Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 14
Accommodation:3, 4 & 5-star hotels & Bedouin camp
Meals: Breakfasts - 10, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
Transport: A/C car/minibus/coach, ferry & Bedouin jeep
Highlights:Pyramids & Sphinx, Red Sea in Dahab, Jerash Roman ruins, Dead Sea swim, Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, Petra tour, Wadi Rum safari & camp,
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the ancient wonders of Egypt and Jordan with this meticulously crafted tour. Your adventure begins amidst the timeless allure of Egypt, where history and mystique intertwine seamlessly. Guided by seasoned experts, your first stop unveils the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, standing as monumental guardians to Egypt's enigmatic past, alongside the enigmatic Sphinx, shrouded in secrets and stories untold. Delve deeper into the annals of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove brimming with the relics of Ancient Egypt, each whispering tales of pharaohs and dynasties.
As the sun sets on Egyptian sands, your journey leads you to the Sinai Peninsula, where the azure waters of the Red Sea embrace the coastal haven of Dahab. Here, amidst the tranquil charm of Dahab, you'll find respite and rejuvenation, with moments of leisure to savor the serenity of this coastal gem.
Crossing borders into Jordan, a realm of rugged beauty awaits. Venture into the heart of Wadi Rum, where the sweeping desert vistas paint a canvas of solitude and grandeur. Amidst the timeless sands, immerse yourself in the nomadic traditions of the Bedouin people, sharing tales of survival and resilience beneath a blanket of stars. Embark on a thrilling jeep safari, tracing ancient paths etched in the sands of time, before forging connections with a local Bedouin shepherd, gaining insights into their age-old way of life.
Continuing your odyssey, the fabled city of Petra emerges from the desert haze, a testament to human ingenuity and architectural prowess. Traverse the rose-hued canyon walls, guided by the echoes of ancient civilizations, as you uncover the secrets of this lost city. Ascend to the lofty heights of the Monastery and High Place of Sacrifice, where panoramic vistas unveil the majesty of Petra in all its splendor.
Journeying northward, the rugged beauty of Wadi Mujib beckons, inviting you to traverse its labyrinthine canyons, where water and stone converge in a symphony of nature's artistry. Conclude your adventure with a blissful retreat to the shores of the Dead Sea, where the buoyant waters offer solace and healing, a fitting finale to your voyage through the realms of antiquity.
Before bidding farewell, pay homage to the storied landmarks of Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Jerash, each bearing witness to the rich tapestry of Jordan's storied past. With memories etched in the sands of time, your journey through Egypt and Jordan culminates, leaving an indelible imprint upon your soul.
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Your adventure starts in the busy capital city of Cairo. We'll be there to meet and greet you at the airport before we transfer you to your hotel in the city. You have the rest of the day free to explore Cairo on your own.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - pre-tour
Single room supplement (JOSGJE18)
Our tour of Egypt begins with a drive to Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to visit the Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt. One of our local Egyptologist guides will be accompanying you on this and all of your other sightseeing tours, and you'll find them a wealth of knowledge and full of enthusiasm about Egyptian history, and their country in general. At 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is an awesome man-made structure constructed of giant stone blocks with a hard limestone casing. The casing has, over the years, been stripped away to leave exposed the inner block structure. Together with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the majestic sight of these enormous structures rising out of the desert is a breathtaking spectacle. You will have the opportunity to climb down right inside the pyramids if you wish, though your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). Following on from the Pyramids we then head to the Egyptian Museum. Home to the fantastic Tutankhamun exhibit the museum hosts a huge number of other ancient Egyptian artefacts. This evening is spent in Cairo.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
This morning we'll depart Cairo for our drive to Dahab, the journey will take us under the Suez Canal and through the Sinai region. If you prefer to fly, we also offer an optional Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh flight upgrade. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax by the hotel pool or beach, or head into Assalah to enjoy the unique feel of this friendly village.
