Egypt & Jordan Tour Package
Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights
Priced From: $ 9,907 pp dbl.occ.
Date: Feb , Nov / 08 , Feb , Nov / 09

Cairo, the largest city both in Africa and in the Middle East, is our entry point on this 19-day expedition through two lands of ancient wonder. Using the frenetic capital as our base, we head off to explore burial grounds of kings, princes and nobles, gaze at towering statues of Pharaohs, marvel at step pyramids dating from the 27th century BC and spend time at the perennial favourite attractions of visitors to Egypt; the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Enhancing our knowledge of the history and ancient civilisations of this fascinating country, we embark on trips to museums showcasing death masks, mummified crocodiles and antique coins, to the incredible archaeological sites and temples of Karnak and Luxor and to the legendary Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. To discover the contemporary face of the country, we immerse ourselves in the cultures and lifestyles of locals in bustling metropolises, cruise along the longest river on the planet, stopping in at nearby villages on the banks of the Nile, and visit Christian monasteries and botanical gardens on a once-in-a-lifetime desert camel trek. Crossing the border, we touch down in Amman, the modern and ancient capital city of Jordan and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. For the final eight days of our adventure, we leisurely tour magnificent monasteries, Roman amphitheatres and desert palaces dating from the 8th century AD, visit biblical sites along the banks of the Dead Sea, and spend time exploring elaborate ancient tombs and grand temples in the 'rose red city half as old as time'; Petra. Mingling with nomadic Bedouin herdsmen gives us a feel for the cultures and lifestyles of the area; and we end our tour by travelling along the King's Highway, which boasts a plethora of Crusader fortresses and quaint historic towns.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Cairo
Today we arrive in Cairo. Transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Cairo-Giza. Mena House OR Movenpick Hotel. Dinner if required.

Day 2
Cairo: Pyramids & Sphinx
This morning we travel to Memphis and Saqqara, chronologically the two most important sites in all of Egypt. Memphis
was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (ca 2700-2180 BC), and Saqqara was used as a burial place for
residents of Memphis including kings, princes and nobles. Our drive this morning takes us past some small, colourful
villages and plantations in the fertile Nile Valley. At the ancient city of Memphis we will see several statues in a gardenlike
setting including the colossal statue of Rameses the Great. You will have ample opportunity to photograph
the statue from the gallery's mezzanine.
From Memphis we travel a short distance to Saqqara, the ancient burial site. On the site, which is considered by many
archaeologists to be one of the world's most important excavations, is the Step Pyramid, which was constructed by
Imhotep in the 27th century BC. The pyramid is part of the tomb complex of Zoser, the first Pharaoh of the Old
Kingdom. The pyramid began as a simple mastaba, or long, flat tomb building. Over the course of time, Imhotep added
to this mastaba five times-- the pyramid eventually measured 62 m (203 feet) in height!
After lunch we pay a visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. These Pharaonic monuments have come to symbolize
Egypt's glory and mystery. Impressive in their grandeur, the pyramids are estimated to have been constructed over a
period of 20 years using more than 100,000 labourers each year. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, constructed from over
two million stone blocks, is 135 m (443 feet) high! The stone for the Pyramid complex--Pyramid of Cheops, Pyramid of
Chefren and Pyramid of Mykerinos--was quarried from nearby hills south of Cairo. You may enter one of the pyramids
through a long, narrow passageway and explore the deep inner chambers.
Later we see the Sphinx. This feline-human was named by the Greeks because it resembled the mythical winged
monster with a woman's head and lion's body. Legend has it that this "Sphinx" proposed a riddle to the Thebans and
killed all who could not guess the correct answer! The Sphinx was carved from one solid piece of limestone and
measures 50 m (164 feet) in length and 22 m (72 feet) in height.
Overnight in Cairo-Giza. Movenpick OR Mena House. All meals.

