Itinerary

DAY 1 ~ MONDAY ~ FEBRUARY 20
CHARLOTTE OR RALEIGH/DURHAM /EN ROUTE
The excitement of your odyssey begins as you board your overnight flight to Cairo. (Meals Aloft)
DAY 2 ~ TUESDAY ~ FEBRUARY 21
CAIRO
Upon arrival in Cairo in the afternoon, you will be met by your Classic Escapes representative who will assist you through
customs and escort you to your centrally located hotel. The heart of Egypt for more than 1,000 years, Cairo demonstrates
the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. It's in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come
together in a confusion of earthen houses and towering modern office buildings, of flashy cars and donkey-drawn carts.
The balance of your day is at leisure which allows time for you to acclimate to your new surroundings. This evening you
will be treated a lovely welcome dinner at the hotel.
Your accommodations for the
next three nights will be in the
legendary Mena House, set in
beautiful jasmine-scented
gardens with the great
pyramids towering behind.
The Mena House was
originally built as a royal lodge
by the King of Egypt, Khedive
Ismail, for use on hunting trips
in the desert. With the
opening of the Suez Canal, he
enlarged the guesthouse to
receive international and royal guests visiting the Pyramids. It was used as a hotel as early as 1880 and then taken over by the
Oberoi Hotels in the 1970s. The hotel has been meticulously renovated and expanded and is now a member of “The Leading
Hotels of the World.” Public areas are decorated in an ornate Arabesque style. All guest accommodation at Mena House
Oberoi is air conditioned with private bathroom. Rooms are lavishly appointed with traditionally inspired furnishings
and rich carpets. Your room overlooks the pyramids offering breathtaking views.
Overnight at the MENA HOUSE OBEROI. (D) www.oberoimenahouse.com
DAY 3 ~ WEDNESDAY ~ FEBRUARY 22
CAIRO
A full day of exploration with your guide is in store today. Spend the morning
exploring the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, where you'll discover the world's
richest collection of Pharaonic treasure, including Tutankhamen's. Although the sheer
number of items on display can be daunting, the ground floor takes you on a journey
through the history of ancient Egypt and may prove to be the best way to begin your
exploration. Your tour will include entry into the famous Mummy Room which
contains the corpses of 11 of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs including Seti I and his
son Ramses II. The figures still have features, and there is something awe-inspiring
about gazing at the face of someone who died 3,000 years ago.
Enjoy lunch at Naguib Mahfouz, a famous café at Khan-el-Khalili. The café was
named after Naguib Mahfouz was an Egyptian novelist who won the 1988 Nobel
Prize for Literature who managed to modernize Arabic literature. Later, travel back
to the dawn of Islamic civilization as you visit the 12th century Citadel, the medieval
fortress of Salah El Din, and the stunning Alabaster Mosque. Finally, it’s off to the
famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar for a bit of adventuresome bargaining. Enjoy a special
home hosted dinner this evening.
Overnight at the MENA HOUSE OBEROI. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 ~ THURSDAY ~ FEBRUARY 23
PYRAMIDS/SPHINX/MEMPHIS/SAKKARA
Explore the largest and most famous of Egyptian monuments – The Sphinx and Cheops Pyramid, built over 4,500 years ago.
The Sphinx of Giza is a symbol that has represented the essence of Egypt for thousands of years. The body of a lion with the
head of a king or god, the Sphinx has come to symbolize strength and wisdom. Because of the changing desert terrain, the
body of the Sphinx has been buried several
times over the past several thousand years.
Most recently in 1905, the sand has been
cleared away to expose the magnitude and
beauty of the entirety of the Sphinx. The
paws themselves are 50 feet long while the
entire length is 150 feet. Although the head of
the Sphinx is badly battered in some places,
traces of the original paint can still be seen
near one ear, leading archeologists to believe
that originally the Sphinx was painted and
quite colorful.
Located behind the Sphinx is the largest and
oldest of Giza’s pyramids – Cheops. This
pyramid is thought to have been built
between 2589 – 2566 BC. It would have taken
over 2,300,000 blocks of stone with an
average weight of 2.5 tons each. The total
weight would have been 6,000,000 tons and a height of 482 feet. Cheops is thought to have been the ruler of a highly
structured society and very wealthy. He was buried alone in this massive tomb. His wives may have been buried nearby in
smaller mastabas. Also tour the Solar Boat Museum with Cheop’s 142-foot long funerary boat, located at the base of the
south face of the Great Pyramid. The five boat pits were discovered in 1982; one of the boats is located at the site and can be
seen at the museum. The boat, which is encased in the stones, has no nails. It was held together with ropes and pegs and is
amazingly intact. The purpose of these boats may have been intended for travel to the after-life or to accompany the Sun-
God on his journey.
Journey the Egyptian countryside to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt which reached its peak between 2,700 and 2,270
BC. Little is left, other than the beautiful Alabaster Sphinx and an enormous reclining statue of Ramses II. Continue on to the
necropolis of Sakkara where fourteen pyramids were built, including one of the world’s oldest stone structures, the step
pyramid of Zoser. Entering the tomb of Mereruka you’ll go from room to room seeing colorful depictions of life in early
Egypt. Visit the Pyramid of Teti, the first ruler of Egypt’s Sixth Dynasty. There is a steep pathway that leads to the funerary
chamber and the chamber ceiling is decorated with stars. The burial chamber still holds hieroglyphic texts, the so-called
Pyramid Texts.
Return to your hotel late in the afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Overnight at the MENA HOUSE OBEROI. (B,L)