The word Dahab in Arabic means gold and refers to the fine yellow sand that colours the beaches either side of the main bay. The nearby Bedouin village of Assalah lies along the shore of Ghazala Bay and is a collection of campsites, hotels, restaurants, shops, dive-centres and bars, dotted with palm trees. It is here that you’ll experience the Bohemian feel that makes Dahab so special (most hotels provide shuttle buses and taxis to and fro are cheap as well). The evenings provide a perfect opportunity to try out some of the many restaurants and excellent local seafood.
OVERNIGHT:
Dahab hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Today is free to explore the many delights that Dahab, and its surroundings have to offer. You can do more snorkelling or try an introductory scuba-dive. Alternatively you can relax at one of the numerous beachside restaurants or do a spot of sunbathing on the beach. If you'd like to see more of what this area has to offer day trips are available to the protected area of Ras Abu Galum where you'll be have the opportunity to get up close with the marine life which this area has become famous for. Other options are available to the Blue Hole, Coloured and White Canyons, Mount Sinai & St Catherines Monastery and even a Bedouin evening in the desert.
OVERNIGHT:
Dahab hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You have another free day in Dahab today, to relax or explore the local area further on another of our optional tours.
OVERNIGHT:
Dahab hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
This morning we'll travel from Dahab to Taba Heights (approx. 2 hours drive) for the ferry to Aqaba (approx. 1 hour). After arriving in Jordan and passing through passport control we drive into the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to greet us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal which normally includes the option of 'Zarb' a Jordanish dish normally comprising of Lamb and Chicken that is cooked underground in Bedouin style. Options this evening include a sunset camel ride or star gazing with telescopes.
OVERNIGHT:
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast in the camp, we take a jeep safari through the sands and beneath the towering 'jebels' of Wadi Rum, stopping to climb sand dunes and to see some of the strange rock formations, including a spectacular rock bridge.
We'll also do some local activities inspired from the Bedouin traditions, walking with a local shepherd with his sheep and goats to a Bedouin tent.
We can also join in and learn about other traditional Bedouin activities such as shearing the sheep & goats' hair, milking, grinding grains, making bread and roasting coffee Finally, after really getting a feel for nomadic Bedouin life, we return by jeep to our camp and then drive to Petra. En-route to Petra we'll make a stop at the Petra Bakery where you'll see the locals making traditional bread and have a light lunch.
You have the option for a spectacular and atmospheric introduction to Petra tonight, with the Petra by Night tour. Here you walk through the Siq to the Treasury, the whole way being atmospherically lit up by hundreds of candles.
OVERNIGHT:
Petra hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
Today is all about exploring the Nabatean site of Petra. It was once the ancient capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans finally took over in 106AD. For a long period of time, Petra was forgotten - except by the local Bedouins - before it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra can be found at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, where canyon walls and towering hills make it virtually impossible to reach, except via a narrow cleft in the rock, known as the Siq. There are very few free-standing buildings in Petra, as the Nabateans chose to carve their dwellings into the multi coloured sandstone cliffs. Petra has become one of Jordan's main tourist attractions and the Jordanian Government is well aware of this. The tourism infrastructure in the adjoining village of Wadi Musa is booming, though, thankfully, once you enter through the Siq, the site is protected, there aren't that many touts or souvenir sellers, and all the building feels miles away.
We have most of the day available today to explore this ancient city, though as an added bonus, we'll be exploring Petra via the back-route which starts at Little Petra. Before embarking on our hike into Petra, we'll explore the small but equally interesting site of Little Petra, or Siq al-Barid. From here we'll take a short jeep ride to the start of the mountail trail which links Little Petra to the Monastery and main site of Petra.