Day 3
Cairo: Museum of Egyptian Antiquities & Coptic Cairo - Luxor
This morning we begin at the bustling Midan Tahrir where the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is located. We
will spend the morning here seeing some of Egypt's most beloved treasures. Among the 100,000 pieces housed on the museum's two floors is the famous exhibit of Tutankhamun whose tomb was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. The
tomb and treasures of this young Pharaoh, modest by Pharaonic Egyptian standards, is perhaps the best preserved of
the discovered tombs. We also see archaeological relics from the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom and
Greco-Roman periods. Our tour today is fully guided by our English-speaking guide. We also allow some time for you
to explore the treasures on your own (Mummies Room an extra approx US 10 cost).
This afternoon we drive through the neat, tree-lined streets of the Garden City area to Coptic Cairo, the centre of
Christianity in Cairo. We will walk the cobblestone streets and stop at a few of the churches, including that of Saint
Sergius whose is presumed to have been the spot where the Holy Family lived during their flight into Egypt. The present
building dates from the 11th century. As we stroll along we will come to the recently restored Synagogue of Ben Ezra,
the oldest Jewish synagogue in Egypt. Despite the 45 Jewish families that remain in Cairo, the synagogue is no longer
operational.
Later we transfer to the airport for our one hour flight south to Luxor.
Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton Resort. All meals.

Day 4
Luxor: Carriage Tour & Karnak Temple
This morning we will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Luxor to visit one of the most fantastic
archæological sites in the world: Karnak Temple.
Karnak was built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated during its colourful history of over 1500 years.
At certain points in Egyptian history, this temple was the most important in all of Egypt. When we arrive at the temple
you will be awed by the grandeur of the tremendous pylon gateway and the Avenue of 1000 Sphinxes that originally ran
all the way to the Nile and Luxor Temple! We will have a guided tour of the complex, massive by anystandard.
Our carriage ride continues through the town of Luxor and surrounding countryside. This is one of the best ways to see
local town and village life in Egypt where we see the "fellahin" (farmers) at work.
Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton Resort. All meals.

Day 5
Luxor: Valley of the Kings
Early this morning we cross the River Nile by boat to the West Bank where the wealth of antiquities is outstanding. On
the other side we will meet our transport for our excursion into the Valley of the Kings. En route we will pass by the
Colossi of Memnon. These two huge statues sit side by side; they originally flanked the entry to the funerary temple of
Amenophis III. The Colossi were named from a legend explaining the phenomenon of the dawn.
We will have a guided tour of three of the many tombs that are here. The valley was the burial ground for pharaoh kings
throughout the New Kingdom. Note that some of the tombs have steep stairways and all are dark inside. It is a good idea
to have a small flashlight with you today for a closer inspection of the interior of the tombs.
When we have finished the guided tour of the Valley of the Kings. We then proceed to the funerary temple of Queen
Hatshepsut--the first woman to rule as pharaoh! We have a tour of this impressive complex, discovered in the mid-19th
century and still under restoration. The temple's 37 m- (121 foot-) wide causeway leads us to three huge terraced courts.
Tonight we include the Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple.
Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton Resort. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6
Luxor: Valley of the Queens
This morning we make an excursion the Valley of the Queens. After crossing the Nile we will board our bus for the
short journey to visit this wonderful necropolis on the western shore of the Nile.
The Valley of the Queens was used as a burial site for the royal women of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Ancient
Egyptians called this place "Set Neferu" meaning Seat Of Beauty, and today only a few of the eighty tombs are open to
the public. We will visit 3 tombs. The Valley of the Queens holds far more than graves of queens. High officials had
been buried here before the first queen. Royal children were also buried here next to the queens.
As well as our visit to the Valley of the Queens we will also have a guided tour of the workers' village and the Madinat
Habu temple. Madinat Habu, also known as the temple of Rameses III was known in ancient times as Djanet, and
according to ancient belief was the place were Amon first appeared. Both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III built a temple
dedicated to Amon here and Later Rameses III constructed his larger memorial temple on the site.
Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton Resort. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7
Luxor: Nile Cruise
Today, at about lunchtime, we board our first-class Nile cruise ship. There will be free time in Luxor this afternoon
before sailing. You may choose to visit Luxor Temple and / or the excellent Luxor Museum.
Our luxury cruise vessel features 62 Junior Suites, sundeck, pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, English pub, piano bar, gym,
billiards, bazaar, hair dresser, barber, laundry service. Each suite is 21 square meters with wide panoramic window for a
beautiful view. Each with their own private marble bathrooms include a shower cabin, hair-dryer, and make-up mirror.
The suites are also equipped with a colour TV, phone, central video, central air conditioning, mini bar and safe box.
Overnight Nile Cruise. Movenpick cruise or similar. All meals.

