walk inside Cheops’ Pyramid and entry into the underground corridors of Zoser Pyramid

Today, at 7 a.m., you will visit Giza Pyramids, the largest tombs on earth and the last remaining ancient wonders. Adjacent to the pyramids, you'll encounter the imposing Sphinx where we will have a private entry for our group. Later, we will drive south through the rural area of Cairo. After a countryside buffet lunch, you will explore the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, built in the 27th century BC, making it one of the oldest stone pyramids in the world. We will also stop at a carpet tapestry school to learn about handmade carpet production and have an opportunity to shop if desired. Back to the hotel for dinner & overnight.

Note: Entry to walk inside Cheops' Pyramid, also known as the Great Pyramid of Giza, is through a passageway that can be narrow and requires crouching or bending to navigate at times. Part of the passageway also includes a steep incline. Air inside the pyramid can be warm and humid. In the underground corridors of Zoser Pyramid some may need to crouch slightly in certain sections.

Day 6: Wednesday, November 4
Cairo / Luxor: Karnak Temple

  • Fly to Luxor
  • Karnak Temple
  • Testimony Meeting
  • Meals: Breakfast Box, Light Lunch, Dinner
  • Hotel: 5 stars (Moudera, Winter Palace, or similar)

At approximately 3:30 a.m., we will depart the hotel for Cairo International Airport. We will board an early morning 60-minute flight to Luxor, one of the ancient Egyptian capitals. With its vast array of temples and monuments, Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum. Upon arrival, you will explore the famous site of the East bank of the Nile, wandering among the massive 134 pillars of the Temple of Karnak. The temple complex's modern name "Karnak" comes from the nearby village of El-Karnak, which means "fortified village." It is believed to be the second most visited historical site in Egypt. We will have a light lunch and check into our hotel. The afternoon and evening will be at your leisure. We will hold an optional testimony meeting and enjoy a group dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

Note: This will likely be a very early morning flight, and therefore a long day.

Day 7: Thursday, November 5
West Bank tour, Luxor Temple

  • Valley of the Kings – enter up to three tombs
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut & Luxor Temple at sunset
  • Jewelry Store
  • Hotel: 5 stars, (Moudera, Winter Palace, or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, (Countryside or Home Hosted) Lunch, Dinner   
  • Optional extra: Morning hot air balloon ride: $150 USD (cash payment during tour)

Today, you'll have the chance to take a balloon ride over Luxor's west bank. After breakfast today, at 8 a.m., you will explore the vast burial city known as the Necropolis of Thebes. You'll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari and the Valley of the Kings, where you can enter up to three tombs to admire the remarkably preserved interior wall paintings depicting life and death in ancient Egypt. Enjoy light (countryside) lunch and have some rest. This afternoon, you will be visiting Luxor Temple, known as House of the South and sheltered Goddess Mut (earth goddess spouse of Amon Ra). You'll have the option to explore the world of Lapis and Turquoise, as well as other precious stones, during a visit to a jewelry shop. Dinner and hotel overnight.

A hot air balloon ride in the early morning is a breathtaking way to see Luxor. The sunrise view you’ll catch while floating up in the clouds is worth waking up early. The way the sun hits the magnificent temples and lights up the green of the Nile banks is a sight you will never forget. It is an amazing way to see the world’s largest open-air museum. Early pick up from your hotel will take you to the balloon over Luxor to enjoy 45–60 minutes cruising the clear skies of Egypt. Note: Advanced reservations are preferred and can be made during registration with the PLL office.

Day 8: Friday, November 6   
Noble’s Tomb, Carter’s House & Dahabiya Boat

  • One of the Noble’s Tombs & Carter’s House
  • Alabaster workshop
  • Sailing on the Nile
  • Hotel: Dahabiya (Semi-luxury vessel with tug-boat)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Late Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at 7:30 a.m., check out of the hotel and explore one of the Noble’s tombs in Luxor’s west bank. Nobles’ Tombs, also known as the Theban Necropolis, are a collection of tombs belonging to prominent officials and dignitaries of ancient Egypt. These tombs provide invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and artistic expressions of the Egyptian elite. Then you will explore Carter’s House, located near the entrance to the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. This was the home and workplace of Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who famously discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Built in 1910, the mud brick house originally served as Carter’s base during his archaeological excavations. Today, the house has been carefully restored and transformed into a small museum offering visitors a glimpse into Carter’s life and work. Afterwards, you'll visit an Alabaster workshop to learn about the ancient Egyptian techniques for crafting statues and have the option to shop. Then, you'll drive to Esna City to board our private boat, a Dahabiya. A buffet lunch around 2 p.m. will be served onboard as you begin sailing on the Nile. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sundeck and observing the varied local life along the river and its banks. Afternoon tea will be served on the sundeck.

