What does the Nabateans and Nubians tour cover?
This 16-day Small Group tour travels through Egypt and Jordan. Starting in Cairo with the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, you head to Aswan for Philae Temple and an immersive overnight in a Nubian village, then sail the Nile on a felucca, explore Luxor's Valley of the Kings and Karnak, take 3 free days on the Red Sea in Dahab, cross by ferry to Jordan, and finish with Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea, the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib, and the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts in Cairo, Egypt, and finishes in Amman, Jordan.
What is the group size?
Small Group with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 18 travellers. Regular departures run throughout the year and the tour can also be booked privately on any other date.
What kind of guides does the tour use?
A fully trained local Egyptologist guide accompanies all sightseeing in Egypt. An English-speaking guide is provided in Jordan. Encounters Travel uses only local Egyptian and Jordanian guides and representatives.
What is the Nubian village experience on day 3?
You stay overnight in a Nubian-style hotel within a Nubian village south of Aswan. You visit homes of Nubian families, wander through the brightly painted streets, browse local markets, and share a home-cooked dinner with a Nubian family, sampling traditional dishes and experiencing their hospitality.
What is the Petra back-route experience?
Rather than the standard entrance through the Siq, you explore Petra via a mountain trail starting from Little Petra. The route includes rock-hewn steps along the mountain edge, a plateau cafe with panoramic views, and a descent past the Monastery before reaching the Treasury. This approach is less crowded and offers views towards the Holy Land. The hike takes a minimum of 2 to 3 hours from the Monastery to the main site.
What is the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail?
The Siq Trail is a hike through the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, wading through shallow waters inside a gorge, climbing small waterfalls using installed steps, and finishing at a large waterfall. The round trip takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This activity is available between April and October. Outside those months a visit to the Baptism Site at Bethany is included instead.
What is the Bedouin experience in Wadi Rum?
You spend a night at the Rahayeb Desert Camp in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, set against the cliffs and dunes. Day 12 includes a 4x4 jeep safari through the desert, climbing sand dunes, and traditional Bedouin activities such as walking with a shepherd, learning about sheep shearing, milking, grinding grains, making bread and roasting coffee. The camp serves a traditional underground Zarb meal of lamb and chicken.
What does the tour price include?
Included: 11 nights in 3, 4 and 5-star hotels including a Bedouin-style guesthouse, 1 night on a felucca sailboat with support boat, 2 nights on the sleeper train, 1 night in a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp, 24-hour airport transfers, all transport in AC vehicles, all sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, the 4x4 jeep safari and Bedouin experience in Wadi Rum, an English-speaking guide in Jordan, the international ferry from Taba to Aqaba, an Egyptologist guide in Egypt, and meals as indicated.
What is not included in the price?
Not included: international flights, Egypt visa fees, Jordan visa fees (discounted package available via the Jordan Pass), Egypt entrance fees (your guide will advise the current amount), Jordan entrance fees (covered by Jordan Pass), a tipping kitty in Egypt (your guide will advise the current amount), tips in Jordan, travel insurance, meals not in the itinerary, hotel gala dinner supplements, and personal expenses.
How many meals are included?
The tour includes 16 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners. Lunch on day 2 (Koshary in Cairo) and lunch on day 12 (in Wadi Rum) are included. Dinner is included on the sleeper trains, at the Nubian village, on the felucca, and at the Wadi Rum camp. Most lunches and some dinners are at your own expense.
What is the Jordan Pass and should I buy it?
The Jordan Pass is a package available in advance that includes the Jordan visa fee and discounted entrance fees to many Jordanian sites including Petra. The tour notes indicate Jordan visa fees are available free as part of the Jordan Pass, available for JD70. Contact Encounters Travel for guidance on whether to purchase it for your booking.
Is there a single room supplement?
Yes. The tour price is based on two people sharing. Solo travellers can request a room share with another traveller of the same sex. If a share cannot be arranged, the single supplement applies. Room shares are allocated in order of booking.
How physically demanding is the Petra back-route hike?
The back-route hike into Petra from Little Petra is moderately challenging. It involves a number of ascents, descents and a significant number of steps, and takes a minimum of 2 to 3 hours to the Monastery plus further walking in the main site. It is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues on that terrain. Horse carriages are available for around 20JD for an agreed period within the main site (not on the hiking route).
Is the Wadi Mujib hike suitable for all fitness levels?
The Siq Trail involves wading through shallow water and climbing small waterfalls with installed steps. It takes 2 to 3 hours round trip and requires basic fitness and comfort with water. Bring water shoes and a dry bag for your valuables. The trail is only available April to October.
What is the minimum age for this tour?
The tour notes do not specify a minimum age. Contact Encounters Travel directly to discuss travelling with children or if you have specific age-related questions.
Is malaria a risk on this tour?
Malaria is not generally present in Egypt. Your guide will advise on any relevant precautions. Consult your GP for up-to-date health advice before travel.
What vaccinations are recommended?
For Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A are recommended. For Jordan: Tetanus and Hepatitis A are recommended. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalised advice.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory on all Encounters Travel tours. It must cover personal accident and liability, medical expenses, repatriation, and travel delay and abandonment. Cover against cancellation and lost baggage is also strongly recommended. You must provide your insurance details before departure.
How does the airport arrival process work in Cairo?
Encounters Travel runs a 24-hour airport meet and assist service. A representative will meet you in the immigration hall before passport control, assist with visa formalities, help collect your luggage, and transfer you to your hotel.
