Climb aboard the decks of Oberoi Zahra for a cruising experience you'll never forget... from over the handrails of the top deck awaits thousands of years of history... culture... innovation... and mystery passing you by on all sides. Discover the remains of ancient civilizations... and tour the final resting places of the pharaohs who reigned over Egypt so many years ago... all before coming back onboard to settle down and relax with good friends and accommodations fit for royalty.
With only 27 cabins and suites, Oberoi Zahra offers spacious private accommodations with standard luxury cabins (284 sq. ft.) and luxury suites (538 sq. ft.), large windows framing panoramic Nile River views; ship amenities include a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, bar / lounge, cinema, elevator, high-speed wifi, library, and gaming area.
Day #
Date
Port
Arrive
Depart
1
Sunday, 12/6/26
About Amman
AMMAN -- Jordan's capital and largest city (pop. 972,000) is situated just a short drive from the Syrian and Israeli borders (about 45 mi/72 km northeast of Jerusalem.) The area has been constantly inhabited since 6000 BC, though only a few of its ancient buildings endured. This somewhat drab, although modern, city was not much more than a village until it became the seat of government in the 1920s -- since then it has evolved dramatically. (Its population swelled with the arrival of succeeding waves of dislocated Palestinians, who today make up a bulk of the city's residents.)
Sit in on a performance in the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater (it holds 6,000) or the new Royal Cultural Center. Also visit the Basman Palace, the city's Folklore Museum, Museum of Popular Traditions and the National Archaeological Museum. Tour the Forum and Citadel Hill to see the few remaining Roman ruins (including a temple of Hercules). The hill provides a vast picture of Amman and is a serene escape from Amman's bustling atmosphere. The Jordan National Gallery displays modern Jordanian and Middle Eastern art and the university merits a visit. Don't miss the huge King Abdullah Mosque, built in the late 1980s.
A short drive west of town in the Wadi Seer Valley are the ruins of Qasr al-Abid Castle and the Araq al-Amir Caves. An journey can be made to the nearby towns of Ajlun (see separate paragraph) and Salt (13 mi/21 km northwest of Amman -- features enchanting 19th-century carved-stone architecture). Allow at least a day in Amman.
The ancient Nabataean city of Petra (pictured), in the southern part of the Kingdom 160 miles (257km) from Amman, is Jordan's most famous tourist attraction. Known as the "rose red city", it was once a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible.
The Nabataeans were builders of great skill, carving their city from the living rock. Working from the top down, they sliced off huge slabs of stone, using the two-metre ledge thus formed as scaffolding for the masons to stand on. Entablatures and capitals were carved before another slab was removed in the same way, to make another platform, from which facades and columns were carved and the deep chambers beyond were hollowed out. In this way, the builders were able to descend ten storeys to the valley floor below.
Petra is approached through a narrow, deep gorge or siq, which winds for about 1km through a massive wall of rock. This is at some points less than three metres wide and its vertical walls tower to a height of 70 metres, making Petra one of the best-defended cities of all time.
At the end of the siq appears the impressive monument of el Khazneh, the Treasury. This is an enormous royal tomb, which was carved out of solid
rock in the side of the mountain. Beyond this, a stairway cut in the
rock takes the visitor to rock-carved streets lined with hundreds of temples, royal tombs, large and small houses, banqueting halls, water channels and reservoirs, baths, monumental staircases, markets, arched gates, public buildings and paved streets. There is also a gigantic
Roman theatre, seating 3,000.
Visitors can reach Petra from Amman by the Desert Highway, a journey
which takes about three hours. Travelling by the King's Highway, which
is an historic scenic, winding road, takes much longer -- a minimum of
five hours. From Aqaba, the drive is about 82 miles (133km), but as the highway usually has heavy traffic, visitors should allow plenty of time
if using this route.
The ancient Nabataean city of Petra (pictured), in the southern part of the Kingdom 160 miles (257km) from Amman, is Jordan's most famous tourist attraction. Known as the "rose red city", it was once a fortress, carved out of craggy rocks in an area which was virtually inaccessible.
The Nabataeans were builders of great skill, carving their city from the living rock. Working from the top down, they sliced off huge slabs of stone, using the two-metre ledge thus formed as scaffolding for the masons to stand on. Entablatures and capitals were carved before another slab was removed in the same way, to make another platform, from which facades and columns were carved and the deep chambers beyond were hollowed out. In this way, the builders were able to descend ten storeys to the valley floor below.
Petra is approached through a narrow, deep gorge or siq, which winds for about 1km through a massive wall of rock. This is at some points less than three metres wide and its vertical walls tower to a height of 70 metres, making Petra one of the best-defended cities of all time.
At the end of the siq appears the impressive monument of el Khazneh, the Treasury. This is an enormous royal tomb, which was carved out of solid
rock in the side of the mountain. Beyond this, a stairway cut in the
rock takes the visitor to rock-carved streets lined with hundreds of temples, royal tombs, large and small houses, banqueting halls, water channels and reservoirs, baths, monumental staircases, markets, arched gates, public buildings and paved streets. There is also a gigantic
Roman theatre, seating 3,000.
Visitors can reach Petra from Amman by the Desert Highway, a journey
which takes about three hours. Travelling by the King's Highway, which
is an historic scenic, winding road, takes much longer -- a minimum of
five hours. From Aqaba, the drive is about 82 miles (133km), but as the highway usually has heavy traffic, visitors should allow plenty of time
if using this route.
