Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs

14 days
From $343/day
$4,800
From: 
$6,480
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Trip last updated: 4/23/2024
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
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Overview

Highlights

    • Unlock the secrets of Petra, the Nabatean city hewn out of rose-red rock
    • Gaze at the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza
    • Stay in a desert camp and take a 4x4 tour in Wadi Rum
    • Sail down the Nile on a traditional felucca
    • Discover the temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel
    • Marvel at mosaics and more in Madaba and Umm Ar Rasas
    • Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea
    • Explore the ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor

What's this trip about?

    Two historic lands, two world wonders (one new, one old) and countless adventures along the way – this trip across Jordan and Egypt explores the best of these fascinating countries. We’ll take in the cliff-carved Nabatean ruins at Petra, the wild desert of Wadi Rum, the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the Valley of the Kings and the iconic Giza pyramids. Along the way we’ll sail the Nile in a traditional felucca, sample local cuisine and pause at a few less visited spots that most travellers pass right by.Visit Petra, the Pyramids of Giza and more on this highlight-filled adventure of a lifetime
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49, 18 - 35, 12 - 17
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAmman
End CityCairo

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners
    • All accommodation (see accommodation section)
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leaders (one leader for Jordan and another for Egypt)

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Itinerary

Day 1 Start Amman

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

Day 2 Visit the Roman amphitheatre and Amman Citadel; transfer to the Dead Sea

We have our welcome briefing this morning with our Jordanian tour leader. We leave the hotel and head on foot to the Roman amphitheatre. Constructed in the second century, when the city was called Philadelphia, the steep-sided structure is built into a hillside and is...

Day 3 Visit Madaba and Mount Nebo; see the Unesco-listed Umm Ar Rasas; to our Wadi Rum camp

We leave Amman this morning and head to Madaba where we visit St George's Church, where we admire the mosaic floor, considered the oldest map of Palestine in existence. We then make the short drive to Mount Nebo; from this 2,295ft (700m) high viewpoint overlooking the...

Day 4 Wadi Rum 4x4 tour; transfer to Petra

This morning, we have a four-hour 4x4 tour of some of the highlights of the Wadi Rum protected area. We then leave for Petra, about two hours’ drive away. One of the New Wonders of the World, it was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the si...

Day 5 Unforgettable tour of Petra

To enter Petra, we begin by walking down a narrow chasm known as the Siq – unveiled at the end is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breath-taking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the city centre, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens...

Day 6 Visit Little Petra; drive to Amman; fly to Cairo

This morning, we take a guided tour through Little Petra. The purpose of this site is not clear; however, archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the Silk Road may have stayed. We leave Little Petra behind and head for the D...

Day 7 See the pyramids, Sphinx; visit Grand Egyptian Museum or Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

We begin our day with a visit to Giza, where the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaurestand testament to the ingenuity of the ancient world. The largest of the three structures – known as the Great Pyramid of Giza – is Khufu’s and remains the only one of the Seven Wo...

Day 8 Tour of Old Cairo; sleeper train to Aswan

We visit Old Cairo today, taking in important Christian, Muslim and Jewish sites. We start with the Hanging Church, a Coptic Christian church dating to the third century, which sits above a gatehouse of the Roman-built Babylon Fortress. We continue to Amr Ibn Elas mos...

Day 9 Arrive in Aswan; tour Abu Simbel

We arrive into Aswan station this morning and then head straight to Abu Simbel by road through the Nubian Desert. The drive takes about four hours. Upon arrival, we have a little time at our accommodation to refresh ourselves. It’s then onto Abu Simbel. Built by Rams...

Day 10 Visit Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and Animalia museum

We leave Abu Simbel this morning and head back towards Aswan. This is a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a tra...

Day 11 Sail the Nile on a felucca to Kom Ombo; visit temple in Esna; to Luxor

We leave Aswan in style this morning, boarding a traditional Egyptian sailing boat known as a felucca for a five-hour journey down the Nile. Rather than take a big cruise ship or drive straight past (as many trips do) we have time to gently navigate one of the world’s...

Day 12 Tour pharaoh tombs in the Valley of the Kings; onto Hatshepsut Temple and Carter House

We begin with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. The site contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet hillside entrance takes us underground; a series of corridors ...

Day 13 Visit Karnak and Luxor temples; fly to Cairo

Today we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over more than 1,500 years, Karnak is a mixture of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) ...

Day 14 End Cairo

The adventure ends in Cairo. If you’d like more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Dates & Availability

Price from
$4,800
Price per day
$343

Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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Details

Accommodation:

We spend two nights in a three-star hotel in Amman, one night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum, two nights in a three-star hotel in Petra, two nights in a four-star hotel in Cairo, one night on a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, one night in a simple lodge at Abu Simbel, one night in a four-star hotel in Aswan, two nights in a four-star hotel in Luxor and a final night in another three-star hotel in Cairo. Star ratings in Jordan and Egypt are generally not comparable to Western classifications, particularly in Cairo where infrastructure is often dated. Tolip, Aswan: Wadi Rum camp: The private camp is for the sole use of Exodus groups and offers an unforgettable experience under desert skies. A traditional dinner, cooked underground is included. The traditional-style tents are equipped with beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water. Hotels in Petra: Accommodation in Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra archaeological site) is limited and demands on infrastructure are high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the hotels are of an older style and more basic in comparison to the rest of Jordan. Hotels we use include Petra Icon Hotel, Petra Plaza, Edom Hotel and La Maison among others. Some hotels are closer to the entrance to Petra than others. When not within walking distance of the Petra entrance, a transfer to/from the entrance is provided (typically a 10-minute drive). Cairo to Aswan sleeper train: The train is a good way to cover a long distance in a time-efficient manner and avoids the need for a domestic flight. Compartments are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet on each carriage. Accommodation in Abu Simbel: We usually stay in a simple Nubian-owned, traditional style lodge in Abu Simbel. This is a great way to get a taste of the Nubian lifestyle and support the people. Mosquito netting is provided, though insect repellent can prove useful. Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, Abu Simbel:     Single supplements: Available for this trip; except in Wadi Rum (1 night) and on the sleeper train (1 night).

Group size:

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum number of people in group:

16

Trip Excludes:

  • Travel insurance
  • Single accommodation (available on request)
  • Visas and vaccinations

Meals included:

When not in half-board accommodation, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around US$20-US$30 per person for non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat. In Egypt, meals are often buffets. Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader can tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on the location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all. In Egypt, it is much easier to obtain alcohol.

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