15 Days | Discover two of the world’s most iconic ancient cities on this Middle Eastern exploration
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring the ancient cities of Cairo, Luxor, Petra and Amman – this Egypt and Jordan discovery trip is just the one. Witness the immensity of the great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, followed by a cruise down the Nile and a tour through the Valley of the Kings. Learn Egypt’s mythological history with a local leader as you traverse Karnak Temple and watch the sun go down from a traditional felucca boat. Head to Jordan – where you’ll see your second wonder of the world at The Treasury in Petra. Explore at your own pace with lots of free time, enjoy comfortable accommodation perfect for a recharge and then head to a local family’s house for a traditional dinner over some storytelling. Float in the Dead Sea as you reflect on this lifechanging trip and give your heart over to the Middle East – as many have before you.
Trip overview
- Start
- Cairo, Egypt
- Finish
- Amman, Jordan
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- Egypt, Jordan
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Comfort
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- XEKBC
- Explore an ancient wonder of the world – the Pyramids of Giza, along with the famed Sphinx, Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, as you learn mythological history from an expert guide.
- You’ll never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place on a guided tour, then enjoy free time to explore.
- Be welcomed into the home of families in Cairo and Petra, where you’ll chat with friendly family hosts over traditional meals and learn what life is like in these diverse locations.
- Set sail down the Nile on a four-night riverboat cruise and watch day turn to dusk from the sundeck. Then, experience the world’s most iconic river from a traditional felucca boat.
- Experience the unique sensation of floating in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, then cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud for a spa treatment like no other.
- Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.
- The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.
- Temperatures can vary across this region and throughout the year. From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, we start some days very early e.g. 6am. Be sure to review the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information and consider the weather at the time of year you wish to travel.
- Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.
- The Nile Cruise includes four nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.
- In Wadi Rum we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cold at night and warm clothes are highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months.
- Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You'll find dates and further information in the 'Climate and seasonal information' section of the Essential Trip Information.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
Private vehicle, Plane, Cruise boat, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train, 4x4 Jeep
Hotel (8 nights), Cruise boat (4 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night), Desert camp (1 night)
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
- Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
- Aswan - Felucca Sail
- Aswan - Philae Temple
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
- Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
- Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
- Petra - Guided tour
- Petra - Home-cooked meal
- Shobak - Shobak Castle
- Madaba - St Georges Church
- Jerash - Roman ruins
- Dead Sea - Visit and float
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP450
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP230
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP270
- Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) - EGP220
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP900
- Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD45
- Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2000
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130
- Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP200
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP180
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP200
- Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) - USD110
- Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price - USD450
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
5. Petra By Night is offered as an optional activity. This activity is currently scheduled to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check your departure date if you would like to do this activity as it is not available on all departures.
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