Jordan and Egypt: Ancient Ruins, Desert Dunes & Iconic Wonders
16 days, Amman to Cairo
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Amman
Arrive at any time. After a brief welcome meeting at the hotel connect with new friends on an optional group dinner in Amman, or explore on your own before the adventure begins.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Nomads Hotel Amman (or similar)
Day 2Amman
It’s all about Amman’s culture and food today in an immersive experience of the must-see sites and best food in the city. After breakfast, visit the King Abdullah Mosque, then follow that up with visits to the Citadel and Roman Amphitheater before travelling to the local favorite hillside town of As Salt. Here, embark on a 2-hour food tour where you will experience first-hand typical Jordanian hospitality while sampling, and learning about a smattering of regional dishes earning you a memorable taste of As Salt’s rich culinary traditions. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free in Amman to do as you please.
Visit King Abdullah Mosque, Amman Citadel, & the outside of the Roman Amphitheater
The first stop on today's journey is the Visit King Abdullah Mosque, capped by a blue mosaic dome. Then, head to the Citadel, an archaeological site best known for the Roman Temple of Hercules and used by numerous civilizations since the Bronze Age. Then jump in a private vehicle for a ten minute drive to the Roman Amphitheatre to view the grounds from the outside. The theatre could once seat up to 6,000 people in its steep stairs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: As-Salt Food Tour
Enjoy a 2-hour food tour in As-Salt, Jordan for an immersive culinary experience. Begin at a local eatery and sample some traditional Jordanian appetizers like hummus, falafel, and labneh. Then, head somewhere else for the country's national dish, Mansaf. There will also be an exploration of the local markets and spice shops. Finish the tour up with dessert before a refreshing cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. The experience provides the perfect overview of As-Salt's rich culinary traditions.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Travel back to Amman for free time in the city.
Accommodation
Nomads Hotel Amman (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Amman/Petra
Leave Amman in the morning and travel to the remarkably well-preserved Roman archaeological site of Jerash. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the site and learn more about the history of this architectural marvel as you walk through the various public squares and plazas. Continue onwards to Petra where you will have free time to get settled in before dinner on your own.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jerash Guided Visit
Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.
Free Time
Wadi Musa is the closest town to Petra. Enjoy free time here on your own to get settled and explore a bit.
Accommodation
Nomads Petra hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Petra
Today the group will hike from Little Petra along the ancient backdoor trail to the iconic masterpiece of Petra. The trail comes out near the Monastery where you can enjoy a boxed lunch overlooking the image most people come to Jordan searching for. Drive back to the hotel and have a free rest of the day to explore on your own or relax on the rooftop as the sun goes down past the horizon.
Siq al-Barid (Little Petra) Visit
Explore the narrow alleyway with tall cliff walls and carved rock of Little Petra, which is similar to its larger namesake. Just 9km (5.6 mi) from Wadi Musa, it's worth the visit.
Little Petra Hike & Guided Visit to Petra
Start today's hike along the back door trail to Petra. You'll visit the often overlooked, but unique and charming Little Petra and then embark along the ancient trail that leads to the back entry into Petra via the Monastery. Sit down for a picnic lunch overlooking the splendor before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wind through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long gorge flanked by these soaring sandstone walls standing 80m-high and catch a glimpse of this magnificent creation, the famed treasury of Petra.
Explore in depth with your CEO and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Castle, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.
Free Time
After a full day of exploring Petra and the surroundings, you will have free time back in Wadi Musa at the hotel. Choose to grab a few drinks at a nearby rooftop and find a local spot for dinner.
Accommodation
Nomads Petra hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Petra/Wadi Rum
You’re in for an unforgettable experience on a sunrise visit to Petra to witness this famous archaeological site as the morning light crests over the sandstone cliffs. Travel back to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for the ‘Valley of the Moon’ or more commonly known as Wadi Rum. Upon arrival hop on a 4x4 and ride deep into the natural beauty and unique landscape of red sand dunes to reach your private camp amid the dunes. Take some time to get settled here and have a group dinner at camp before a walking tour for some stargazing in a sky with very little light pollution. An epic day for sure!