A dahabiya is a passenger boat used on the River Nile in Egypt. The term is normally used to describe a shallow-bottomed, barge-like vessel with two or more sails. The vessels have been around in one form or another for thousands of years, with similar craft being depicted on the walls of the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. Indeed, the name is thought to derive from the Arabic word for "gold” owing to similar gilded state barges used by the Muslim rulers of Egypt in the Middle Ages. During the 1920-1940’s it was commonly used during those elegant days of the monarchy when aristocrats, pashas, emirs, sultans, and sophisticated travelers loved to cruise the Nile in style. Before the introduction of steamboats, the Dahabiya was the most normal way for travelers to ascend the Nile and even after that they remained somewhat popular amongst the wealthy. It took from two to three months to ascend the Nile under wind power and another month-and-a-half to float back downstream, stopping at the great temples along the way.

Dahabiyas were popular among those who wished to enjoy Egypt at a leisurely pace, to drink in the landscapes and peruse the monuments and villages on the riverbanks. Those elegant days are revived with Semi Luxury modern comforts and conveniences. A skilled river captain and his crew are always on board. Meals will be taken on deck while you watch the timeless way of life along the banks of the Nile. You might even enjoy spending one night gazing at the stars and sleeping on deck.

Our private semi-luxury dahabiya will accommodate us for four nights up the Nile (towards the city of Aswan), while enjoying the mysterious Nile River; the longest river in the world. This is a great opportunity to relax and watch life on the banks of the Nile going by. Our meals start with lunch, a mixture of delicious local and international dishes and cuisines served onboard. There are two stops at Kom-Ombo & Edfu. You’ll also enjoy the Egyptian Night Party, a Galabiya party where everyone onboard including the staff will dress in traditional costumes.

Day 9: Saturday, November 7  
Sailing / Edfu 

  • Edfu, Temple of Horus
  • Hotel: Dahabiya (Semi-Luxury vessel with tugboat)
  • Egyptian costume dinner party
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast while sailing up the Nile towards the city of Edfu. Here you will visit the house of the great God of the horizon – Horus, at the most intact ancient Egyptian temple on the Nile. You will learn the story/myth of the goddess Isis and Osiris and their son Horus as a good human against the evil Seth. We will head back to the boat for lunch and sailing. Tonight, there will be a Galabeya party, where everyone dresses up in traditional Egyptian costumes for dinner on an island and enjoys some local entertainment.

Day 10: Sunday, November 8
Visit Local Village / Sailing

  • Besaw Island (Fisherman / Farmers Island) overlooking Silsila Mountain
  • Church service
  • Hotel: Dahabiya (Semi-Luxury vessel with tugboat)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will explore a local island where fishermen and farmers live. We will enjoy a leisurely walk and experience traditional Egyptian countryside life. Around lunch while sailing, we will view Silsila Mountain, an ancient site where sandstone and limestone were quarried. Dinner and overnight onboard. 

Cultural Immersion & Responsible Tourism Experience:
Your visit to this island community is more than a cultural experience — it’s an opportunity to support and connect with local people in a meaningful, responsible way. If you wish to share a small gift during your visit, your kindness will be truly appreciated. We recommend simple, thoughtful items such as:

  • Pens, pencils, erasers, or rulers, etc.
  • Small coloring books or crayon sets, etc.
  • Wrapped sweets, chocolates, or lollipops, etc.

These gestures bring joy and encourage positive interaction, especially with children, while respecting the spirit of sustainable tourism. Thank you for traveling with awareness, generosity, and care.

Day 11: Monday, November 9
Sailing / Kom-Ombo / Aswan  

  • Kom-Ombo temple
  • Hotel: Dahabiya (Semi-Luxury vessel with tugboat)  
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will walk to Kom-Ombo temple, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Ra Hr Akhty, known as Horus the falcon god, who was revered as a healer. The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty, 180–47 B.C., but some additions to it were later made during the Roman period. We will have a quick visit to the temple and then conclude our sailing journey by docking in Aswan for the night.