DAY 5 ~ FRIDAY ~ FEBRUARY 24
ABU SIMBEL
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Abu Simbel. Here
you’ll discover the massive temples dedicated to Ramses II and his
legendary wife Nefertari. These architectural wonders are two of the
most impressive monuments of the ancient world, over 100 feet high
and guarded by colossal stone figures of Ramses II. As Lake Nasser
began to form, the entire monument was cut into 2,000 pieces and
moved to its present site, a feat almost as amazing as its original
construction. The reconstruction of the temple perfectly recreates a
special feature of its original architecture: on only two days each year, the sun shines from the entrance all the way into
the sanctuary, 112 feet away. This evening you’ll attend a Sound and Light show at the temple.
You will stay at the charming Seti Hotel, within walking distance of the
great temple. The stone construction is set amid beautifully landscaped
gardens overlooking the lake. There are several restaurants and lounge
areas, a pool and rooms offer all the amenities of a modern hotel. This
evening return to the temple as the sun sets to watch a sound and light
show.
Overnight at the SETI ABU SIMBEL. (B,D)

DAY 6 ~ SATURDAY ~ FEBRUARY 25
ASWAN
Drive to Aswan and tour one of Egypt's modern wonders—the Aswan
High Dam completed in 1971 and located just south of Aswan. It was
constructed not only to regulate the yearly flood of the Nile, but also to
create a water reservoir capable of storing water to prevent famine during
severe droughts. The reservoir is known as Lake Nasser, named after
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser who undertook the national
project of the dam construction in 1960. During the course of construction,
provisions were made to repatriate the Nubian inhabitants, and, in a
multi-national effort, to relocate the Great Temple of Abu Simbel.
Visit the Unfinished Obelisk to contemplate Egypt's ancient construction
methods. Travel by boat to the delicate Temple of Isis at Philae on the
island of Agilkia. Its main temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and
its construction was undertaken during the third century BC. Philae was the last bastion of ancient Egyptian religion and
hieroglyphic usage. It is also a superb example of threatened cultural heritage being saved in the face of modern
civilization's march to change the environment. Like the Great Temple at Abu Simbel, the Temple was moved in its
entirety when the Aswan High Dam was built
(completed in 1971) and Agilkia became its
new home.
The Movenpick Resort Aswan is a modern
hotel set among gardens by the Nile River.
The 235 bright guestrooms feature Nubianstyle
decor and open onto balconies.
Amenities include satellite television, dial-up
Internet connections, direct-dial phones,
minibars, blackout drapes and rollaway beds.
Bathrooms include telephones, shower/tub
combinations and makeup mirrors. Soak up
the sun by the outdoor pool, and enjoy
barbecues, refreshing drinks and ice cream at
the poolside bar. The onsite spa centre offers a
sauna, Turkish steam room, and jetted tub,
and guests can indulge in massage treatments
and sandpit therapy. Diners can head for the
Orangerie restaurant, which serves International and local dishes, while the La Perla serves Traditional Italian dishes in a
Mediterranean-style setting. The hotel also offers table tennis, a floodlit tennis court, a shopping arcade and a bank.
Overnight at the MOVENPICK RESORT ASWAN. (B,D)

