Overview

On day 2 of your Jordanian adventure, we'll take you on a journey to the hilltop town of As-Salt, a historical trading link between the Jordan Valley and the Eastern Desert. As-Salt is renowned for its impressive old Islamic architecture built using yellow limestone. Today, the town stands as a symbol of religious and cultural harmony between the local Muslim and Christian populations.

Embark on a walking tour of the 'Harmony Trail' in As-Salt, where you'll learn more about the lives of the locals and their rich history. You'll get to witness the beautiful blend of cultures that has allowed the community to thrive. Enjoy lunch with a local family and experience the delicious taste of Jordanian cuisine (subject to group size; if the group is too large, we will head to a local restaurant).

After lunch, we'll make our way to the Baptism site at Bethany, an excavated site believed to be where John baptized Jesus Christ. The site boasts many churches, caves, and pools dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. We'll visit three of its most important sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools, and John the Baptist's Church.
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We'll return to our hotel in Amman, where you'll spend the night. Take some time to relax, reflect on the day's experiences, and prepare for the next day's adventure.
Overnight: Amman hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

On day 3 of your Jordanian adventure, we'll take you on a city tour of Amman, a city with a rich history dating back many millennia. We'll start with a visit to the Citadel, a significant historical site once home to the ancient temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, Byzantine Church, and the ancient Roman theatre. The theatre is still used today for various cultural events, providing the perfect opportunity to witness the city's modern culture and traditions.

Next, we'll continue our journey to Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman architecture sites in the world. The city was hidden underneath sand for centuries, and over the past 70 years, archaeological work has uncovered its stunning Roman urbanism, featuring paved and colonnaded streets, hilltop temples, public squares, and plazas.

Explore the ancient city's stunning architectural and cultural heritage as you stroll through its well-preserved ruins. Admire the majestic columns, arches, and amphitheaters that transport you back in time to the Roman era.
After a day filled with history and culture, we'll return to our hotel in Amman.
Overnight: Amman hotel
Meals: Breakfast

On day 4 of your Jordanian adventure, we'll leave Amman and embark on an unforgettable journey along the scenic King's Highway to Petra. Enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings as we pass through deep wadis, olive groves, and rural villages.

We'll make a stop at Madaba to visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, famous for its 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land. Witness the intricate details of the map and gain insight into the region's rich history and culture.

Next, we'll visit Mount Nebo, believed to be the burial place of Moses. Take in the breathtaking views from the mountain's summit, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.

We'll continue our journey to Kerak Castle, one of several Crusader Fortresses scattered throughout Jordan. The castle, built in the 12th century, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and plains. Explore the castle's rich history and architecture, and gain insight into the region's turbulent past.

Finally, we'll arrive at the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. This evening, you have the option to experience the Petra by Candlelight tour, where the rose-red city is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical atmosphere. If you're interested in this experience, please speak to your travel consultant.

Overnight: Petra hotel
Meals: Breakfast

On day 5 of your Jordanian adventure, we'll dedicate our time to exploring the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, once the capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans took over in 106 AD. Rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, Petra is located at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, and its stunning architecture and rich history make it one of Jordan's main tourist attractions.

We'll start our day with a 2-3 hour guided tour, followed by free time to explore independently. As we make our way through the narrow Siq, rising to 200 meters above us and narrowing to just 2 meters wide in certain sections, keep an eye out for the ancient Nabatean water channel and remnants of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city. The Khazneh (Treasury), one of Petra's most iconic sights, suddenly comes into view as we turn a corner. Our guide will explain how this and other buildings here are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down, as well as discussing the spiritual significance of the building style.

As we leave the Treasury, the valley opens up, and we'll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides. During your free time, you can walk up a steep, narrow winding gorge to the towering Monastery, which provides breathtaking views of the Wadi Aruba desert and the Jordan Valley. Another climb takes you to the High Place of Sacrifice and Lion Fountain. It's a full and tiring day, but touring one of the world's most famous ancient sites is hugely rewarding.