Day 12: Tuesday, November 10
Boat Disembarking / Aswan

  • Aswan high dam
  • Philae temple
  • Shopping: Papyrus gallery & cotton shop
  • Hotel: Movenpick Island Aswan
  • Meals: Breakfast, Nubian Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will disembark from our boat and begin exploring Aswan's famous sites—the High Dam and later Philae Temple on the island of Agilika. After a Nubian Lunch, you will have an opportunity to visit a papyrus gallery and store where you will learn about the ancient paper and can shop for handmade papyrus paintings. We may also visit a cotton store. We will check in at our hotel and have free time to relax before enjoying dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Wednesday, November 11  
Aswan: Elephantine Island & Abu Simbel Visit & Sound and Light Show  

  • Elephantine Island
  • Abu Simbel Temple (Sound & Light)
  • Church Service
  • Hotel: Seti Abu Simbel Lake Resort (4 stars best available)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner     

After breakfast, at 7 a.m., we'll explore Elephantine Island. At 10 a.m., we will check out of the hotel and drive to Aswan airport to board our flight to Abu Simbel city (45-minute flight). Upon arrival, we will check in at our four-star hotel (best available), and after lunch we will depart the hotel to visit Abu Simbel Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramesses II. It is the most spectacular temple in Egypt. Carved into the rock face, this ancient temple is a testament to the grandeur and architectural mastery of ancient Egypt. We will also enjoy a sound & light show, considered the best in Egypt. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 14: Thursday, November 12
Aswan / Cairo (Airport Hotel)

  • Fly to Cairo
  • Farewell Dinner
  • Hotel:  Le Meridien Airport Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free morning before departing for Abu Simbel Airport to board your flight to Cairo via Aswan. Lunch box or light lunch will be provided. Upon arrival in Cairo, we will walk to Le Meridien Airport Hotel. We will check in and later enjoy a group farewell dinner.

Day 15: Friday, November 13  
Cairo / Final Departure or Sinai Extension

  • Departure flight  
  • Meals: Breakfast

Say farewell to Egypt as you are escorted to the airport to board your international flight. Or extend your stay to visit Sinai.

Sinai Post Tour (3 Nights/4 Days)
November 13–16

Day 15: Friday, November 13
Cairo / Sinai / Bedouin Dinner

  • Drive the Exodus route – Shur, Marah, Wilderness of Sin, Oasis of Feiran
  • Special dinner in a Bedouin tent
  • Visit St. Catharine Monastery (if open)
  • Hotel: 4 stars (best available in Sinai, Morgenland Village or similar)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch, Dinner

Today, depart the hotel heading to Sinai via the Suez highway; you will follow the southwestern route of the Exodus through the Wilderness of Shur. You will learn about the terrain and the history of this region en-route, and view Marah (Springs of Moses), the Wilderness of Sin, and the Oasis of Feiran. We may visit St. Catharine Monastery (if open & permitted) this afternoon. Enjoy a Bedouin dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Sinai is a region where diverse landscapes converge, from rocky terrain meeting coral reefs to golden beaches framed by majestic granite formations. Steeped in history and religious significance, it has been associated with tales of ancient Egyptian mythology, pharaonic wealth, and biblical events like Moses encountering the Burning Bush. This region serves as a crossroads of three major religions, at the intersection of Africa and Asia, offering both natural beauty and spiritual exploration. In recent years, Sinai has also become renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a premier destination for diving enthusiasts eager to explore its rich marine biodiversity.

Day 16: Saturday, November 14
Horeb Mountain / Sharm EL Sheik

  • Morning hike up the mountain for sunrise
  • Free afternoon in Sharm El Sheik
  • Hotel: 5 stars resort
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

In the early morning, just after midnight, those who wish and are physically prepared can embark on a memorable hike up the mountain. Others can enjoy a quiet morning at the hotel. Climbing Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa) is a spiritually uplifting and unforgettable experience. Many travelers choose to ascend this iconic mountain at night to witness the spectacular sunrise from its 2,285-meter (7,497 foot) summit. After descending and having breakfast, you will journey to Sharm El Sheikh for an afternoon and evening of leisure, where you can delight in the stunning beauty of the Red Sea.

Climbing Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa): Important Information for our Guests

Climbing Mount Sinai is a physically demanding yet spiritually enriching experience. As part of our commitment to transparency and guest safety, we would like to offer a clear overview of the trail structure, challenges, and important advisories.