DAY 7 ~ SUNDAY ~ FEBRUARY 26
ASWAN
Visit the Brooke Clinic, a worldwide organization with now six clinic locations in Egypt alone. The clinics are the home
base for a large network of mobile veterinary units that bring care directly to the animals where they live and work. From
humble beginnings as a hospital for warhorses
in Cairo, the Brooke has become the world’s
biggest welfare charity for working equines.
Upon arrival to Egypt in 1930, Dorothy
Brooke was horrified to see hundreds of
emaciated horses being used as beasts of
burden on its streets. The wife of a British
army major general, Dorothy Brooke was
appalled to learn that these walking skeletons
were ex-cavalry horses sold into hard labor
following World War I. When she returned to
England, she couldn’t shake the memory of
the poor animals and so she wrote a letter to
the Morning Post – which later became the
Daily Telegraph – exposing their plight. The
public was so moved that they sent her funds
to help these creatures. Within three years,
Dorothy Brooke had set up a committee and bought 5,000 of these ex-cavalry horses. Most were old and in the final stages
of collapse, and had to be humanely put down. But, thanks to her compassion and tenacity, all of them ended their lives
peacefully. In 1934, Dorothy founded the ‘Old War Horse Memorial Hospital’ in Cairo, with the promise of free
veterinary care for all the city’s working horses and donkeys in turn bringing to life the Brooke Hospital for Animals.
Today the Brooke works across ten countries in Asia, Africa, Central America and the Middle East, reaching over 730,000
donkeys, horses and mules worldwide. Working in some of the toughest environments in the world – from tropical
Guatemala to Himalayan north-west Pakistan – Brooke’s community animal health workers and vets are ensuring that
hundreds of thousands of working horses, donkeys and mules and the millions of people who depend on them for a
living lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. Watch the work at the clinic for fascinating insight into the daily
lives of the largely rural people, some of the poorest in the world and learn how they cope with the challenges they face.
Later, enjoy a felucca ride to the lovely Kitchener Island, an oval-shaped island in the Nile and the namesake of Lord
Horatio Kitchener. The island was given to him in the 1890s for his part in the Sudanese campaigns while he was the
Egyptian Consul. Kitchener, who was a keen gardener, turned his island home into a botanical garden, importing exotic
plants and trees which flourished in the Aswan climate. The botanical garden was constructed in 1899 under the
supervision of the Ministry of Irrigation and turned into an experimental station for plants from equatorial regions in
1928. Alongside the native trees and plants of Aswan such as the Sycamore Fig and the Date Palm, many trees were
brought from abroad and cultivated for use in the timber industry. Experimental oil and fruit crops were also propagated
on the island by the Ministry of Agriculture.Today Kitchener’s Island is a peaceful paradise, full of shady trees, beautiful flowers and unusual plants among the
paved walkways. The island is a haven for many rare exotic birds and their colorful plumage can be glimpsed in the
branches of most of the trees. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around the island. Now owned by the Egyptian government, there is
a biological research station at its southern end however it is not open to visitors. The research station supplies rare
tropical plants and timber trees to many parts of the world.
Overnight at the MOVENPICK RESORT ASWAN. (B,D)

