Immersive Cultural Experiences in Jordan & Egypt

Our day starts with a visit to the hilltop town of As-Salt, which served as a trading link between the Jordan Valley and the Eastern Desert. As-Salt is renowned for its impressive old Islamic architecture, built using yellow limestone. Today, the town is a shining example of religious and cultural harmony between the local Muslim and Christian populations. To learn more about As-Salt, we'll embark on a walking tour of its 'Harmony Trail', providing you with greater insight into the lives of the locals. We'll have lunch with a local family today, offering you a taste of delicious Jordanian cuisine (subject to group size; if the group is too large, we will head to a local restaurant). After lunch, we'll make our way to the Baptism site at Bethany, an excavated site believed to be the place where John baptized Jesus Christ. Many churches, caves, and pools dating back to Roman and Byzantine periods have been discovered here. We'll also visit three of its most important sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools, and John the Baptist's Church. We'll return to our hotel in Amman, where we'll spend the night. Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we'll embark on a city tour of Amman, taking in its rich history, which dates back many millennia. We'll begin with a visit to the Citadel, once home to the ancient temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, Byzantine Church, and the ancient Roman theatre, which still hosts various cultural events today. Next, we'll make our way to Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman architecture sites in the world. Jerash was hidden underneath sand for centuries, and over the past 70 years, archaeological work has uncovered that it was once a fine example of Roman urbanism, boasting paved and colonnaded streets, hilltop temples, public squares, and plazas. Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, we'll leave Amman and drive along the scenic King's Highway to Petra. We'll take our time, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings as we pass through deep wadis, olive groves, and rural villages. We'll make a stop at Madaba to see the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, famous for its 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land. We'll also visit Mount Nebo, believed to be the burial place of Moses. Next, we'll stop at Kerak Castle, one of several Crusader Fortresses scattered throughout Jordan. The castle, built in the 12th century, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and plains. This evening, there is an option to get a first taste of the rose-red city by booking the Petra by Candlelight tour. If you're interested in this experience, please speak to your travel consultant. Overnight: Petra hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to exploring the Nabatean site of Petra, once the ancient capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans took over in 106 AD. For a long time, Petra was forgotten, except by the local Bedouins, until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Located at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, 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 few free-standing buildings in Petra, as the Nabateans opted to carve their dwellings into the multi-colored 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 adjacent village of Wadi Musa is booming; however, once you enter through the Siq, the site is protected, and there aren't many touts or souvenir sellers, and all the buildings feel miles away. We have most of the day to explore this ancient city, with a 2-3 hour guided tour followed by free time to explore independently. We begin by making our way through the Siq, which rises to 200 meters above us and narrows to just 2 meters wide in certain sections. Keep an eye out for the ancient Nabatean water channel, which is still visible on one wall, and remnants of the terracotta pipes that brought water into thecity. Turning a corner, the Khazneh (Treasury) suddenly comes into view - one of Petra's most iconic sights. Our guide will explain how this and other buildings here are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down, as well as discussing the spiritual significance of the building style. As we leave the Treasury, the valley opens out, and we'll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides. You'll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheater and colonnaded streets, and during your free time, you can walk up a steep, narrow winding gorge to the towering Monastery, which is 50 meters high and 45 meters wide, providing breathtaking views of the Wadi Aruba desert and the Jordan Valley. Another climb takes you to the High Place of Sacrifice and Lion Fountain. It's a full and tiring day, but touring one of the world's most famous ancient sites is hugely rewarding. Walking distances today are a minimum of 3km through the Siq to the Treasury and back, 8km to take the trail as far as the main basin, plus a few extra kilometers to the Monastery and back (over 800 steps up and down). For those with less mobility or who are worried about the distance, horse carriages are available for around 20 JD (USD 28) to take you on the 1.2km journey through the Siq to the Treasury and back again at an agreedtime. They will also take you further into the site for an extra fee. However, we do not recommend riding the horses that are available. Donkeys are available for the steps up to the Monastery, and if you want to use them, we suggest doing this on the way up, not on the way down. Later in the afternoon, we leave Petra and drive into the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to welcome us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We'll spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal. Overnight: Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

We'll begin our day with a jeep safari, exploring the rugged desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Keep an eye out for the copper-colored rocky jebels. Later in the morning, we'll leave Wadi Rum and make our way towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, sitting at 400 meters below sea level. The Dead Sea is one of the world's most spiritual landscapes, filled with dramatic natural wonders. Numerous rivers, including the River Jordan, flow into the Dead Sea. Once the water reaches the Dead Sea, it becomes land-locked and eventually evaporates, leaving a dense, rich mixture of salt and minerals behind. We'll stop and enjoy a "swim" in the Dead Sea's salty waters, a unique experience as the high salinity makes it virtually impossible to swim but rather to float or sit in its waters. We'll finish the day back at our hotel in Amman. Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast

Once you arrive at the airport, our staff will be there to greet you, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and transfer you to your hotel in central Cairo, which marks the start of your trip. They'll help you get settled, acquaint you with the local area, and explain tomorrow's arrangements. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. If you arrive early, you may wish to book a dinner cruise on the Nile or attend a sound and light show at the pyramids in the evening, both of which can be booked locally upon arrival. Overnight: Cairo 3-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Our exploration of Egypt begins with a visit to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo. These three pyramids, built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 years BC, are perhaps the most recognizable ancient buildings in the world. Our Egyptologist guide will provide an introduction to Egyptian history, explaining how and why the pyramids were constructed and how they fit into the overall Pharaonic story. If you're not claustrophobic, you'll have the opportunity to climb down inside one of these pyramids. Next, we'll visit the majestic Sphinx, which is located nearby and was only fully uncovered in the 1920s. In the afternoon, we'll drive south along the banks of the River Nile through towns and villages until we reach Luxor, where we'll check into our hotel. Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, you have the option to relax in your hotel or take an optional tour to the Luxor Museum. The museum houses a beautifully displayed collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including some very important and impressive specimens. Additionally, there are items from the period after the end of Pharaonic times in Egypt. Afterward, we'll continue our drive south along the Nile to Aswan, where we'll spend the night in a Nubian village and stay in a locally run guesthouse. The ancient region of Nubia was an area around the Nile comprising parts of present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live around Aswan, and during our stay, we'll see their colorful houses and enjoy a typical meal this evening. Overnight: Aswan - Nubian guesthouse Meals: Breakfast

Early this morning, there's an optional tour to drive to the amazing UNESCO World Heritage site at Abu Simbel, which is situated on the banks of Lake Nasser, approximately three hours away from Aswan. The temples here were built by Ramses II and are among Egypt's most impressive and fascinating sites, particularly because they're carved into the hillside rather than built independently. They were also completely dismantled and moved to their current location when Lake Nasser was flooded. If you opt not to visit Abu Simbel, you can explore Aswan's markets and Corniche this morning or visit the Nubian Museum, which has an excellent collection covering the history of the Nubian people in the region. Later in the day, we'll take a boat trip to visit one of Egypt's most beautifully situated temples, the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis and was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Afterward, we'll board a traditional Nile felucca and sail a short distance out of Aswan before mooring up for the night. Our separate facilities boat will join us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night to help us protect the environment along the banks of the Nile. It features a proper toilet and showers on board, as well as a hygienic kitchen. You'll sleep on the deck of the boat, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. This is a fun but basic experience, and if you prefer, you can upgrade to an additional night in a hotel in Aswan instead of sleeping on the felucca. Overnight: On board felucca Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we'll spend some more time sailing on the Nile. After a delicious lunch with the felucca crew, we'll say a reluctant goodbye and drive north to Luxor, the jewel in Egypt's crown and home to the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. These ruins are split across both banks of the Nile. The City of the Dead on the West Bank boasts many mortuary temples and tombs cut into the rocky mountains, while the Temples of Luxor and Karnak and their connecting Avenue of Sphinxes are the highlights on the East Bank. Later in the evening, there's an optional tour available to Luxor Temple, which is situated right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night. Alternatively, you can head into town to explore some of Luxor's popular outdoor cafes, perhaps enjoying a few games of backgammon and trying a shisha pipe with the locals. We'll spend the night at a comfortable 4-star hotel with a pool on the banks of the Nile. Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, we'll embark on a tour to the West Bank of the Nile. We'll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, explore several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, learn about the workers who made all this possible in Deir El-Medina (the Valley of the Artisans), and stop to see the huge Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon, you're free to relax in the hotel or take an optional tour to explore the vast temple complex at Karnak. Additionally (optional excursion), a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is available today (although expect another early start to catch the sunrise as the balloon rises). Overnight: Luxor 4-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

This morning, we'll depart from Luxor and drive back to Cairo, making stops at the impressive temples of Dendara and Abydos en route. Although these temples are less visited by tourists than the sites in Luxor, they are no less impressive. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor, Dendara is a particular favorite for many visitors due to its incredible preservation. Nearby Abydos is another fascinating site, serving as the cult center of the god of the dead, Osiris. The necropolis here was a pilgrimage and burial site, and at least ten temples were originally built here. We'll arrive back in Cairo this evening and check into our hotel in the city center. Overnight: Cairo 3-star hotel

After breakfast, we'll begin our tour of Cairo. Founded in 969 AD by Gohar, a Fatimid army leader, El Kahera (Cairo) soon became the capital of Egypt. Throughout its history, Cairo has seen numerous additions, including the El Azhar mosque, the Islamic University, and defensive walls and a citadel built by Saladin in 1179, which have helped it remain Egypt's principal city. The reign of Ismail (1830-1895) brought a new period of expansion and modernization to Cairo, with the addition of areas like Heliopolis, Dokki, and Roda, as well as gardens, opera houses, large hotels, and wide, tree-lined avenues. Further post-revolutionary urban expansion has made Cairo one of the world's largest cities. Today, it's a bustling metropolis of over 20 million people, a unique blend of diverse cultures, a gateway to Egypt's past, and a mix of modern and old. Our tour includes a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from Egypt's past, including the famous King Tutankhamun display, as well as a visit to the Khan al Khalili bazaar, a labyrinthine market that offers a window to the past and a guaranteed souvenir. In the afternoon, an additional half-day tour is (optional) available to Memphis, Dashour, and Saqqara, where you can learn more about the history of pyramid building and seemore ancient ruins. Overnight: Cairo hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, you'll have some free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We recommend an afternoon or evening flight so that you can take a tour to visit the incredible Egyptian Museum this morning or a Cairo city tour. If you'd like to extend your stay, extra nights in Cairo are available. Meals: Breakfast