Welcome to Jordan, a country that is home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements. We begin in Amman, Jordan’s bustling and vibrant capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world. We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm. We’ll enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up, before meeting our fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner this evening.

This morning we will visit Jerash, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. The ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. We’ll tour through the colonnaded streets, amphitheatre, churches, temples and the vast Roman Forum. Later, we’ll take a short drive to the impressive Ajloun Castle or ‘Qalaat Rabadh’ (Arabic for ‘Hilltop Castle’). This Islamic Castle was built in the 12th century and served as a military fort to protect the region from invading Crusader forces

Special Experience

Delve into the Islamic practice of Arabic calligraphy at the Calligraphy House and try your hand at perfecting this ancient art form.

We’ll then return to Amman where the evening is at leisure.

Dana is one of Jordan’s hidden gems. The 15th century stone village of Dana is a wonderful place to enjoy some village atmosphere and spectacular scenery. En-route to Dana, we begin with a visit to the amazing Amman Citadel that is perched atop the Jabal Al Qal’a, one of the cities highest hills and one of the seven Jabals that originally made up the city. We will walk through this ancient ruin to gain insight into Jordan’s history while also enjoying incredible panoramic views. Next we’ll stop in Madaba, known as 'The City of Mosaics’, where underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. We will visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, home to Madaba’s main attraction, a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. We’ll also stop at Mount Nebo, the centre for pilgrimages since the earliest Christian times. Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred holy sites of Jordan as it is said to be the place where Moses was buried.

Special Experience

We head to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dana Biosphere Reserve where we walk a section of the Dana Village Trail.

Dana Biosphere is Jordan’s largest nature reserve and home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.

Jordan’s only coastal city, the picturesque Aqaba on the Red Sea is our destination for today. Aqaba is Jordan's major tourism resort and only seaport, with its Red Sea coastline, fascinating history and prime location attracting thousands of tourists each year. We will cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Aqaba Marine Park on a glass bottom boat and enjoy a delicious lunch. The evening is free to relax or explore more of Aqaba.

Today we’ll journey to the breathtaking Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. Traces of ancient civilisations exist in the many carved inscriptions to be found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most lasting monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-coloured sand dunes and vast peaks.

Special Experience

Enjoy an exclusive BBQ lunch in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert.

In one of the most stunning desertscapes in the world, we’ll take an exciting 4WD tour and spend an unforgettable night in a Bedouin-style desert camp.

Today we make our way towards Petra, stopping to visit the fascinating 'Little Petra', also known as Siq al-Barid. Little Petra has a history dating back some 9,000 years and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Famous for its ancient buildings sculpted out of solid red sandstone, Little Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1985. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Petra.

Optional Excursion

Camel Ride - Experience an iconic aspect of Bedouin life, taking a camel ride through Wadi Rum. 1 hour – from $25pp US. Cash only.

Located in Jordan’s southwestern desert, Petra is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. This morning we explore the famous lost city of Petra on a guided tour. Carved into the sheer rockface by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, it was an important junction for the silk and trade routes. Attracting visitors from all over the world, much of Petra’s appeal comes from its breathtaking setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge. Our guide will explain the history of this great city and our tour will include a visit to Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. We will also visit Pharaoh’s Castle, the Triumphal Arch, the Amphitheatre situated near the top of a large hill and the stunning Monastery. The view from here is worth the climb! After our guided tour, enjoy the rest of the day free to explore this delightful city independently.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

If you’re feeling adventurous and like to rise early you could take the option to re-visit Petra this morning. Leaving Petra, our first stop today is the incredible Shobak Castle, perched atop a hill that was formerly called Mons Realis or 'Royal Mountain'. This imposing castle was built by the crusader King Baldwin I in 1115, and throughout history was the subject of numerous attacks, reflected through the site's weathered architecture. Next, we venture to the lowest point on Earth - the Dead Sea. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals that give its waters its renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities and buoyancy. Because the salt content is four times that of most oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying. The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not take a dip in the Dead Sea and cover your body in the therapeutic mud, said to have amazing benefits for your skin?

We will transfer to the airport today, for our flight to Cairo. Set on the Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to many famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel before a group dinner to welcome us to Egypt.

We’re set for a magical day of touring, visiting some of the sites that frequently top traveller’s bucket lists. We begin our Egyptian touring at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. Serving as the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu, the largest pyramid was originally 481 feet high and has managed to stay largely intact since its construction in 2600 BC. The two slightly smaller pyramids were built for Khufu’s son, Khafre, and grandson, Menkaure, likewise as burial places for three generations of Egyptian kings. We’ll then visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. This iconic statue is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and is thought to represent him, yet its construction and purpose remains a fascinating mystery.

