Enjoy first class luxury in the Four Seasons hotel, as you explore the Pyramids, Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum with its incredible Tutankhamun exhibit, and the bustling bazaars. A truly personalized experience with your own private driver plus a trained Egyptologist to personally guide you at each historic site. From Luxor begin your extended exploration on the newly launched Sonesta Star all-suite Nile cruiser, the new class of the Nile. This will be your floating luxury hotel while you explore the river's edge temples and monuments including; Kitchener island and the High Dam/Philae in Aswan, the ancient monuments in Edfu and Kom Ombo, and the Valley of Kings & Queens and Karnak temple in Luxor. Fly to Abu Simbel for your private guided tour. From the Nile, fly to the sea side resort of Sharm El Sheikh where you will check in once again at a luxurious Four Seasons deluxe room. Private day tours with your own guide and vehicle will take you to Mt. Sinai and the St. Catherine monastery. Fly to Jordan and drive to the ghost city of Petra carved into the sheer sandstone cliffs echoes the Nambatean culture that once controlled the trade routes in the area. Your guide will take you through the centuries with a visit to the Crusader castle of Kerak, the Roman city of Jerash, and the bustling bazaars of Amman which are some of the oldest in civilization. Our most complete and luxurious Egypt experience.

Day 1
Cairo
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Travellers will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($17 per person), escort your group through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that your group will connect with our Kensington associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel. T Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. The Four Season's Hotel rests quietly but powerfully along the banks of the Nile, with a precious view of both the river and the Citadel. Conveniently located, it’s simple to get around the city from here. The 365 rooms stand at a height of thirty storeys, looking over the shoulders of the city and catching an eyeful of the culture and vivaciousness of Cairo. The steak restaurant offers the most succulent of delights, while the upscale Chinese restaurant’s modern, fluid décor add a contemporary glow to the dining experience. With swimming, spa, and a flurry of activities for adults and children alike, some guests are forced to book extra days at the hotel and take advantage of the facilities. Others choose to roam the city, though subconsciously longing to return to this dazzling hotel. Cairo is the capitol of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

Day 2
Cairo
On this full day tour, explore the relics of ages past at ancient Memphis, Sakkara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Includes entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids and the Solar boat (Cheops Pyramid entrance Extra (Great Pyramid of Khufu), clients must arrive early to get into Cheops Pyramid as limited number of people are allowed to enter each day). Also see the famous Sphinx. Includes a trained Egyptologist guide and private vehicle and driver. Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Four Seasons Nile Plaza.

Day 3
Cairo
This full day tour includes a private tour with your trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. In the afternoon visit Saladin Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress dating from the 12th century, where you explore the mosque and tomb of the Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali. Later, a walking tour will take you through the fabled Khan Khalili bazaar filled with exotic treats. Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Four Seasons Nile Plaza.

Day 4
Cairo - Nile
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. CAI-LXR Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Visit the great temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank to marvel at the achievements of one of the earliest civilizations. An evening of entertainment including local music. The first step aboard the Sonesta Star Goddess may be overwhelming, as you traverse time and envision the days when pharaohs and peasants used this river to cultivate, motivate, and spiritualize a civilization. The Star Goddess floats along the Nile, majestic as its history, with 33 suites and 5 decks. The Sun Deck overlooks the water, while serving light meals and a variety of cocktails. In between stops at different land sites along the way, there are plenty of activities. Entertainment includes a discotheque, themed parties, and dance performances. Private terraces allow for a retreat later on, as you take a sip of this great body of water. So powerful was the Nile that a god was once dedicated to its welfare. Today, the Sonesta glides quietly and triumphantly along its waves. Glide up the Nile at night and explore ancient temples during the day. Edfu (Idfu) is located on the west bank of the River Nile between Esna and Aswan. Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Kom Ombo was originally an Egyptian city called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. The town's location on the Nile 50 km north of Aswan (Syene) gave it some control over trade routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley, but its main rise to prominence came with the erection of the temple in the 2nd century BC.

Day 5
Luxor - Nile
This morning you will meet up with your guide and explore some of the most incredible sites of the country. You'll visit the valley of the Kings and Queens where you will have the chance to explore three tombs: Ramses III, Tuhotmoses III and Ramses I. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. You'll then visit the nearby Valley of the Kings and also the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the second pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty. Tour includes a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. An evening of entertainment including local music. Overnight at Sonesta Star Goddess. Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, and the "world's greatest open air museum". Notable sights on the east bank include the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. On the west bank is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles, including Tutankhamun. The nearby Valley of the Queens is said to hold more than seventy tombs.

Day 6
Nile
Visit the Nile-side Temple of Horus, the falcon god, built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. Visit a unique Greco-Roman temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the sun god. An evening of entertainment including local music. Overnight at Sonesta Star Goddess.

Day 7
Aswan - Nile
Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam and its huge lake were created to control the floodwaters of the Nile. View the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika, stopping at the “unfinished obelisk,” a practical demonstration of the methods used by ancient craftsmen to create impressive monuments. Sail on the Nile by felucca around Kitchener's Island, the Aga Khan mausoleum and botanical gardens. An evening of entertainment including local music. Overnight at Sonesta Star Goddess. Aswan stands on the east bank of the Nile at the first cataract and is a busy market and tourist center. It contains the island of Elephantine. It is the terminus of the Nile cruise. Kitchener's Island is a paradise of exotic trees and plants and carefully planned walkways. Mausoleum of Aga Khan, Aswan High Dam and Philae are other notable sights. Aswan is also the connecting city for the Abu Simbel monuments in the south.

