From Amman to Aswan A Journey Through Time

Welcome to Amman, Jordan! Upon arrival at Amman Airport, you'll be warmly greeted and assisted through border procedures. A convenient transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can settle in. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to explore the vibrant city at your own pace or simply unwind after your journey. Take this time to immerse yourself in the local culture, sample some traditional Jordanian cuisine, or perhaps stroll through the bustling streets of Amman. 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 a hearty breakfast, we journey north from Amman, delving into the mountainous regions of Jordan to uncover the majestic Ajlun Fortress, an imposing 12th-century castle. This area has long seen the coexistence of Muslims and Orthodox Christians. Well pay a visit to the historic Church of Saint Sergius, a site of spiritual significance for many, where you may wish to reflect on our shared quest for peace. Lunch is included in todays itinerary.Our exploration continues at Jerash, home to one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites outside of Italy, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman life with its colonnaded streets, temples, and theatres. After a day steeped in history and culture, we return to Amman for arrival and accommodation.

On day three, we depart from Amman to explore the Desert Castles, architectural marvels from the 7th and 8th centuries. Our first stop is Qasr Kharana, noted for its formidable structure and thick walls, followed by Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exquisite frescoes. Later, we journey to Madaba, where lunch is provided. In Madaba, we explore the Archaeological Park, traversing an ancient Roman road. Additionally, we visit the Church of St. George, famous for its 6th-century mosaic the oldest known map of the Holy Land. Our tour proceeds to Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have gazed upon the Promised Land. We then return to Amman, with free time upon arrival.

On day four, we embark on a journey from Amman to the historic site of Bethany, located on the banks of the River Jordan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned as the place where John the Baptist is believed to have baptised Jesus. Next, we explore the Dead Sea Museum, part of the impressive Panorama Complex. Following our museum visit, we head to our hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. Ensure you take the opportunity to float in its famously buoyant watersits the saltiest sea and at the lowest point on Earth. Today's itinerary includes both lunch and dinner, as well as your accommodation.

On day five, we venture into the heart of Jordan, starting with a journey along the historic King's Road. This ancient route offers insights into the biblical Kingdom of Moab. Our first stop is the mighty Karak Castle, a remarkable example of 12th-century military architecture. It became one of the most significant fortresses between Jerusalem and Aqaba. We then travel onward to Dana, a charming village with its stone houses perched on a cliff, where lunch is provided.Continuing along the King's Route, we pause at Shobak, where you can capture photographs of the grand Crusader Castle from the outside. Our next destination is Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. Here, we explore Moses Spring, believed to be the spot where Moses struck the rock with his staff to bring forth water, and the Petra Museum. The museum features fascinating exhibits on the Nabateans and displays extraordinary artefacts discovered in the region. Dinner and accommodation are included. If you wish, you can indulge in an optional visit to an ancient Turkish bath or attend a light and sound show in Petra.

Today promises to be one of the highlights of our journey. We begin our day exploring the awe-inspiring site of Petra, entered via a narrow gorge. Here, we uncover temples and tombs carved directly into the rose-red cliffs of this ancient city, established more than 300 years before Christ. After our included lunch, we head towards the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. At the Visitor Centre, we switch to 4x4 vehicles to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking desert scenery. We also include a 45-minute camel ride, offering a truly authentic experience through the desert. During our visit to Khazali Canyon, we'll admire ancient engravings that reveal the origins of the Arabic language. Our day concludes with dinner and accommodation in a desert camp, letting you fully absorb the serene beauty of the night sky.

After breakfast, we set off towards Aqaba, Jordan's second city, beautifully situated on the banks of the Red Sea. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the city centre before heading towards the Israeli border, making our way to the modern and vibrant city of Eilat, known for its splendid beaches. You'll have time to relax, enjoy lunch, or perhaps take a refreshing swim. Our journey then continues towards the Egyptian border, venturing into the Sinai Peninsula. En route, there's an opportunity to capture stunning photos of Pharaoh's Island, noted for the solid fortress of Saladin. Finally, we arrive at Saint Catherine, where dinner and accommodation await.Please note the border crossing details: Travellers must pay entry and exit fees at the respective bordersJordan: $15, Israel: $32, and Egypt: $45 (comprising a $25 visa and a $20 entry fee). Fees are approximate and subject to change without prior notice. Professional camera equipment, including drones and cameras with a zoom of 5.5m or more, are prohibited and may be confiscated by border authorities. In exceptional circumstances or if participant numbers are low, an alternative route from Jordan to Egypt via the Aqaba-Taba ferry may be used. This crossing takes just over two hours and will not include guide assistance during the ferry passage.

