Epic Journey through Jordan to Egypt

Upon your arrival at Amman airport, welcome to Jordan's vibrant capital! Once you've navigated through border procedures, we'll transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore at leisure. Perhaps take a stroll to soak in the local atmosphere or relax in preparation for the adventures ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Following breakfast, we set off to the northern region of Jordan, where we will explore the remarkable Ajloun Fortress, a formidable 12th-century castle nestled in the mountains. This area has been home to both Muslims and Orthodox Christians for centuries. During our visit, we'll see the historic Church of Saint Sergius. Afterwards, lunch is included as part of our days activities. Our journey then continues to Jerash, where we will immerse ourselves in the captivating Roman archaeological site, famed for its impressive ruins. As the day concludes, we return to Amman for the evening, ready to settle into our accommodations.

After departing from Amman, we journey towards the Desert Castles, remarkable structures built between the 7th and 8th centuries. Our first stop is Qasr Kharana, renowned for its robust architecture with thick walls. We then visit Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its exquisite frescoes. Our journey continues to Madaba, where lunch is included. In Madaba, we explore the Archaeological Park, crossing an ancient Roman road, and visit the Church of St. George. Here, you'll find a stunning 6th-century mosaic, the oldest known map of the Holy Land. We then proceed to Mount Nebo, the spot where Moses is believed to have gazed over the Promised Land. Upon our return to Amman, the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Today, we set off for Bethany, located on the banks of the River Jordan and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the historic site where John the Baptist famously baptised Jesus. Following this visit, we'll head to the Dead Sea Museum, situated in the impressive Panorama Complex, where you'll learn more about this unique natural wonder. Lunch is included with today's activities. We continue our journey to the Dead Sea, where we will check into our hotel. Remember to seize the chance to float in these salt-dense waters, located at the lowest land elevation on earth. Dinner and accommodation are provided, inviting you to relax and unwind after a day enriched with history and culture.

On Day 5, we embark on an adventurous journey into the heart of Jordan. Our route takes us along the historic King's Road, offering a glimpse into the ancient Moab Kingdom. The first stop is the formidable Kerak Castle, set atop a hill. Built in the 12th century, this impressive fortress played a significant role between Jerusalem and Aqaba. Continuing our journey, we reach the charming town of Dana, renowned for its stone houses perched on a vast cliff. Lunch is included, providing us with a delightful break. Our drive along the King's Route leads to Shoubak, where we pause to photograph the grand Crusader Castle from the outside. As our journey progresses, we head towards Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. Here, we explore Moses' Spring, the legendary spot where water flowed from a rock when struck by Moses staff. The Petra Museum also awaits our visit, offering fascinating insights into the history and culture of the Nabateans, complete with stunning artefacts unearthed in the region. Dinner and accommodation are arranged for the evening. For those interested, you may opt for a traditional Turkish bath or an enchanting light and sound show in Petra, adding a magical touch to the day.

On the sixth day of our journey, prepare for an exhilarating experience as we delve into the wonders of Petra. Our exploration begins as we traverse the narrow canyon leading into this famed archaeological site, where temples and tombs have been marvellously carved into the rose-red cliffs. Founded around 300 BC, this ancient city is a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Nabateans. After an included lunch, we journey onwards to the remarkable desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. At the Visitor Centre, we switch to 4x4 vehicles, enabling us to navigate some of the most breath-taking scenery the desert has to offer. Your adventure continues with a 45-minute camel ride across the sands. Finally, we visit the Khazali Canyon, where ancient engravings give insight into the early origins of the Arabic language. Our day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable desert camp, under a canopy of stars brightening the vast desert sky.

After breakfast, we set off for Aqaba, Jordan's second-largest city, beautifully situated on the Red Sea's shores. We'll explore the city centre before making our way to the Israeli border, heading to Eilat. This modern and vibrant city is renowned for its outstanding beaches, providing a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch and a relaxing stroll. You might even be tempted to take a dip in the inviting waters. Our journey continues towards the Egyptian border as we enter the Sinai Peninsula. Along the way, we have a chance to capture photos of Pharaoh's Island, home to the formidable fortress of Saladin. Our day concludes with arrival in Saint Catherine, where both accommodation and dinner are provided. Please note there are border fees for crossing into Israel and Egypt, which are subject to change without notice. It's important to remember that certain items, such as drones and professional camera equipment with a zoom of 5.5 metres or more, are prohibited, and responsibility for any seized items lies with travellers. In exceptional circumstances or with a smaller group of participants, we may instead take the Aqaba-Taba ferry to cross directly from Jordan to Egypt, a journey that lasts just over two hours, without guide assistance during the crossing.