Overview of the Route: The ascent to the summit of Mount Sinai—revered as the biblical Mountain of Moses—follows a well-known path referred to by locals as the Camel Path (Siket El Bashait). Despite its name, we strongly discourage the use of camels and encourage all climbers to understand the physical demands of the route before undertaking the climb. This route is divided into two main sections, each with distinct characteristics:

Section One – Gradual Ascent (Approx. 65% of the climb)

  • Terrain: A winding, semi-spiral trail composed of rocky, sandy, and pebbled surfaces
  • Elevation: Progressive but continuous incline toward the upper ridges of the mountain
  • Duration: This section typically takes 90–120 minutes, depending on your pace and fitness level.
  • Conditions: The uneven terrain requires good balance and supportive footwear. There are no handrails, and visibility may be limited if hiking at night.
  • Suitability: This section, though more manageable than the steps that follow, can still be challenging for individuals with knee, joint, or respiratory conditions.

Section Two – The Steps of Repentance (Final Ascent) (Approx. 35% of the climb)

  • Description: A steep and strenuous climb of approximately 750 stone steps carved centuries ago by monks. Note: This is the most physically intense portion of the hike.
  • Duration: Allow 60–90 minutes for this final segment
  • Conditions: Extremely steep incline, uneven steps
    • No handrails or safety supports
    • Some stones may be slippery, especially during early morning dew or colder months.

Important Warnings & Difficulty Notes: Mount Sinai is a sacred and awe-inspiring site, but climbing it is a physically demanding experience that involves significant risks. Please read the following carefully:

  • Physical Fitness Required: This climb is rated medium to highly challenging. It is not technical, but it is physically demanding, especially for individuals with limited mobility, knee or joint problems, or low- fitness levels.
  • Cold and Darkness During Night Climbs: Most ascents begin between midnight–1 a.m. Expect cold temperatures—often freezing—at the summit, especially in winter. Proper clothing, a headlamp or flashlight, and sturdy hiking shoes are essential for safety and comfort.
  • High Altitude Effects: Some climbers may experience mild altitude symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue, especially near the summit.
  • Challenging Descent: Descending the mountain can be more strenuous than the ascent, particularly on the knees. Take extra caution, especially when tired or in low-light conditions.
  • Limited Emergency Services: Please be aware that there are no formal ambulance or emergency medical services available on Mount Sinai. In case of an accident or medical issue, only local Bedouin assistance is available, and evacuation may take several hours or longer, depending on the situation.
  • Responsibility & Liability Disclaimer: Neither Holy Kemet nor Principia holds any responsibility or liability for incidents, accidents, or decisions made in response to health or safety issues during the Mount Sinai experience. Travelers should be fully aware of the risks involved. In critical situations, clients may be left alone or unattended if evacuation, hospital care, or professional nursing is required and unavailable on site.

Day 17: Sunday, November 15
Sharm El Sheik – Free Day

  • Sharm Old Market
  • Church service
  • Hotel: 5 stars resort
  • Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
  • Extra Option: Glass bottom boat, snorkeling or diving excursions (at additional cost)

Enjoy a free day at your leisure. You may have the option to join an extra excursion such as a glass-bottom boat, snorkeling, diving, etc. at an additional cost. Tonight, we will depart after dinner to Sharm Old Market for a shopping opportunity. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 18: Monday, November 16
Sharm/Cairo/Final Departure or Jordan Extension

  • Fly to Cairo
  • Final Departure
  • Jordan Extension
  • Meals: Breakfast

Morning flight to Cairo. Upon arrival to the Cairo Airport domestic hall, say farewell to Egypt as you are escorted to the international terminal to board your international flight home. 

Important Travel Notes

  1. Please note that flights from Sharm El Sheikh to Cairo, operated by EgyptAir, are scheduled between 5 a.m.–2 p.m., with typical arrivals in Cairo at either 6 a.m. or 3 p.m. The group will be booked on one of these morning to early afternoon flights, but the exact timing is determined solely by EgyptAir and cannot be selected in advance. Final allocations are confirmed closer to the departure date based on airline availability.
  2. To ensure a smooth international connection and to allow ample time for airport procedures and any unforeseen delays, we strongly recommend that your final international departure from Cairo be scheduled no earlier than 6 p.m. on November 16.
  3. For added comfort before your flight, extra nights at Le Méridien Cairo Airport Hotel (directly connected to Terminal 3) are available upon request for an additional cost.
  4. If you're interested in continuing your journey, you may also consider extending your trip into Jordan.