Petra Sunrise
Visit Petra one last time for an impressive sight of sunrise above The Treasury. Truly the best time to see Petra in all its glory, you will experience far fewer visitors at this early hour. Sit down, take it all in, and feel how the string of time pulls thinner while the sun lights up the sandstone cliffs in an ethereal glow.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
4x4 Desert Trip
Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.
Night Walk - Wadi Rum
Walk out into the desert from Wadi Rum and search for stars as the sun goes down and full darkness reveals just how many were there all along.
Accommodation
Harb Eco Camp (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6Wadi Rum/Aqaba
After breakfast leave the solitude of the desert for a more lively time in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Upon arrival, the day is yours to do as you please. Choose to book a boat ride with lunch and snorkelling in the marine-rich waters of the Dead Sea, or stay on land and peruse the Marina Village, or the Aqaba Local Market. Dinner this evening is on your own.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Upon arrival to Aqaba there will be free time to enjoy all that the Red Sea has to offer. Choose to book a 4-hour boat ride including lunch and snorkelling gear. Or you could visit the local market for some local specialty snacks, and the Marina Village with all of its boutique shops. No matter what, the choice is yours.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Aqaba Boat Trip with Snorkelling
Looking for a perfect day trip to make the most of your time in this seaside town? Board a boat and enjoy a relaxing day on the waters of the Red Sea. Enjoy a BBQ lunch and join a snorkelling guide to spot marine life beneath the surface. If snorkelling isn't your thing, sit back and enjoy the views from the water of Aqaba.
Accommodation
My Luxury Hotel Aqaba (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Aqaba
Get out there and fully immerse yourself in the fun experiences Aqaba has to offer its visitors. Choose to purchase a full-day beach club pass which includes lunch and will let you be as relaxed as can be on the sand, the whole day belongs to you. You can also visit the sites in town that you didn’t get a chance to check out yesterday. Dinner is wherever you please, but a nearby restaurant with some live music and a fun local crowd sounds like a good idea!
Free Time
The full day is free to do as you choose in the gorgeous seaside town of Aqaba. Options include hanging out by the hotel pool, visiting the market or Marina Village, or you can book the full--day Beach Club Pass with inclusive lunch and really go all out for your final free day in Aqaba.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Whether it’s a a local place with live music or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Aqaba Beach Club Pass with Lunch
Escape to the beach with a day pass to the local beach club where you can enjoy a luxurious beachfront experience. It's the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. You'll have private beach access and an included lunch at the club's restaurant. Plus the option to choose from a variety of adventurous water activities (some additional charges may apply).
Accommodation
My Luxury Hotel Aqaba (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Aqaba/Mādabā
Leave Aqaba and the Red Sea behind today and travel to Madaba and the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Along the way make a stop for a traditional Jordanian meal at the G Adventures-supported Al Safi Kitchen working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. Then, it’s the moment many have been waiting for, a soak and float in the healing waters of the sea. Search for salt chunks bobbing nearby and rub the medicinal mud on your skin. Visit St George Church next, where you will see some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Spend a free evening in Madaba before an optional dinner with the group
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way for lunch at a G Adventures-supported initiative.
Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch
Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.
Dead Sea Visit
Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.
Madaba Mosaics Guided Tour
Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.
Accommodation
Mariam Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Mādabā/Cairo
Transfer from Madaba to Amman in the morning and catch a flight to Cairo for the next leg of this epic adventure. Spend a free evening in the city and attend an optional group dinner.
Private Vehicle
Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private transport back to Amman from Madaba.
Plane
Sit back and enjoy your flight from Amman to Cairo for the next leg of your adventure.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time in Cairo to explore on your own before an optional group dinner in the evening.
Accommodation
Pharaohs Hotel Cairo (or similar)
Day 10Cairo/Aswān
Enjoy a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Then, take an orientation tour through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with free time for shopping or people watching from a shisha café. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
For lunch, why not go local with a couple of falafel sandwiches, or take the chance to find out what kushari tastes like?
In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and store our luggage in our vehicle, ready to head to the station to catch tonight's overnight train later in the evening.
Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Orientation Walk
Head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in downtown Cairo for an orientation walk with the CEO. Learn the best places to buy various things, and opt to enjoy a hookah and a cup of tea in a cafe. Enjoy free time to stroll and shop the narrow pathways.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Egyptian Museum
200EGP per personWith over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. There is plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.