How is financial protection in place?
Encounters Travel is a UK registered company. Customer funds are protected via an insurance policy held by Trust My Travel Ltd. In the event of insolvency travellers are refunded for unfulfilled products and repatriated where applicable.
What types of accommodation are used on this tour?
Accommodation includes 3, 4 and 5-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, an overnight in a Nubian village hotel (DoroKa Nubian House), 1 night on the felucca sailboat with support boat, 2 nights on the sleeper train, 3 nights in Dahab (Dahab Paradise Hotel), 1 night in the Rahayeb Desert Camp in Wadi Rum, 2 nights in a Petra hotel such as the Petra Moon or Petra Elite Hotel, 1 night at the Dead Sea Spa Resort, and 1 night in an Amman hotel.
What is the Cairo hotel?
The Cairo hotel is typically the Hyatt Centric Cairo West, a contemporary 5-star property with outdoor pool, fitness centre, bar and spa.
What is the felucca experience like?
You sleep on the open deck of a traditional Nile felucca on mattresses with blankets and mosquito nets. The accompanying support boat moors alongside at night and provides clean toilets, hot showers, a hygienic kitchen and a massage deck. The Nubian crew sails the boat, prepares meals, and entertains in the evenings. A hotel upgrade in Aswan is available if you prefer.
What is the Wadi Rum camp like?
Rahayeb Desert Camp is located well inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area against towering cliffs. Accommodation is in permanent goat hair tents with their own bathroom, proper beds and all bedding. Dinner is traditionally cooked, including a Zarb underground meal most evenings. WiFi is available. Alcohol is not available at the camp.
What food is served at the Nubian village dinner?
Your host Nubian family prepares a traditional home-cooked dinner. The overview describes it as traditional Nubian dishes enjoyed in a warm and hospitable setting.
What is Koshary and when is it served?
Koshary is Egypt's unofficial national dish, a mix of rice, lentils, macaroni and chickpeas topped with tangy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. It is served as a group lunch on day 2 in Cairo.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Inform Encounters Travel of your dietary needs at the time of booking. The 5-star hotels offer a range of options. The felucca crew and Nubian hosts will do their best to accommodate your requirements.
Is tap water safe to drink in Egypt or Jordan?
Tap water is not safe to drink in either Egypt or Jordan. Use bottled water or a filtration bottle throughout the trip.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers can request a room share with another traveller of the same sex. If no match is available, the single supplement applies. The small group of up to 18 people makes it easy to meet fellow travellers.
Can I book this tour privately?
Yes. The tour can be booked as a private departure on any date, with the itinerary and accommodation customised to your requirements. Contact Encounters Travel for details and a quote.
Do I need a visa for Egypt and Jordan?
For Egypt, most nationalities including British, European, Australian, New Zealand and US passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Cairo airport for a modest fee Canadian citizens must obtain a visa in advance from the nearest Egyptian consulate. For Jordan, the Jordan Pass covers the visa fee and many entrance fees; check the Encounters Travel office for current guidance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after departure.
How do I travel from Egypt to Jordan on this tour?
The group travels from Dahab to Taba Heights by road (approximately 2 hours) and then takes an international ferry to Aqaba in Jordan (approximately 1 hour). The ferry crossing is included in the tour price.
What currency should I carry?
In Egypt the local currency is the Egyptian Pound. Bring US Dollars, GB Pounds or Euros in cash for entrance fees and the tipping kitty, and keep small denomination local notes for day-to-day expenses. In Jordan the currency is the Jordanian Dinar. ATMs are available in major towns. Allow yourself a daily spending budget for meals not included and personal expenses.
What electrical sockets are used?
Egypt uses Type C sockets (two round pins) at 220 volts. Standard European plugs work, though they may feel slightly loose. US appliances need both an adapter and a voltage converter.
Can I visit Abu Simbel on this tour?
Yes. An optional Abu Simbel overland excursion is available on day 4 from Aswan, departing at approximately 4am and taking around 3 and a half hours each way, with approximately 2 hours at the temples. Entrance fees to the site are not included in the option price. A minimum of 2 people is required.
Can I upgrade from the sleeper train to a flight in Egypt?
Yes. Internal flight upgrades are available for the Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo legs. Book in advance through Encounters Travel.
What optional activities are available in Luxor?
A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings is available on the morning of day 6. Book through your guide. A Karnak Sound and Light Show is also available in the evening.
What optional excursions are available in Cairo?
Optional Cairo extras include: a half-day city tour of the Citadel and Coptic Cairo; a half-day trip to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis; a full-day trip to Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast (seafood lunch included); a full-day trip to the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan; and a Nile kayaking trip from the Nubian guesthouse.
Is Petra by Night available?
Yes. An optional Petra by Night tour is available on the evening of day 12, where you walk through the Siq to the Treasury by candlelight. Book in advance through Encounters Travel.
How do I book this tour?
Complete the online reservation form on the Encounters Travel website via the Dates and Prices tab. You can pay a deposit, pay in full, or hold a reservation. Full payment is due 8 weeks before departure. Payments can be made by debit or credit card (subject to a processing fee), bank transfer or cheque.
How frequently does the tour depart?
Regular Small Group departures run throughout the year. The tour can also be booked as a private departure on any other date.
What are the booking conditions?
Full booking conditions are available on the Encounters Travel website. Travel insurance with cancellation cover is strongly recommended from the time of booking.
