Classic Egypt & Jordan
Tour Description
Day 1: Cairo
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring the ancient cities of Cairo, Luxor, Petra and Amman – this Egypt and Jordan discovery trip is just the one. Witness the immensity of the great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, followed by a cruise down the Nile and a tour through the Valley of the Kings. Learn Egypt’s mythological history with a local leader as you traverse Karnak Temple and watch the sun go down from a traditional felucca boat. Head to Jordan – where you’ll see your second wonder of the world at The Treasury in Petra. Explore at your own pace with lots of free time, enjoy comfortable accommodation perfect for a recharge and then head to a local family’s house for a traditional dinner over some storytelling. Float in the Dead Sea as you reflect on this lifechanging trip and give your heart over to the Middle East – as many have before you.
Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You’ll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.
Day 2: Cairo – Overnight Train
This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore structures that have stood for over 4500 years and learn the history from a true local. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (although occasionally it’s closed to visitors). The Pyramids complex can be very hot in the summer months and has little shade to protect you from the sun so prepare accordingly. Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient artefacts. Recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the gleaming jewellery, golden death mask and gilded sarcophagi are an impressive site to say the least. It’s clear this pharaoh was prepared for a lavish afterlife! Take some time to freshen up back at the hotel before you board an overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
Day 3: Nile River Cruise
It’s an early start this morning as you’ll pull into Luxor around 6am. Take advantage of the early morning peace by visiting Karnak Temple – a spectacular collection of temples, chapels and pylons that are perhaps the most impressive of all the Pharaoh’s monumental works. Learn the secrets of an ancient Egyptian sanctuary, which developed over 1000 years and was, at its peak, the most important religious complex in Egypt. Your leader will take you through some of the most incredible highlights, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. After exploring Karnak, board your Nile cruise boat and settle into your cabin. This afternoon you’ll have the option of heading off on a walking tour of Luxor and its bazaar with your leader.
Day 4: Nile River Cruise
Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor’s west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 pharaoh tombs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where he is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a columned building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore. Maybe you’d like to shop in the market or visit the world’s first Mummification Museum, where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation. This evening, set sail to Edfu.
Day 5: Nile River Cruise
This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting off towards Kom Ombo. The temple of Kom Ombo, in the town of the same name, is an unusual double temple right on the bank of the Nile. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility), and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). The whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. You’ll explore Kom Ombo with your leader and absorb the history of the place, before having lunch aboard the ship. Sail onwards to Aswan, the home of beautiful Nile Valley scenery and significant archaeological sites.
Day 6: Nile River Cruise
You have time this morning to explore or relax as you choose. Your leader can recommend one of the many optional activities that are available to you in this incredible location. Explore the picturesque city centre and its bazaar, opt to visit the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk or feed your history needs with the Nubian Museum. Maybe you’d like to visit the breathtaking Abu Simbel – built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh’s land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt’s most memorable sights. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.
Day 7: Cairo
After breakfast today, say goodbye to your nights spent on the Nile. Visit Philae Temple this morning, an island-based temple complex built during the reign of Ptolemy II (around 280 BC). These picturesque walls show hieroglyphic scenes from Egyptian mythology – when Isis brought Osiris back to life, gave birth to Horus and was mummified after death. Catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The ‘Khan’, sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. To celebrate your time in Egypt, join a local Cairo family for a delicious home-cooked dinner. The food and conversation will surely make for an evening to remember!
Day 8: Amman
This morning take a short flight from Cairo to Amman. You will be unescorted on this flight. On arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel, ready for your adventure to begin at 6 pm with a welcome meeting for the next stage of your trip. If you arrive early, feel free to head out and explore – highlights include the citadel with its amazing sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum, which is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman. After the meeting, you may like to get to know your group over an optional dinner, or explore on your own and pick up a coffee from one of the cafes, partnering it with an ara’yes – a toasted sandwich filled with spicy mincemeat.
