Secrets of Egypt & the Nile, March 18-29, 2028, with Roman Roth of Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Day 1: Tuesday, March 14

AMMAN, JORDAN

Upon arrival, guests of Wölffer Estate Vineyard will be met and transferred to the 5-star St. Regis Amman, now an established landmark in Jordan’s capital city.

OVERNIGHT: St. Regis Amman (2 nights) or similar

KEY FOR INCLUDED MEALS: B = Breakfast   /   L = Lunch   /   D = Dinner

Day 2: Wednesday, March 15

AMMAN / JERASH

Once part of the Roman Empire, Jordan is home to a legacy of Roman architectural treasures. Just outside the city is the extremely well-preserved, ancient city of Jerash, dating back 6,500 years and considered one of the best examples of Roman influence in the Middle East. After exploring this historic site, we enjoy lunch at the award-winning Lebanese House Restaurant, which offers a unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, tour Amman’s Old City neighborhood with its rolling hills, historic sites, and colorful markets. Afterwards, browse a sweet shop and sample kanfeh, an ultra-creamy Middle East dessert. (B,L)

Day 3: Thursday, March 16

AMMAN / DEAD SEA / PETRA

Today we venture west to Madaba, “The City of Mosaics,” known for its famous mosaics – beautiful reminders of the Byzantine era. Afterwards, visit the Dead Sea, one of the world’s most intriguing natural wonders. Situated at approximately 1,500 feet (460 meters) below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, and its healing waters have been sought after for more than 2,500 years. After lunch at a seaside resort, enjoy some time to relax and go for an easy swim – or float, due to the natural buoyancy of the high salt content of the sea. Afterward, we head south to arrive in Petra in the early evening. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: Jordan Crowne Plaza Resort (2 nights) or similar

Day 4: Friday, March 17

PETRA

After breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the ancient city of Petra, known as the “Rose City.” Visit the Siq, a narrow passageway nearly three-quarters of a mile long carved into sheer rock walls. While the Treasury is the most well-known ruin in Petra, it’s not the only one. We will also see the 4,000 spectator Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun, Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. After lunch at a local guest house, we head to Wadi Rum with its stunning red-pink, natural arches, mountains, and prehistoric rock engravings. Often referred to as the “Valley of the Moon,” it is a romantic and timeless place. Next, we enjoy a Jeep tour and traverse the unique desert landscape, featuring dramatic sandstone and basalt mountains, making it one of the most beautiful deserts. Upon return to Petra, we experience an authentic dinner in a Bedouin tent, and discover the fascinating culture of these nomadic people who have lived in the desert for thousands of years. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Saturday, March 18

PETRA / CAIRO, EGYPT

This morning we drive north to Mount Nebo, one of the most revered sites in Jordan where Moses caught his first glimpse of the Promised Land. After a local lunch nearby, we return to Amman and Queen Alia International Airport (code: AMM) for your flight to Cairo. (B,L)

Day 1: Saturday, March 18

CAIRO, EGYPT

Guests of Wölffer Estate Vineyard will be met upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (code: AMM) in Cairo and transferred to the 5-star hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons at The Residence (3 nights) or similar

KEY FOR INCLUDED MEALS: B = Breakfast   /   L = Lunch   /   D = Dinner / WR = Welcome Reception

Day 2: Sunday, March 19

CAIRO

A full day of captivating attractions await, beginning with the exquisite new Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archaeological museum with its 100,000 artifacts on display, many never seen by the general public until the opening in 2025. With 12 main galleries, the museum is home to some of the greatest masterpieces ever crafted, including the unique collection of Pharaonic art including ancient mummies and the complete and priceless treasures of Tutankhamun, the Boy King. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local and international cuisine. Then, visit the Mosque of Muhammad – also known as the “Alabaster Mosque” – which majestically sits on the summit of the Citadel of Saladin’s courtyard. From the arcaded courtyard, enjoy the breathtaking view across the city to the Pyramids of Giza. Inside the Mosque, marvel at an ornate interior and a splendid array of lamps suspended from the intricately decorated ceiling. Afterward, we join an evening Welcome Reception hosted by our Cruise Manager. (B,L,WR)

Day 3: Monday, March 20

CAIRO

Discover the monuments at the UNESCO-designated ancient capital of Memphis. Visit the huge statue of Ramses II, the Alabaster Sphinx and the necropolis of Sakkara – site of the famous step pyramid of King Zoser, the oldest pyramid on earth. Next, enjoy a lovely lunch at the famous Mena House, an historic palatial hotel, based in the shadow of the great Pyramids of Giza. Afterwards, we’ll explore the Great Sphinx and the iconic Giza complex, which consists of three large pyramids built between 2,589 BC and 2,504 BC. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 4: Tuesday, March 21

