Treasures of the Nabateans and Nubians

Following a delicious breakfast, we'll embark on our first full day of the Jordan tour, beginning with a visit to the renowned 'desert castles' situated along the old trade routes created during the Umayyad era. These castles offer a glimpse into the ancient past, housing remnants such as frescoes, bathhouses, and wells that were built during the 7th and 8th centuries. Our exploration will take us to Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal'at al-Azraq, and Qseirr Amra, providing a fascinating insight into the region's history. After our visit to the desert castles, we'll return to Amman for a delightful lunch at a local eatery, with falafel and hummus on the menu. Following lunch, we'll embark on a city tour of downtown Amman on foot, visiting the impressive Amphitheatre, Jordan Folklore Museum, and Citadel. We'll also explore some of Amman's bustling markets, sampling the delicious Knafeh while our guide teaches us some basic Arabic greetings and phrases to use during our Jordan tour. If time permits, we may visit some traditional handcraft and art galleries before returning to our hotel in Amman for a well-deserved rest. Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We'll depart from Amman this morning and head north to the ancient city of Jerash, renowned for being one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside of Europe. Upon arrival, we'll explore the Forum, wander through its Roman colonnaded streets, visit the Nymphaeum, and marvel at the Temple of Artemis, built on one of the highest points in the city. From Jerash, we'll travel to Aljoun Castle, constructed by the Ayyubids in the 12th century and extended by the Mamluks in the 13th. It was also used as a base for Saladin's Arab forces when they triumphed over the Crusaders in the 12th century. The countryside surrounding the castle in the Ajloun Forest Reserve is stunning, with lush hills, mountains, and forests, making it a popular destination for avid hikers seeking adventure. After our visit to Aljoun Castle, we'll journey to the charming village of Rasoun, where we'll spend the night in a homestay. After settling in and exploring the village, we'll trek through hills covered with scrub and forest to see the Bronze Age Dolmens, megalithic tombs formed by placing a massive stone slab atop two or more standing stones. We'll return to our homestay in Rasoun in the evening, where our friendly Jordanian hosts will prepare a delicious home-cooked traditional Arabic meal. We'll spend the evening chatting with our hosts about life in Jordan, providing a unique opportunity to learn more about local culture and customs. Overnight: Rasoun homestay Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Following a wonderful evening with our Jordanian hosts, we'll bid them farewell after a shared breakfast and begin our journey south to Madaba. Here, we'll gaze in awe at the Byzantine mosaics and the 'Madaba Map,' the oldest preserved map of the Holy Land. From Madaba, we'll venture to Mount Nebo, the place where the prophet Moses gazed across the Promised Land and where he is also buried. On a clear day, which is most days, we'll witness breathtaking views towards Jericho and beyond. After a delicious lunch, we'll head down to our resort located right on the banks of the Dead Sea. Here, you'll have some free time to swim (or rather float) in the incredibly salty waters and relax by the hotel pool. Overnight: Dead Sea Spa Resort Meals: Breakfast

Today, our journey will take us down the picturesque Dead Sea coastline, where we'll pass deep canyons and gorges as they meet the sea. After passing some salt flats at the southern end of the Dead Sea, we'll ascend through the mountains towards Petra, making a stop for a short walk amidst the stunning scenery and hills of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, offering breathtaking views of the valleys and hills on the various trails around the restored Dana village. Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit, with the terrain surprisingly green and full of flowers. We'll stop for lunch and take a walk before continuing to the imposing crusader castle at Shobak, where we'll finally arrive at Petra in the evening. You'll have the option to experience a spectacular and atmospheric introduction to Petra tonight with the Petra by Night tour. Here, you'll walk through the Siq to the Treasury, which is atmospherically lit up by hundreds of candles, creating an unforgettable experience. Overnight: Petra hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to exploring the Nabatean site of Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans took over in 106AD. Petra was forgotten for a long time, except by the local Bedouins, until its rediscovery in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Located at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, Petra is virtually impossible to reach, except via a narrow cleft in the rock known as the Siq. The site has become one of Jordan's main tourist attractions, and the Jordanian Government has invested in the tourism infrastructure in the adjoining village of Wadi Musa. We'll have most of the day to explore this ancient city, starting with a 2-3 hour guided tour before having free time to explore independently. We'll make our way through the Siq, which rises to 200 meters above us and narrows to just 2 meters wide in some areas. Keep an eye out for the ancient Nabatean water channel and remnants of terracotta pipes that brought water into the city. As we turn a corner, we'll suddenly see the Khazneh (Treasury), one of the most familiar sights of Petra. Our guide will explain how the buildings here are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down and discuss their spiritual significance. From the Treasury, the valley opens out, and we'll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides. During our free time, we can explore the ruined Roman amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and walk up a steep and narrow winding gorge to the towering Monastery, offering breathtaking views of the Wadi Aruba desert and the Jordan Valley. Another climb takes us to the High Place of Sacrifice and Lion Fountain. It's a full and tiring day, but exploring one of the world's most famous ancient sites is hugely rewarding. The minimum walking distance today is 3km through the Siq to the Treasury and back, and to see a few tombs, 8km to take the trail on as far as the main basin, plus an additional few km to the Monastery and back (over 800 steps up and down). For those with limited mobility or concerned about the distance, horse carriages are available for around 20JD (USD 28) to take us on the 1.2km journey through the Siq to the Treasury and back again at an agreed time. Donkeys are also available for the steps up to the Monastery, but we recommend using them on the way up, not on the way down. Later in the afternoon, we'll leave Petra and drive to the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where our friendly Bedouin hosts will welcome us to a comfortable camp beneath 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: Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at our camp, we'll embark on a jeep safari through the sands and beneath the towering jebels of Wadi Rum. We'll stop to climb sand dunes and witness unique rock formations, including a breathtaking rock bridge. We'll also participate in local activities inspired by Bedouin traditions, walking with a local shepherd and his sheep and goats to a Bedouin tent where we'll prepare lunch. We can learn about other traditional Bedouin activities, such as shearing the sheep and goats' hair, milking, grinding grains, making bread, and roasting coffee until our lunch is ready. After experiencing the nomadic Bedouin way of life, we'll return by jeep to our camp and drive north on the Desert Highway back to Amman. If you want to extend your tour and spend some time by the Red Sea, an extension to Aqaba is available after we finish in Wadi Rum. Overnight: Amman hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you'll have free time to explore Amman until we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Egypt. Upon arrival in Cairo, you'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where they will assist you in settling in and introduce you to the local area. Overnight: Cairo 5-star hotel Meals: Breakfast