 

Jordan Extension (4 Nights/5 Days)
November 16–20

Day 18: Monday, November 16
Sharm/ Cairo / Jordan Extension
Cairo / Amman – Jerash – Amman

  • Morning Flight Sharm / Cairo / Amman
  • Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
  • Hotel: 5 stars or Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch (Sandwiches) & Dinner

Early morning flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, walk to Cairo international terminal to board your flight to Amman, Jordan (90-minute flight). Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted by our representative who will introduce the guide and driver to start your excursion.

Enjoy Amman Citadel Visit: Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) Perched on one of Amman's highest hills, the Citadel is a timeless gateway to Jordan’s layered history. Visitors can walk among the ruins of the Roman Temple of Hercules and Byzantine church; all set against sweeping views of the city below. The on-site Archaeological Museum showcases artifacts from Jordan’s earliest civilizations, offering a powerful connection to the biblical, classical, and Islamic heritage of the region. Drive to your hotel to check in and enjoy free time and rest. Optional walk on Rainbow Street. Dinner and overnight.

Day 19: Tuesday, November 17
Jerash, Jordan Museum, and Dead Sea

  • Jerash and Jordan Museum
  • Hotel: 5 stars or Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch (Sandwiches) & Dinner

After breakfast, at 7 a.m., check out of the hotel. We will begin our journey north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Known as the “City of a Thousand Columns,” Jerash invites us to walk along its grand colonnaded streets, explore the impressive Oval Plaza, and visit early Christian churches with intricate mosaic floors—all set within a beautifully excavated archaeological park.

In the afternoon, we return to Amman to visit the Jordan Museum, home to Jordan’s most treasured artifacts, including the remarkable Copper Scroll from the Dead Sea Scrolls and the prehistoric ʿAin Ghazal statues. The museum offers a thoughtful look into the land’s deep biblical, cultural, and scientific significance. From there, we descend through the golden hills of the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, where the group will check in, unwind, and (time permitting) experience its legendary waters at sunset.

Day 20: Wednesday, November 18
Bethany, Mt. Nebo, Madaba & Petra

  • Bethany, Mt. Nebo, Madaba
  • Testimony Meeting
  • Hotel: 5 stars or Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch (Sandwiches) & Dinner

Free morning then depart at 9 a.m. for a short-distance drive to the sacred site of Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), widely recognized as the authentic location of Jesus’ baptism. Set along the eastern bank of the Jordan River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a moving experience with ancient churches, baptismal pools, and biblical landscapes.

We then continue to Mount Nebo, where tradition holds that Moses stood to view the Promised Land—a breathtaking panoramic view stretching across the Jordan Valley and into Israel. Next, we explore Madaba, known for its deep Christian heritage and the remarkable 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land inside St. George’s Church. We’ll enjoy a lunch box. In the afternoon, we begin our scenic drive south through the highlands toward the legendary city of Petra, arriving in the early evening for check-in and rest. Dinner and overnight.

Day 21: Thursday, November 19
Petra Sunrise & Wadi Mujib / Amman

  • Petra
  • Hotel: 5 stars or Boutique Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch (Sandwiches) & Dinner

For those who wish to experience Petra in its most peaceful and awe-inspiring light, an optional early-morning visit offers a breathtaking walk through the Siq to the Treasury, or for the more adventurous, a guided hike up to the Monastery, one of Petra’s most iconic and less-crowded monuments. This pre-dawn experience captures the spiritual silence and natural beauty of this ancient Nabataean city before the crowds arrive. After breakfast and check-out, we journey north via the King’s Highway, one of Jordan’s most scenic routes. Along the way, we’ll pause for a short visit to the Wadi Mujib viewpoint, offering dramatic canyon views over what is often called Jordan’s Grand Canyon. From there, we continue toward Amman, arriving mid-afternoon for hotel check-in and time to relax before dinner.