Day 9: Wadi Rum
After breakfast today, journey down the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum (also known as the Valley of the Moon) – a landscape of rugged sandstone mountains standing tall in an ochre desert. When you arrive, meet your Bedouin hosts then have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you’ll hop in jeeps operated by the local community to venture into the desert – this is part of an initiative by the Jordanian Government to bring much-needed income into this region. Visit several of Wadi Rum’s distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence and spectacular desert landscapes. The Bedouins live in scattered camps throughout the area, and tonight, you’ll stay in one of these camps to spend an evening under the stars. If you like, you can take part in an optional Bedouin storytelling experience, which includes tea while a local woman (and her translator) tells a story about Bedouin culture, issues and traditions.
Day 10: Aqaba
Watch sunrise at your desert camp this morning, maybe checking out a few more of the local Wadi Rum sites if you have the energy. You’ll then depart mid-morning for the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. Check into your hotel, then head out for a brief orientation walk of the town with your leader – the small Ottoman Mamluk Fort, dating from the 14th century and from where Lawrence of Arabia rode to Cairo, is worth a look. With great visibility and abundant marine life, this coastline is also an incredible spot for snorkelling, and the warm waters are host to clownfish, angelfish, sea turtles and corals. Speak to your leader if you’d like to arrange snorkelling, or simply head to the beach and soak up the scenery.
Day 11: Petra
This morning, enjoy some free time in Aqaba before travelling to the fabled city of Petra. Dating back to the 6th century BC, Petra is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812, when it was visited by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and is one of the world’s most incredible ancient sites (as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the World!). When you arrive, settle into your hotel and check out the village before sitting down to a group dinner at your hotel.
Day 12: Petra
Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. The iconic Petra view – the Treasury’s facade, seen from the narrow cleft known as the Siq – is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is sometimes only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 m on either side. Join your guide and explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several old tombs, before enjoying free time to experience Petra at your own pace. Maybe climb up to the Monastery, carved from a mountain summit, where you’ll find magnificent views of the entire site. To cap off a memorable day, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for dinner. On the menu will often be maqluba (a casserole with rice, vegetables and chicken which is cooked, flipped, then served with either yoghurt or an Arab salad with tahina sauce).
Day 13: Amman
After breakfast, drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak, where your leader will show you the grounds, a small chapel and the original gatehouse. This ancient castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Depart the castle and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in Madaba where you’ll visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George and see an impressive ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. Arrive in Amman in the late afternoon, where your leader will recommend some great restaurants to sample the best of the city’s food scene.
Day 14: Amman
Take a short drive north to Jerash – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world and now home to some of the best Greco-Roman ruins. Jerash has a striking collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a morning exploring. Then, drive to the shores of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth (420 m below sea level). This isn’t actually a sea, but rather a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it) where the density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Spend some time relaxing here before returning to Amman for the evening. Maybe spend tonight at one of the many bars and restaurants in West Amman or ask your leader about the traditional cafes dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.
Day 15: Amman
Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around noon and you are free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 7, 2025 | Oct 21, 2025 | $9,330.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Nov 6, 2025 | $8,990.00 | |
| Oct 25, 2025 | Nov 8, 2025 | $7,798.50 | |
| Nov 4, 2025 | Nov 18, 2025 | $9,455.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2025 | Nov 20, 2025 | $9,390.00 | |
| Nov 8, 2025 | Nov 22, 2025 | $9,460.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Nov 27, 2025 | $9,330.00 | |
| Nov 18, 2025 | Dec 2, 2025 | $9,100.00 | |
| Nov 29, 2025 | Dec 13, 2025 | $7,686.00 | |
| Dec 16, 2025 | Dec 30, 2025 | $8,460.00 | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Jan 3, 2026 | $9,030.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2025 | Jan 6, 2026 | $9,460.00 | |
| Jan 8, 2026 | Jan 22, 2026 | $8,495.00 | |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Feb 5, 2026 | $7,650.00 | |
| Feb 3, 2026 | Feb 17, 2026 | $8,020.00 | |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Feb 24, 2026 | $7,595.00 | |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Mar 3, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Mar 10, 2026 | $7,525.00 | |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Mar 19, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | $7,975.00 | |
| Mar 26, 2026 | Apr 9, 2026 | $7,845.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 14, 2026 | $8,625.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 16, 2026 | $8,030.00 | |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 | $8,000.00 | |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Apr 23, 2026 | $7,940.00 | |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Apr 28, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Apr 30, 2026 | $8,080.00 | |
| Apr 21, 2026 | May 5, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Apr 23, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Apr 28, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Apr 30, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| May 5, 2026 | May 19, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| May 7, 2026 | May 21, 2026 | $7,550.00 | |
| May 12, 2026 | May 26, 2026 | $7,750.00 | |
| May 14, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| May 19, 2026 | Jun 2, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| May 21, 2026 | Jun 4, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| May 28, 2026 | Jun 11, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 25, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Jul 9, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Jul 16, 2026 | Jul 30, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Aug 13, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Aug 13, 2026 | Aug 27, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Sep 3, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Aug 27, 2026 | Sep 10, 2026 | $7,795.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 24, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Sep 19, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $7,840.00 | |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 17, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 20, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 27, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 20, 2026 | Nov 3, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 27, 2026 | Nov 10, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 3, 2026 | Nov 17, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2026 | Nov 19, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 10, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 12, 2026 | Nov 26, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 17, 2026 | Dec 1, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Nov 26, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $7,985.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 17, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Dec 8, 2026 | Dec 22, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2026 | Dec 24, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Dec 15, 2026 | Dec 29, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $7,615.00 | |
| Dec 22, 2026 | Jan 5, 2027 | $7,615.00 | |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $7,615.00 | |
| Jan 7, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Feb 4, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Feb 2, 2027 | Feb 16, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2027 | Feb 18, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Feb 9, 2027 | Feb 23, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Feb 16, 2027 | Mar 2, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Feb 23, 2027 | Mar 9, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2027 | Mar 18, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 25, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2027 | Apr 13, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 6, 2027 | Apr 20, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 13, 2027 | Apr 27, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Apr 29, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 20, 2027 | May 4, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 22, 2027 | May 6, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 27, 2027 | May 11, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Apr 29, 2027 | May 13, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| May 4, 2027 | May 18, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 20, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| May 11, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| May 13, 2027 | May 27, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| May 18, 2027 | Jun 1, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| May 20, 2027 | Jun 3, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| May 25, 2027 | Jun 8, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| May 27, 2027 | Jun 10, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Jun 3, 2027 | Jun 17, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jun 10, 2027 | Jun 24, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jun 17, 2027 | Jul 1, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Jul 8, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jul 15, 2027 | Jul 29, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Jul 29, 2027 | Aug 12, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Aug 5, 2027 | Aug 19, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Aug 12, 2027 | Aug 26, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Aug 19, 2027 | Sep 2, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Aug 26, 2027 | Sep 9, 2027 | $7,765.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 16, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 4, 2027 | Sep 18, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 23, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2027 | Sep 25, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2027 | Sep 30, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 18, 2027 | Oct 2, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2027 | Oct 7, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 9, 2027 | $8,230.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2027 | Oct 14, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2027 | Oct 16, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 5, 2027 | Oct 19, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Oct 21, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 12, 2027 | Oct 26, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2027 | Oct 28, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 19, 2027 | Nov 2, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2027 | Nov 4, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 26, 2027 | Nov 9, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 28, 2027 | Nov 11, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 13, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 2, 2027 | Nov 16, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2027 | Nov 18, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 9, 2027 | Nov 23, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 11, 2027 | Nov 25, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 16, 2027 | Nov 30, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 18, 2027 | Dec 2, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Nov 25, 2027 | Dec 9, 2027 | $8,385.00 | |
| Dec 2, 2027 | Dec 16, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Dec 7, 2027 | Dec 21, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Dec 9, 2027 | Dec 23, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Dec 14, 2027 | Dec 28, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Dec 16, 2027 | Dec 30, 2027 | $7,995.00 | |
| Dec 21, 2027 | Jan 4, 2028 | $7,995.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2027 | Jan 6, 2028 | $7,995.00 |