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From the ‘Land of the Pharaohs’ to the luxurious waters of the Dead Sea, this immersive combination trip through Egypt and Jordan is awash with highlights. Lose yourself in sun-kissed Cairo, be dazzled by the grandeur of ancient Egypt, cruise down the iconic Nile River, and explore the fascinating cities of Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor. Cross over to Jordan and discover the sweeping desert and echoing formations of Wadi Rum, the hidden, hand-hewn facades of Petra and the ancient Roman ruins at Jerash. With lashings of comfort and heartwarming Nubian and Bedouin hospitality, this is a Middle Eastern odyssey to remember.

ITINERARY CHANGE IN 2019:
In 2019 the Jordan section of this trip will change order slightly. Previously Day 13 was spent in Aqaba, and Day 14 in Wadi Rum. In 2019 we will go directly to Wadi Rum from Amman. This small change has been made in order to maximise our time in Wadi Rum. There are no changes to the included activities.

Start
Cairo, Egypt
Finish
Amman, Jordan
Destinations
Egypt, Jordan
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
XEKJC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Set sail down the Nile, one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by

  • Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings

  • Cairo's Khan al-Khalili Bazaar is an essential Egyptian experience – lose yourself in the colours and aromas of this fascinating marketplace

  • Stand at the feet of Abu Simbel’s monumental temples and marvel at the sheer scale of these stunning structures

  • Be awed by the towering, windswept rock formations at Wadi Rum, and note how the colours change as the sun makes its way across the sky

  • Get to know your Bedouin Camp hosts and their way of life, sleep under the stars in the desert Camp.

  • You never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place

Is this trip right for you?

  • Egypt can get hot in with the summer months of July and August, being the warmest but this is normally a dry heat and easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible we try and visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.

  • Accommodation aboard the Nile cruise is based on full board basis – all drinks served on board are at your own expense. An evening entertainment program is also available on board.

  • 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, Petra & Wadi Rum, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids. A reasonable level of fittness is required.

  • Cairo and surrounds traffic can be notorious as can the level of pollution so be prepared for one of the busiest cities in just North Africa

  • Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided on board and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.

  • In Wadi Rum we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months

Map of Explore Egypt & Jordan including Egypt and Jordan
Jump aboard a felucca and cruise down the famous Nile in Egypt
Walk across the amazing sand dunes in the deserts of Jordan
Visit the amazing city of Petra in Jordan
See beautiful religious architecture in Amman, Jordan
Experience the hustle and bustle of Egypt's capital, Cairo

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2019 - 31 December 2019

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In free time perhaps get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts, where you can see donkey carts and expensive cars, medieval slums and modern shopping malls. If you have time, perhaps travel along the river by felucca (a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails) or head out to explore the markets. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Christian Coptic sector is well worth a visit.

Notes: Complimentary transfers are only applicable if you arrive on Day 1 of your Intrepid trip or have booked pre-tour accommodation through Intrepid. Please advise flight arrival details (flight number and time) at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Citadel - EGP100
  • Cairo - Coptic Museum - EGP100
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum - EGP100
  • Urban Adventures - Downtown Cairo Tour - USD45
  • Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD73
  • Urban Adventures - Treasures and Tut Tour - USD65
  • Cairo - Sufi dance performance at Khan al-Khalili - EGP50
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is amazing. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4,500 years, and for an additional charge you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, (although occasionally it may be closed to visitors). The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia it is not recommended. Please note that you'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and carry lots of water.

Afterwards, make your way to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum, and make sure to check out the Mummies Hall (optional) for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight to behold. From gold jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
Optional Activities
  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops - EGP300
  • Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre - EGP60
  • Cairo - Pyramid of Saqqara - EGP120
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids (entrance fee only) - EGP200
  • Cairo -The Royal Mummy Room - EGP150
  • Cairo - Solar Boat Museum - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
The Egyptian Museum will be re-located in 2018. The current exhibits may be in the process for being moved or packed so as such the museum may not be operational at its full capacity

Jump in a private van today and drive following the ‘desert road’ to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria (approximately 3 hours). Egypt's second largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. It was the renowned capital of Ancient Egypt's last royal dynasty, the Ptolemies, and the site of the Pharos. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this lighthouse acted as a beacon, guiding sailors away from this notoriously treacherous stretch of coastline.

On arrival, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt and was discovered, quite accidentally, by a hapless donkey. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Murals and reliefs inside show how Alexandria was a place where Egyptian and Greek funerary myths coexisted. Stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over 8 million books.

Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey to enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom Ash-Suqqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Optional Activities
  • Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, pay a visit to Al Montazah Palace and Gardens. Montazah gardens is home to two palaces, one built in 1892 and another in 1932 by King Fuad I, and acres of picturesque gardens. The gardens are located along the shoreline and flow from splendidly landscape gardens into great beaches. Soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo (approximately 3 hours). Take some time to relax or get some supplies before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 13 hours).