Explore a Pyramid
100-400EGP per personEver wonder what's inside the pyramids? Here's your chance to find out. Spend your free time further exploring one of the many pyramids in the area, such as Cheops, or the 2nd or 3rd pyramid - the choice is yours!
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 11Aswān
Free morning to explore Aswan. Opt to wander through the souk at your own pace or visit the famous Philae Temple, it's your choice.
In the afternoon, board a boat and cruise down the Nile. Visit a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with locals.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed.
Free Time
Head out and explore this sleepy town.
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal
Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Visit the Souk
FreeExplore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.
Accommodation
Obelisk Hotel Aswan (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 12Aswān
Spend the day exploring Aswan.
Spend another day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit one of the most fascinating sights in the area, the Temple of Abu Simbel. Or continue exploring the city to learn more about Aswan's local people. In the evening choose to book the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show.
If you have purchased the Temple of Abu Simbel Excursion, you will visit the temple today. Leaving Aswan at around 4am, you travel deep into the desert to the site of these enormous temples, on the shores of Lake Nasser. You can spend around 2 hours at the temples and then return to Aswan by about 12pm. The round trip drive is around 5-6 hrs.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Aswan, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like bartering with a merchant at a local souk, riding a camel at the West Bank, or sitting back to enjoy a sound and light Show at the Philae Temple. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Philae Temple Sound and Light Show
70USD per personAs the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display.
Temple of Abu Simbel Visit
Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you.
Accommodation
Obelisk Hotel Aswan (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Aswān/Luxor
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.
Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.
Kom Ombo Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Felucca Ride to Aswan Bridge
Board a felucca (local boat), to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the city. Journey 4 hours on the water to Aswan Bridge. Lunch will be served on board.
Accommodation
Susanna Hotel Luxor (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 14Luxor
Enjoy a full free day to explore Luxor. Opt to set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank of Luxor excursion. Or choose to discover the city at your own pace, by wandering through the local bazaars or visiting a museum—the choice is yours!
Free Time
Start exploring Luxor.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
West Bank of Luxor Guided Tour
Rise early to catch the sunrise as you cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings.
Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead; visit three tombs in total, and opt to visit the famous tomb of King (‘Tut’) Tutankhamun. Continue on to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon.
Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.
King Tutankhamen Tomb
300EGP per personOpt to descend down into the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Valley of the Kings' most famous pharaoh. While the treasure has been moved to the Cairo Museum, it is fascinating to enter the tomb that held one of the most intact collection of treasures found in all of Egypt.
Accommodation
Susanna Hotel Luxor (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Luxor/Cairo
After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterwards, cycle back to the waterfront and board the ferry to travel back across the Nile. Spend a free afternoon in Luxor at your leisure, or choose to join the East Bank optional excursion. In the evening board an overnight train back to Cairo.
In the evening, board an overnight train back to Cairo. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit
Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in an after school programs that teaches art, communication, and social skills.
After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterward cycle back to the waterfront to board the ferry back to the East Bank.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore Luxor and beyond.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Accommodation on the sleeper train is in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and a towel provided. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Non-alcoholic drinks are available to purchase and there is a bar car for socialising.
Optional Activities - Day 15 HideShow
Bazaar Visit in Luxor
FreeExplore the bustling local bazaar at your leisure, checking out the sights, sounds and wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like! Please note that this visit is self-guided.
Mummification Museum Visit
100EGP per personLearn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a self-guided exploration of the world's only Mummification Museum.
Tour of the East Bank - Karnak and Luxor Temples
65USD per personStep into the second largest religious building in the world - the Temple of Karnak - and enjoy a guided tour through its many hieroglyph inscribed chapels and pylons. Next, explore the towering walls and pillars of the Luxor Temple, and take in the beautiful view of the Nile River.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 16Cairo
Tour ends upon arrival.
Our tour finishes on arrival at Giza train station. Please be aware that delays on overnight trains do quite often occur, so please do not book any onward flights before 2pm today.
If you opt to book the Memphis and Sakkara Excursion, please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Explore Memphis and Sakkara
Travel through desert and farm lands to Sakkara the site of Egypt's first pyramids. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites before continuing on to explore the streets of Memphis, the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch.