Egyptian Heritage Sites

Upon your arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, one of our team members will greet you and transport you to your hotel in Amman. They'll assist you with settling in, provide you with a briefing for the next day, and then you'll have the remainder of the day to relax or explore your new surroundings at your leisure.

Overnight: Amman hotel

Our Egypt and Jordan tour officially begins after breakfast, where we'll make our way to Jordan's famous 'desert castles' of Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal' at al-Azraq, and Quseir Amra. These impressive structures can be found on the old trade routes built during the Umayyad era, and remnants of this period can still be seen today in the form of frescoes, bathhouses, and wells. Afterward, we'll return to Amman for lunch at a local restaurant where you'll enjoy falafel and hummus. Then, we'll embark on a walking tour of Jordan's capital city, visiting top tourist attractions such as the Amphitheatre, the Folklore Museum, and the Citadel. We'll also explore its bustling markets, where you can taste Knafeh, a delicious sweet treat, while learning some basic Arabic terms to use throughout the rest of our tour through Jordan. If time permits, we may visit a few traditional handcraft and art galleries before returning to our hotel in Amman.

Overnight: Amman hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We'll bid farewell to Amman for now and head north to Jerash, considered one of the best examples of a Roman provincial city in the Middle East. During our visit, we'll see the impressive Forum, the Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum, and the Artemis Temple. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the towering Aljoun Castle, crafted in the 12th century by the Ayyubids and extended in the 13th century by the Mamluks. The castle served as the hub for Saladin's Arab forces, who defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century. The surrounding mountains, hills, and forests around Aljoun Castle are lush and tree-covered, and it's a popular spot for hikers from both Jordan and abroad. Our next stop on the Jordan tour is Rasoun village, where we'll meet a Jordanian family who will host us for the night. After settling into our accommodation, we'll take a walk through the hills to see some Bronze Age Dolmens, which date back around 5000 years. These Dolmens are stone burial chambers formed by a huge stone slab atop two or more standing stones.

Overnight: Rasoun homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After a shared breakfast with our hosts in the Rasoun village, we'll reluctantly say goodbye and journey south to Madaba to see the incredible Byzantine mosaics excavated from throughout the town. We'll visit the 'Madaba Map', the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands, before heading to Mount Nebo. Here, we'll marvel at the view where Moses looked across to the Promised Land, later died, and was buried. Following lunch, we'll make our way to the Dead Sea, where you'll have the afternoon to float in the sea, experience the invigorating properties of the mud by the beach, and relax by the resort pool. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a strange and wonderful experience you won't soon forget.

Overnight: Dead Sea Resort

Meals: Breakfast

Today, we'll travel along the Dead Sea coastline, passing by deep canyons and gorges as they meet the sea. As we head up through the mountains towards Petra, we'll stop for a short walk in the beautiful scenery and hills of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. This is Jordan's largest nature reserve, and the various trails around the restored Dana village offer great views of the valleys and hills. Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit, with the terrain surprisingly green and full of flowers. We'll stop for lunch and take a walk before continuing to the imposing crusader castle at Shobak, and finally arriving at Petra late in the evening. If you're interested, an option is available this evening to get a first taste of Petra on the atmospheric Petra by Night tour. During this tour, the Siq Trail and area outside the Treasury are lit up with hundreds of candles, creating a magical experience.