Notes: The two-berth cabins are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided onboard by the porter. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but we recommend bringing additional toilet paper. Keep in mind 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're a vegetarian as only a single type of meal is served for dinner, which always includes meat. In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite sex, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions, you might be sharing with another traveller of the same sex who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas: welcome to Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. The city is Egypt's southern gateway to Africa and an important market town, so take time here to check out one of the country's best bazaars. When you arrive you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. In any free time you might choose to visit the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians.

This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand with a visit to a nearby village. You’ll join a local Nubian family for dinner and get an unforgettable insight into the daily life of the local people. This is a rare and memorable experience, giving you the chance to become fully immersed in the local culture.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
Optional Activities
  • Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee only) - EGP100
  • Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk (entrance only) - EGP60
  • Aswan - Monastery of St. Simeon - EGP40
  • Aswan - Kalabsha Temple - EGP60
  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles - EGP60
  • Aswan - High Dam - EGP30
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

This morning take a short flight (approximately 45 minutes) from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where you’ll explore some magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights.
 
Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet your Nile cruise boat. Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organised sightseeing on an iconic Nile River cruise to Luxor.

Notes: Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Evenings will be spent on the boat, so make full use of the boat's facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board. Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn't to the same standard that we might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not luxury, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules we aren't able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we'll be sailing on.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Continue your leisurely cruise down the Nile, with today’s stop Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex sits picturesquely ruined on the river's edge and dates back to the early 2nd century BC. The complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of Gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility), and it includes details on the Ancient Egyptian's relationship with crocodiles, whom they revered and feared in equal measure. The other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs.

Return to the cruise boat where you’ll continue travelling upriver, with free time relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kom Ombo - Kom Ombo Temple
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today finds you moored near Edfu, a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. You will disembark and discover the lively streets of Edfu town – get acquainted the bustling town centre and the bazaar.

Visiting the Temple of Edfu is included in your itinerary however you may want to read our notes below before you decide.  Back on board continue towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks.   It is not uncommon to have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, and listen to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate there way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience - Life on the Nile. 

Settle back and and make the most of the incredible views across one of the world’s greatest rivers and your last night onboard.
Accommodation
  • Cruise ship (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The only mode of transport available to visit the Edfu temple is by locally managed horse and carriages. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the Horse and Carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer including the visit the Edfu Temple.

In addition to the animal welfare concerns, we have had a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse and carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule

Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open air museum of Luxor – from the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs.

Today you’ll visit the Intrepid Foundation's local project ACE (Animal Care in Egypt). It’s a great chance to see the holistic approach the project takes towards animal welfare, and to raising awareness among the locals.

You’ll also explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharoahs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun.
 
The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
  • Luxor - Intrepid Foundation Project visit - ACE (Animal Care in Egypt)
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple - EGP100
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance only) - EGP120
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum - EGP80
  • Luxor - Sound and Light Show at Karnak (entrance only) - EGP200
  • Luxor - Bicycle Hire - EGP100
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Some of the Tombs incur a fee to take your camera your Tour Leader will advise you.

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover some the many wonders of ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two 17 metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade.

Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore this sprawling and spectacular place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, their funerary rites, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the most interesting royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. One of the Egypt’s greatest queens, she built this temple to prove her importance among the ancestors.

The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum to discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb entrance
Optional Activities
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens - EGP80
  • Luxor - Tombs of Nobles - EGP60
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple - EGP60
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina - EGP80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Some Tombs in the Valley of Kings have a fee for

Catch a short flight back up to Cairo this morning (approximately 1.5 hours). On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the local bazaar (Khan el-Khalili) with your trip leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. It retains a distinctly medieval feel. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market). Then maybe gather together you fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, or sheesha as this Egypt Experience comes to an end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning take a short flight from Cairo to Amman. On arrival you will have some free time before the welcome meeting at 6pm. Take some time to start doing some sight seeing. Some of the highlights include the Citadel, with its sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls), or the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman.

Meet your new leader and new group members at the welcome meeting at 6pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. Your new leader will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

After breakfast today you’ll leave the Jordanian capital of Amman and journey down the Desert Highway, with the beach resort of Aqaba as your destination (approximately 4 hours). On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Aqaba is the only port city in the country, lying at the very northern tip of the Red Sea, and you will have the rest of the day free to explore the town and port. The small Ottoman Mamluk Fort, dating from the 14th century and from where Lawrence of Arabia rode to Cairo, is worth a look. Otherwise, most of the fun is to be found in the water. Acquaint yourself with the hotel's pool, or head to the beach – some of the best snorkelling in the world can be found around the untouched coral reefs just south of the town.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning take a brief orientation walk of Aqaba with your guide, visiting the old castle if time permits, before driving to Wadi Rum. See the contrast between the sparkling waters of the Red Sea and an ochre sea of desert on the way to spellbinding Wadi Rum. Drive approximately 1 hour into this landscape of rugged sandstone mountains, desolate yet achingly romantic, the way the locals do – in rather old, rickety (but reliable) jeeps operated by the local Bedouin Community. After lunch (not included) in the small village of Rum and a browse around the excellent and informative visitor's centre, you will visit some of the most stunning desert scenery you will ever witness. Wadi Rum is a truly beautiful place, where great gouts of rock have been eroded by wind and ancient water into fantastical gnarled shapes; watch them change colour throughout the day, and soak in the vast silence of this lunar-like landscape. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T.E. Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Today you will also meet your new Bedouin Friends, the backbone of Jordan. Ride through sweeping swathes of desert, wondering how this place could be liveable until you soon get your answer – a group of dark tents low-pitched to the ground: a Bedouin camp. In traditional Bedouin culture, a huge onus is placed on taking in and feeding any visitor, and so a very warm welcome is assured on your arrival. Spend the night in this incredible location, deep in Wadi Rum and under a huge expanse of stars.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Wadi Rum - Camel ride (30 min.)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp this morning, you will enjoy a walk around the area (the length of the walk will depend on how energetic you are feeling) before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy sensational views of the surrounding area. Keen photographers will be delighted. You will then take 4WDs from your camp back to the main entrance, which is opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is also a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women's co-operative that is aimed at supporting traditional local industries. You will then continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra (approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival there is time in the afternoon to check out the town that has grown up around the site, and to just relax… ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. It’s regularly cited as the world’s ‘8th Wonder’, and in fact made the list of ‘New7Wonders of the World’. Petra is the jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans, an impressive series of tombs and dwellings hidden behind ornate façades carved directly into the rock. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the site was lost to Western minds until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. The iconic Petra view – the Treasury's glorious façade, glimpsed from the narrow cleft known as the Siq – is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is sometimes only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side, and it is impossible not to imagine the armies and traders who made their way down here in the ancient times. Petra's greatest surprise, however, is its size. With your guide you will explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several old tombs. You will also climb up to the Monastery – carved from a mountain summit and the site's second beautiful façade – from where you will have a magnificent view of the entire site. This is a memorable day exploring a truly extraordinary destination and is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy a light lunch. In the mid-afternoon you will return to your hotel and it won't take much convincing for you to try a soothing traditional Turkish bath.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Guided tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Petra is an incredible site and almost demands more than one visit. If you want to see more, then get up early to soak in the dramatic setting, walk to extra sites like the High Place of Sacrifice, and just try to comprehend the history and life of a city that was once able to challenge the might of Rome. Later, the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak makes as imposing sight as you make the short drive up to it. It was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea, before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Stroll the site and discover a small chapel, original gatehouse, and find out where a long, dark secret passage leads. Continue half an hour to the ancient village at Dana, on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where local artisans sell attractive silver jewellery and charms. Drive on to Madaba (approximately 3 hours), home to a number of fine Byzantine mosaics. Visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and see an impressive mosaic map of the Holy Land that clearly depicts Palestine and Lower Egypt around 550 AD. You will arrive in Amman in the late afternoon, where you can spend the evening in one of its several fine restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Dana - Ancient Village Visit
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will leave Amman for a short drive north (approximately 1 hour) to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best Greco-Roman ruins around. Reaching its zenith as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, it has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a morning exploring. Grand ionic columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza, a wonderfully atmospheric place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. Then, you’d better have brought your swim gear as you can wash off the dust from exploring with a dip like no other. Drive approximately 1.5 hours to the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea but a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. Spend some time relaxing here and get some classic floating pictures. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Afterwards you will return to Amman for the evening (approximately 1 hour). Maybe spend your final night at one of the many bars and restaurants in West Amman, or ask your leader about the traditional cafes dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Dead Sea - Visit including lunch
  • Jerash - Roman ruins
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your trip will end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12 noon and you are free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Amman.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

17 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners

Transport

4x4, Camel, Boat, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train, Plane

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Cruise ship (3 nights), Desert camp (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom Ash-Suqqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens
  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple
  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca trip
  • Kom Ombo - Kom Ombo Temple
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple
  • Luxor - Intrepid Foundation Project visit - ACE (Animal Care in Egypt)
  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
  • Luxor - Tut Ank Amon Tomb entrance
  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
  • Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
  • Wadi Rum - Camel ride (30 min.)
  • Petra - Guided tour
  • Shobak - Shobak Castle
  • Dana - Ancient Village Visit
  • Madaba - St Georges Church
  • Dead Sea - Visit including lunch
  • Jerash - Roman ruins

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip. On the following nights the Single Supplement is not available:Day 14 Wadi Rum camp.

2. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking

3.ITINERARY CHANGE IN 2019: In 2019 the Jordan section of this trip will change order slightly. Previously Day 13 was spent in Aqaba, and Day 14 in Wadi Rum. In 2019 we will go directly to Wadi Rum from Amman. This small change has been made in order to maximise our time in Wadi Rum. There are no changes to the included activities.

Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Egypt before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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Reviews

Our Explore Egypt & Jordan trips score an average of 4.5 out of 5 based on 10 reviews in the last year.

Explore Egypt & Jordan, April 2018

Susan Schwartz-Rogers

Review submitted 29 Apr 2018

Explore Egypt & Jordan, February 2018

Wendy Kennedy

Review submitted 03 Apr 2018

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