Splendors of the Nile

DAY 1

CairoArrive at Cairo International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, a Uniworld representative will be on hand to greet you and escort you to the opulent Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza.HOTELFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

DAY 2

Cairo SightseeingThe ancient quarter of Cairo is intense—the colors, the sounds, the density of people—and it’s likely been this way for thousands of years. Your local expert will show you a 12th-century citadel, the beautiful Alabaster Mosque and an unsurpassed collection of priceless artifacts, including mind-boggling treasures once buried with the boy king Tutankhamen.Note: Dressing modestly is recommended as a show of respect for the culture and customs of the Egyptian people. In particular, women should ensure that shoulders are covered and legs are concealed at least to the knee on all shore excursions throughout this itinerary.Featured Excursion: Citadel of Salah al-Din, Alabaster Mosque and Egyptian MuseumCitadel of Salah al-Din, Alabaster Mosque and Egyptian Museum
Your tour of this historic city includes a visit to the Citadel of Salah al-Din, a massive compound containing mosques and museums and offering breathtaking views of Cairo. Founded in the seventh century by Arab conquerors, the Fatimid dynasty rulers made Cairo their capital and named it al-Qahira (“the Victorious”). The great sultan Salah al-Din built his citadel in the 12th century as a government center and bulwark against invading armies of Crusaders. Located high above the eastern end of Cairo on El-Moqattam Hill, the citadel was the home of Egypt’s rulers for more than 700 years and is one of the oldest attractions in the city.After the Ottoman ruler Muhammad Ali seized power in the 1800s, he restored the walls of the citadel and built numerous palaces, schools and government buildings inside. His masterpiece was the great Alabaster Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, which you’ll have an opportunity to visit. Its two slender minarets were Muhammad Ali’s declaration of independence from Istanbul, as Ottoman law decreed that only a sultan could build a mosque with two minarets. The mosque’s expansive Turkish-style interior is lit by a beautiful array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling.You’ll also visit the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, established in 1900 and by far the most impressive collection of Egyptian antiquities and pharaonic treasures in the world. Located in the heart of Cairo, the museum displays an astonishing number of objects. Ancient Egyptian history began with the founding of the Old Kingdom around 3100 BC and lasted 3,000 years, until Alexander the Great conquered the country in 332 BC and ended the rule of the pharaohs. The museum’s galleries are laid out in roughly chronological order as you move clockwise along the ground floor.Note: Photography of any kind is forbidden inside the museum, including digital cameras, cell phones and camcorders.MEALSBreakfast

DAY 3

Cairo, Fly to Luxor (Embark) Cruising the Nile River, DenderaPrepare to be amazed at the legendary Temple of Karnak, a massive and absolutely astounding site, with gigantic columns, broad avenues lined with stone sphinxes and halls of truly epic proportions. Your local guide is a trained Egyptologist with fascinating insights to share, many not found in any guidebook.Featured Excursion: Temple at KarnakTemple at Karnak
After a short flight to Luxor on the east bank of the Nile, you can stroll through the grand avenues of sphinxes and halls of gigantic columns of the magnificent Temple of Karnak. This vast complex, situated about 2 miles (3.5 kilometers) from the Temple of Luxor, was originally established during the Middle Kingdom (1991-1633 BC), and various dynasties over the next 1,300 years continued to expand it. Karnak is a massive and simply astounding site, reflecting the combined achievements of many generations of ancient builders—as many as 80,000 laborers took part in its creation during the 19th Dynasty alone.Buried under sand for a thousand years, the UNESCO- designated Karnak complex is composed of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples and several outer temples. The largest of these is dedicated to Amun, a great pharaonic god. Enter the main compound, the Precinct of Amun, through the Great Court, and continue on to the dazzling Great Hypostyle Hall—sometimes called the Hall of Columns—an imposing forest of 134 enormous sandstone columns in the form of papyrus stalks.Later, you’ll board the elegant S.S. Sphinx and set sail for beautiful Dendera. Enjoy a Gala Reception and dinner onboard this evening.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Gala Reception, Dinner