Overnight: Petra hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient Nabatean site of Petra, which was once the capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans conquered it in 106 AD. After being forgotten for a long time, Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The site is located at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, where canyon walls and towering hills make it difficult to access except through a narrow cleft in the rock, known as the Siq. The Nabateans carved their dwellings into the multi-colored sandstone cliffs, resulting in very few free-standing buildings in Petra. Petra has become one of Jordan's main tourist attractions, and the Jordanian Government is well aware of this. Although the tourism infrastructure in the nearby village of Wadi Musa is booming, once you enter through the Siq, the site is protected, and there aren't many touts or souvenir sellers. We have most of the day to explore Petra, starting with a 2-3 hour guided tour followed by free time to explore independently. We begin by making our way through the Siq, which rises to 200 meters above us and narrows to just 2 meters wide in certain sections. Along the way, we'll see the ancient Nabatean water channel and remnants of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city. As we turn a corner, we'll see the Khazneh (Treasury) –one of the most recognizable sights of Petra. Our guide will explain how this and the other buildings here are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down, and will also discuss the spiritual significance of the building style. Beyond the Treasury lies the main basin, where we'll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides, the ruined Roman amphitheater, and colonnaded streets. During our free time, we can take a steep and narrow winding gorge to the towering 'Monastery,' which offers breathtaking views of the Wadi Aruba desert and the Jordan Valley. Another climb takes us to the High Place of Sacrifice and Lion Fountain. The walking distances today are quite extensive, with a minimum of 3km through the Siq to the Treasury and back, 8km on the trail to the main basin, and a few extra km to the Monastery and back (over 800 steps up and down). For those with limited mobility or concerns about the distance, horse carriages are available to take you through the Siq to the Treasury and back for around 20JD (USD 28). Donkeys are also available for the steps up to the Monastery – if you choose to use them, we recommend doing so on the way up. Later in the afternoon, we'll leave Petra and drive into the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Here, we'll be greeted by friendly Bedouin hosts at a comfortable camp beneath towering rocks and cliffs. We'll spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, enjoying a traditional Jordanian meal while admiring the starry sky. It will be a rewarding day full of exploration of one of the world's most famous ancient sites and the beautiful desert landscape of Jordan.

Overnight: Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we embark on a thrilling jeep safari through the sandy terrain of Wadi Rum, surrounded by towering 'jebels.' Along the way, we'll stop to marvel at the sandy dunes, otherworldly rock formations, and rock bridges. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Jordan's desert. We'll also participate in some Bedouin traditions, such as walking with a local shepherd and their sheep and goats to a Bedouin tent, where we'll assist in making lunch. Additionally, you can choose to engage in other activities like shearing sheep and goat's hair, grinding and roasting coffee beans, and making bread, providing you with a glimpse into the Bedouin way of life. Later, we'll return to camp before driving north on the Desert Highway back to Amman. Tonight, we'll visit some local coffee shops and cafes near our hotel.

Overnight: Amman hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we'll transfer you to Amman Airport to board your flight to Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital (flight not included in the tour price). Upon arrival, one of our staff will greet you and take you to your hotel. We'll give you some time to settle in before introducing you to the local area and arranging the collection time for tomorrow's activities. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cairo independently. You may choose to go on an evening dinner cruise along the Nile River or witness a captivating sound and light show at the pyramids (both can be booked locally upon arrival). Please note that the Amman-Cairo flight is not included in the tour price as it may be more cost-effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. We are happy to assist in booking all your international flights, including this Amman-Cairo flight, or none of them at all - whichever suits you best. Direct flights are available with both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines.

Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Our tour of Egypt starts with a drive to Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, to visit the Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt. Accompanying you on this and all other sightseeing tours will be one of our local Egyptologist guides, who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Egyptian history and culture. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), standing at 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base, is an impressive man-made structure constructed from large stone blocks with a hard limestone casing. Over the years, the casing has been removed, exposing the inner block structure. Together with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the sight of these towering structures rising out of the desert is a breathtaking spectacle. If you wish, you'll have the opportunity to climb down inside the pyramids, although your guide cannot accompany you due to the limited number of tickets available for the Great Pyramid. After exploring the pyramids, we'll head to the Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the famous Tutankhamun exhibit. In the evening, we'll transfer to the station for our overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately  9 hours). You'll have a private twin-berth compartment and enjoy dinner on board.

Overnight: Sleeper train

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We kick off the day by arriving in Aswan and transferring to our hotel, which boasts a stunning view of the Nile. The area surrounding the hotel is particularly picturesque, with lush green islands and feluccas sailing back and forth. Aswan is a hub of African and Middle Eastern cultures, and the best way to experience it is by wandering through the bustling markets. Aswan is also part of the ancient region of Nubia, which encompassed parts of present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan along the Nile rivers. Many descendants of the Nubian people still reside here, and we'll visit a local Nubian village to see their vibrant houses, simple way of life, and enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we'll continue our tour with a visit to the Temple of Philae - a stunning island complex dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. We'll reach it via a scenic boat ride. The evening is yours to explore Aswan's spice and general markets or stroll along the popular Corniche on the banks of the Nile. For those who want to take things to the next level, a camel ride through the sands on the far bank of the Nile to St. Simeon's monastery is available as an option. If you've opted for the Abu Simbel tour, it's best to head to bed early to ensure you're well-rested for an early start tomorrow morning.

