Today, you take your first steps towards a new adventure… Board your flight to Cairo International Airport where we will be waiting for you just before customs for any assistance needed before we transfer you to your chosen hotel to settle in and relax.

Overnight : Cairo Hotel

No Meals

Our journey in Egypt begins with a visit to Giza, where you’ll explore the Sphinx and the iconic pyramids. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local Egyptologist guide, you’ll learn about Egyptian history and culture. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, standing at 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, is a remarkable man-made structure constructed from massive stone blocks. You’ll also have the chance to enter the pyramids if you wish, though your guide can’t join you due to limited tickets. Afterward, we’ll visit the Egyptian Museum, home to the famous Tutankhamun exhibit and a vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. In the evening, we’ll transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train journey to Aswan, where you’ll enjoy dinner in your private twin-berth compartments before a restful night’s sleep.

In the morning, we arrive in Aswan and check into our hotel overlooking the picturesque Nile River, adorned with lush green islands and bustling feluccas. Aswan, a vibrant blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures, invites exploration through its lively markets. This region is also part of the ancient Nubian territory, spanning southern Egypt and northern Sudan along the Nile. Today, many Nubian descendants reside here, and we’ll have the chance to visit a local Nubian village to witness their vibrant homes, modest lifestyle, and savor a traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, our journey continues with a visit to the enchanting Temple of Philae, an island sanctuary dedicated to Isis, gracefully rescued from the waters of Lake Nasser. We access it via a delightful boat ride. As evening falls, you’re free to explore Aswan’s spice and general markets, or stroll along the popular Nile Corniche. An optional camel ride across the sands on the opposite bank of the Nile to St. Simeon’s Monastery is also available. For those who have chosen the Abu Simbel option, an early bedtime is recommended tonight in preparation for an early start tomorrow morning.

This morning, you have the option to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, home to the temples built by Ramses II. We depart early to witness the sunrise over these remarkable temples. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, your morning is free.

At lunchtime, we embark on our traditional Nile felucca for an afternoon sail down the Nile. Sailing on a felucca is a delightful way to experience Egypt, offering a glimpse of local rural life along the riverbanks. Our skilled Nubian crew will handle the boat, provide entertainment, and prepare meals for you. Throughout the day, our separate facilities boat will join us, equipped with clean toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. Tonight, you’ll sleep on the deck of the felucca, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. While this is a fun and basic experience, we offer an optional upgrade for those seeking more comfort to spend the night back at the Aswan hotel, rejoining the group the following morning.

After a satisfying breakfast on-board, we say goodbye to our felucca crew and proceed to visit the nearby Edfu Temple before continuing north towards Luxor. Luxor, built upon the ancient site of Thebes, is renowned for housing the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. On the west bank of the Nile, you’ll find the City of the Dead, featuring mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, while on the east bank lie the captivating Temples of Luxor and Karnak.

Upon our arrival in Luxor, we check into a luxurious 5-star hotel on the Nile’s banks, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the afternoon by the pool. Later in the evening, we embark on a guided walking tour of the enchanting Luxor Temple, nestled right in the heart of the city and beautifully illuminated at night.

Early this morning, we cross the Nile to embark on our exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. This area is renowned for the Valley of the Kings, where ancient burial tombs continue to unveil their secrets, making it one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Our tour includes visits to several Pharaonic tombs, the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir-el-Medina (known as the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the impressive Colossi of Memnon.

For those seeking an extraordinary experience, a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is available this morning, offering the chance to witness the sunrise from high above (please note, an early start is necessary to catch the sunrise as the balloon ascends).

Following lunch, we’ll explore the vast temple complex of Karnak, once the religious epicenter of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was connected to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and was also linked to the Nile via a canal used for the sacred boats of the god Amun. Upon entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, constructed by Ramesses II, you’ll encounter the immense pylon entrance. Inside the enormous courtyard stand three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous, and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall boasts 134 towering columns, each intricately carved with scenes of gods, pharaohs, and adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions on the walls.

We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. Most of the day is then free to explore Cairo as you choose or you may take an optional tour. These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Another full day option further afield includes a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We’ll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We’ll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt’s unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel.

This morning, we will commence our journey from Cairo to Dahab, passing under the Suez Canal and traveling through the Sinai region. If you prefer air travel, we also offer an optional upgrade for a flight from Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to unwind by the hotel pool or beach, or you can venture into Assalah to immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of this welcoming village.

The name “Dahab” in Arabic translates to “gold” and alludes to the fine golden sands that adorn the beaches on either side of the main bay. The adjacent Bedouin village, Assalah, graces the shores of Ghazala Bay and comprises a blend of campsites, hotels, restaurants, shops, dive centers, and bars, accentuated with palm trees. It is within Assalah that you’ll encounter the Bohemian atmosphere that makes Dahab so distinctive (most hotels offer shuttle services, and local taxi fares are quite affordable). The evenings present an ideal opportunity to savor a variety of restaurants and relish the superb local seafood.

Today offers you the freedom to explore the abundant attractions in Dahab and its surroundings. You may choose to engage in more snorkeling or experience an introductory scuba dive. Alternatively, you can unwind at one of the many beachfront restaurants or bask in the sun on the beach. If you’re interested in discovering more of the area’s offerings, day trips are accessible to the Ras Abu Galum protected area, where you’ll have the opportunity to closely encounter the renowned marine life of this region. Additional options include visits to the Blue Hole, Coloured and White Canyons, Mount Sinai, St. Catherine’s Monastery, and even an evening with the Bedouins in the desert.

