This concise yet comprehensive tour of Egypt and Jordan encompasses the major highlights of these two captivating countries.
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Our journey commences with a guided sightseeing expedition to Egypt’s most renowned landmark, the Great Pyramids of Giza, accompanied by the enigmatic Sphinx. Additionally, we will explore the unique Step Pyramid at Saqqara, delving into the history and evolution of pyramid construction. Following this, a fully-guided city tour of Cairo awaits us, where we will visit the expansive Egyptian Museum of antiquities, the commanding Citadel, various mosques (or alternatively, Coptic Cairo), and the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.
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Leaving Egypt behind, we will embark on a short flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Upon arrival, we will make our way towards the Dead Sea for a night’s stay at a luxurious 4-star resort, allowing us to partake in a leisurely swim or an extraordinary float in the remarkable salty waters. Departing from the Dead Sea, our next excursion involves a brief hike around the restored Dana Village within the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve. Subsequently, we will visit the Crusader Castle at Shobak before embarking on an exploration of Jordan’s most prominent highlight, the astounding lost city of Petra. Here, we will have ample time for a guided tour and the freedom to hike up to the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice, treating ourselves to breathtaking views. Finally, we will venture into the captivating desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, where we will spend a night in a comfortable Bedouin camp nestled against towering cliffs. The following morning, a thrilling jeep safari awaits us, as we traverse sand dunes and witness magnificent rock bridges. We will also have the opportunity to spend time with a local Bedouin shepherd, gaining insight into their nomadic way of life and their exceptional animal husbandry practices in the desert.
For those seeking to see more of Egypt, a 3-night luxury Nile cruise, excursion from Aswan to Luxor. Witness ancient wonders sprawl majestically across the Nile’s banks. Explore magnificent temples and delve into the tombs of pharaohs, for an unforgettable deep dive into Egypt’s captivating history.
Upon your arrival in Amman, our staff will be there to greet you and accompany you to to help with your hotel transfer. After you've comfortably settled in, we'll offer a brief introduction to the neighborhood, pointing out local shops, cafes, and restaurants. This will be followed by some free time for you to independently discover the city's distinctive atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in its unique charm before the official commencement of the tour tomorrow.
Overnight - Amman
Join us on a captivating journey through time, beginning with a visit to the ancient city of Jerash. Marvel at its remarkable Roman architecture, once hidden beneath the sands of history. Explore Jerash's grand theaters, elegant fountains, paved streets, and commanding hilltop temples.
After Jerash, we'll return to Amman for a city tour. Known as the "white city," Amman impresses with its white limestone structures. Our knowledgeable guide will unveil the city's rich history, highlighting archaeological treasures and renovations from the Neolithic era to the Arab Islamic Ages.
A tour highlight is the Citadel, featuring the ancient Temple of Hercules, the 8th-century Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church, and the stunning 6,000-seat Roman theater from the 2nd century. This theater still hosts cultural events, offering a unique glimpse into Amman's vibrant heritage.
Overnight: Amman hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we embark on a picturesque journey along the King's Highway, offering breathtaking views of Jordan's scenic wadis, serene olive groves, and charming rural villages. Our first stop is Madaba, where we'll visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George to admire the renowned 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land.
Next, we'll head to Mount Nebo, where you can take in the sweeping panoramic views of the Holy Land from its summit. As we continue towards Petra, we'll traverse the impressive Wadi al-Mujib and stop at the 12th-century Kerak Castle, a colossal fortress built by Crusader King Baldwin along the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan route.
Our journey concludes in Petra, where we'll assist you with checking into your hotel for the night. You'll have some free time to explore the city at your leisure, but we highly recommend the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury—a truly enchanting experience.
Overnight - Petra
Meals: Breakfast
Today, we embark on a full-day adventure to discover the wonders of Petra, the renowned Nabatean site dating back to the 1st century AD. Once the bustling capital of the Nabatean commercial empire, Petra was forgotten for centuries until rediscovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Accessible only through a narrow passage called the Siq, Petra is perched on the edge of Wadi Araba, surrounded by towering canyon walls and hills.
Our guided tour takes us through the winding Siq, with its walls rising 200 meters above and narrowing to just 2 meters wide. Along the way, we'll see terracotta pipes and an ancient Nabatean water channel that once brought water into the city. Emerging from the Siq, we'll be awestruck by the sight of the Khazneh, also known as the Treasury, one of Petra's most impressive landmarks.
We'll explore the Roman amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and the multi-colored sandstone cliffs leading to the Monastery, Petra's largest carved monument, standing 50 meters high and 45 meters wide. The views of Wadi Araba and the Jordan Valley from this point are simply breathtaking.