Nestled at the base of Mount Sinai, our day begins with an exploration of the remarkable walled monastery of Saint Catherine, renowned as the site where Moses is said to have encountered the Burning Bush. This sacred location, revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, forms part of the Orthodox Church and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. As we journey through the captivating and varied landscapes of the Sinai Desert, we pause for an included lunch en route. A highlight of the day is our visit to the Well of Moses, a biblical site often described as resembling a small oasis. Our path then leads us through the Suez Canal via an iconic tunnel, marking our entry into bustling Cairo late in the afternoon. Accommodation is provided upon arrival, allowing time to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the wonders of ancient Egypt with a full-day exploration of Cairo's iconic landmarks. Our journey begins with the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Cheops, Kefren, and Micerinos towering testimonies to Egypt's ancient architects. You'll also marvel at the majestic Sphinx, hewn from rock, that guards these timeless monuments. Following our pyramid adventure, we will visit the renowned Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient artefacts, including the opulent treasures from Tutankhamens tomb. After a satisfying lunch, our journey continues to the Citadel of Saladin, an enduring symbol of medieval Islamic architecture, where we will visit the impressive Alabaster Mosque. Our day concludes with a stroll through Cairos Coptic neighbourhood to see the enchanting Hanging Church, built atop ancient Roman ruins. This fascinating day offers a window into Egypts deep historical tapestry, blending ancient wonders with living traditions.

In the morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Aswan (included in the itinerary). From there, we continue by road, making our way to Abu Simbel. As we approach, we set off on a boat trip on Lake Nasser, providing pictorial views of the magnificent temples. Our journey includes a lunch at a traditional Nubian restaurant, immersing you in the local culture.Later, we explore the temples of Abu Simbel, intricately carved into the western cliff by Ramses II in the 12th century BC. Youll marvel at the awe-inspiring statues towering at 20 metres high, dedicated to the god Amon Ra, and the Temple of Nefertari, exquisitely devoted to the goddess Hathor. In the afternoon, we return to Aswan, where we check into our excellent hotel for the night. There you can unwind and reflect on the days mesmerising encounters.

Today, we fully explore the vibrant city of Aswan, beginning with a visit to the renowned Red Granite Quarry. Here, youll witness the intriguing Unfinished Obelisk and gain insight into the ancient Egyptian techniques used to carve massive granite blocks. We then proceed to the stunning Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, which is uniquely situated on a small island, reachable only by boat.Following our temple visit, we enjoy a leisurely felucca ridea traditional wooden sailing boatalong the Nile River. This scenic journey takes us to the colourful Nubian Village, where youll experience the lively local culture and enjoy an included lunch. In the afternoon, our adventures continue with a camel ride to the historic Monastery of Saint Simeon. Originally a grand monastery during Roman times, it later served as a caravanserai.As our day winds down, we pass by the modern Coptic church and the mausoleum of the Aga Khan, though stops are not included here. Afterwards, youll have some free time at our excellent hotel to unwind, perhaps by taking a dip in the large swimming pool or enjoying the hotel's delightful amenities.

Following breakfast, we begin our journey along the scenic route of the Nile Valley. As we make our way, you'll be captivated by views of the Nile's vast palm groves and lively small communities. Our first stop is the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique structure divided into two symmetrical halves dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Here, you'll admire the detailed hieroglyphs and reliefs illustrating ancient Egyptian life and mythology. The nearby Crocodile Museum, displaying numerous mummified crocodiles, is also part of our exploration.Continuing onwards, we visit the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypts best-preserved and most striking temples. This impressive structure, constructed 2,300 years ago, is dedicated to Horus, the sky god. After enjoying an included lunch, our journey leads us to Esna, where you can view one of the few temples retaining its original roof, offering a rare glimpse into ancient architectural styles and original colours. This site remained buried under Nile sediment for centuries, which has preserved it remarkably well. You can also see the restored caravanserai and observe the Niles floodgates from outside.Our travels culminate in Luxor, where we arrive by late afternoon. Here, you'll spend the night in your hotel, perfectly located for exploring the remarkable antiquities the city has to offer.

