Jordan and Egypt Discovery

br />Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey. Bask in the warmth of Egyptian and Jordanian hospitality. Spend a full day at the stunning stone-carved hidden city of Petra. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians in the shadow of the Pyramids. Cruise down the legendary Nile for three nights. Be welcomed for lunch at a Bedouin camp in the remarkable Wadi Rum desert. Luxuriate at a Dead Sea resort and spa. Explore an endlessly fascinating part of the world where history and an energetic culture come together.

Day 1: Overnight Flight


Day 2: Arrive Amman, Jordan
Arrive today in Amman, the "White City," renowned for its white limestone gracing many of its buildings.

Day 3: Amman - Jerash - Amman
Explore Amman this morning during a city tour. Visit the ancient citadel and the amphitheatre. Take a guided walk through the marketplaces known as ‘souks' and stroll through the spice markets. Travel the quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead to the city of Jerash – the “Pompeii of the East.” Step back in time as you tour the site with a local guide. Walk through columned streets, hilltop temples, public squares and plazas. Archeologists uncovered evidence inside the city walls indicating Amman was occupied as far back as the Neolithic age over 6,500 years ago. Enjoy a short drive through forest and olive groves to the Arab castle of Ajloun. Built in the 12th century for protection from crusaders, the hilltop castle overlooks 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.

Day 4: Amman - Madaba - Petra
Travel the Kings Highway, an ancient route mentioned in the Bible, lined with prehistoric villages from the Stone Age, biblical towns, Roman fortresses and Islamic settlements. Arrive in the “City of Mosaics” – Madaba. Visit the church of St. George to see the famous 6th century Byzantine mosaic map of the region, one of the oldest in existence, and a museum showcasing other mosaic examples. Visit a local shop to learn the history of this ancient art and see how beautiful mosaics are created. Visit Mount Nebo where Moses saw the Promised Land – Israel – and is believed to be buried. Travel through the desert, arriving in Petra, one of the new Wonders of the World.

Day 5: Petra
Enjoy a full day tour of the stone-carved city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this rose-hued city with an expert guide learning about its importance to ancient trade routes, its early prominence and decline, rediscovery and preservation efforts. Roll up your sleeves and create tonight’s meal with the guidance of a chef, discovering the secrets of Jordanian fare.

Day 6: Petra - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea
This morning, depart for the Wadi Rum – the immense desert where Lawrence of Arabia was set. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Bedouin camp. Learn about the fascinating history of the Bedouin people who have spent generations in the Wadi Rum’s stark and unspoiled desert. Arrive this evening at the Dead Sea.

Day 7: Dead Sea - Amman - Cairo, Egypt
This morning journey to Bethany Beyond the Jordan to visit the early Christian Baptismal site at the Jordan River, where Jesus may have been baptized by John the Baptist. Discovered only recently, excavation work has unearthed a 1st century AD settlement with plastered pools and water systems that were used for baptisms. Return to your hotel to enjoy free time to experience the Dead Sea. The lowest body of water on Earth and the richest source of salts, the Dead Sea’s waters are believed to have healing powers. Enjoy a swim, take in a spa treatment* or relax at your resort. Depart this afternoon for a flight to Cairo, Egypt.

Day 8: Cairo - Giza - Memphis - Sakkara - Cairo
This morning, visit the only remaining Ancient Wonder – the Pyramids of Giza. Later, visit the site of ancient Memphis with its 40-foot statue of Ramses II and Sakkara, home to the oldest pyramid, the Step Pyramid. Enjoy a demonstration in the ancient art of papyrus. Discover how this plant is transformed into a paper-like substance; learn how the ancient Egyptians used it to record their written language. This evening you may choose an optional tour to see the pyramids illuminated during a sound and light show.

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

Day 10: Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu
Visit the imposing structure of Kom Ombo, a unique twin sanctuary dedicated to the crocodile god and the falcon god. Enjoy leisure time aboard your ship this afternoon while sailing toward Edfu.

Day 11: Edfu - Luxor
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu – the best preserved ancient temple in Egypt. Learn of its history and construction during a guided tour. Sail north, arriving in Luxor this evening.

Day 12: Disembark Cruise - Luxor
Disembark your ship this morning at the West Bank of Luxor. Journey into the Valley of Kings – a UNESCO World Heritage site. For almost 500 years, from the 16th to 11th century BC, elaborate tombs were constructed for Kings and other nobles. Marvel at intricate designs on the tombs as your local guide details their history. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. This evening visit the fascinating Luxor Museum, known to contain one of the best displays of Egyptian antiquities in Egypt. Among the most striking items on show are artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the royal mummies of two pharaohs - Ahmose I and Ramesses I - and a collection of 26 exceptionally well-preserved New Kingdom statues that were found buried in a cache in nearby Luxor Temple.