CAIRO / LUXOR / EMBARKATION

This morning, we visit Coptic Cairo, a neighborhood known for its historic churches and monasteries. Then we take an early afternoon flight south to Luxor – formerly known as Thebes, the capital city of the New Kingdom of Upper Egypt. Luxor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to two astonishing temples – Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Be welcomed as you embark the AmaNubia to begin your Nile River Valley cruise. Relax and settle in before dinner, meet your crew and celebrate with a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday, March 22

LUXOR / EDFU

Begin the day with a visit to the Valley of Queens, home to the mummified remains of more than 30 queens and princesses. Next, we visit the tombs of ancient Egypt in the Valley of the Kings – one of the most famous archeological sites in the world. The spectacular rock-cut tombs located on the west bank of Luxor include that of the enigmatic King Tutankhamun, whose mummified remains are still here on display. This site also includes Seti I’s Tomb, where we’ll enjoy rare access. Afterwards, we go to Deir el-Bahri to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs and the country’s first female ruler. Your day’s adventure concludes with an up-close view of the Colossi of Memnon – two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once back on board your ship, relax on the Upper Deck and take in the amazing scenery or join the chef at an informal cooking class. (B,L,D)

Note: As of spring 2024, Queen Nefertari’s Tomb has been temporarily closed with no official reopening date. Until reopening, the equally impressive Seti I tomb will be visited as an alternative.

Day 6: Thursday, March 23

EDFU

The city of Edfu is best known for one of Egypt’s most remarkably preserved temples, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Built in 230 BC, it is the second-largest temple in Egypt and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with walls that display compelling details about the religion and language of the country’s Greco-Roman period. After visiting Edfu, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Aswan. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday, March 24

ASWAN

Enjoy the freedom to spend the morning at leisure in Aswan, or depart early on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel. A short flight over Lake Nasser leads to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site more than 3,000 years old. Back in Aswan, the afternoon unfolds gently with a felucca ride around Elephantine Island, a serene stretch of the Nile long associated with the god, Khnum. Later, enjoy an optional afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, a rose granite palace overlooking the Nile. This classic high tea experience pairs time honored tradition with sweeping river views. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Saturday, March 25

ASWAN / ESNA

Board a motorboat and cruise to the UNESCO-designated Philae Temple complex, boasting some of the most stunningly restored and preserved hieroglyphs in Egypt. It was constructed between 380 BC and 362 BC and dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and mother of Horus. Next, we head to a colorful Nubian village on Heissa Island. Meet the warm and friendly Nubian people who will welcome you to their village. During the afternoon, cruise to the Great Temple of Kom Ombo, where its soaring columns dramatically rise above the Nile River. Unique in Egypt, this temple is dedicated to two gods – the crocodile god, Sobek, sitting on the right; and the falcon-headed Haroeris, “The Good Doctor.” After visiting Kom Ombo, relax on board and take in the Nile River’s timeless landscapes as the ship continues onward to Luxor. In the evening, join your crew outside in a celebration of local customs with the chance to don a Galabeya, traditional Egyptian attire, and toast to the rich culture and history of the Nile River Valley. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sunday, March 26

ESNA / LUXOR

Spend a morning of scenic cruising along the glistening Nile River as we cruise from Esna back to Luxor. First, we explore the Temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex in Egypt and one of the largest in the world, with a vast network of columns, hieroglyphics, obelisks, sphinxes and colossi – even a lake is on the grounds. The Hypostyle Hall is a great architectural marvel and is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. After visiting the temple, we journey to a museum and discover the art of papyrus making. Learn how the ancient Egyptians used this special plant that flourished in the Egyptian Delta and Nile River Valley. Afterwards, we visit the Temple of Luxor, constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun and other pharaohs. You then have the option of heading back to the ship to relax or visiting the colorful Luxor Market, where you can find eye-catching piles of spices, jewelry and clothing as well as irresistible smells of incense and perfumes. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Monday, March 27

LUXOR / QENA / LUXOR

Set sail to Qena to explore its ancient Egyptian heritage. We’ll go to Dendara to visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Hathor – the Goddess of Love, to whom the powers of joy, feminine love and motherhood were attributed. The temple was built by Ptolemy and a group of Romans who worshipped her; don’t miss the back of the temple where there is a relief depicting Cleopatra with Caesarion, her son by Julius Caesar, the Roman Emperor who brought us the months of July and August. Following our visit here, we sail back to Luxor. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Tuesday, March 28

LUXOR / DISEMBARKATION / CAIRO

Disembark the ship in Luxor and fly back to Cairo where you will be taken to the Abdeen Presidential Palace, considered one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The palace consists of multiple museums, including the Silver Museum; the Arms Museum; the Royal Family Museum; a Presidential Gifts Museum and an Historical Documents Museum, which is a relatively new addition. It is also one of the official residences and places of work for the President of Egypt. Afterwards, be treated to a special lunch at the palace. (B,L)

OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons at The Residence (1 night) or similar

Day 12: Wednesday, March 29

CAIRO

Bid farewell to Cairo and prepare for your flight home. (B)