Day 8
Aswan - Sharm El Sheikh
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. ASW-ABS Tour of the rock-cut temple of Ramesses II on the west bank of the Nile. The great temple of Abu Simbel presents the most familiar image of ancient Egypt to the modern traveler, and is dominated by the four seated colossal statues of Ramesses. (tours may be done with groups due to limited number of local guides. Due to limited capacity on Egypt Air, this tour may not be available - subject to confirmation.) Abu Simbel is a VERY early morning start, flights depart sometimes as early as 4am. ABS-CAI CAI-SSH Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh sits in the palm of the Red Sea, an architectural goddess and resort like no other in the Middle East. With 136 rooms, each featuring a balcony or private terrace, it is hard to avoid the view of shimmery water beyond. Restaurants and bars such as the Observatory Lounge offer views of the Island of Tiran, while the Reef Grill lies on a coastal strip and overlooks the sea. Though some choose to relax in private cabanas or dance to underwater music, others prefer visiting the Bedouin of Sinai, or traveling a little further off to Ras Mohammed, a national park protecting marine and desert life. Whichever choice, the Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh waits patiently, with an abundance of activities and tranquility for all guests to share. Sharm el-Sheikh is a beach town on the Sinai Penninsula and a great place to relax after seeing the country. Ras Mohammed is located on the very tip of the Sinai Penninsula, and is one of the best dive sites. St. Katherine’s is the oldest active monastery in the world, and has been attracting pilgrims since the year 330 AD. Climb the slopes of Mount Sinai and enjoy stunning views of the desert landscape, while considering the significance of this culturally important site.

Day 9
Sharm El Sheikh
Full day desert excursion. St. Catherine’s is the oldest active monastery in the world and has been attracting pilgrims since the year 330 AD. Steeped in history, the buildings of the monastery complex represent many architectural styles. Climb on the slopes of Mount Sinai and enjoy stunning views of the desert landscape, while considering the significance of this culturally important site. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Four Seasons.

Day 10
Sharm El Sheikh - Petra
SSH-ADJ Sign up for optional activities at your resort (not included in tour price); deep sea fishing, boat excursions, scuba diving, or other. Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Roundtrip Transfer to/from Petra with private vehicle and driver. The splendorous Mövenpick Resort Petra is the close neighbor of the ancient, dusty rose city of Petra. The hotel, offering 183 rooms and suites, plays host to wanderers aching for the short trek into this well of history and ruins. Upon returning, spend time at one of the seven hotel restaurants, each of which opens doors to culinary persuasions from across the world, though special focus is given to Middle Eastern specialties. The hotel itself remains a centre of activity, with a fully equipped fitness gym, health and wellness swimming pool and steam bath, and views of open horizons. Sit down to some traditional Arabic argileh at the end of the evening, and absorb the sun as it sets. Petra is famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time". A spectacular and unique sight, its massive buildings are carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Enclosed by towering rocks and watered by a perennial stream, Petra controlled the ancient commercial routes across the desert to the Persian Gulf. The impressive eastern entrance leads steeply down through a dark and narrow gorge called the Siq (the shaft), a natural geological feature formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks. It opens directly onto Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh ("the Treasury") hewn directly out of the sandstone cliff. A little farther from the Treasury is a massive theatre, so placed as to bring the greatest number of tombs within view; and at the point where the valley opens out into the plain the site of the city is revealed with striking effect. Almost enclosing it on three sides are rose-coloured mountain walls, divided into groups by deep fissures, and lined with tombs cut from the rock in the form of towers.

Day 11
Amman - Petra
A Jordanian Tourism tax will be paid on your behalf to cover public liability insurance on equipment ie. Jeeps, camels and horses. Petra is the treasure of the ancient world, and the rock-carved rose-red city is full of mysterious charm. Indeed, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it". Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, this remarkable city of grand buildings carved into massive cliffs evokes wonder to this day. Enjoy being shown the wonders of the city in the company of your Driver-Guide. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Movenpick Petra. Amman's history dates from the bronze age and features grand Roman ruins and some of the region's finest mosques. The old city is centered around the Souk (a colorful traditional market) and the King Hussein Mosque. Since Amman resembles Rome, as it is situated on seven hills, the city was a favorite place for Roman soldiers and officials. Behind the Roman forum stands a Roman theatre—the largest theatre in Jordan—with room for 6,000 spectators. Amman is also home to some of the grandest mosques in the Middle East. The enormous King Abdullah I Mosque is capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome beneath which 3,000 Muslims may offer prayer. The most unusual mosque in Amman is the Abu Darweesh Mosque covered with an extraordinary black and white chequered pattern and is unique to Jordan.

Day 12
Petra - Amman
Enjoy a private transfer from Petra to Amman. The transfer time is approximately 3hrs in duration. Self guided tour of the magnificent Crusader fortress of Kerak - Crak des Moabites, or Le Pierre du Desert to Crusaders - which soars above its valleys and hills like a great ship riding waves of rock. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Jerash, located 48 km north of Amman and nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, rivals the grandeur of Imperial Rome being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. To this day, its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. Enjoy visiting the sites in the company of your Driver-Guide. Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). The Grand Hyatt in Amman offers central access to the city's hustle and bustle. The 316 rooms are well-appointed, with many options on style, size, and luxury. Choose the club rooms for all the frills and extra touches. The standard room also promises lush bedding and linen, with arabesque decor. Friendly and professional service is promised to all guests. Dining is an occasion to be enjoyed, with delicious international and local specialties served in all fashions. Try the chefs' specialties using seafood, Mulwarra beef, or spices from across the globe. Walk through the mall for some window shopping or when picking up souvenirs. Later, cool down in the hotel swimming pools.

Day 13
Amman
Airport meet and assist/transfer in Amman with a private vehicle and English speaking driver. Depart from Amman international airport - end of itinerary.