DAY 8 ~ MONDAY ~ FEBRUARY 27
ASWAN/KOM OMBO ~ NILE CRUISE
EMBARKATION
Board your home for the next four nights, an
elegant dahabiya that will stylishly deliver you
along the Nile. Dahabiyas are the traditional
sailing vessels used since Pharaonic times to
reach the farthest reaches of the empire, by
river and canal. As passenger vessels,
freighters, floating royal courts and excursion
boats, they have long had an essential
relationship with the land and people. Your
dahabiya is updated with non-traditional
comforts, including modern plumbing,
cuisine, and a trained staff, while maintaining
the essence of the dahabiya experience in
keeping with Egypt’s traditions. With just
eight cabins, this journey offers an intimate
and exclusive atmosphere of personal service and refined hospitality. Facilities aboard include an elegant lounge and an
open-air Jacuzzi. The spacious deck is the ideal spot to rest in the shade as you watch 5,000 years of history unfold
before you.

Following lunch disembark and head to Kom Ombo. Visit
a unique third-century temple with beautiful stone reliefs,
murals and a dramatic view of the Nile. Kom Ombo is
home to an unusual double temple built during the
Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The temple is dedicated to
the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Haroeris
(Horus the Elder).
Overnight aboard DAHABIYA. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 ~ TUESDAY ~ FEBRUARY 28
NILE CRUISE: EDFU
Continue your cruise past feluccas, fishing vessels, and
cargo boats loaded with freshly cut sugar cane. Next stop
is Edfu one of the best preserved temples in Egypt which
honors the falcon-headed god, Horus. Ptolemy II began construction of the temple in 237 BC., but it was not completed
until 57 B.C. Without question, this 118-foot-high, 262-foot-wide temple is one of the most splendid examples of late
temple architecture. The incredible number of inscriptions
on its walls has greatly enriched our knowledge of Egyptian
civilization, especially in the area of theology and cult
practices. By nightfall, you reach a local island, where we
will dock for the night.
Overnight aboard DAHABIYA. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 ~ WEDNESDAY ~ FEBRUARY 29
NILE CRUISE: ESNA/LUXOR
Set sail early this morning for Esna where you’ll have a
walking tour of the town which is dedicated to the creator
god Khnum. Visit the Roman temple of Khnum at Esna,
which dates from the time of Ptolemy VI (180-145 B.C.) to
Decius (249-251 AD.). The temple contains two large
inscriptions in praise of Khnum, a ram-headed creator god who fashioned mankind on a potter's wheel from the clay
mud of the Nile. The temple, dating to the Ptolemaic and Roman Period and one of the last temples built in Egypt, stands
today in its excavation pit, 29 feet below the modern ground level. Enjoy lunch en route to Luxor where you dock for the
night.
Overnight aboard DAHABIYA. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 ~ THURSDAY ~ MARCH 1
NILE CRUISE: LUXOR/KARNAK
Visit Luxor’s West Bank and explore the ancient city of Thebes.
Stand in awe at the necropolis of pharaohs and nobility as you are
greeted by the Colossi of Memnon: two giant seated statues of
Amenophis III. Tour the Valley of the Kings, where you are
surrounded by the eternal tombs of the pharaohs from the 18th and
19th dynasties of the New Kingdom. From 1903-1906 an Italian
expedition discovered about 80 tombs, some of which belonged to
children of royalty. Many were severely damaged having been
burned and or reduced to being used as stables for donkeys and
camel. You will visit three very different tombs of the many in the
area. Within them, you'll see ancient paintings and carvings in colors
that retain much of their original freshness illustrating the life of the owner and his passage to the afterlife. Discover the
Valley of the Queens and Nobles and the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut sheltered by the surrounding cliffs. The
ancient Egyptians gave it the name Set Neferu, meaning "seat of beauty."
Enjoy a BBQ lunch before heading to the extraordinary Karnak Temples, a complex of temples, obelisks, pylons, courts,
colonnades, halls, reliefs and sanctuaries once connected to Luxor Temple by a two mile path lined with sphinxes. It is
the largest religious structure in the world, a 60-acre archeological treasure built by generation after generation of
pharaohs. The most important temple area is dedicated to Amon-Ra and was in use for over 2,000 years, longer than any
other religious building in history. The sheer magnitude of this colossal structure is nearly beyond comprehension. This
evening enjoy a sound and light show at the temples.
Overnight aboard DAHABIYA. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 ~ FRIDAY ~ MARCH 2
LUXOR
Check out and transfer to the Western bank of the Nile
and the Al Moundira Hotel. This unique refuge in the
desert, created by its charming owner Zeina Aboukheir is
a stylish baroque palace with Arabic architecture and
Egyptian and oriental furnishings. The 54 spacious rooms
are located in the galleries of a series of courtyards and are
all adorned with original frescoes, richly colored fabrics
and objet’s d’art from Egypt and Europe. All have large
hammam-style bathrooms, most encrusted with colored
glass. The lush garden is filled with fruit trees, palms and
tropical flowers. Continental breakfast is served outside
on the terrace, lunch in the Pavilion restaurant in the
garden close to the outdoor swimming pool. In the
evenings, local and Mediterranean cuisine is prepared in
the dining room. Massage and Turkish baths also available.
You’ll have another opportunity today to discover the work that the Brooke Clinic is doing in the area with a visit to a
Brooke “mobile” clinic. Essentially these mobile clinics are stands outside large camel stables; here you have the chance to
watch the clinic work as well enjoy an hour long camel ride.
Overnight at the AL MOUDIRA HOTEL. (B,D)

