Photos have the incredible ability to transport you to a place and tell a story simply by capturing a moment.
We asked a few of our Encounters travellers to share at least one of their best and most memorable travel photos from their January trip - tours ranging from Incredible India, Jordan on a Shoestring, Pharaonic Encounters, and more - here are a few of our favourite.
Jaipur is also famously known as the Pink City because of the pinkish colour of its Old City. The city is full of fascinating royal heritage, evocative well-preserved buildings, and some of the friendliest people.
As well as being Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur is part of India's famous Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit - making it one of the busiest and most iconic cities in the state.
Pink City has carved a worldwide identity for its welcoming and friendly attitude. It is believed that the young and vibrant population of Jaipur distinguishes this city from other cities - it is a student-friendly city and popular city among tourists, making it a must-see for your travel bucket list.
Big, bold, and hugely ambitious, Luxor's mammoth Temple of Karnak complex is one of Ancient Egypt's grandest building project - Karnak was the house of the gods, and its glories were to be feted by all.
Although sacked by the Assyrian and Persian armies and looted and pilfered by early explorers and travellers who carted off statues and masonry, there are few other temple complexes in the world that are still so commanding and majestic today.
If you're short of time, the Great Temple of Amun is the main building and should be your key destination, but plenty of scattered temple remains to surround it.
Nowadays, the temple rivals The Pyramids as the emblem of Egypt, and it's already one of the most Instagram-able places in the country.
Tip: When you visit Karnak, find the giant Scarab statue. Circle around it seven times, counterclockwise and make a wish. Now you have the ancient Egyptian gods on your side.
If you are travelling to Jordan, then a Jerash trip is one of the best things to do for every avid traveller.
The archaeological site in Jerash is one of the largest, most complete, and best-preserved examples of Roman architecture outside of Italy, prompting the Jordan Tourism Board to hail the city as "Rome away from Rome."
The structures are fairly intact, it's easier to envision the city's illustrious past - you'll walk on the same streets that Roman carts jostled along on thousands of years ago. You get to climb to the upper rows of an amphitheatre.
The ancient Roman ruins in Jerash does not run short of sights to marvel at. Definitely a must-see in Jordan.
Egypt, the land of pharaohs and pyramids never fails to amaze its visitors with its rich culture, mysteries and monumental pieces from the medieval times.
The Great Sphinx of Giza, an imposing statue - body of a lion and head of a human. Carved out of a single block of the surrounding limestone bedrock, this colossal Egyptian antiquity is claimed to be the oldest and the largest known sculpture in the world.
The prime reason why the Sphinx was constructed is still unknown, but some historian and archaeological experts believe that the statues were sculpted to guard important areas. Likewise, the Great Sphinx of Giza was constructed to guard the large three pyramids of Giza.
Archaeological also believe that this gigantic sphinx was once colourful with the face painted red and the body painted with blue and yellow colour. They also claim that the Sphinx once has a long beard and a nose, which are now missing - however, this doesn't seem to stop tourists from taking some of the most creative photos.
As you might expect, one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of ancient times is the glorious Pyramids of Giza near Cairo.
Somewhere far away in the secluded desert, prepare to be amazed as you can see the Great Pyramid of Khufu - the last standing ancient wonder of the world.
The monumental tombs are relics of Egypt's Old Kingdom era and were constructed some 4,500 years ago.
The ancient engineering feats at Giza were so impressive that even today scientists can't be sure how the pyramids were built. Yet they have learned much about the people who built them and the political power necessary to make it happen.
There are very few places on Earth that compare to the incredible landscapes you'll see visiting the Sahara Desert.
Running along Morocco's eastern border with neighbouring Algeria, the Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert covering an area roughly the size of the entire USA.
Many travellers visit Morocco specifically with the intention of venturing off into the desert and spending a night under the stars. And we can't blame them! A desert adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you shouldn't miss out on!
In a desert in eastern Sudan, along the banks of the Nile River, lies the very understated collection of nearly 200 ancient pyramids--many of the tombs of the kings and queens of the Meroitic Kingdom which ruled the area for more than 900 years.
The Meroë pyramids, smaller than their Egyptian cousins, are considered Nubian pyramids, with narrow bases and steep angles on the sides, built between 2,700 and 2,300 years ago, with decorative elements from the cultures of Pharaonic Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Taking a hot air balloon ride in Luxor is one of the city's most popular and iconic tourist activities.
Gliding through the air and soaking in views of the temples, Nile river, and lush farmland all with a backdrop of rugged, tan mountains is probably one of the best ways to start the day.
Tip: Big cameras (like your DSLR) and even GoPro's aren't allowed to go in the balloon with you. This is a strict rule because the government wants to limit surveillance.
However, you are allowed to use your big camera/GoPro before and after the flight and you definitely can take photos with your phone on the hot air balloon ride in Luxor.
This great value Jordan tour covers all the major sites including Amman, Jerash, Petra, the Dead Sea, includes a jeep safari and Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and is the perfect introduction to the beautiful country of Jordan
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
6
From
£749
This exciting tour gives you a fantastic insight into the history and cultures of the Moroccan desert regions. The tour will take in Marrakech and travel through beautiful scenery in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.
Type
Days
Price
Shoestring
7
From
On Request
This 9-day Egypt tour explores ancient wonders and vibrant culture. Discover the pyramids, sail the Nile on a felucca, and experience Nubian life. Expert guides, comfortable accommodation, and delicious meals enhance this unforgettable journey.
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
9
From
£1049
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