DAY 4

Dendera, Cruising the Nile River, LuxorLike its twin shrine, the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the once flourishing capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. It was built over hundreds of years and even in ruins it is still an extraordinary place. You’ll also visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty.Featured Excursions:
Temple of Hathor
Temple of LuxorTemple of Hathor
The impressive Temple of Hathor at Dendera was dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty. The temple dates to Egypt’s Ptolemaic era, when the heirs of Alexander the Great ruled over Egypt and adopted Egyptian culture and religion as their own. Built between 125 BC and AD 65, it is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt and features a rare bas-relief of Cleopatra with Caesarion, the son she bore to Julius Caesar.Return to Luxor for some free time before visiting the ancient Temple of Luxor.Temple of Luxor
Enter the temple through the great pylon—a ceremonial gateway—where two enormous statues of Ramses II still stand, along with a pink granite obelisk (its mate stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, France). Continue on to an enormous interior courtyard, where the Abu Haggag Mosque once stood atop the ruins of the temple. You can still see a ghostly remnant of the mosque on the east side of the courtyard, high above the columns, its arched doorway opening into thin air.The temple’s chief architects were Amenhotep III (Egypt’s “Sun King,” also known as Amenophis III) and Ramses II, and it was constructed over hundreds of years, beginning around 1400 BC. It was dedicated to the “father of all life,” the god Amun, sometimes referred to as Amon or Amon-Ra. Ancient Egyptians came to the temple to pay tribute to this god during the Opet Festival, celebrated during the annual flooding of the Nile. Once a year, a great feast was held and the statue of Amun was transported via a small sailboat from the Temple of Karnak to the Temple of Luxor. (Stages of the festival are depicted in friezes along the Temple of Karnak’s grand processional colonnade, the construction of which was started by Amenhotep III and finished by his grandson, Tutankhamen.)At the rear of the temple is the Sun Court of Amenhotep III, as well as the Bark Shrine that was rebuilt by Alexander the Great (who is depicted bare-chested on the walls). The Luxor Temple complex is at its most stunning at sunset, when it is illuminated with the golden glow of the setting sun.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Luxor, Cruising the Nile River, Kom OmboThe word “colossal” will take on a whole new meaning after today’s excursion to the gigantic twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. And that’s just the beginning—you’ll also visit the temple of one of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs as well as the Valley of the Kings, used as a royal burial place for nearly 500 years and where the mummified remains of Tutankhamen are on display.Featured Excursion: Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple and Valley of the KingsColossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple and Valley of the Kings
Get an up-close view of two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, better known as the Colossi of Memnon. Sixty feet tall and gazing eastward toward the rising sun, the statues depict Amenhotep seated on his throne. Carved next to his legs are his mother and his wife, with side panels depicting the god of the Nile, Hapi. The figures originally sat in front of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III and are believed to have surpassed even Karnak in size. Unfortunately, the temple itself was slowly dismantled over the centuries to provide building materials for new temples; the twin Colossi continue to stand guard nonetheless, just as they have done for the past 3,400 years.The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri is another highlight today. One of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs, Hatshepsut is considered by historians to have been one of the most successful rulers of ancient Egypt. Both the setting and the construction of her temple make it unique among the landmarks of Egypt; built into the face of steep cliffs at the basin, the temple is made of limestone instead of sandstone, unlike any other funerary temples of the New Kingdom period. Hatshepsut’s successor, Thutmose III, attempted to remove her name from the temple, and many images of the queen were damaged or destroyed during his reign.You’ll also visit one of the most famous archeological sites in the world—the remote and barren Valley of the Kings, used for royal burials for nearly 500 years. Much of our understanding of Egyptian mythology has been garnered from these ancient chambers, located about four miles inland on the west bank of the Nile. It was here that the bodies of great pharaohs such as Ramses II and Thutmose III were once laid to rest and where the mummified remains of the boy king Tutankhamen are still on display. The idea for establishing this royal burial ground is thought to have originated with Thutmose I, who opted to conceal his tomb far from his mortuary temple in an effort to deter tomb robbers. Subsequent pharaohs did the same, changing a tradition that had endured for close to 2,000 years.Within the tombs and along the walls of the Valley of the Kings, inscriptions from the Book of the Dead provided instructions on how the pharaohs could safely journey to the next world and avoid the dangers that lay on the way. For the sake of preservation, only a handful of the most interesting tombs are open to visitors at any given time.Return to the ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. Tonight, don your galabeya (traditional Egyptian attire, samples of which will be available for purchase onboard if you’d like to participate but didn’t bring your own) for a festive onboard party featuring traditional Egyptian music.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6

