Jordan to Egypt: Wadi Rum Camping & Dead Sea Floating

16 days, Amman to Cairo

Map of the route for Jordan to Egypt: Wadi Rum Camping & Dead Sea Floating
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

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)
Hotel

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
Amman2h

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
Amman – As Salţ1h-1h15m

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
As Salţ – Amman1h-1h15m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Amman

Travel back to Amman for free time in the city.

Accommodation

Nomads Hotel Amman (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 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
Amman – Wādī Mūsá3h-4h240km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Jerash Guided Visit
Jerash Governorate3h-4h

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
Wādī Mūsá

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 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
Wādī Mūsá3h

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
Petra5h-7h 13-14km

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
Wādī Mūsá Evening

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 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
Petra1h30m-2h

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
Petra – Wadi Rum2h-2h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

4x4 Desert Trip
Wadi Rum

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
Wadi Rum2h 3km

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 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
Wadi Rum – Aqaba1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Aqaba Half Day

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow

Aqaba Boat Trip with Snorkelling
Aqaba4h-5h

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 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
Aqaba Full Day

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.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Aqaba Beach Club Pass with Lunch
Aqaba

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 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
Aqaba – Mādabā3h

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
Dead Sea

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
Mādabā

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)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Mādabā

Relax on this full free day in Madaba. Choose to explore other locations you didn't have the chance to yesterday and perhaps choose to sign up for an optional activity to visit the Ma'in Hot Springs. These mineral-rich, naturally heated waters are the perfect way to soothe your muscles before the next leg of your travels. Think an oasis-like destination, steeped in wellness culture, and a prime spot for waterfall swimming, and spa atmosphere.

Free Time
Mādabā Full Day

Relax in Madaba on this full free day. Choose to visit the nearby Ma'in Hot Springs for a soothing wellness moment and chance to soak in these mineral-rich, warm springs.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Madaba to Wadi Araba

Get ready for an adventure into the lesser-known desert landscape of Wadi Araba, lying on the border between Jordan and Israel. Feel the wind whip through your hair on a 4x4 ride deeper into the wadi where you’ll stop for tea before hiking to a nearby pond. Enjoy time to float in the water before driving to an unforgettable area for sunset. Then, settle in at your camping spot for a night spent under the stars.

Private Vehicle
Mādabā – Wādī ‘Arabah3h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Wadi Araba Hike
Wādī ‘Arabah2h

Hike through the stunning and untouched landscape of Wadi Araba in the Jordan Rift Valley. Think vast desert scenery, rolling dunes, and rugged mountains, making it truly the perfect adventurous hiking spot on the border between Jordan and Israel. The group will finish the hike at a nearby pond and can spend some time swimming before heading to the sunset spot.

Wadi Araba Camping
Wādī ‘Arabah

Camp under a vast sky of stars in Wadi Araba, Jordan's lesser-visited desert landscape. Gain more of an understanding of Bedouin culture and experience a spot that is a hiker and nature's lover's paradise, plus is far less crowded than Jordan's other well known attractions. Sip tea as you watch the horizon change colours and star gaze until you can barely keep your eyes open.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Wadi Araba to Dahab

Depart the calm and quiet of the desert and travel into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The journey will take the group across the Gulf of Aqaba and onward to Dahab. This hip, beach town is known for its vibrant underwater world, amazing windsurfing conditions, and a unique blend of bohemian relaxed atmosphere and adventure. Dahab’s turquoise waters beckon to visitors from the desert shore. Spend a few free hours to explore and enjoy the beachside accommodations along the Red Sea.

Private Vehicle
Wādī ‘Arabah – Aqaba2h142km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Motorboat
Aqaba – Ţābā1h-1h30m

Settle in and enjoy the views along the water as the group rides a motorboat between Aqaba and Taba on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

Private Vehicle
Ţābā – Dahab2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Dahab

Rest up after a day of travel. Swim in the hotel pool, walk along the beach, or even choose to book a relaxing visit to the spa.

Day 12Dahab

There’s nothing quite like a day in paradise, especially a beach location that is seldom visited by tourists. Spend your time in Dahab as adventurous or leisurely as you’d like. Choose to visit Ain Khudra Oasis, which is special for its Bedouin culture, historical significance, palm trees, and natural beauty. The water source here has been used for thousands of years amid the dry, harsh desert climate. This excursion will take all day, but other options include a beach day or if you’re feeling extra brave, some windsurfing. The choice is yours, and sometimes that makes it all the more sweeter.