Later in the afternoon, we'll leave Petra and drive into the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to welcome us at a comfortable camp beneath towering rocks and cliffs. We'll spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars, and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal.
Overnight: Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On day 6 of your Jordanian adventure, we'll start our day with a thrilling jeep safari, exploring the rugged desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Keep an eye out for the stunning copper-colored rocky jebels, which provide a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful desert landscape.

Later in the morning, we'll leave Wadi Rum and make our way towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, sitting at 400 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea is one of the world's most spiritual landscapes, filled with dramatic natural wonders.

Numerous rivers, including the River Jordan, flow into the Dead Sea. Once the water reaches the Dead Sea, it becomes land-locked and eventually evaporates, leaving a dense, rich mixture of salt and minerals behind. We'll stop and enjoy a unique "swim" in the Dead Sea's salty waters, where the high salinity makes it virtually impossible to swim but rather to float or sit in its waters.

After experiencing the wonders of the Dead Sea, we'll make our way back to our hotel in Amman.
Overnight: Amman hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Your Egyptian adventure begins as soon as you arrive at the airport, our friendly staff of be there to greet you, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and transfer you to your hotel in Cairo to begin your Egyptian adventure.

Once you arrive at the hotel, our staff will help you get settled, acquaint you with the local area, and explain tomorrow's arrangements. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Cairo.

If you arrive early, we recommend booking an optional tour to delve into the rich historical tapestry of Islamic Cairo as you embark on a fascinating day of exploration. Begin by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, a captivating labyrinth of winding alleyways adorned with a plethora of shops, cafes, and more. This bustling marketplace offers an authentic Cairo experience, featuring the renowned gold market, perfume street, and spice market. Take a moment to savor the flavors of the region with a cup of aromatic Arabic coffee or refreshing mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo's oldest café, cherished by locals for seven generations. Gain a glimpse into the daily life of the city as you soak in the ambiance of this cherished establishment. Continue your journey to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson Museum, where a treasure trove of intriguing artifacts, ranging from antique furniture to Islamic relics, awaits your exploration.

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we continue to explore the wonders of Egypt, from the iconic pyramids to the stunning temples of Luxor and beyond.

Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

On day 2 of your Egyptian adventure after a delicious breakfast, set out on a journey to the world-renowned Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, arguably the most iconic structures on the planet. Your knowledgeable guide, a trained Egyptologist, will captivate you with fascinating tales of the history and remarkable engineering behind these ancient wonders. For an additional fee, you can venture inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) for an even more immersive experience. Take your time to soak in the awe-inspiring atmosphere of this legendary site.

Next, continue your adventure at the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the finest collections of ancient artifacts in the world. Stroll through the treasure-filled halls, marveling at exhibits that offer glimpses into Egypt's rich past. Consider exploring the optional Mummies Hall, where you can see the preserved remains of significant queens and pharaohs. Particularly impressive is the dazzling array of artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun, featuring exquisite jewelry, the iconic golden death mask, and elaborately adorned sarcophagi—testaments to the pharaoh's preparation for the afterlife. Opting for a guided tour will provide special insights, but you will also have free time to explore independently.

As evening descends, enjoy your leisure time as you wish. For a truly special experience, consider booking a dinner cruise on the Nile—an enchanting way to savor a delightful meal while gliding along the iconic river.

Relish this evening at your own pace, indulging in the enchantment of Cairo.

Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

On day 3 of your Egyptian adventure, after breakfast, we'll transfer you to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan (Flight included), we'll visit Nubian village and stay in a locally run guesthouse. The ancient region of Nubia was an area around the Nile comprising parts of present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan.