Special Experience

Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge

After breakfast we will travel to the city of Alexandria on Egypt’s north coast. The port city located on the Mediterranean Sea was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great. Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and is best known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos) one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will take a half day tour around Alexandria and visit the Graeco Roman Museum, home to an array of artifacts from the Greco-Roman era that provide a fascinating glimpse into the civilisation of ancient Egypt. Other highlights include Pompey’s Pillar, the Catacombs, and the New Bibliotheca. Our last stop is for a photo at the Citadel of Qaitbay, a spectacular 15th century fortress overlooking the Mediterranean.

Our journey takes us westward through the dunes along the Mediterranean coast, following the route of Field Marshal Montgomery to El Alamein. The coastal town was the site of two major battles between British and Axis forces during World War II.

Special Experience

Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery and Military Museum associated with the Battle of El Alamein.

The cemetery encompasses 7,367 tombs of war victims from Britain, New Zealand, Australia, France, India and Malta. We’ll also stop to visit the El Alamein Military Museum including five main halls (representing the countries that participated in the battle) and view the unique paintings of the war scenes.

We’ll then return to Cairo and the evening is for you to explore at your leisure.

This morning we will fly to Luxor in Upper Egypt. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Upon arrival we’ll meet our guide and transfer to the hotel before some sightseeing. Our touring begins at the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple’s structure over time, which explains its monumental size! We’ll then visit Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We’ll also visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.

Special Experience

Take a half-day tour to Dendera Temple complex and see one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Hathor (the goddess of pleasure and love).

Optional Excursion

Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

This morning we discover the sights of Luxor on a half day tour. Our first destination is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. Serving as a royal burial chamber for around 500 years, it is home to legendary kings and queens, their families, and their possessions for the afterlife. Here we’ll explore tombs carved deep into the limestone rock, where each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber.

Special Experience

Descend underground into Tutankhamun’s Tomb, adorned with intricate corridors, ancient artefacts, and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.

Optional Excursion

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion

Deir El Medina & Medinet Habu – Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses ll. 3 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $105pp US, including Nobles Tombs; from $160pp US, including Nefertari’s Tomb (subject to open times). Cash Only

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today will be spent cruising along the Nile as we set sail for Edfu, crossing the lock at Esna and continuing south. So, kick back and relax as you take in the serene views of the passing Nile River.

Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan you will find Edfu. The Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we’ll visit this morning. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. We’ll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, before continuing to Aswan this evening. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.

An early start this morning as we cross the desert to Abu Simbel. Our destination is the incredible UNESCO listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to our Nile cruise ship. This afternoon we’ll relax on board a traditional felucca sailboat, cruising along the Nile and observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents.

Optional Excursion

Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Today, we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the crew. Today will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan. On a half day tour, we visit the High Dam and the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island.

Special Experience

Uncover the fascinating Nubian Museum, before navigating the waterways of the Nile to a Nubian village, visiting the local market and a Nubian family in their home.

We’ll return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure.

We’ll transfer to Aswan airport today, for our flight back to Cairo. On arrival, we’ll begin with a visit to the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo, serving throughout history as both a royal residence and military barracks, and the Mohammed Ali Mosque, one of the most prominent Ottoman-style landmarks in Cairo. We’ll then drive to the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a famous bazaar and souq in the historic centre of Cairo. Here, you can shop for authentic souvenirs and delicious spices, as well as just soaking up the local bustling atmosphere. We’ll stop at a local jewellery shop that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, before visiting a weaving workshop to learn about locally made Egyptian carpet

Our day begins by discovering the incredible Step Pyramid of Sakkara, believed to have been designed by the famous vizier of King Zoser, Imhotep before continuing to the Pyramids of Dahshur. This site was used as funerary grounds beginning in the time of the Fourth Dynasty, where King Senefru built two of his three pyramids: the 'Bent' pyramid, named for the angle of the sides, & the 'Red Pyramid' named for the red limestone used in its construction. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious group farewell dinner.

Today marks the completion of our incredible adventure across Egypt and Jordan. Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to Egypt and begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories! Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

Optional Excursion

Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion

Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.

Optional Excursion

National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – Displaying the civilisation of Egypt from the prehistoric period to the present era. 3 hours – from $80pp US. Cash only.