Kom Ombo, Cruising the Nile River, AswanAfter visiting a temple dedicated to a crocodile god today (don’t miss the display of some of the 300 mummified crocs found in the local area), hop aboard a small boat for a bird-watching excursion along the Nile.Featured Excursions:
Kom Ombo Temple
Bird watching boat ride and tea with a Nubian familyKom Ombo Temple
The Kom Ombo Temple, unlike most ancient Egyptian temples, is dedicated to two gods—the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus the Elder. Construction began under the reign of Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145 BC) and continued under later rulers, most notably Ptolemy XIII (47-44 BC), who built the inner and outer hypostyle halls. Several of the 300 crocodile mummies discovered in the vicinity are displayed inside the temple.Bird watching boat ride and tea with a Nubian family
After a scenic cruise to Aswan, you’ll take a small boat on a bird-watching excursion along the Nile. Keep an eye out for different species of herons, kingfishers, vultures, sunbirds and other wildlife that thrive in the marsh grass along the riverbanks.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7

AswanToday is an epic day, filled with wonders from start to finish. You’ll visit a marvel of modern engineering—the Aswan High Dam—as well as the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple complex, which was moved from one island to another back in the 1970s. But wait, there’s more. You’ll also take a ride in a felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat—and enjoy afternoon tea at a famous hotel depicted in Agatha Christie’s novel Death on the Nile.After dinner onboard this evening, you’ll be treated to an enchanting Nubian show featuring traditionally attired performers, live music and dancing.Featured Excursions:
Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple
Boat ride in traditional Nile River felucca and afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel AswanAswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple
The Aswan High Dam, completed in the 1970s, is a marvel of modern engineering that boasts some truly epic dimensions—it is 11,800 feet long; 3,215 feet wide at its base; and 304 feet high—with a reservoir capacity nearly five times that of the Hoover Dam. You’ll also visit the Unfinished Obelisk, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut yet never completed due to a flaw discovered in the stone. If completed, it would have been the largest and heaviest obelisk ever attempted, weighing more than two million pounds.Another highlight today is the beautiful Philae Temple complex, originally situated on the island of Philae. It was painstakingly transferred to the island of Agilika after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a daunting UNESCO-funded endeavor that took 10 years to complete. The three principal monuments on the island all date from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods—the Kiosk of Trajan, the Temple of Hathor and the Temple of Isis.Note: Guests are welcome to climb around the Unfinished Obelisk, but please note the climb is physically demanding.Boat ride in traditional Nile River felucca and afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan
Today you will sail serenely down the Nile in a felucca— a small traditional boat with large triangular sails—a wonderful way to experience the river as Egyptians have for a thousand years. Later, relax over afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel Aswan, a colonial-era gem that counts Winston Churchill and Princess Diana among its former guests. This famous hotel was depicted in Agatha Christie’s acclaimed mystery novel Death on the Nile.Note: Feluccas are wind-powered and thus will operate only if weather conditions permit.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8

Aswan, Cruising the Nile River, Kom Ombo, EdfuSpend the day at leisure or join us for an optional excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9Esna, Cruising the Nile River, LuxorOn today’s excursion, you’ll learn how the Temple of Esna was buried under debris for many centuries and is one of the last great Egyptian temples ever built. Your Egyptologist guide will share all sorts of fascinating insights about this significant cultural site and show you the façade bearing the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.Later, savor the Nile’s majestic scenery as the ship cruises to Luxor.Featured Excursion: Temple of EsnaTemple of Esna
The Late Roman Temple of Esna lies on the west bank of the Nile about 34 miles south of Luxor. Buried under debris for many centuries, the temple is just a short walk from the ship through the local market. It dates from the Ptolemaic and Roman period (180 BC to AD 251) and is one of the last Egyptian temples ever built. Visitors can see two large inscriptions praising Khnum, the ram-headed god of creation, who fashioned mankind on a potter’s wheel from the clay mud of the Nile. There’s also a hypostyle hall with 24 pillars and a ceiling depicting Egyptian astronomical figures and Roman zodiac signs. On the temple’s western wall, look for images of Horus, the god of victory, and Khnum, dragging a net full of fish. At the foot of this façade are the last known hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt.MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10