Day 8
Nile Cruise: Edfu
Today we begin our sail from Luxor to Aswan along the River Nile. Over the next two days we will travel past fertile,
irrigated sugar cane and corn fields separated by small villages. We will pass through the British-built locks at Esna and
make a stop at Edfu. As the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple, albeit Greek-built, Edfu is
dedicated to the god Horus. Construction of this temple began under Ptolemy III Euergetes I in 237 BC. We will allow
time to explore this massive and impressive site, enclosed bywalls and flanked by two large pylon gateways. Here we
will also be able to see a Nilometer--an ancient technique of measuring the Nile's water fluctuations and setting the level
of taxes!
Overnight on Nile cruise. Movenpick cruise or similar. All meals.

Day 9
Nile Cruise: Kom Ombo
We will make a stop and visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. In ancient times, Kom Ombo was strategically important as a
trading town on the caravan route from Nubia to Cairo. Kom Ombo, actually two temples in one, is dedicated dually to
Haroeris and Sobek, respectively the god of the sky and the crocodile-headed god. Here we are able to see the remains
of a mummified crocodile. Crocodiles no longer exist in the Egyptian part of the River Nile, but in Pharaonic times they
lived here in great numbers and were worshipped as gods!
From Kom Ombo we continue along the River Nile to harbour in Aswan.
Overnight on Nile cruise. Movenpick cruise or similar. All meals.

Day 10
Nile Cruise: Abu Simbel
This morning we fly from Aswan across the Western Desert to Nubia, or the "Land of the Gold". Our destination this
morning is the impressive Abu Simbel--the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen Nefartari.
In the 1960s Abu Simbel became the focus of world attention as the controversial construction of the High Dam
threatened the temples. In a large-scale world relief, funded mainly by UNESCO, the temple was delicately
disassembled with the aid of laser technology and shifted to a site on the banks of the artificially formed Lake Nasser.
Over its nine years of relocation, the site's team of archaeologists managed to create an artificial mountainside to house
the temples.
We have a guided tour of this site, including the interior of the colossal temples. The Temple of Rameses II, with its
immense statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne, is one of the classic images of the power of the Pharaohs. Inside
the temple you will see well-preserved wall decorations and several murals. There is a wonderful relief of Rameses
presenting captives to various gods, including himself! At the Temple of Hathor, which is colonnaded with six statues
of Rameses and his wife Nefartari, we will see the temple hall and the sanctuary. We also gain insight into the
reconstruction process by visiting the interior of the artificial mountain.
This afternoon we fly back to Aswan.
This evening we will attend the fascinating Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple. The temple is situated on an island,
and we have to take a boat to get to the site. Since early this century, the site of Philae was flooded for six months each
year. An incredible restoration programme was undertaken in the 1960s and the temple was moved stone by stone to a
higher elevation. Our show this evening is an extraordinary voice-and-light walk through the site's temples, with
full narration explaining the legend of Isis to whom the temple is dedicated. After the show we return to our Nile cruise
boat.
Overnight Nile Cruise. Movenpick cruise or similar. All meals.

Day 11
Aswan: St Simeon Camel Trek
Today we travel by small boat across the River Nile to the west bank.* From here we travel by camel across the sandy
desert to the Christian Monastery of St Simeon. Riding a camel is one of the most invigorating, exciting ways to see
Egypt. Before we begin this easy trek our Tour Leader and camel trainer will teach you the technique of riding a camel!
This is a journey that can be undertaken by anyone at any age (one rider per camel). Our trek is about 45 minutes to the
monastery. Those who prefer not to ride can stay with the boat and rejoin the camel riders for our trip to Kitchener's
Island.
Dating from the 6th century, and in use until the 13th century, the Monastery of St Simeon is one of the best preserved
Christian sites in Egypt. The monastery, built on two plateaux, is surrounded by a high wall. Inside we will see the
chapel, living quarters, kitchen and dining areas, wine press, bake area and storerooms. On our tour we will also see the
remains of some Coptic frescoes--depictions of Christ and saints as well as many geometric patterns. From the
monastery we continue on our camel journey for another 15 minutes back to the bank of the Nile.
From here we board our boat and ride among the islands dotting the Nile. The main island here is called Elephantine
Island because many of the rocks look like elephants bathing in the Nile. We will arrive at the beautiful Kitchener's
Island where we will have time to stroll through the rich botanical gardens with trees, plants, and bushes.
Overnight in Aswan. Old Cataract. All meals.