Overnight: Aswan 5 star hotel 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you have an optional tour to visit the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, where Ramses II built impressive temples. We depart early, aiming to arrive in time to witness the sunrise over the temples. Transfers, guiding, and entrance fees are included in the tour. If you opt not to visit Abu Simbel, you'll have the morning free to do as you please. In the afternoon, we'll board a traditional Nile felucca for a leisurely sail down the Nile. Sailing on a felucca is a highlight of any trip to Egypt and offers a chance to witness rural Egyptian life along the riverbanks. Our Nubian crew will sail the boat, entertain you, and prepare your meals. A separate facilities boat will join us from time to time during the day and dock with us at night. The facilities boat has a hygienic kitchen, welcome toilet, and showers on board. Tonight, you'll sleep on the deck of the felucca, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. This is a basic, yet fun experience, and we do offer an optional upgrade for those seeking more comfort to spend the night back at the Aswan hotel. You can rejoin the rest of the group the next morning.

Overnight: On board felucca

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast on the felucca, we'll say goodbye to our crew and visit the nearby temple at Edfu before continuing north to Luxor. The town of Luxor is situated on and around the ancient site of Thebes, and features the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. The City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, is located to the west of the Nile, while the Temples of Luxor and Karnak are situated to the east. We'll check into a luxurious 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile and have some free time to relax and unwind by the pool this afternoon. Later in the evening, we'll take a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, which is located in the heart of the city and beautifully illuminated at night.

Overnight: Luxor 5-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we'll cross the Nile to begin our tour of Luxor's West Bank. This area is home to the Valley of the Kings, where the dusty tombs of ancient rulers are still revealing their secrets, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Our tour will include visits to several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Deir El-Medina (Valley of the Artisans), and the colossal statues of Memnon. For those seeking an optional special experience, a hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise as the balloon ascends. After lunch, we'll tour the massive temple complex at Karnak, which was the religious center of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was connected to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was linked to the Nile via a canal that transported the sacred boats of the god Amun. Upon entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, built by Ramesses II, you'll encounter the massive pylon entrance. Inside the vast courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous, and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall contains 134 towering columns, each adorned with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions decorate the walls.

Overnight: Luxor 5-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast

After a relaxed morning, we'll bid farewell to the Nile Valley and embark on a drive to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, where we'll check into a luxurious 5-star resort. During your stay here, you'll enjoy a 'soft all-inclusive' package, which includes all meals, soft drinks, and snacks, but not alcoholic beverages.

Overnight: Hurghada - 5-star resort

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you have the freedom to relax and enjoy your time by the Red Sea. Hurghada is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling, and the rich marine life in the Red Sea attracts divers from all over the world. If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other activities to choose from, including wind surfing and kite surfing, glass-bottomed submarines, quad biking, camel rides, and sea fishing trips. Our local representative based in Hurghada will be available to help arrange any activities you're interested in. Hurghada itself boasts an interesting marina and old town worth exploring. If you'd like to extend your stay in Hurghada, we can book additional nights at the resort for you. Please contact us for pricing and further details. Note: Please keep in mind that if you add extra nights in Hurghada, you'll be departing from the group and missing the remaining activities in Cairo. You can either end the tour in Hurghada or return to Cairo at a later time. For more information and personalized pricing, please contact us.

Overnight: Hurghada 5-star resort

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we'll make the approximately 6-hour drive back to Cairo and check into a centrally located hotel. If you prefer to upgrade to an internal flight, please let us know, and we'll make the necessary arrangements. Later in the afternoon, we'll embark on a guided walking tour through the backstreets and bazaars of Old Cairo. We'll stroll through the impressive Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelry, and other unique items as we gradually make our way to the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll take a break to try some refreshing mint tea and a shisha pipe, and this is an excellent opportunity to pick up some souvenirs to remember your time in Egypt.

Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks the end of our Egypt and Jordan tour, and you'll have the day to yourself to do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an afternoon or evening flight, a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel is available, or you could opt for another half-day tour to learn about the evolution of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis. Additionally, tours are available today. If you'd like to extend your stay in Cairo, you can add extra nights, which would allow you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast or venture into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

Meals: Breakfast