Splendors of Egypt & the Nile

Day 1: Jerusalem
Upon your arrival in Jerusalem, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend your first day in Israel to explore or rest at your leisure. As one of the oldest cities in the world, there’s plenty to experience—rich history, modern delights, including historic and archaeological sites, a thriving arts and cultural scene, awe-inspiring museums, bustling markets and much more!

Day 2: Jerusalem
FEATURED EXCURSION: Jerusalem City Tour
Set out on a half-day tour of this fascinating city, starting with a visit to Yad Vashem. Established in 1953, Yad Vashem is the global center for documentation, research, education and remembrance of the Holocaust. Located on the Hill of Remembrance, you’ll also tour the Children’s Memorial. Pay a visit to the Israel Museum, the country’s largest museum and a leading cultural institution. You’ll visit the Shrine of the Book, home of the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient religious writings that were originally found in caves along the shores of the Dead Sea.

On your way back to the hotel, you’ll pass by Israel’s Parliament House and Supreme Court building and then have the afternoon to explore at your leisure. Your local host will be delighted to provide you with suggestions on the best places to dine and other ways to experience the city like a local.

Day 3: Jerusalem
FEATURED EXCURSION: Jerusalem Old City & Bethlehem
You’ll begin today’s full-day city tour by entering the Old City of Jerusalem through the Lion’s Gate—which marks the start of Jesus’ trek from his condemnation to crucifixion. As you venture into the Muslim Quarter, you’ll visit the Pool of Bethesda, the site of one of Jesus’ miracles in which he healed a paralyzed man.

From here, you’ll head toward Via Dolorosa. Many Christian visitors walk the winding path believed to be Jesus’ route to the spot where he was crucified. There are some 14 spots along the way that each mark a different event in Jesus’ journey as he carried his cross. Make sure to take in fantastic views of the city from the Temple Mount. It was here that King David captured Jerusalem and made it the capital of the Israelites as well as the spot that would house the Ark of the Covenant.

A visit to what is largely considered the world’s holiest Christian site—the Church of the Holy Sepulchre—is up next. The extraordinary church stands on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried.

This afternoon, you’ll hop on a motorcoach for a short drive to neighboring Bethlehem, David’s hometown and Jesus’ birthplace. Since we’ll be crossing over into Palestinian Authority, you’ll be guided by a local Palestinian through Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity.

Day 4: Jerusalem
FEATURED EXCURSION: Ancient Jerusalem
Start your last full day in Jerusalem at the serene site of the Garden Tomb. This rock-cut tomb and holy site is said to be the place where Jesus was buried and later resurrected. Continue atop the Mount of Olives for a tremendous view of the city. Since ancient times, the Mount of Olives has acted as one of the main burial grounds in Jerusalem for all three monotheistic religions. The foot of the Mount of Olives is said to be the location where Jesus prayed following the Last Supper.

You’ll then embark on a drive through Kidron Valley to Mount Zion, where you’ll see the sites of the Last Supper and King David’s tomb before entering the Old City through the Zion Gate. See the ancient remains of the city in the Jewish Quarter before continuing on to the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. Visitors will notice that many of the cracks between the blocks are filled with prayers written on paper. The final stop is the Davidson Center and Jerusalem Archaeological Park, which showcases more than 2,000 years of the country’s history.

Day 5: Jerusalem
After a delightful breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1: Amman
Upon your arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to The St. Regis Amman hotel for the night.

Day 2: Amman, Jerash
FEATURED EXCURSION: Amman Panoramic City Tour, Jerash and Dead Sea Visit
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a panoramic tour of dynamic and multifaceted Amman that will bring you to the Citadel, Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum and Roman Amphitheater. Marvel at the 6,000-seat, 2nd-century landmark that today is home to the majority of the city’s cultural activities. Journey through the residential suburbs flanked by tree-lined avenues and white houses, then head into downtown for a look at traditional life.

Head off to the ancient city of Jerash, which has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. As one of the original 10 great Roman cities, Jerash is now the site of one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. After being hidden for centuries in the sand and only uncovered in recent decades, Jerash features some of the finest examples of ancient Rome’s colonnaded streets, hilltop temples, theaters, spacious public squares and city walls.

Next, we’ll head to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Jordan’s coastline along the Dead Sea is one of the most miraculous natural and spiritual landscapes in the world and has enticed travelers for centuries.

Day 3: Petra, Wadi Rum
FEATURED EXCURSION: “Rose-Red City” of Petra
Today, you’ll explore the “Rose-Red City” of Petra, with its massive red mountains and vast mausoleums. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing truly prepares you for this astonishing city. You’ll enter the city through the Siq, a narrow walkway that’s flanked by colorful, towering cliffs on both sides. As you reach the end, you’ll witness the stunning Al-Khazneh, one of the most intricate and iconic temples in the city. You’ll then enter the indescribable Petra Valley, with its overwhelming natural beauty and outstanding architectural achievements—there are hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs with intricate carvings. Here also sits a vast Nabatean-built, Roman-style theater—and high above rests the impressive Ad-Deir Monastery, accessible by a flight of 800 rock-cut steps. Later, you will travel to the Wadi Rum desert, where you will check-in, have dinner and spend a night glamping under the stars at Mazayen Camp Wadi Rum.

Day 4: Wadi Rum, Aqaba
FEATURED EXCURSION: Bedouin Jeep Tour of Wadi Rum Desert
Climb aboard a Bedouin jeep for a tour of the Wadi Rum desert, a place seemingly untouched by the outside world. As you drive through a maze of canyons and rock-scrapes, you’ll uncover natural wonder after natural wonder among this sprawling wilderness. After lunch, you’ll venture to the coastal city of Aqaba, where you can spend your time exploring ancient sites, trying traditional food or shopping at local vendors. Later, check-in to your hotel for the night, the Al Manara—a Luxury Collection Hotel.

Day 5: Madaba, Amman
FEATURED EXCURSION: Madaba Visit with Saint George Church and Mount Nebo
FEATURED EXCURSION: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences: Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative Visit
Venture to one of the holiest sites of Jordan—Mount Nebo, where Moses was buried. Next up is a visit to Saint George Church, the home of the Madaba Mosaic Map. The map is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. Only a quarter of the original map, which dates from the sixth century AD, still remains.

After lunch, you’ll pay a visit to the Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative. This TreadRight Foundation-supported endeavor is where local women come together and share special skills with visitors, such as traditional weaving, paper making, ceramics and cooking. Your day then ends in Amman, where you will return to The St. Regis Amman for the night.

Day 6: Amman
Today, you’ll check out of your hotel and transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to Cairo, where you’ll embark on your Splendors of Egypt & the Nile cruise/tour.