The back-route into Petra makes for an interesting and much less crowded way of visiting, and what's more, you'll be rewarded with incredible mountain views towards the Holy Land. Whilst hiking the back-route you'll still have the opportunity to see all of the same monuments visited on the normal route, with the addition of Little Petra and the Monastery. The route starts with the ascent of a number of rock hewn steps and paths which straddle the mountain edge. After reaching a plateau, there is an opportunity to stop for refreshments at a small cafe from where you'll have some fantastic photo opportunities. From here the path continues until you'll have a glimpse of 'Ad-Deir' (or the Monastery) where you can have a well deserved rest before descending down into the main site of Petra.
Once in Petra the valley opens out, and you'll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides. You'll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheatre and colonnaded streets. As we continue through the ancient city of Petra, we'll eventually reach The Khazneh (Treasury) which is probably the most familiar monument of Petra.
Whilst the back-route hike into Petra isn't particularly difficult, as a number of ascents/descents and a significant number of steps are required, this route is only suitable for those who have no issue in hiking in this type of terrain for a minimum of 2-3 hours as far as the Monastery and then a further few hours walking on sandy terrain, whilst exploring the main site of Petra.
For those with less mobility or who are worried about the distance, horse carriages are available for around 20JD (USD 28) for an agreed period of time (only available within the main site of Petra, not on the hiking route). We do not recommend riding the horses that are available.
OVERNIGHT:
Petra hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After enjoying breakfast in Petra, we'll head north along the Dead Sea road to Wadi Mujib, where we'll hike along the exciting Siq Trail. Along the way we'll be rewarded with great views of the Salt Flats at the southern end of the Dead Sea. As we continue along the shores of the Dead Sea we eventually reach the visitor centre of Wadi Mujib. You'll have time to have lunch here (not included) before entering the water and embarking on the hike.
Descending down into the gorge we enter the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve where between months of April and October (see note below for periods outside of this) it's possible to take an exciting hike through the shallow waters that fill the gorge. Along the way you'll climb up small waterfalls where steps have being installed to make it easier, until eventually you'll reach the end of the gorge where you can relax beneath a large waterfall. The entire hike generally takes 2 to 3 hours roundtrip.
We highly recommend bringing along a dry-bag (so your camera or mobile phone don't get wet) and water shoes. It is possible to hire a dry bag at the visitors centre for around US$7.00 and purchase water shoes for US$7.00).
Note: In the months from November to March, when it isn't possible to hike along the Siq Trail, we'll include a visit to the Baptism site in Bethany. This is a relatively recently excavated site believed to be the biblical 'Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan' where John baptised Jesus Christ. Several churches, caves and pools dating from Roman and Byzantine periods have been discovered here. Both Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI have visited. An electric minibus takes you from the visitor centre to the three sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools and John the Baptist's Church.
After a day of activities, we'll make our way down to our resort right on the banks of the Dead Sea, where you have some free time to swim - or rather float - in its incredibly salty waters and to relax by the hotel pool. Don't forget a newspaper or magazine for your iconic Dead Sea photo!
OVERNIGHT:
Dead Sea hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After a restful night we head to nearby Madaba, where we'll marvel at the Byzantine mosaics and the 'Madaba Map' - which is the oldest preserved map of the Holy Land. From Madaba, we'll make our way to Mount Nebo, the place where the prophet Moses looked across the Promised Land and is also his burial place. On a clear day, which is most of the time, you get great views towards Jericho and beyond from here.
Our final visit of the day is to the ancient city of Jerash - known for being one of the largest and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside of Europe. Once we arrive in Jerash, we'll visit the Forum, explore its Roman colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis - built on one of the highest points in the city.
We end our day with a return drive to Amman, where we'll spend our final night in Jordan.
OVERNIGHT:
Amman hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Your time is free in Amman today until we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure. Further sightseeing tours are available today if you have a late afternoon or evening flight, including a trip to the Baptism Site at Bethany on the Jordan River. This tour also connects well with several of our Egypt and Israel tours; please contact us for ideas and help with connections.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Amman - post-tour - Standard level
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If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Encounters Travel, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
Regular small-group departures run throughout the year and the tour can also be booked privately on any other date and customised to fit your personal requirements.
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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