Day 22: Friday, November 20
Amman Leisure & Departure

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Check out after breakfast and transfer to the airport
  • Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for departure

Included with Main Tour: 14 Nights/15 Days

  • Cairo: 2 nights at 5-star hotel (day 1 & day 14) (standard room) Le Meridien Airport or similar
  • Alexandria: 1 night at 5-star hotel standard room (Steigenberger Cecil or Rixos)  
  • Cairo: 3 nights at 5-star hotel (standard room) at Four Seasons, Marriott Mena House, or Nile Ritz Carlton or similar  
  • Luxor: 2 nights at 5-star hotel (standard room) (Moudera Hotel or Winter Palace or similar)
  • Private Nile Dahabiya Cruise: 4 nights onboard (private & semi-luxury boat)
  • Aswan: 1 night at 5-star hotel (luxury room) Old Cataract or Movenpick Island Aswan or similar
  • Abu Simbel: 1 night at 4-star hotel (best available) Seti First Hotel or similar
  • Private entry to the Sphinx for 1 hour (only for Principia Group)
  • Domestic flights (Cairo/Luxor & Aswan /Abu Simbel/Aswan/Cairo) (economy class)
  • Meals: as mentioned on the itinerary. 14 Breakfasts, 14 light Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • Arrival & departure transfers
  • Meet & assist at airports
  • Transportation for all excursions with air-conditioned tourist bus recent model 50-seat bus (Mercedes Benz) 2025/2026 model
  • Entrance fees to the above-mentioned sights
  • Excursions as listed on the itinerary
  • Qualified expert English-speaking Egyptologist/Tour Director escorting the tour from beginning to end
  • Principia Lifelong Learning trip scholar and host
  • Abu Simbel sound & light show
  • Entry Visa only for American citizens
  • Tipping for dahabiya crew, service providers, agency reps, drivers
  • Grand Egyptian Museum visit
  • Authentic Egyptian barbeque dinner
  • Porterage, taxes & local permits
  • Shopping opportunities
  • Whisper system devices/group tour headset
  • Up to two bottles of water daily and shared bottled water for the table during meals

Included with Sinai Post-Tour: 3 Nights/4 Days

  • Sinai St. Catherine: 1 night stay at 4-star hotel standard room (best available)
  • Sharm El Sheik: 2 nights at 5-star luxury resort standard room 
  • Flight Sharm/Cairo (economy class)
  • Transportation in air-conditioned tourist bus, recent model
  • Qualified expert English-speaking Egyptologist/Tour Director escorting the tour from beginning to end
  • Principia Lifelong Learning trip scholar and host
  • Meals as mentioned: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Special Bedouin Dinner at St. Catherine City in Sinai
  • Tipping for drivers & representatives
  • Up to two bottles of water daily and shared bottled water for the table during meals

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Single room charges
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Additions or changes to the standard program (Extra excursions not listed on the itinerary)
  • Cost to obtain a valid passport.
  • Bedouin Guide Tipping at Sinai – $10 USD per person
  • Any meals and drinks along the tour and not specified on the itinerary.
  • Personal items and tipping: laundry, phone calls, internet, shopping, restaurants gratuity, toilet fees/attendants, Temples’ Guard coffee and drinks; excess baggage, etc.
  • Medical requirements or expenses
  • Any increase in taxes and fees that may occur between printing this brochure and issuing of airline tickets. Price is based on the exchange rate at the time of printing and may be subject to change.
  • Additional charge to pay by credit card
  • Departure tax if applicable

Included with Jordan Extension

  • Flight (Cairo / Amman) Economy Class
  • Airport pickup and drop off
  • Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
  • 2-night accommodation in Amman (Rotana tower, or similar)
  • 1-night accommodation in Petra (Movenpick or similar)
  • 1-night accommodation at Dead Sea (Movenpick or similar)
  • Breakfast and dinner in the hotels
  • Transportation A/C for the mentioned program
  • Entrance fees to mentioned sites
  • Free visa
  • English speaking guide for 4 days
  • Principia Lifelong Learning trip scholar and host
  • 2 small bottles of water daily
  • 4 standard lunches
  • Horse ride in Petra from visitor center to the beginning of SIQ (included on the ticket)
  • Donkey ride in Petra
  • Tips for guide, driver, porter, restaurants

Not Included with Jordan Extension

  • Everything not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses
  • Extra meals
  • Travel insurance
  • Bell boy at the hotel **check-in/check-out tipping
  • Drinks along the tour
  • Single room charges
  • International airfare from Amman to home destination
  • Additional charge to pay by credit card
  • Departure tax if applicable
  • Bedouin Guide or Donkey Minder at Petra 
  • Personal items & tipping: laundry, phone calls, internet, shopping, restaurants gratuity, toilets fees / attendance, Temples’ Guard coffee and drinks, excess baggage, etc.
  • Any medical requirements or expenses (if required)