Free Time
Dahab Full Day

Take advantage of this full free day in Dahab and soak up the laid back bohemian vibes. Lounge in the sand along the soothing waters of the Red Sea. Choose to visit a historical oasis in the desert, or try your hand at windsurfing as means to get further out onto the water.

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Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

Windsurfing in Dahab
Dahab

Try out the water sport of windsurfing. Learn how to stand on the board and use the wind's force to propel yourself across the water. The perfect way to combine sailing and surfing, this activity involves balancing while controlling the sail above. It's sure to be an exhilarating and memorable experience.

Beach time in Dahab
Dahab

Enjoy a day of sand, sun, and the soothing waters of the Red Sea. Perhaps grab a good book and take in your picturesque surroundings, or gather a few pals for a friendly beach volleyball match before cooling off in the water.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13Dahab

Fall further in love with the coastline of the Sinai Peninsula during another free day in paradise. Choose to pull those adventure caps on and book an optional snorkelling excursion to Dahab’s famed Blue Hole. Located in the Abu Galoum Nature Reserve, this submarine sinkhole has a depth of over 300ft and is located just a couple of feet offshore, thus having minimal current. Choose to snorkel amid the stunning biodiversity here and enjoy time in the nature reserve via boat. Your other options for the day include hanging out at the beachfront accommodations or lounging in the sun by the inviting waters of the Red Sea.

Free Time
Dahab

Indulge your adventure fantasies with an optional snorkelling excursion to Dahab's famous Blue Hole, or choose to remain at the hotel property and take advantage of the amenities available to you there. Picture the relaxation of another beach day full of floating in the Red Sea, lying in the sun, and enjoying each other's company.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Dahab/Saint Catherine

Take one final look at the Red Sea before travelling away from Dahab. The group will head inland to St. Catherine’s Monastery and visit the oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery in the world. It is said to have been built near the site of the Burning Bush and where Moses supposedly received the Ten Commandments. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about the herbal gardens grown within the valley, and their different uses. Later, interact with Bedouin local women during a handicrafts exhibition. Sunset will be watched from a scenic location this evening, and an early bed time is encouraged to rest up for tomorrow’s hike up Mount Sinai.

Private Vehicle
Dahab – Saint Catherine2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Saint Catherine's Monastery Visit
Saint Catherine1h30m

Enjoy a visit to Saint Catherine's Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Learn more about the history of this place and how important its location is to the teachings of the Christian Bible. Expect to explore ancient architecture, a rich collection of manuscripts and religious icons, and beautiful views of Mount Sinai.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Saint Catherine/Cairo

It’s said in the Bible that God made the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Today marks a week on your Sinai Peninsula adventure and today’s experience, while rewarding, is certainly not relaxing. Begin the sunrise hike to the stop of Mount Sinai in the very early hours of the morning. Arrive in time to catch a memorial sunrise of Egypt’s most religious landscape and stand on the site that is considered to be the place where God appeared to Moses and revealed the Ten Commandments. Hike back down to St. Catherine and enjoy some food and time to freshen up before your day of travel back to Cairo. The route will cross the Suez Canal. Arrive in Cairo by the afternoon and get settled. Tonight’s activity is a Big Night Out with the group to a favorite local spot.

Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike
Saint Catherine5h 14km

Hike to the summit of spiritual Mount Sinai, which holds religious significant in the Torah, Bible, and Quran. This is where Moses is said to have climbed to speak directly with his God for 40 days and 40 nights. Then, he received the Ten Commandments from God. Start in the early hours when it's still dark and be prepared for a memorable sunrise hike. Peer out at an endless landscape of jagged mountains and vast desert as far as you can see, and feel the magic of the soft morning life as it touches the peak. The walk will be steep in places, but the trail is in good condition and there are plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a drink. There are two paths that leave from St. Catherine's Monastery, one is much steeper and the other is a more straightforward track as camels used to walk up this way. Both trails will meet up for the final 750 steps to the top.

Private Vehicle
Saint Catherine – Cairo5h-5h30m

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between St. Catherine and Cairo. The drive will take the group across the Suez Canal.

Your Big Night Out Moment:

Enjoy a Big Night Out in Cairo. Your CEO will lead the way and take the group to a fabulous local spot for some fun. Reminisce about the trip, interact with residents of Cairo, and have a memorable evening among friends old and new.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Cairo

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Jordan to Egypt: Wadi Rum Camping & Dead Sea Floating

| 16 days - Amman to Cairo - from $2023 USD