This morning, we’ll journey from Dahab to Taba Heights, which is approximately a 2-hour drive, to catch a ferry to Aqaba, a journey that takes about 1 hour. Once we arrive in Jordan and complete the necessary passport procedures, we will head into the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. There, we’ll be warmly welcomed by hospitable Bedouin hosts at a comfortable camp nestled below towering rocks and cliffs. We’ll spend the evening and night unwinding at the camp, savoring a delightful, traditional Jordanian meal that often includes the choice of ‘Zarb,’ a Jordanian dish typically featuring lamb and chicken cooked in the Bedouin tradition underground. Evening activities may comprise a camel ride at sunset or stargazing with telescopes.

Following breakfast at the camp, we embark on an adventurous jeep safari, traversing the sandy terrain and admiring the towering ‘jebels’ of Wadi Rum. Along the way, we explore sand dunes and fascinating rock formations, including a stunning rock bridge. We engage in local activities inspired by Bedouin traditions, accompanying a shepherd with his flock to a Bedouin tent. Here, we can participate in and learn about various traditional Bedouin activities, such as shearing sheep and goats, milking, grinding grains, making bread, and roasting coffee. After immersing ourselves in nomadic Bedouin life, we return by jeep to the camp and then proceed to Petra. En route to Petra, we’ll visit the Petra Bakery to witness locals making traditional bread and enjoy a light lunch. As an option, you can choose a captivating introduction to Petra with the Petra by Night tour, walking through the Siq to the Treasury, illuminated by the warm glow of hundreds of candles.

Today, our focus is on the exploration of Petra, the former capital of the Nabataean empire until it fell under Roman control in 106 AD. This incredible city remained hidden from the world’s view for many years, known only to the local Bedouin people, until it was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Located at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, Petra is surrounded by imposing canyon walls and towering hills, accessible only through a narrow rock cleft known as the Siq. Most of Petra’s structures were carved into the multicolored sandstone cliffs, and it has now become one of Jordan’s premier tourist destinations, with the Jordanian Government actively supporting its development.

Today, we have ample time to explore this ancient city, taking a unique back-route starting from Little Petra. Before commencing our journey into Petra, we’ll visit the equally fascinating site of Little Petra, or Siq al-Barid. From there, a short jeep ride will take us to the beginning of the mountain trail connecting Little Petra to the Monastery and the primary Petra site.

The back-route into Petra offers a less crowded and intriguing way to experience the site, with the added bonus of stunning mountain vistas overlooking the Holy Land. This route covers the same monuments as the standard route, including Little Petra and the Monastery. The journey begins with an ascent along rock-carved steps and paths along the mountain’s edge. After reaching a plateau, you can pause for refreshments at a small café with excellent photo opportunities. The path continues, and you’ll catch a glimpse of ‘Ad-Deir’ (the Monastery), providing a well-deserved break before descending into Petra’s main site.

As you enter Petra, the valley unfolds, revealing tombs carved into the rock on both sides, remnants of a Roman amphitheater, and colonnaded streets. Our journey through Petra will ultimately lead us to The Khazneh (Treasury), one of the most iconic structures in Petra.

While the back-route hike into Petra is not overly challenging, it does involve multiple ascents and descents and requires walking on sandy terrain within the main site of Petra for several hours. This route is suitable for those comfortable with this terrain and able to hike for a minimum of 2-3 hours to reach the Monastery and additional hours while exploring the main site of Petra.

For individuals with reduced mobility or concerns about the distance, horse carriages are available for approximately 20JD (USD 28) for an agreed-upon time (only within the main site of Petra, not on the hiking route). Riding the horses provided is not recommended.

Following breakfast in Petra, we’ll journey north along the Dead Sea road to Wadi Mujib. Here, we’ll embark on an exhilarating hike through the Siq Trail, with splendid views of the Salt Flats at the Dead Sea’s southern end. Upon reaching the Wadi Mujib visitor center, there’s a lunch break (not included) before we enter the water and commence the hike.

Descending into the gorge within the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, we’ll explore the shallow waters (available from April to October) and ascend small waterfalls with conveniently placed steps. The hike culminates at a large waterfall, typically lasting 2 to 3 hours in total. We strongly recommend bringing a dry bag to protect your camera or phone from getting wet, as well as water shoes. Dry bags are available for around $7.00 at the visitor center, and you can purchase water shoes for $7.00.

Please note that from November to March, when the Siq Trail is inaccessible, we’ll visit the Baptism site in Bethany, believed to be the biblical ‘Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan,’ where John baptized Jesus. This site includes ancient churches, caves, and pools from Roman and Byzantine eras, visited by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. An electric minibus will take you to three sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools, and John the Baptist’s Church.

After a day filled with activities, we’ll make our way to our resort on the Dead Sea’s shores, where you’ll have free time to enjoy a unique “swim” in the highly buoyant waters and relax by the hotel pool. Don’t forget to bring a newspaper or magazine for that iconic Dead Sea photo!

After a peaceful night’s rest, our journey takes us to nearby Madaba, where we’ll be captivated by Byzantine mosaics, including the ‘Madaba Map,’ the oldest preserved map of the Holy Land. Moving on from Madaba, we’ll head to Mount Nebo, the place where the prophet Moses gazed upon the Promised Land and where he is also buried. On most clear days, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that extend all the way to Jericho and beyond.

Our last stop of the day is the ancient city of Jerash, renowned for its status as one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside of Europe. In Jerash, we’ll explore the Forum, wander through its Roman colonnaded streets, admire the Nymphaeum, and visit the Temple of Artemis, situated on one of the city’s highest points.

To conclude our day, we’ll return to Amman, where we’ll spend our final night in Jordan.

Your day in Amman is at your leisure until we arrange transportation from your hotel to the airport for your departure. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, additional sightseeing tours are an option, such as a visit to the Baptism Site at Bethany on the Jordan River.