DAY 13 ~ SATURDAY ~ MARCH 3
CAIRO
Today’s flight brings you back to Cairo where you check into your hotel for the evening. A recently renovated, atrium-style
luxury hotel, the Fairmont Heliopolis Hotel is situated in one of Cairo's most prominent districts, Heliopolis, a suburb of
tree lined avenues and home to Egypt's diplomatic and presidential offices and prime residential areas. Accommodation
is offered in one of the 544 guestrooms all equipped with modern facilities for your convenience. A wealth of dining
options range from Al Dabke’s exquisite Lebanese cuisine, through authentic Italian at Leonardo’s, to Chinios with far
eastern menu, while classic international choices are available at My Kind Of Place. There are also a pool-side snack bar,
tea room, bars and Darts, an English-style pub.
Overnight at the FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS. (B)

DAY 14 ~ SUNDAY ~ MARCH 4
CAIRO/ CHARLOTTE OR RALEIGH/DURHAM
This morning depart Cairo bidding farewell to Egypt. Arrive in the USA eager to share memories and photos with your
family and friends. (B)

OPTIONAL POST EXTENSION TO MOUNT SINAI & JORDAN

DAYS 14/15 ~ SUNDAY/MONDAY ~ MARCH 4/5
CAIRO/SHARM EL SHEIKH
Bid farewell to the remainder of the group returning to the U.S. as
you prepare for your next adventure. This morning’s flight whisks
you off to Sharm el-Sheikh, one of the most popular tourist
destinations in the Arabic world.
Sharm El Sheikh is an extravaganza of entertainment in a beach
setting backed by the natural wonders and historic enclaves of the
Sinai. Renowned as one of the best diving spots in the world, Sharm
El Sheikh is incredible to visit anytime of year. The area between
Tiran Island and Ras Mohammed National Park is especially lovely
with some of the world's most amazing underwater scenery. Here,
you’ll find crystal clear water, rare and beautiful reefs, and an
incredible variety of exotic fish among the colorful coral. Much of this
can be seen simply by snorkeling off the coast, but of course scuba
diving offers a much more rewarding experience.

Next day, drive just south of Sharm, on the very tip of the Sinai, to one
of Egypt's oldest and most beautiful, mostly underwater
protectorates, Ras Mohamed, with its amazing variety of sea fauna.
The park occupies one of the world's most extraordinary settings: a
slender, dramatically arid peninsula at the very southernmost tip of the
Sinai, rising to a dramatic promontory that looks out over some of the
most gloriously rich coral reefs that you will ever see. The Ras
Mohammed peninsula marks the nexus of the shallow Gulf of Suez and
the deep intercontinental chasm of the Gulf of Aqaba, itself a small
portion of the Great Rift Valley that stretches deep into Africa. Declared
a park in 1983, Ras Mohammed contains within its modest area an astounding variety of life, ranging from the gazelles of its
northern desert area to the brilliant orange coral groupers of its skirting reefs.
The boundaries of Ras Mohammed extend far out into the
surrounding waters, and even the most casual of visitors is
struck by how much of the park is dominated by the sea.
Even the dry land area of the park seems a part of the
marine world: in the north, large dunes are interspersed
with outcroppings of Miocene limestone in which are
embedded an astonishing wealth and variety of marine
fossils. In fact, the dramatic promontory that marks the
Sinai's southernmost tip belongs in part to the sea, as it is in
fact an enormous, fossilized coral reef, left high and dry tens
of thousands of years ago.

For many visitors, Ras Mohammed's most stunning scenery
is found underwater, in the broad, terraced coral reefs that
encircle the peninsula. Fire corals and brilliant sea fans
abound here, and among these lush reef corals roams a truly
magnificent array of both reef and pelagic fish – over a thousand species in all. “Mohammed’s Headland” is probably the
most famous dive site in the world. Here, where the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba meet, there are strong currents that feed coral
growth as well as masses of pelagic lige. Look for migrating birds such as falcons, Black-winged Pratincole and Crowned
Grouse. Visit the White Stork Reserve Center as well.
Sharm El Sheikh Marriott Red Sea Resort is divided into two properties, the beach front directly on popular Naama Bay
and the mountain resort located on the opposite side of the resort's main highway. The resort is located in the heart of the
famous Naama Bay on Sinai Peninsula, with private beach and close to the world renowned scuba diving spots; with its
wide variety of delicious cuisines, lush greenery and cool breeze, it offers all the tranquility of an exceptional resort.
Overnights at SHARM EL SHEIKH MARRIOTT RED SEA RESORT. (B Daily)

DAY 16 ~ TUESDAY ~ MARCH 6
ST. CATHERINE
Visit St. Catherine’s
Monastery founded by St.
Helena, mother of Emperor
Constantine, in 342AD on
what is believed to be the
site where Moses witnessed
the Burning Bush. The
surrounding fortress was
commissioned by Emperor
Justinian in 542AD to protect
monks and pilgrims from
raiders. Walk through the
lush olive and apricot groves and tour the church and grounds, your sanctuary from the desert. There may be an
opportunity to enjoy a private library visit, off limits to most tourists, where you can view sheepskin parchment documents
dating from the 5th century. The local Bedouin residents are said to be the descendants of the original families sent to guard
the monastery by Justinian.
Overnight at the WADI EL RAHA HOTEL. (B,L,D)

DAY 17 ~ WEDNESDAY ~ MARCH 7
NUWEIBA/AQABA/PETRA
Drive to the Nuweiba Port where you board your ferry for a fascinating
one hour ride to Aqaba. En route you will be able to see four countries
at one time: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Jordan. At Aqaba you are
met and transferred to your hotel in Petra for the next two evenings.
Located at the entrance to Petra site, your hotel boasts authentic antiques
and artworks and is certainly one of the most notable hotels in the Middle
East. Featuring an oriental architecture and intricate interior design the
resort offers 183 rooms each generous in size with subdued colors,
harmonious furnishings and comfortable sitting areas along with private
en-suite facilities, television, telephone, hair-dryer, mini bar and other
comforts of home.
Overnight at the PETRA MOEVENPICK HOTEL. (B,L,D)

DAY 18 ~ THURSDAY ~ MARCH 8
PETRA
Depart for a full day tour of Petra, the soul stirring, rose-red city and
Jordanian national treasure, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Petra was an ancient Nabataean capital settled by industrious Arab
traders more than 2,000 years ago. Petra’s unique location enabled the
Nabataeans to dominate the ancient Arabian trade routes, and the city
became wealthy from the tolls it levied on the caravans that sheltered there with their precious cargoes of spices, silks,
ivory and animal hides. In the ancient world, Petra was renowned for its refined culture, massive architecture, and
ingenuous system of dams and water channels.
In the years following the Emperor Trajan’s
annexation of Petra, the city declined and
slipped into obscurity until it was “discovered”
in 1812 by a Swiss traveler. Excavations that
revealed the astounding workmanship and the
incredible ruins at Petra did not begin until
1924. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal
more information about the Nabataean
Kingdom.
Petra still forms part of the domain of the
Bedouin. You will see them with their horses
and camels as you begin your unforgettable
trip into this cultural landmark. After passing
tombs outside the city, you come to the “Siq,”
an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone
almost one half mile long. This winding fissure
separates overhanging cliffs that appear to meet 300 feet overhead. Near the
end of the passage, the Siq makes one last turn and out of the gloom Petra's
most impressive monument Al Khazneh (The Treasury) appears in the
sunlight. One of the most elegant remains of antiquity, Al Khazneh is nearly
140 feet high and was carved from the mountain’s solid rock in the First
Century B.C. originally used as a Nabataean king’s tomb, Al Khazneh was
later used as a Nabataean temple. Film buffs will recognize it from its
starring role in the final scenes of the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of
Doom.
Beyond Al Khazneh you are surrounded by hundreds of Petra's sculpted
structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a Roman amphitheater
(seating 3,000) large and small houses, burial chambers, banquet halls, water
channels and reservoirs, baths, monumental staircases, cultic installations,
markets, arched gates, public buildings and paved streets – it’s quite
overwhelming! This afternoon return to your hotel in Petra. You will want to
visit the nearby shop where you can buy the fine traditional crafts of the
Queen Noor project.
Overnight at the PETRA MOEVENPICK HOTEL. (B,L,D)

DAY 19 ~ FRIDAY ~ MARCH 9
DEAD SEA
Follow the Araba Valley Road to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, lying some 1,300 feet below sea level. Float in
the salty waters of this historical site and enjoy the wonderful facilities of your hotel and world class spa. You may want
to take a trip to the tip of the Dead Sea to Lot’s Cave, an ancient cave believed to be used as a sanctuary by Lot and his
daughters after the destruction of Sodom. The site, marked on the Madaba map of Palestine, was just recently discovered.
Artifacts from 3000 BC have been found here. This is a hot and arid place filled with extraordinary geological formations.
Enjoy the tranquility of your resort and its natural resources. Float in the saltiest sea in the world while the ozone-rich air
fills your lungs and sunshine warms your skin. Reminisce about all you have seen and experienced at tonight’s farewell
dinner.
Overnight at the MOVENPICK DEAD SEA RESORT. (B,D)

DAY 20 ~ SATURDAY ~ MARCH 10
JERASH
Drive to Jerash, one of the best-preserved examples of Roman
civilization in the world. Jerash, part of the Decapolis, has been called
the “Pompeii of the East” for its unique state of preservation. The city
features theaters, churches, temples (Zeus and Artemis), a
Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets. Proceed to the Saracen castle at
Ajlun, a 12th-century castle built by Saladin in his successful campaign
to drive the Crusaders from Jordan in 1189, and an outstanding
example of Arab and Islamic military architecture.
Overnight at the MOVENPICK DEAD SEA RESORT. (B,L,D)

DAY 21 ~ SUNDAY ~ MARCH 11
AMMAN/CAIRO
This afternoon you transfer to the airport near Amman for your late afternoon flight back to Cairo, where you will spend the
night at your luxury hotel near the airport.
Overnight at the FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS. (B)

DAY 22 ~ MONDAY ~ MARCH 12
CAIRO/ CHARLOTTE OR RALEIGH/DURHAM
Depart early this morning on your flight to home. (B, Meals Aloft)

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