In front of the magnificent Mount Sinai, we explore the remarkable walled Monastery of Saint Catherine, a site revered in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. This ancient monastery, belonging to the Orthodox Church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its ties to Moses and the Burning Bush. Our journey continues through the stunning landscapes of the Sinai Desert, where we pause for an included lunch. We then make a stop at the Well of Moses, a small oasis with roots in biblical history. Our path takes us beneath the Suez Canal through a tunnel as we make our way to Cairo, arriving in the late afternoon. You'll settle into your accommodation for the night.

Today we embark on an exploration of Cairo's iconic sites. Our day begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Cheops, Khafre, and Menkaure marvels of ancient engineering. Although entry into the pyramids is not included, their grandeur is undeniable. We then stop by the enigmatic Sphinx, carved from bedrock, which gazes majestically across the sands. Next, we enter the Egyptian Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient artefacts, including the legendary treasures found in the tomb of Tutankhamen. Following lunch, we explore the Citadel of Saladin and its striking Alabaster Mosque. Our day concludes with a stroll through the Coptic neighbourhood of Cairo, where we visit the Hanging Church, which is intriguingly constructed above a Roman fortress.

On our tenth day, we set off early from Cairo to explore a different side of Egyptits expansive lakes in the heart of the desert. Our first stop is the Pyramid of Meidum, which dates back to 2600 BC and is believed to be the Egyptians' initial attempt at constructing a pyramid. You will be amazed by its distinctive stepped design. Here, there's an opportunity to climb to the doorway leading to the burial chamber, accessible after a descent of 75 metres, and you can also see the large mastabas that house the tombs of some pharaohs' relatives.Next, we venture to the oasis of Al Faiyum and drive along the edge of the great Lake Qarun, which irrigates this lush area known as "the garden of Egypt." The lakeshores are dotted with various leisure spots popular with Egyptians. Known for the Al Fayoum portraitsthe world's oldest portraitsthis region has a rich artistic heritage, with many pieces now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. We pause for lunch in the charming Tunis Village, renowned for its exquisite pottery.Our journey continues through the desert to Wadi Rayan, a saltwater lake home to rare birds and gazelles, and designated as a National Park. Here, you'll have time for a leisurely walk by the small waterfalls. As we venture deeper into the desert, we reach Wadi Al Hittan, known as the Valley of the Whales. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its abundance of well-preserved fossils in a stunning natural setting. The museum here offers fascinating insights into climate change, highlighted by the fossilised skeletons of ancient whales.We conclude our day in Menia, a vibrant city on the banks of the Nile. Enjoy a pleasant evening stroll along the river before we settle in for dinner, which is included in your experience.

Todays journey takes us deeper into the heart of the Nile Valley. Our first stop is Zawiyyet Sultan, renowned for its vast cemetery featuring unique vaulted adobe mausoleums that evoke a sense of stepping into another world. We then travel to Beni Hassan, where the necropolis rises majestically above the Nile Valley. Here, you'll find 39 tombs dating back to 21251795 BC, four of which are open to visitors. These fascinating tombs provide glimpses into the daily life of ancient times. Lunch is included during our travels.Continuing along the Nile, we pause at the Tombs of Mir, comprising nine tombs from the Old and Middle Kingdom that boast an impressive air of solitude. The site remains largely undiscovered by tourists, offering a unique and tranquil experience. Nearby, we visit Deir El-Muharraq, an important Coptic pilgrimage site. Tradition holds that Mary and Jesus resided in a cave here for six months, prompting the construction of one of the world's oldest Christian churches around 60 AD.Our day concludes as we journey onwards to Assiut, where we will enjoy dinner and accommodation in this bustling provincial capital. The diverse and historically rich experiences of the day promise to create lasting memories as you continue to explore the heart of Egypts ancient wonders.

Today, we depart Assiut and venture towards Sohag, a region renowned for its rich Coptic heritage in Egypt. Our first stop is the White Monastery, a 4th-century edifice that has withstood numerous destructions. This fortress-like monastery, built using stones from pharaonic temples, still bears ancient hieroglyphics and depictions of gods. It once housed Egypt's largest library. We then visit the Red Monastery, celebrated for its awe-inspiring Christian architecture. The ancient chapel within, dating back to the 4th century, boasts restored frescoes that provide a glimpse into the religious artistry of the late antiquity period.We continue to Abydos, a site of profound historical significance as a place of worship for Osiris, the god of the dead. This was a major centre of pilgrimage and necropolis for over 4500 years. Many tombs remain unexcavated, while the temple of Seti stands as one of the most complete and beautiful in all of Egypt. Lunch is included during this part of our journey. As we conclude our visit to Abydos, we proceed to Luxor, arriving by the day's end. Here, the history and majesty of ancient civilisations await your exploration in this incredible city.

