Follow along this Explorer’s Journal with SA Explorer, Riva on a virtual adventure through Petra and Egypt. Discover the history, explore the ruins, and visit the impressive temples of these incredible destinations.

Join me on a breathtaking journey from Petra to Egypt through rich ancient history and one of the world’s oldest civilizations!

Arrival to Jordan & Ancient Petra

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Reaching the Monastery after weaving through the mesmerizing Al Siq Canyon. (Photos: Riva Bacquet)

Regarded as the “Switzerland of the Middle East,” Jordan offers a peaceful and welcoming climate for all travelers and is more accessible than you might imagine. A swift 10-hour direct flight from New York lands you in the modern capital of Amman. With well-preserved ancient ruins such as the Temple of Hercules and the Ancient Roman Theater, Amman warrants at least a day of exploration on its own, but it's also just a 3-hour drive from the ancient marvel of Petra.

Nestled between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra served as an important trading center since the 4 century BC, with roots dating back to 7000 BC. Its distinctive architecture, a blend of construction and carving into the rock, surrounded by mountains and adorned with intricate passages and gorges, is truly unparalleled. While the challenging one-hour hike to the Monastery may seem daunting, it is manageable for most if you take it slow (I did it while 5 months pregnant!), and the breathtaking reward at the end makes it well worthwhile.

The Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza

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Seeing the Great Sphinx of Giza in person was surreal! (Photo: Riva Bacquet)

A brief one-hour flight from Jordan's capital, Amman, brings you to Egypt's sprawling capital, Greater Cairo, home to over 20 million people—about equivalent to Florida's population. Driving an hour from the airport takes you through downtown, across the Nile River, past agricultural areas, and upscale neighborhoods, until you arrive at the iconic attractions of the ancient world: the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza.

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The Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest Egyptian pyramid and the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu from the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, was built in the early 26th century BC over approximately 27 years. As the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, venturing inside may not be for the faint of heart due to its narrow, hot, and crowded passageways, but it promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be missed. Further down, flanking the entrance of the Pyramids rests the 20-meter-high Great Sphinx of Giza, a mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion, said to have been built for the Pharaoh Khufu.

Nile River: Aswan & Nubian Villages

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Indigenous Nubian villages and Philae temple complex (Photos: Riva Bacquet)

A 1-hour flight from Cairo takes you to Aswan, a southern Egyptian city situated along the Nile, just north of the Aswan Dam, with a population of just under 400,000.

Explore the Philae temple complex, where you'll encounter one of ancient Egypt's most important deities, the goddess of Isis. Widely worshipped across the Roman Empire, from England to Afghanistan, Isis is revered for her role as a mourner of her husband, Osiris (the deity and King of Egypt, killed by his jealous brother Seth), and mother of Horus, the King of the Sun in Egyptian mythology. Venerated as a magical healer and a model mother, she is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a solar disk or a throne and cow's horns on her head.

Indigenous Nubian villages line the Nile's shores, just 45 minutes south of Aswan, offering an invitation to immerse yourself in their distinctive hospitality and culture. The vibrant scene includes brightly painted homes, traditional meals featuring stuffed pigeons, and traditional song and dance in their native languages.

Edfu Temple, Valley of the Kings, & Temple of Hatshepsut

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The Temple of Hatshepsut and the hieroglyphics were incredible to see. (Photos: Riva Bacquet)

Whether you’re sailing aboard a Nile cruise or taking a private 2-hour transfer, your next stop from Aswan is the Temple of Edfu, which is dedicated to the god Horus, son of Isis, the King of the Sun in Ancient Egyptian mythology. The Edfu Temple tells the story of the beginning of the world and the story of Horus who landed here as a falcon and was charged with the responsibility to avenge his father’s death and claim his throne by killing his uncle Seth.

Continuing by boat along the Nile or 2 hours overland, you will arrive in Luxor in Upper Egypt home to just under 500,000 people. On its West Bank lies the Valley of the Kings, a remarkable highlight of Egypt, providing the opportunity to enter numerous intricately decorated and colorful tombs with multiple chambers and long open passageways. Almost all the tombs have been robbed but were once filled with valuables including precious metals, stones, gold, silver, and more buried with the mummies.

A short distance away, explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, built by the fifth Pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. What makes Hatshepsut particularly intriguing is her unconventional approach to establishing her position in the Egyptian patriarchy. To assert herself, she assumed traditionally male roles, portraying herself as a male pharaoh with physically masculine features and attire. Hatshepsut's reign marked an era of considerable prosperity and overall peace, and she was considered one of the most prolific builders in Ancient Egypt, overseeing extensive constructions, including the Karnak Temple Complex.

Luxor & Karnak Temples

Nestled on the East Bank of the Nile River within the city of Luxor, the Luxor Temple, built in 1400 BCE and expanded by successive pharaohs over centuries, stands as a colossal and paramount religious center in ancient Egypt. A nighttime visit unveils the majestic Great Colonnade Hall, spanning 61 meters, adorned with 28 towering columns, and stone temple walls intricately carved with hieroglyphic texts and depictions of ancient religious rituals. Illuminated beautifully, the temple comes alive in the evening ambiance, accompanied by the resonating call to prayer from nearby mosques.

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Nearby lies Karnak Temple, constructed from approximately 2000 BC and extending to around 100 AD the site comprises a multitude of remarkable ancient structures, such as temples, chapels, and various buildings arranged in a village-like configuration. Beyond its religious importance, Karnak Temple served as a treasury, administrative center, and palace for the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, and to date, it stands as the most extensive temple complex ever built worldwide.

While the iconic attractions of Egypt are a definite must-see, there's a wealth of additional wonders awaiting exploration. Extend your Egyptian adventure to Alexandria or Hurghada along the Red Sea for diverse experiences. Alternatively, a brief one-hour flight from Luxor brings you back to Cairo's international airport, providing a seamless connection to your international departure. Journey home with enduring memories and a heightened respect and fascination for the Middle East.

The massive pillars at Karnak Temple left us in awe. (Photo: Riva Bacquet)