Day 13: Luxor - Cairo
This morning, explore the massive Temple of Karnak, perhaps the most impressive site in Egypt and the largest man-made temple complex. Your local guide shares the history of the three main temples and discusses construction of this complex, built over a 1,300 year period beginning in the 16th century BC. Fly to Cairo this afternoon.

Day 14: Cairo
This morning explore the unparalleled collection of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. Discover amazing statues, sarcophagi and the treasures of Tutankhamen. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Day 15: Cairo - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Cairo.

Don't miss our current specials: Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe Check out these last minute SAVINGS provided by our airline partners who have offered special pricing for specific tours and dates only. As a result, we're delighted to offer you FREE or reduced companion air on select tours. See list of tours for details on our last minute offer applied to that specific tour when you make your air-inclusive booking. Some restrictions may apply, please call 800-942-3301 for details. Italian Vistas This 13 day trip has everything you've always wanted in a trip to Italy. Enjoy multiple night stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, the Amalfi coast and Stresa in the Lakes District. Discover the treasures of Classical and Christian Rome. Walk in the footsteps on the ancients in Pompeii. See the gems of the Renaissance in Florence's Academy Gallery, including Michelangelo's David. Visit Lugano, Switzerland, and cruise to Isola Bella, one of the scenic Borromean Islands. Reflections of Italy Revel in the magic of Italy on this 10-day tour that explores the cities of Rome, Florence, Venice, Assisi and Perugia. Travel the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside, exploring medieval hill towns and visiting the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi. Discover the masterpieces of the Renaissance in Florence and see hot glass transformed into exquisite art on Murano Island. Linger in Venice for two nights before ending your journey in the lovely Italian Lake region. Cross the border and explore the Swiss resort town of Lugano. Spain's Classics Spain is a colorful pageant of art, history and culture, set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, dotted with groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures in Madrid’s Prado Museum. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. See Columbus’ tomb. Feel the passion of the Flamenco with reserved seating at a performance in Seville. Explore Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Travel the Sierra Nevada Canada's Winter Wonderland Immerse yourself in the ultimate winter wonderland — the Canadian Rockies. Hop aboard VIA Rail Canada's Snow Train Express and head for Jasper with spectacular views. Travel across the Icefields Parkway with breathtaking scenery. Relax at three Fairmont properties: Jasper Park Lodge, Château Lake Louise, and the Banff Springs Resort, each magically decorated for the holiday. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, kitchen tour and learn how to make your own holiday pastries FREE Door to Door Service Now Vacations Start at HOME! Don't worry about getting to the airport... because a vacation should be worry-free. With Collette Vacations, enjoy free round trip sedan service that takes you from your home to the airport when you purchase an air-inclusive Collette tour.* This personalized service - including gratuities - is available on new air-inclusive bookings to the South Pacific, Canada, and Europe; and on ALL Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures and Explorations by Collette tours. On departures May 2010 and beyond, Door to Door transfers are included with air-inclusive bookings to all destinations Great Savings • Added Comfort • More Convenience
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
9/9/2010 - 9/23/2010	$3,299
10/7/2010 - 10/21/2010	$3,349
10/14/2010 - 10/28/2010	$3,349
10/21/2010 - 11/4/2010	$3,349
10/28/2010 - 11/11/2010	$3,349
11/4/2010 - 11/18/2010	$3,349
12/2/2010 - 12/16/2010	$3,349
1/13/2011 - 1/27/2011	$3,399
1/27/2011 - 2/10/2011	$3,399
2/3/2011 - 2/17/2011	$3,399
2/17/2011 - 3/3/2011	$3,399
3/3/2011 - 3/17/2011	$3,399
4/7/2011 - 4/21/2011	$3,349
5/12/2011 - 5/26/2011	$2,999
9/15/2011 - 9/29/2011	$3,049
9/22/2011 - 10/6/2011	$3,049
10/6/2011 - 10/20/2011	$3,149
10/13/2011 - 10/27/2011	$3,449
10/20/2011 - 11/3/2011	$3,149
11/1/2011 - 11/15/2011	$3,349
11/3/2011 - 11/17/2011	$3,149
12/1/2011 - 12/15/2011	$3,149
1/12/2012 - 1/26/2012	$3,449
1/19/2012 - 2/2/2012	$3,149
2/9/2012 - 2/23/2012	$3,149
2/23/2012 - 3/8/2012	$3,149
3/15/2012 - 3/29/2012	$3,149
4/12/2012 - 4/26/2012	$3,149
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Free or Reduced Companion Air to Europe

FREE Door to Door Service

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