On this day, we delve into the wonders of Luxor, one of the world's most remarkable ancient cities. Beginning at dawn, we embark on a private boat from our hotel to cross the serene Nile to the west bank. Here we explore Deir el-Medina, the "Valley of the Artisans," which offers a less-travelled insight into the lives of the skilled builders and craftsmen who once constructed and adorned the royal tombs of ancient Egypt. We visit three tombs, marvelling at the vivid scenes of everyday life depicted in their artwork.Next, we admire the majestic Medinet Habu, the temple of Ramses II, which is beautifully preserved and renowned for its striking depictions of historical battles. Our journey continues with a stop before the imposing Colossi of Memnon, featuring two grand statues of Amenhotep II.Our exploration then leads us to the Valley of the Queens, home to the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, where Hatshepsut was the pioneering female pharaoh. We also wander through the renowned Valley of the Kings, with its hidden tombs of eminent pharaohs. This visit includes a ride in an electric cart for easy access and entry to the Tomb of Ramses, which demands an additional ticket.Returning to Luxor's east bank, we'll have some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we head to Karnak, the site of the most significant religious complex in ancient Egypt, featuring the colossal Temple of Amun-Ra. Our guide will also take us to the less frequented Temple of Khonsu. We conclude our cultural exploration at the Luxor Museum, which houses a compelling collection of artefacts and mummies unearthed in the region.As night falls, we will visit the Luxor Temple. Its illumination at night adds to its enchanting allure. Finally, enjoy free time to stroll through the local souk, offering a glimpse into the vibrant commercial life near the temple.Please note that the sequence of these visits may vary, taking into account weather conditions and the aim to visit each location when it's less crowded.

Following breakfast, embark on a captivating journey along the scenic Nile Valley. As we travel, admire the verdant palm groves and vibrant local communities that line the river's banks. Our first stop is Esna, where we explore its temple, one of the few in Egypt that still retains its original roof. This well-preserved temple offers a rare glimpse into ancient architecture and its original hues. The site, protected for centuries under layers of Nile sediment, was only rediscovered in the 19th century. In Esna, we also observe the restored caravanserai and view the Nile's floodgates from a distance.Continuing onward, we arrive at Edfu to visit the remarkable Temple of Horus. This temple, constructed 2,300 years ago, is among the best-preserved and most impressive in Egypt. Dedicated to Horus, the sky god, it offers a fascinating insight into ancient religious practices. We then head to Kom Ombo, where we enjoy lunch before visiting the temple overlooking the Nile. Unique for its dual dedication, one side honours Sobek, the crocodile god, while the other is devoted to Horus. The symmetrical design and intricate reliefs depict scenes of daily life, mythology, and medicine in ancient Egypt. Nearby, the Crocodile Museum showcases an extraordinary collection of mummified crocodiles.Our journey concludes in Aswan, where we arrive in the evening. We settle into our comfortable hotel for a restful night, brimming with anticipation for the adventures to come.

Upon reaching Aswan, there's an opportunity to embark on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, an awe-inspiring site not to be missed. Located 280 kilometres from Aswan in the western desert, the temples, masterfully carved into cliffs by Ramses II in the 12th century BC, boast 20-metre-high statues dedicated to the god Amon Ra and the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to Hathor. In Aswan, you'll explore the famed Red Granite quarry, home to the 41-metre-high Unfinished Obelisk, as well as the impressive Aswan Dam one of the largest on earth which has created the vast Lake Nasser, stretching over 500 kilometres. Our itinerary includes a visit to the enchanting Temple of Philae, honouring the goddess Isis and accessible only by boat. Later in the day, we will set sail on a traditional felucca, journeying across the Nile towards Kitchener Island, where you can explore the tranquil Botanical Garden. Your accommodation tonight is comfortably aboard, where you will also enjoy full board.

On the final day of our journey, we will enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Aswan before arranging transfers to the airport for our departures. As our services come to an end, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories of the myriad wonders of Jordan and Egypt. Safe travels and farewell!