After an unforgettable day in Petra, we'll head to Wadi Rum, a stunning desert landscape of towering rocks and cliffs. Here, we'll be welcomed by friendly Bedouin hosts and settle into a comfortable campsite beneath the starry sky. We'll indulge in a delicious traditional Jordanian meal and spend the evening relaxing by the campfire, gazing at the stars, and enjoying the tranquility of this breathtaking desert setting.
Overnight - Wadi Rum Bedouin camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our day begins with an exciting jeep safari through Wadi Rum's magnificent desert landscape. With sharp cliffs and intriguing rock formations, the enormous rust-colored rocky 'jebels' in this area were made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia. We'll traverse the desert terrain and marvel at the stunning vistas that stretch out before us.
After our adventure in Wadi Rum, we'll travel north to the banks of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at over 400 meters below sea level. The sea receives water from various rivers, including the Jordan River, which leave behind a unique blend of salts and minerals, supplying local industries with high-quality products. We'll stop for a swim in the Dead Sea, a truly unique and memorable experience. Due to its high salt concentration, you'll float effortlessly. Remember to avoid getting the water in your eyes, as it can be quite uncomfortable.
After enjoying the unique swimming experience in the Dead Sea, we'll make our way back to Amman, taking in the scenic views of the hills of Jerusalem along the way. This area is believed to have been the home of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (Bela).
Overnight - Amman
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we will arrange your transfer to Amman airport for your flight to the vibrant capital city of Cairo, where our team will warmly welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. From there, we'll ensure your smooth transfer to your hotel.
If you arrive early, we recommend booking an optional tour to explore the rich history of Islamic Cairo. Begin your adventure in the lively Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, a maze of winding alleys filled with shops, cafes, and more. This bustling market offers an authentic Cairo experience, including the famous gold market, perfume street, and spice market. Enjoy a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee or refreshing mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo's oldest café, beloved by locals for seven generations. This will give you a taste of the city's daily life. Continue your journey to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson Museum, where you can explore fascinating artifacts, from antique furniture to Islamic relics.
Overnight: Cairo hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast, our first stop is the Pyramids of Giza, which was established around 4600 years ago as a majestic necropolis for the pharaoh Khufu, the Pyramid of Khufu, towering at an impressive height of 500 feet and boasting a base of 750 feet, stands as a breathtaking testament to human engineering. Crafted from colossal stone blocks adorned with a resilient limestone casing, this awe-inspiring structure has endured over time, despite the stripping of its outer covering. Alongside it, the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus) punctuate the desert landscape with their sheer magnitude. Beholding these colossal edifices emerging from the desert is an unforgettable experience. You will have the opportunity to venture inside one of the pyramids (please note that limited tickets are available, and access cannot be guaranteed) and partake in a memorable camel ride. Adjacent to the pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx stands sentinel, its gaze steadfastly watching over the surroundings. Our expert guide will accompany you on a captivating tour around the Sphinx, and you will also have free time to stroll around and capture stunning photographs.
Our tour continues to Memphis City, the ancient capital of Egypt, housing the monumental statue of Ramses II and the magnificent Alabaster Sphinx, tracing its origins to 3100 B.C. Next, we'll explore Saqqara where the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built 4700 years ago, marks Egypt's earliest pyramid attempt. Saqqara's 7-kilometer expanse reveals pyramids, temples, and tombs, offering a rich exploration of Egypt's pyramid-building history and architectural marvels.
Following this enlightening exploration, we will return to our Cairo hotel, where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Cairo hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our first stop will be the Egyptian Museum, renowned for its extensive assortment of artifacts from Egypt's rich history. One of the highlights of the museum is the renowned King Tutankhamun display.
Continuing your adventure, proceed to the Grand Egyptian Museum, in this remarkable complex spanning 490,000 square meters, visitors will uncover a breathtaking array of relics and antiquities representing nearly every era of ancient Egyptian history, including the illustrious treasures of King Tutankhamun.
After relaxing at the Cairo hotel, there is an optional sound and light show tour of the pyramids. At 19:30, your guide will pick you up for a transfer to the Giza Pyramids in a private AC vehicle. Arriving a few minutes early, you'll capture close photos of the Sphinx and the Pyramids. Around 20:30, the Sphinx show begins, led by a historian describing ancient life using sound and light effects. The 50-minute show concludes with a transfer back to your Cairo hotel.
Overnight: Cairo hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll have some free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
If you'd like to extend your stay, extra nights in Cairo are available. You can continue to explore the city and its surroundings, or take a trip for a few days to the beautiful Red Sea coast.
We hope you've enjoyed your time in Egypt and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Meals: Breakfast
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