Grand Egypt and Jordan Adventure

Throughout history Egypt's vast array of breathtaking monuments has proved an irresistible draw to travellers from all over the world. Jordan's treasures are different, and newer to the world's tourists, but equally impressive and interesting in their own right. This tour takes you on a journey back in time to some of the most amazing sites of the ancient world, and will leave you with memories you will treasure for a lifetime.

Note - From July 09 the accommodation on this tour has been upgraded to include 4 and 5-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. A 3-star hotel is still used for the second & third stays in Cairo and your time in Dahab.

We begin the tour in Cairo where we take time to visit possibly the most famous of ancient monuments, The Pyramids and Sphinx. We also allow time to explore the city and its many interesting sites like the Citadel of Saladin, the mazy alleyways of the Khan al Khalili bazaar, and the Cairo Museum with its huge collection, including the treasures of Tutenkhamun's tomb.

Next we head south for Aswan and the peaceful beauty of the Nile. Here you will find lush green islands and traditional felucca sailboats set among the cataracts. While in Aswan, we visit the tranquil island Temple of Philae and the immense High Dam, before boarding feluccas on a cruise down the Nile (luxury cruise upgrade available).

After our relaxing time sailing down the river and watching typical Egyptian rural life pass us by on the river banks, we visit the temples at Edfu & Kom Ombo en-route to Luxor, where we include tours to the massive temples of Luxor & Karnak, the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Queen Hatchepsut and Medinat Habu.

From Luxor we return to Cairo before saying farewell to the Nile Valley and heading for the coast and the wonderfully laidback beach resort of Dahab where we have a couple of days to relax and enjoy some snorkelling at the Blue Hole. There is also an option available to climb Mt. Sinai and visit St. Catherine's monastery.

Next we cross into Jordan and start exploring the country with an afternoon jeep safari amidst the stunning desert and mountain scenery of Wadi Rum. The next highlight is probably Jordan's most famous place, the hidden Nabatean city of Petra, where we include a two day ticket to fully explore this beautiful site.

From Petra we head north up the scenic King's Highway to Amman, with stops to visit the crusader castle of Kerak, the intricate Byzantine mosaics at Madaba, and the peaks, churches and distant views at Mt. Nebo.

Finally, we take a day trip out from Amman to bathe in the Dead Sea, and visit the extensive Roman Ruins at Jerash. The tour finishes in Amman with an optional day trip to Bethlehem & Jerusalem in Israel, and a transfer to Amman airport for your flight home.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1
Arrive in Cairo. We will meet you at the airport and assist you in obtaining your Egyptian Visa. We then transfer to your Cairo hotel.

Day 2
We begin our tour with a visit to the Great Pyramids of Gisa and Sphinx. From here we head to Saqqara to visit Zoser's step pyramid. The remainder of today is free for you to explore the city further.

Day 3
You have a free day in Cairo today. We offer a full city tour option which includes trips to the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel and Khan Al Khalili bazaar. Tonight, we take the overnight train to Aswan.

Day 4
Transfer and check-in at your hotel. This afternoon we have a trip to the Island temple of Philae which is dedicated to the God Isis. We may also visit Aswan Dam and the Nubian Museum.

Day 5
This morning, we offer the chance to head into the desert and tour the impressive temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses the Great. Today we will also take trips to visit the Nile Islands, before beginning our 2 night felucca cruise.

Day 6
After breakfast on the boat, we sail peacefully up the Nile, before mooring near to the temple of Komombo. Tonight you will be entertained by the crew.

Day 7
We leave the boat this morning to begin our action packed day featuring trips to Komombo, which is dedicated to the Gods Sobek and Haroeris. Edfu, dedicated to the God Horus and finally we arrive at Luxor where we will visit the Karnak and Luxor Temples. Tonight if free for you to explore Luxor.

Day 8
We start the day with a very early breakfast. Today we will explore the West bank, starting with a visit to the world famous valley of the kings, where you can visit the tombs of Pharaohs, including that of King Tut. We also visit the temples of Queen Hatchepsut, Medinat Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Tonight we take the overnight train to Cairo.

Day 9
This morning we will arrive in Cairo. After checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is free. We offer a full day trip to Alexandria or to Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales. You will spend the night in Cairo, why not sample one of Cairo's many restaurants.

Day 10
We leave Cairo this morning by private vehicle and cross the Suez Canal into the Sinai peninsular and the Red Sea. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel with a pool, and there is an option available to climb Mt Sinai this evening to see the incredible sunrise in the morning over this impressive landscape, followed by a visit to St. Catherine's monastery at the foot of the mountain.

Day 11
Your day is free in Dahab today to relax after your last week's sightseeing. You can try some snorkelling or scuba-diving if you wish, or take a jeep or camel safari into the desert.

Day 12
An early start this morning takes you by road to Taba where we cross overland into Jordan via Eilat in Israel (your passports will not be stamped). We then head into the Jordanian desert and the spectacular scenery of Wadi Rum where we enjoy a Bedouin lunch and an afternoon jeep safari. The day finishes with a drive out of the desert into the hills around Petra, where we spend the night in our next hotel.

Day 13
We take you on a fully guided tour of the sites in Petra today, including the Treasury, the Roman amphitheatre and the carved monuments. You then have free time later in the day to explore the city on your own. It's also possible to join the candlelight tour in the evening.

Day 14
There is another chance to visit Petra this morning before we leave and follow the King's Highway to Kerak & an old crusader town which lies on the ancient Egyptian/Syrian caravan route. We then travel via Madaba to Mt Nebo & a memorial site for Moses, before making the short drive into Amman.

Day 15
We have 2 visits today, the first is to the ancient Roman ruins at Jerash, the second is to the Deadsea, the lowest place on earth. Here you ‘float' in the salty waters. We return to Amman this afternoon so why not visit the towns many bazaars.

Day 16
After breakfast your tour comes to an end, you have the day free until we transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Our Standard tours use good quality hotels from 3 to 5 star, in which all rooms have air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. In
Cairo, subject to availability, we like to use a pyramids area hotel with a pool in the summer months, and a city centre hotel when it is
cooler in the winter months. The felucca is covered and mattresses are provided. Please note that for the felucca trip you will need to
bring a light sleeping bag or blanket with you. If you are joining one of our group tours, or booking a private departure on the normal tour itinerary, then we will confirm your hotels about a week before departure. If you want to guarantee a stay in a particular hotel, then please request a tailor-made tour.

Hotels used on this tour (subject to availability):
Cairo:
• 1st stay - Oasis Hotel (4-star)
• 2nd stay - Oasis Hotel or Zayed Hotel (3-star)

Aswan:
• Isis Corniche Hotel (4-star)

Luxor:
• Pyramisa Isis Luxor (5-star)

Dahab (3-star):
• Oricana Hotel, Dyarna Hotel.

Petra (3-star):
• Petra Palace Hotel, Amra Palace Hotel.

Amman (3-star):
• Al Waleed Hotel or similar