Day 12
Aswan - Cairo: Islamic Cairo
Today we board our one-hour flight from Aswan to Cairo.
On arrival in Cairo we will venture deep into the heart of Islamic Cairo. We will tour the Citadel, which was begun by
Saladin in the 12th century. Today the Citadel's buildings are mainly from the Ottoman period, and are truly grand. From
the Citadel, which is actually a complex of three mosques and four museums, we enjoy an amazing view of Cairo spread
beneath the hilltop. Here we will see the fabulous Mosque of Mohammed Ali, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."
Overnight in Cairo-Heliopolis. Le Meridien Hotel. All meals.

Day 13
Cairo, Egypt - Amman, Jordan
Today we fly to Amman, Jordan.
Amman, the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the World. The
city's modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilizations.
Overnight in Amman. Marriott OR Four Seasons. Breakfast and dinner.

Day 14
Amman - Jerash - Desert Castles - Amman
This morning we leave Amman by bus for a tour of the extensive Roman site of Jerash. In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD,
Jerash was a wealthy city and is today considered one of the most important and best preserved of all Roman sites. We
visit the famous elliptical Forum, the beautiful amphitheatre with its superb natural acoustics, and the site of the huge
Temple of Artemis.
This afternoon we travel east from Amman into the Jordanian Desert. Here we see some of the Desert Palaces built by
the Omayyed Caliphs in the 8th century AD. Of particular interest are Qasar Amra, with its unique frescoes of hunting
scenes and dancing girls; Qasar Azraq, built entirely of black basalt, used as a base by Lawrence of Arabia in his later
campaigns against the Turks.
We return to Amman via a road that is one of the main trade route between Jordan and nearby Iraq.
Overnight in Amman. Marriott OR Four Seasons. All meals.

Day 15
Amman: City Tour - Madaba & Mt Nebo - Kerak - Petra
This morning we tour Amman, visiting the Roman amphitheatre, Folklore Museum, Museum of Popular Traditions,
Archaeological Museum, and the ruins of the Temple of Hercules.
From Amman we travel to Madaba, a small town famous for its magnificent mosaic floors. A unique mosaic covers the
floor of St. George's church and consists of a huge map of the Holy Land as it appeared in the 6th century AD.
Driving to the edge of the Jordan Valley we reach Mount Nebo from where Moses and the Children of Israel first saw
the Promised Land. On a clear day you can look down to see the Dead Sea and the River Jordan. On the other side of the
valley is the city of Jerusalem. Here huge mosaics of hunting scenes cover the floor of a ruined Byzantine church.
We continue to Petra with a stop at Kerak Castle en route. Kerak is a 12th century Crusader fortress with huge water
cisterns and commanding position on a hilltop allowing it to hold out against many sieges.
We arrive in Petra in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Petra. All meals.

Day 16
Petra: Site Tour
Petra was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom from the fourth century BC to the 2nd century AD. From the 12th
century until its rediscovery in 1812, Petra was lost to the world--a closely guarded secret of the local tribes. Today the
'rose red city half as old as time' is probably the most impressive archæological site in the Middle East, rivalling the
temples and Pyramids of Egypt in grandeur.
This morning, on our way into the hidden valley of Petra, we will see the Obelisk Tomb and the irrigation system which
carried water from a dam throughout the desert city. Access to the monuments of Petra is through a narrow gorge in the
towering rocks called the 'Siq'. As we emerge from the 'Siq' you stand in awe in front of the 'Treasury' (El Kazneh), a
graceful structure carved from the living rock. After pausing to admire the elegant columns and carvings we carry on
into the valley where elaborate tombs are carved into the multi-coloured walls. Everywhere the sandstone swirls and
twists in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and white. Next we will see the Roman amphitheatre, carved directly out of
the mountain, with space for over 3,000 spectators.
Further on in the main valley of Petra, are the Royal Tombs including the Palace Tomb and the Silk Tomb. We visit the
temple of the Nabateans' main god, Dushara, and we also see the 'Temple of the Winged Lion'. Our formal guided tour
of the site terminates with a visit to the Petra Nabatean Museum.
At this point, you may explore further on your own, or return to our hotel to relax and / or shop. You may also take a
strenuous walk up a narrow pass to see the magnificent 'Monastery' building, El Deir. The views of Petra and the
surrounding area are expansive. The walk is steep, mostly on steps carved into the rock, and will take
Approximately one hour up (30 minutes down).
NOTE: Access to Petra is by means of footpath only. The main sites occur near ground that is level and well-worn,
though the overall site is huge. Our pace is leisurely with frequent breaks; however, to fully experience Petra you must
be prepared for a considerable amout of walking and little shade.
Overnight at Petra. All meals (picnic lunch).