Egypt's southernmost city (population 150,000) and ancient frontier town has the loveliest setting on the Nile. At Aswan the deserts close in on the river, confining its sparkling blue between smooth amber sand and rugged extrusions of granite bedrock. Lateen-sailed feluccas glide past the ancient ruins and gargantuan rocks of Elephantine Island, palms and tropical shrubs softening the islands and embankments till intense blue skies fade into soft-focus dusks.
Aswan Attractions
Although its own monuments are insignificant compared to Luxor's, Aswan is the base for excursions to the temples of Philae and Kabasha, near the great dams beyond the First Cataract, and the Sun Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, far to the south. It can also serve for day trips to Darow Camel Market, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna - the main temples between here and Luxor.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Cairo , the capital city of Egypt, has been the heart of Egypt for more than 1000 years and it demonstrates the dichotomy of all things Egyptian. Cairo is a timeless metropolis enriched with the unforgettable marks of a glorious past. It is in Cairo where the medieval world and the contemporary western world come together.
The home of one of the seven wonders of the world - the Great Pyramids - not to mention the Sphinx of Giza and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Cairo is a treasure chest of discovery, amazement, warmth & enjoyment.
Islamic Cairo is the old medieval quarter, and stepping into its neighbourhoods is like moving back six or seven centuries with its tiny alleyways & mud-brick houses. Some of Islamic Cairo's highlights include the Ibn Tulun Mosque, dating from the 9th century and one of the largest mosques in the world; the Mausoleum of Imam ash-Shafi'i, the largest Islamic tomb in Egypt where one of Islam's greatest imams was buried.
The Citadel, which is an awesome medieval fortress that was the seat of Egyptian power for 700 years. The Citadel has three major mosques and several museums.
Coptic Cairo was originally built as a Roman fortress town. It pre-dates the founding of Islamic Cairo by several hundred years and was home to one of the world's first Christian communities. It is, however, a holy place for Jews and Muslims as well as the Coptic Christians who lived there. The one remaining part of the Fortress of Babylon is a tower which was built in 98 AD and originally overlooked an important port on the Nile. The Coptic Museum is at the foot of the tower and its exhibits cover Egypt's Christian era between 300 and 1000 AD. This stunning collection includes religious and secular art, and includes stonework, manuscripts, woodwork, metalwork, paintings and pottery.
For shopping, the Khan El Khalily bazaar is a must.
Climb aboard the decks of Oberoi Zahra for a cruising experience you'll never forget... from over the handrails of the top deck awaits thousands of years of history... culture... innovation... and mystery passing you by on all sides. Discover the remains of ancient civilizations... and tour the final resting places of the pharaohs who reigned over Egypt so many years ago... all before coming back onboard to settle down and relax with good friends and accommodations fit for royalty.
With only 27 cabins and suites, Oberoi Zahra offers spacious private accommodations with standard luxury cabins (284 sq. ft.) and luxury suites (538 sq. ft.), large windows framing panoramic Nile River views; ship amenities include a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, bar / lounge, cinema, elevator, high-speed wifi, library, and gaming area.
32" high definition, LCD television, a CD/DVD player, high speed WiFi, a dual-line speaker phone, a data port, electronic safe, fully stocked personal bar, tea and coffee making facilities
32" high definition, LCD television, a CD/DVD player, high speed WiFi, a dual-line speaker phone, a data port, electronic safe, fully stocked personal bar, tea and coffee making facilities
32" high definition, LCD television, a CD/DVD player, high speed WiFi, a dual-line speaker phone, a data port, electronic safe, fully stocked personal bar, tea and coffee making facilities
32" high definition, LCD television, a CD/DVD player, high speed WiFi, a dual-line speaker phone, a data port, electronic safe, fully stocked personal bar, tea and coffee making facilities
Suite Dimensions:
538 square feet (50 square metres)
Private Balcony:
Yes
Stateroom Furnishings:
magnificent master bedroom, a living room, a private terrace and a spectacular marble bathroom
42" LCD television in the living room, a 32" LCD television in the bedroom, DVD/CD players, in-house movie collection, high speed WiFi, a speaker phone, a data port, a personal bar, electronic safe
Deck E
Deck D
Deck C
Deck B
Deck A
Request Additional Information
Departure Port:
Amman
Sailing Date:
Sunday, 12/06/26
Return Date:
Friday, 12/18/26
Nights:
12
Ship:
Oberoi Zahra
Cruise Line:
Tauck Cruise
Checking For Available Shore Excursions From ShoreTrips®
Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only and on select sailings. Prices shown are for stateroom categories as noted and are shown in US Dollars. Government taxes and fees are additional. Airfare is not included. Prices and itineraries are based on availability and are subject to change without notice.
Checking For Available Shore Excursions From ShoreTrips®
Egypt's southernmost city (population 150,000) and ancient frontier town has the loveliest setting on the Nile. At Aswan the deserts close in on the river, confining its sparkling blue between smooth amber sand and rugged extrusions of granite bedrock. Lateen-sailed feluccas glide past the ancient ruins and gargantuan rocks of Elephantine Island, palms and tropical shrubs softening the islands and embankments till intense blue skies fade into soft-focus dusks. 
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