Our Egyptian tour begins with a visit to the Egyptian Museum in central Cairo, home to the incredible Tutankhamun exhibit and a vast number of other ancient Egyptian artifacts. Accompanied by one of our local Egyptologist guides, who is knowledgeable and passionate about Egyptian history and their country in general, you'll gain insight into the museum's exhibits. Afterward, we'll head to Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to witness the Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops), standing at 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, is an awe-inspiring man-made structure made of giant stone blocks with a hard limestone casing. The smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus) add to the majestic sight of these enormous structures rising from the desert. You'll have the opportunity to climb inside the pyramids if you wish, although your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). In the evening, we'll transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, which takes approximately 9 hours. Overnight: On board train Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After arriving in Aswan this morning, we'll transfer to our hotel overlooking the Nile, which is at its most picturesque here, with cascading rapids, lush green islands, and feluccas sailing back and forth. Aswan is a melting pot of African and Middle Eastern cultures, and we'll experience this by wandering through the busy markets. Aswan is also a part of the ancient region of Nubia, which included parts of present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan around the Nile rivers. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live here, and we'll visit a local Nubian village to see their colorful houses, simple way of life, and enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we'll continue our tour by visiting the Temple of Philae, a beautiful island complex dedicated to Isis and reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which we reach by a scenic boat ride. The evening is free to explore Aswan's spice and general markets and stroll along the popular Corniche on the banks of the Nile. There's also an option to take a camel ride through the sands on the far bank of the Nile to St. Simeon's monastery. If you've chosen the Abu Simbel option, you'll need to head to bed early tonight to be ready for a very early start tomorrow morning. Overnight: Aswan 5 star hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, there's an option to take an early start for the drive to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These amazing temples built by Ramses II are one of Egypt's main highlights and attractions. Those who choose not to visit Abu Simbel can explore Aswan's markets, walk up and down the Corniche on the banks of the river, or visit the Nubian Museum, which has a fascinating collection covering the development of the Nubian people in the region. At lunchtime, we'll board our traditional Nile felucca for an afternoon sailing down the Nile. Floating down the Nile on a felucca is one of Egypt's most enjoyable activities, and you'll be able to watch local rural Egyptian life pass you by on the banks of the river as you drift past. Our Nubian crew will sail the boat and entertain you on the way, as well as preparing meals for you. Our separate facilities boat will join us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night. This boat has a welcome toilet and showers on board, as well as a hygienic kitchen where the crew will prepare a delicious evening meal. Tonight, you'll sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided). If you want to upgrade your upcoming felucca sailboat trip to an additional night in the Aswan hotel, you'll spend tonight in Aswan and rejoin the group tomorrow morning when they leave the Felucca at Kom Ombo. All other touring remains the same. Overnight: On board felucca Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on-board, we'll say goodbye to our felucca crew and visit the nearby temple of Edfu before continuing north to Luxor. The town of Luxor is situated on and around the ancient site of Thebes, boasting the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. The City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, lies to the west of the Nile, while the Temples of Luxor and Karnak lie to the east. This evening, we'll take a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, which is located in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night. Overnight: Luxor hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning, we'll cross the Nile to begin our tour of Luxor's West Bank. The Valley of the Kings, an ancient burial site, is home to dusty tombs that are still revealing their secrets today, making it one of the world's most important archaeological sites. Our tour includes several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temples of Queen Hatshepsut and Medinat Habu, and the huge Colossi of Memnon. For those interested, there is ( optional excursion ) a spectacular Hot Air Balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch the sunrise as the balloon rises). The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile. You can also explore Luxor further, do some shopping or browsing in the market, visit the mummification museum, or enjoy a felucca trip to nearby Banana Island. Additional sightseeing options are also available for those who want a more in-depth exploration of Egyptian history. For example, the Rammesseum, Workers Village, and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile are worth a visit. Your tour guide will be happy to arrange any extra visits for you (additional costs will apply to cover transport, entrances, and the guide's services). Overnight: Luxor hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you have the morning free to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lie-in after several early starts. After lunch, we'll tour the enormous temple complex at Karnak, which was once the religious center of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was linked to Luxor by an extensive avenue lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was in turn linked to the Nile via a canal through which the sacred boats of the god Amun moved. Upon entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue built by Ramesses II, you'll come across the immense pylon entrance. Inside, the huge courtyard features three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous, and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall boasts 134 towering columns, each carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs, while hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn the walls. Later this evening, we'll transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo, which takes approximately 9 hours. Overnight: On board sleeper train Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we'll arrive back in Cairo and transfer to our hotel. The majority of the day is free for you to explore Cairo as you choose, or you may opt to take a guided tour. These include a city tour of Cairo, which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half-day tour to Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Other full-day options further afield include a visit to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan. In the late afternoon, we'll take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We'll walk through the enormous Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelry, and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egyptian dish, Kushari before returning to the hotel. Overnight: Cairo hotel Meals: Breakfast

Today, your time is free for some last-minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast