Viking has announced a new five-part Explore TV series showcasing Egypt and Jordan, hosted by Trevor Cochrane.
Airing across five consecutive Saturdays at 3pm on Channel 9 from 28 February to 28 March, the series follows Cochrane as he sails along the Nile before continuing on to the ancient landscapes of Jordan.
Along the way, he uncovers one of the world’s most enduring civilisations; a story thousands of years in the making, etched into the land, the river and its people. Sailing aboard the elegant Viking Amun, the journey reveals monumental temples, sacred tombs and vibrant communities that continue to thrive along the Nile today.
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Explore TV to showcase our Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary,” Viking managing director ANZ Michelle Black said. “Guided by Viking’s expert Egyptologists and experienced through our small, purpose-built river ships, this series truly brings Egypt’s past and present to life, while also highlighting the very best Jordan has to offer on one of our most popular post-voyage extensions.”
Episode one begins in Cairo, where Viking Egyptologist Michael joins the journey, sharing expert commentary and historical insight throughout the voyage. Together with Cochrane, they explore the vibrant Khan el-Khalili market, the Citadel of Saladin, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, before concluding at the ancient Saqqara Step Pyramid; a site that brings 4,700 years of history into sharp focus.
Episode two follows the journey through some of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks, beginning at the Giza Plateau with the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, followed by the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation. The episode continues to Luxor to board the Viking Amun and begin the Nile voyage, exploring the awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak and Luxor, once the spiritual heart of the ancient world.
Episode three showcases the scale and beauty of the Nile’s West Bank, with a sunrise hot air balloon flight, before exploring the Dendera Temple Complex and the Valley of the Kings, including Tutankhamun’s tomb, Hatshepsut’s Temple and Howard Carter’s home. Sailing south, Viking journeys to the Temple of Khnum before concluding at the monumental Abu Simbel temples, dominated by the colossal statues of Ramses II.
In episode four, the journey continues to Aswan where Cochrane enjoys high tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, sails the Nile on a traditional felucca and visits a Nubian village. He then tours the Temple of Philae and the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu, before concluding in Old Cairo’s Coptic Quarter, revealing Egypt’s deep layers of faith and history.
Episode five extends the Viking experience beyond Egypt with a post-voyage extension through Jordan. Travelling from the Dead Sea to Mount Nebo, through Madaba and into the spectacular “Rose City” of Petra, the journey concludes in the ancient Roman city of Jerash, where grand ruins tell stories of empires past.
“Egypt continues to attract strong global tourism,” Black concluded. “Our purpose-built ships carry just 82 guests, which really allows us to manage schedules, mooring and day-to-day operations smoothly. That smaller scale, along with the knowledge and storytelling our expert Egyptologists bring onboard, means guests can experience Egypt in a way that feels unhurried, enriching and genuinely connected to place. Through the Explore TV series, viewers will see that Viking approach come to life.”
Viewers also have the chance to win a 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids voyage for two, offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience Egypt with Viking.