Day 17
Petra: El Beida - Wadi Rum
We leave Petra today and make a stop at 'el Beidha' (known as 'Little Petra'). We will also see a settlement dating from
the Neolithic period, some 8,500 years ago. This is one of the oldest sights in the Middle East; it shows evidence of
habitation by a Pre-Pottery population who were herders experimenting with agriculture.
We continue down the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia conducted many of his campaigns
during the First World War. On arrival at Wadi Rum we take four wheel drive vehicles out into the desert where the
sand is red and the rocks look like gigantic multi-layered chocolate cakes melting in the setting sun. We may be invited
into a goat-hair tent to share a glass of tea with some Bedouin tribesmen--the nomadic herdsmen of the desert who made
up Lawrence's army. Running along the floor of the valley is the Hejaz Railway that Lawrence blew up repeatedly.
We spend the night at a comfortable Luxury desert camp built in the Bedouin Arabic tradition, blending naturally into
its desert surroundings. Together with its large modern kitchen, the camp has traditional Bedouin tented areas
(comfortable 2-person, singles available), and a separate block with modern showers and toilets. See www.baitali.com
for more information and photos. (Please pack only an overnight bag for our night in the desert. Your large baggage can
be kept in safe storage at the entrance to Wadi Rum).
Overnight luxury tenting at Wadi Rum. All meals.

Day 18
Wadi Rum - Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan - Dead Sea
Today we head north again to the Dead Sea. Before checking in to our hotel, we will visit Bethany- Beyond-the-Jordan,
where John baptized Jesus Christ. Archeologists who researched and excavated the site will brief you on this memorable
and inspiring place.
We continue to the Dead Sea. King David, King Herod, Jesus, and John the Baptist were closely linked with the Dead
Sea and its surroundings. During the Egyptian conquest it is said that Queen Cleopatra obtained exclusive rights to build
cosmetic and pharmaceutical factories in the area. Later the Nabateans discovered the value of bitumen extracted from
the Dead Sea used by the Egyptians. Our hotel is located on the shores of the sea where you will have the chance to
swim and experience your amazing buoyancy in the ultra-salty waters.
Overnight in Amman. Marriott OR Four Seasons. All meals.

Day 19
Dead Sea - Departure
Today we transfer back to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport to connect with homeward flights. Departure from
Amman.
Note: Those Land / Air participants with evening flights will be provided a day room in Amman. Land Only
customers can make their own way to the airport by taxi directly from the Dead Sea (your Tour Leader will assist).
Breakfast.
Rhlah S'idah

This tour is offered in spring and late fall when temperatures are much more comfortable than the period May-Sept. In some locales in Jordan spring is green season, while fall brings the harvest of dates, melons, grapes, and many other local crops. Showers are possible both times but the overall area is arid on average.

Transport & Travel Conditions

Egypt: Over two weeks we travel by bus, felucca sailboat, luxury cruise boat, horse carriage, plane, and camel. Distances covered are not great and roads are good. The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and some extensive archaeological sites. JORDAN: Ground transport provided by private air-conditioned motor coach, 12-36 seats depending on ultimate group size. The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and long travel days. We have numerous walking tours and visit several archaeological sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces.

Accommodation

Hotels are well-located, air-conditioned, 4-5 star. Most properties have outdoor swimming pools. Single rooms are possibly smaller than twins. The Nile cruise vessel is very comfortable with full air-conditioning, twin-berth, outside cabins with en suite bath / toilet.

Staff & Support

Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.

Meals & Inclusions

Most meals, with bottled water, local beers, house wines, tea / coffee at meal times. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers.

Exclusions

Tour Leader gratuities, some lunches, premium liquors and wines, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international (if applicable) air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, visas.