Luxor (Disembark), Fly to CairoAfter disembarking and flying back to Cairo, you’ll have time to relax before tonight’s featured excursion—a Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza. Disembark in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Check in to the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza and enjoy free time in the city before attending a sensational Sound and Light Show at the pyramids of Giza.Featured Excursion: Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of GizaSound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza
This evening’s Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids is a fantastically creative and colorful introduction to these ancient wonders and the amazing people and culture that built them. Travel back in time as you experience a compelling historical overview, with fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian secrets and legends.MEALSBreakfastHOTELFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza

DAY 11

Cairo (Ancient Memphis)It’s a day of Bucket List Moments today as we venture to Ancient Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of amazing monuments to see—including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. After seeing the pyramids from afar last evening, you’ll have a thrilling opportunity to view them from an up-close perspective, the only way to fully appreciate their remarkable size and grandeur. Featured Excursion: Ancient Memphis sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and Sakkara visitAncient Memphis sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx and Sakkara visit
Venture forth to Ancient Memphis, the capital of Egypt’s Old Kingdom and now a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing a number of extraordinary monuments. You’ll see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, as well as the Step Pyramid of King Zoser (or Djoser) in nearby Sakkara, the oldest pyramid in the world and the prototype for all subsequent pyramids. The ancient architect and sage Imhotep initially designed the pyramid as a single story, then later added five more levels and covered the structure with a shell of fine limestone. In front of the pyramid, Imhotep built a stone structure containing a wooden box with two peepholes; peer inside and you’ll see a life-size painted statue of King Zoser. The peepholes were created to allow the king’s ka (life spirit) to communicate with the outside world.At the Giza Necropolis, the face of ancient Egypt—the Great Sphinx—awaits your visit. With the body of a crouching lion and the head of a man, it is the largest monolith statue in the world. Experts believe that the Sphinx (known to the early Arabs as Abu al-Hol, “Father of Terror”) was built in the 26th century BC during Khafre’s reign, perhaps as a portrait of the pharaoh himself. Unfortunately, much of this monument has either eroded or been deliberately destroyed over the years. Some of its facial features are no longer intact, such as the beard and the nose—the latter of which was not shot off by Napoleon’s soldiers, as widely believed, but chiseled away many centuries earlier. A number of excavations in modern times have removed the sand that built up around the Sphinx over the centuries and kept much of it buried. Despite its timeworn condition, the Sphinx still kneels gracefully as it has for thousands of years, looking toward the east with an enigmatic smile.Today you’ll also visit the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Beholding these legendary structures up close lets you appreciate their stone masonry and awe-inspiring architectural precision. Until as recently as the 19th century, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids—Khufu—was the tallest building in the world; when it was completed around the 26th century BC, it stood about 50 stories high.MEALSBreakfast

DAY 12

Depart CairoCheck out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home, or extend your trip with a memorable optional extension in Jerusalem.Note: Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors.MEALSBreakfast

Similar Trips

Price Includes

Dining

All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
Captain’s Gala Reception
Five-star farm-to-table cuisine
House wine, local beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee during lunch and dinner onboard

Accommodations

7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stylish S.S. Sphinx
4 nights at the luxurious Four Seasons at Nile Plaza
Elegant and well-appointed riverview staterooms and suites, with the finest linens and towels
Onboard fitness center, plus exercise and wellness classes
Shipwide Inernet and Wi-Fi access

Excursions

12 included excursions all led by English-speaking local experts
Services of a local guide, a trained Egyptologist

Experiences

1 country: Egypt
4 UNESCO World Heritage sites
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
All scheduled airport transfers
All gratuities, both onboard and onshore
Onboard entertainment and enrichment

All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.

Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.

Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.

Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.

Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.

The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.

Dates & Prices

AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED, BUT CAN BE ADDED TO QUOTE UPON REQUEST

CRUISE START DATE	FRENCH BALCONY	DELUXE FRENCH BALCONY	SUITE	GRAND SUITE	ROYAL SUITE	AVAILABILITY
START DATE: SAT, JAN 4, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, JAN 15, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, JAN 11, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, JAN 22, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, JAN 18, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, JAN 29, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, JAN 25, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, FEB 5, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, FEB 1, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, FEB 12, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, FEB 8, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, FEB 19, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, FEB 15, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, FEB 26, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, FEB 22, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, MAR 4, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, FEB 29, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, MAR 11, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE
START DATE: SAT, MAR 7, 2020RETURN DATE: WED, MAR 18, 2020S.S. SPHINXCAIRO TO CAIRO	$5,699pp	$6,199pp	$7,299pp	$7,899pp	$8,599pp	REQUEST QUOTE

Extensions

Add an Optional Cruise Extension Package

JERUSALEM

Included in your 5-day stay:

4 nights at the Orient Jerusalem Hotel, Israel (or similar)
Breakfast daily and all service charges, taxes and porterage
Explore Jerusalem – 3 days of excursions with over 15+ sites
All transfers, transportation and intra-Israel flights
Services of a local host/guide

Pricing:
$2,499 per person (for 2 guests)

For solo travelers, there is a single supplement of $599.

NOTE: This extension is for cruise/tours that end in Cairo. A minimum number of participants is required to operate these extensions.

Day to Day:

Jerusalem is a city rich in history, religion and heritage—all of which you’ll discover on this 5-day post-cruise/tour extension that will take you to some of the oldest and holiest sites in the world. From the fascinating Old City to the vibrant downtown, there’s no shortage of ways to uncover this city’s enthralling past and captivating present.

DAY 1: Jerusalem
Upon your arrival in Jerusalem, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative, transferred to your hotel for check-in and have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. As one of the oldest cities in the world, there’s plenty to experience—including the Mahane Yehuda Market and its more than 250 vendors.

Please note: There will be a hospitality desk for guest questions at the hotel. During excursions, hosts will be able to assist guests.

DAY 2: Jerusalem
Set out on a half-day tour of this fascinating city, starting with a visit to Yad Vashem. Established in 1953, Yad Vashem is the global center for documentation, research, education and remembrance of the Holocaust. Located on the Hill of Remembrance, you’ll also tour the Children’s Memorial. Pay a visit to the Israel Museum, the country’s largest museum and a leading cultural institution. You’ll visit the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient religious writings that were originally found in caves along the shores of the Dead Sea. On your way back to the hotel, you’ll pass by Israel’s Parliament House and Supreme Court building and then have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. Your local host will be delighted to provide you with suggestions on the best places to dine and other ways to experience the city like a local.

DAY 3: Jerusalem
You’ll begin today’s full-day city tour by entering the Old City of Jerusalem through the Lion’s Gate—which marks the start of Jesus’ trek from his condemnation to crucifixion. As you venture into the Muslim Quarter, you’ll visit the Pool of Bethesda, the site of one of Jesus’ miracles in which he healed a paralyzed man. From here, you’ll head toward Via Dolorosa. Many Christian visitors walk the winding path believed to be Jesus’ route to the spot where he was crucified. There are some 14 spots along the way that each mark a different event in Jesus’ journey as he carried his cross. Make sure to take in fantastic views of the city from the Temple Mount. It was here that King David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of the Israelites as well as the spot that would house the Ark of the Covenant.

A visit to what is largely considered the world’s holiest Christian site—the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—is up next. The extraordinary church stands on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. This afternoon, you’ll hop on a motorcoach for a short drive to neighboring Bethlehem, Kind David’s hometown and Jesus’ birthplace. Since we’ll be crossing over into Palestinian Authority, you’ll be guided by a local Palestinian through Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. Later, you’ll enter the serene site of the Garden Tomb. This rock-cut tomb and holy site is said to be the place where Jesus was buried and later resurrected.

DAY 4: Jerusalem
Start your last full day in Jerusalem atop the Mount of Olives for a tremendous view of the city. Since ancient times, the Mount of Olives has acted as one of the main burial grounds in Jerusalem for all three monotheistic religions. The foot of the Mount of Olives is said to be the location where Jesus prayed following the Last Supper. You’ll then embark on a drive through Kidron Valley to Mount Zion, where you’ll see the sites of the Last Supper and King David’s tomb before entering the Old City through the Zion Gate. One of the holiest sites in Judaism, the Western Wall, beckons here. Visitors will notice that many of the cracks between the blocks are filled with prayers written on paper. The final stop is the Davidson Center and Jerusalem Archaeological Park, which showcases more than 2,000 years of the country’s history.

DAY 5: Jerusalem
After a delightful breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

JORDAN

Included in your 6-day stay:

3 nights at the St. Regis Amman, Jordan (or similar)
1 night at the Sun City camp in Wadi Rum
1 night at the Al Manara—a Luxury Collection Hotel in Aqaba
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
All service charges, taxes and porterage
Panoramic city tour of Amman
Jerash city tour and visit to Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative
Rose-Red City of Petra tour
Wadi Rum desert tour
Dead Sea, Saint George Church and Mount Nebo tours
All transfers, transportation and intra flights
Services of a Tour Manager throughout your trip

Pricing:
$2,199 per person (for 2 guests)

For solo travelers, there is a single supplement of $699.

NOTE: This extension is for cruise/tours that end in Cairo. A minimum number of participants is required to operate these extensions.

Day to Day:

Explore ancient ruins and rock-cut masterpieces on this 6-day pre-cruise/tour extension in Jordan. Thousands of years of history are yours to uncover as you wind your way through destinations brimming with archaeological wonders, mountainous landscapes and ancient ruins. This insightful discovery will open your eyes to the magnificence of this not-to-miss country.

Please note: A tour manager will be with you throughout the itinerary to facilitate flights, excursions, hotel changes and any other needs guests may have.

DAY 1: Amman
Upon your arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the St. Regis Amman hotel for the night.

DAY 2: Amman, Jerash
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a panoramic tour of dynamic and multifaceted Amman that will bring you to the Citadel, Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum and Roman Amphitheater. Marvel at the 6,000-seat, 2nd-century landmark that today is home to the majority of the city’s cultural activities. Journey through the residential suburbs flanked by tree-lined avenues and white houses, then head into downtown for a look at traditional life. After your tour of the capital, you’ll pay a visit to the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative. This TreadRight Foundation-supported endeavor is where local women come together and share special skills with visitors, such as traditional weaving, papermaking, ceramics and cooking.

Head off to the ancient city of Jerash, which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. As one of the original 10 great Roman cities, Jerash is now the site of one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. After being hidden for centuries in sand and only uncovered in recent decades, the preserved Roman town features some of the finest examples of colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, beautiful theaters, spacious public squares and city walls pierced by towers and gates—all of which you’ll see on today’s adventure.

DAY 3: Petra, Wadi Rum
Today, you’ll explore the “Rose-Red City” of Petra, with its massive red mountains and vast mausoleums. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing truly prepares you for this astonishing city. You’ll enter the city through the Siq, a narrow walkway that’s flanked by colorful towering cliffs on both sides. As you reach the end, you’ll witness the stunning Al-Khazneh, one of the most intricate and iconic temples in the city. Then, you’ll enter the indescribable Petra Valley, with its overwhelming natural beauty and outstanding architectural achievements—there are hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate carvings. Here also sits a vast Nabatean-built, Roman-style theater—and high above rests the impressive Ad-Deir Monastery, accessible by a flight of 800 rock-cut steps. Later, you will travel to the Wadi Rum desert where you will check-in and spend the night at Sun City Camp.

DAY 4: Wadi Rum, Aqaba
Climb aboard a Bedouin jeep for a tour inside the desert of Wadi Rum, a place seemingly untouched by the outside world. As you drive through a maze of canyons and rock-scrapes, you’ll uncover natural wonder after natural wonder among this sprawling wilderness. After lunch at Sun City Camp, you’ll venture to the coastal city of Aqaba, where you can spend your time exploring ancient sites, trying traditional food or shopping at local vendors. Later, check-in to your hotel for the night, the Al Manara—a Luxury Collection Hotel.

DAY 5: Madaba, Amman
Venture to one of the holiest sites of Jordan—Mount Nebo, where Moses was buried. It is here that a small Byzantine church was built by early Christians and was later expanded into a vast complex that held a sermon by the late Pope John Paul II in March, 2000, which was attended by nearly 20,000 people. Next up is a visit to Saint George Church, the home of the Madaba Mosaic Map. The map is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Only a quarter of the original map, which dates from the sixth century AD, still remains. You’ll also see the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Jordan’s coastline along the Dead Sea is one of the most miraculous natural and spiritual landscapes in the world and has enticed travelers for centuries. The day ends in Amman, where you will return to the St. Regis Amman for the night.

DAY 6: Amman
Today, you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to Cairo, where you’ll embark on your Splendors of Egypt & the Nile cruise/tour.

Uniworld – The TreadRight Foundation People Project in Jordan
When you travel with Uniworld on our 2020 Jordan pre-cruise/tour extension you are helping to support local communities through our partnership with The TreadRight Foundation. You can make travel matter for the Jordanian women of the Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative.