NOTE: Specials are marked with a *

NOTE: Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.

02/11/2010

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15 days, 24 meals
Air 1: Overnight Flight

Day 2: Arrive Amman, Jordan
Arrive today in the “White City.” Amman is best known for the white limestone used to construct the majority of the buildings.
Day 3: Amman - Jerash - Amman
Explore Amman this morning on a comprehensive city tour where you visit the ancient citadel and the amphitheatre. Meet some of the locals during an interactive guided walk through the world-famous ‘souks' – marketplaces – and experience the wonder of the spice markets and the endless products for sale. Travel north through a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead to the city of Jerash, the best preserved Roman civilization outside of Italy, also known as the “Pompei of the East.” Be transported back 2,000 years as you tour the ruins with a local guide. Walk along the paved and columned streets, gorgeous hilltop temples and majestic public squares and plazas. Archeologists have found evidence inside Jerash’s city walls that indicate it has been occupied as far back as the Neolithic age, over 6,500 years ago. Take a short drive through pine forest and olive groves to the Arab castle of Ajloun. Built in the 12th century for protection from the crusaders, the hilltop castle offers a splendid view over the Jordan Valley. Gather this evening for a home-hosted welcome dinner with a local family. This wonderful experience allows you to interact with the local community, make new friends, experience local cuisine, learn about Jordanian daily life, education and work.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4: Amman - Madaba - Petra
Travel along the Kings Highway this morning, an ancient route first mentioned in the Bible. This drive is a treasure trove of sights, lined with prehistoric villages from the Stone Age, biblical towns, Roman fortresses and Islamic settlements. Arrive in the city of Madaba, the “City of Mosaics.” Visit the church of St. George to see the famous 6th century Byzentine mosaic map of the region, one of the oldest in existence, and the museum where many other spectacular mosaic examples are on display. Visit a local mosaic school to learn the history of this ancient art and how to create your very own mosaic piece. You will also visit Mt. Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land – present day Israel – and is believed to be laid to rest, before traveling through the desert to arrive in the ancient city of Petra.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 5: Petra
Enjoy a full day tour of the remarkable stone-carved city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the new Wonders of the World. A treasure of the ancient world, Petra was “hidden” behind rugged mountains prior to its discovery in 1812 after being lost for over 300 years. Explore this rose hued, breathtaking city carved from sandstone by the Nabataeans with an expert guide and learn about the importance of Petra to the ancient trade routes, the history of its prominence and decline, its rediscovery and efforts at preservation. This evening, experience the flavors of the region as you create tonight’s meal! With the guidance of the chef and the assistance of locals, you will delight in the design of traditional Jordanian fare.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6: Petra - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea
This morning you depart for the immense magical desert of Wadi Rum, stunning in its natural beauty and home of the famous film “Lawrence of Arabia.” Experience desert life here first hand as you enjoy lunch at a traditional Bedouin camp. Learn about the fascinating history of the Bedouin people who have lived for generations in the Wadi Rum’s stark, fragile and unspoiled desert. Arrive this evening at the Dead Sea.

Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
Day 7: Dead Sea - Amman - Cairo, Egypt
The day is yours to spend at leisure experiencing the Dead Sea, the lowest body of water on Earth. The world’s richest source of salts, the Dead Sea’s waters are believed to have powerful healing powers. Enjoy a swim in the healing waters of the Dead Sea, where you can “float” without even trying! Or perhaps you will choose to take in a spa treatment* or simply relax at your luxurious resort. Depart this afternoon for your flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8: Cairo - Giza - Memphis - Sakkara - Cairo
This morning travel to nearby Giza to experience another of the seven ancient Wonders of the World - the Pyramids of Giza. This afternoon travel south to visit the site of ancient Memphis, with its 40-foot statue of Ramses II, and Sakkara, the home of the oldest of all the pyramids, the Step Pyramid. Enjoy a demonstration in the ancient art of papyrus this afternoon. Discover how this plant is transformed into a paper-like substance, while you learn about the history of how the Egyptians used papyrus to record their written language. This evening you may choose an optional tour to see the pyramids illuminated under the night sky during the spectacular sound and light show.

Today breakfast will be included.
Day 9: Cairo - Aswan - Board Cruise
Fly this morning to Aswan where you may choose to take an optional tour to Abu Simbel** to see the extraordinary temples built by Ramses II. Explore the Nubian city of Aswan as you explore the unfinished obelisk, the High Dam and the Philae Temple of Isis. Board your cruise ship this afternoon for a three night cruise along the fabled Nile River.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10: Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu
Your ship sails in the early hours toward Kom Ombo. Visit the imposing structure of Kom Ombo, a unique twin sanctuary dedicated to both the crocodile god and the falcon god. Enjoy some leisure time aboard the Mirage this afternoon as your ship continues up the Nile toward Edfu.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 11: Edfu - Luxor
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best preserved ancient temple in all of Egypt and second in size only to Karnak. Learn about the temple’s construction beginning 327 BC and its long history during a guided tour. Continue sailing north, arriving in Luxor this evening.

Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
Day 12: Disembark Cruise - Luxor
Disembark your cruise ship this morning and discover the West Bank of Luxor. Journey through the Valley of Kings and Queens, one of the most famous archeological sights in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a period of almost 500 years, from the 16th to 11th century BC, elaborate tombs were constructed for Kings and other powerful nobles. Marvel at the amazing designs on the tombs and learn of their history from your local guide. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Today breakfast will be included.
Day 13: Luxor - Cairo
This morning, explore the massive Temple of Karnak, perhaps the most impressive site in Egypt and the largest temple complex ever built by man. Your local guide will explain the history of the three main temples and discuss construction of this massive complex, built over a 1,300 year period dating back to the 16th century BC. Fly back to Cairo this afternoon.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 14: Cairo
This morning you will explore the unparalleled collection of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Discover the amazing statues, sarcophagi and the treasures of Tutankhamen. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 15: Cairo - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Cairo.

Today breakfast will be included.