On day thirteen, immerse yourself in Luxor, one of the most breathtaking ancient cities. Our day begins early as we set sail on a private boat from our hotel, crossing the tranquil Nile River to reach the west bank. Our first stop is the "Valley of the Artisans" at Deir el-Medina, a lesser-visited site that was home to the craftsmen who designed and decorated the royal tombs of ancient Egypt. We explore three tombs, admiring the vivid paintings that depict everyday life during that era. Next, we continue to the magnificent Medinet Habu, the temple of Ramses II, a spectacular site with wonderfully preserved scenes depicting historic battles. We pause in front of the towering Colossi of Memnon, grand statues representing Amenhotep II.Our exploration continues at the Valley of the Queens, home to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypts first female pharaoh. We also venture into the Valley of the Kings, known for the hidden tombs of prominent pharaohs, complete with multiple rooms and corridors leading to the burial chambers. Here, we include an electric cart ride to reach the entrance and an additional visit to the tomb of Ramses. By the afternoon, we return to the east bank of Luxor with some free time for lunch. Our afternoon includes a visit to Karnak, the former site of Ancient Egypts most significant religious complex, featuring the colossal temple of Amun-Ra and the lesser-visited Khinsu Temple. We also wander through the Luxor Museum, which presents a fascinating collection of artefacts and mummies unearthed in the region. As night falls, we add a special touch to the day with a visit to the Luxor Temple; its illumination after dark offers a magical experience. Afterwards, there is some free time to explore the bustling souk near the temple. Note that the schedule may shift to better accommodate weather conditions and visitor numbers, ensuring an optimal experience.

In Luxor, start your day at your own pace, whether that's indulging in a leisurely stroll, shopping, or exploring the city's sights. Later, we'll set off for Dendera, home to one of the most remarkably preserved Egyptian temple complexes. Uncovered from beneath sand and mud in the 19th century, this astonishing site encompasses 40,000 square metres and is enclosed by a sturdy brick wall standing eight to ten metres high. Marvel at the grand walls and towering gateways of this site, which is dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility. Following our visit and included lunch, we continue our journey across captivating desert mountain landscapes to the Red Sea. We will arrive in Hurghada by late afternoon, a renowned Egyptian resort with hotels that span nearly 50 kilometres along the coast. Accommodation will be provided on an all-inclusive basis.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Hurghada. Spend your morning unwinding at the hotel, where you can take advantage of the facilities or choose to independently explore the area. Options include visiting Hurghada's large aquarium or the museum. After lunch, which we have arranged for you, we'll embark on an excursion to explore the local surroundings. We'll head to EL GOUNA, a short distance away, known as Egypt's most luxurious holiday destination. Here, you'll find numerous canals and lagoons allowing for yacht access directly to most residences. Enjoy some leisure time to wander around this exclusive retreat. Afterwards, we'll visit the centre of Hurghada, where we'll take a look at its mosque and continue on foot to the bustling marina, filled with shops and eateries. Following some free time here, well head back to our hotel. Your stay includes an all-inclusive package, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Our journey today takes us along the Red Sea to explore the impressive Monastery of St. Anthony, the oldest in Christendom. Established in the fourth century, this sacred site holds deep significance for the Coptic Church in Egypt. We will visit the walled complex, which includes various buildings and adobe houses that seem frozen in time. The church here, built over St. Anthony's tomb, boasts stunning Coptic murals from the thirteenth century, providing a glimpse into the region's rich history. After our visit, we enjoy an included lunch at a service area before heading to El Galala. Here, the rapid development of new cities in the desert is evident, showcasing Egypt's ambitious plans. We start by visiting a luxurious resort by the Red Sea, complete with a marina and water park. From this lively spot, we take a thrilling cable car ride the steepest in Africa up to the new city of El Galala. Construction began in 2015, and its modern design, including a large university, is certainly impressive. Our day concludes as we journey on to Cairo, arriving in the evening.

On the final day of our journey, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before being transferred to Cairo airport. Here, our adventure through the stunning landscapes and rich history of Jordan and Egypt concludes. We trust you had an inspiring journey filled with unforgettable experiences and discoveries. Safe travels to your next destination!