Many descendants of the Nubian people still live around Aswan, and during our stay, you'll have the opportunity to see their colorful houses and enjoy a typical meal this evening. This unique experience will give you a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

Get ready to be immersed in the rich history and vibrant culture of Egypt as we continue our journey through this fascinating country.
Overnight: Aswan - Nubian guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast

On day 4 of your Egyptian adventure, we'll take a boat trip to visit one of Egypt's most beautifully situated temples, the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis and was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. You'll be mesmerized by its stunning architecture and rich history.

Afterward, we'll board a traditional Nile felucca and sail a short distance out of Aswan before mooring up for the night. Our separate facilities boat will join us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night to help us protect the environment along the banks of the Nile. It features a proper toilet and showers on board.

Early in the morning, there is an optional tour to the amazing UNESCO World Heritage site at Abu Simbel, which is situated on the banks of Lake Nasser, approximately three hours away from Aswan. The temples here were built by Ramses II and are among Egypt's most impressive and fascinating sites, particularly because they're carved into the hillside rather than built independently. They were also completely dismantled and moved to their current location when Lake Nasser was flooded.

Overnight: On board felucca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

On day 5 of your Egyptian adventure, we'll spend some more time sailing on the Nile, taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. After a delicious lunch with the felucca crew, we'll say a reluctant goodbye and drive north to Luxor, the jewel in Egypt's crown and home to the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world.

These ruins are split across both banks of the Nile. The City of the Dead on the West Bank boasts many mortuary temples and tombs cut into the rocky mountains, while the Temples of Luxor and Karnak and their connecting Avenue of Sphinxes are the highlights on the East Bank. You'll be amazed by the impressive architecture and rich history of these ancient sites.

On the way we'll stop to visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. This remarkable temple, dedicated to Horus of Behedet, stands as the epitome of Ptolemaic temple construction in Egypt. With its impressive size, spanning over 140m and covering approximately 7000m², it is a testament to architectural brilliance and remarkable preservation.

Later in the evening, there's an optional tour available to Luxor Temple, which is situated right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night. Alternatively, you can head into town to explore some of Luxor's popular outdoor cafes.

We'll spend the night at a comfortable 4-star hotel with a pool on the banks of the Nile, where you can relax and unwind after a day of exploring.

Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We'll embark on a tour to the West Bank of the Nile. We'll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most impressive and well-preserved temples in Egypt, and explore several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs were buried with their treasures and belongings. You'll be amazed by the intricate carvings and paintings on the walls of these ancient tombs.

We'll also learn about the workers who made all this possible in Deir El-Medina, also known as the Valley of the Artisans. Here, you'll see the remains of the workers' village and learn about the daily life and culture of the people who built these incredible structures.

We'll also stop to see the huge Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which have stood in the Theban necropolis for over 3,000 years.

In the afternoon, you're free to relax in the hotel or take an optional tour to explore the vast temple complex at Karnak. Here, you'll see impressive columns, courtyards, and statues, and learn about the history and mythology of ancient Egypt.

Additionally, a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is available today as an optional excursion. You'll catch the sunrise as the balloon rises, providing you with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

We'll depart from Luxor and drive back to Cairo, making stops at the impressive temples of Dendara and Abydos en route. Although these temples are less visited by tourists than the sites in Luxor, they are no less impressive.

Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, Dendara is a particular favorite for many visitors due to its incredible preservation. You'll be amazed by the intricate carvings and paintings on the walls and ceilings, and the well-preserved colors that have survived for thousands of years.

Nearby Abydos is another fascinating site, serving as the cult center of the god of the dead, Osiris. The necropolis here was a pilgrimage and burial site, and at least ten temples were originally built here. You'll learn about the mythology and beliefs of ancient Egyptians as we explore the temples and tombs in this fascinating site.

We'll arrive back in Cairo this evening and check into our hotel in Cairo.

Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast

On your final day in Egypt, 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.

Make the most of your final day in Egypt and create lasting memories of this incredible journey. We hope you've enjoyed your time in Egypt and look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Meals: Breakfast