Discover Egypt & Jordan

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
Discover Egypt & Jordan
15 Days
From AUD $4630
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Discover Egypt & Jordan

Discover Egypt & Jordan

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Myth, religion and wonder come together on this expedition across the timeless terrain of Egypt and Jordan. From the mysteries of the Sphinx to the sublime stone structures of Petra, discover ancient sites galore.

Highlights

  • See the grand burial sites of the pharaohs in the valley of the Kings.
  • Explore vibrant Cairo with its bustling markets and colourful streets.
  • Experience Nubian hospitality with a home cooked meal.         
  • Experience the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the super salty Dead Sea.    
  • Spend the night trying to count the billions of stars or chat with the locals at our bedouin-style camp in Wadi Rum  
  • Check out the rock cut tombs and the remains of the ancient city of Petra. 

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Felucca, Jeep, Overnight sleeper train, Plane

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairo, Egypt

Finishes

Madaba, Egypt

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Cairo
Ahlan! Welcome to Egypt. Your adventure begins in Cairo with a welcome meeting at 4 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, get your bearings by walking around the neighourhood, or escape the hustle and bustle and explore the Christian quarter, known as Coptic Cairo. After the meeting, head out with your fellow travellers and discover Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, located in Cairo's Islamic centre. This traditional souk is a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with local merchants, making it the perfect place to experience daily Egyptian life.

Included Activities:

  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Optional Activities:

  • Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
  • Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
  • Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili (entrance fee) (180 EGP)
  • Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Urban Adventure (49 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Cairo
This morning, head to Giza – home to some of the world’s most iconic sights and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the structures that have stood tall for 4500 years and uncover the mysteries surrounding them with your leader. Head to a spot where you'll have a panoramic view of the three pyramids, before checking out the Great Sphinx of Giza. For lunch, follow your leader to a local restaurant to try a Koshary plate (a tasty and filling Egyptian take on pasta). After, make your way to the Grand Egyptian Museum, newly open in November 2025, which houses one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities. Wander through the treasure-filled halls while your leader highlights the true gems of the exhibits. Later, meet your leader and travel to the nearby train station, where you’ll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Aswan.

Included Activities:

  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
  • Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum

Optional Activities:

  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1000 EGP)
  • Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
  • Cairo - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) (550 EGP)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Aswan
Travel to Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city, where the river Nile flows, white-sailed feluccas glide by and Elephantine Island awaits. Today is a free day, so take the opportunity to see some Aswan sites like the Unfinished Obelisk – an ancient monument that has remained unfinished for 3500 years – or the High Dam. Maybe see The Nubian Bazaar, the Nubian Museum or the beautiful Temple of Isis, dedicated to the goddess Isis on Philae Island. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's Corniche, runs alongside one of the Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to pause for a mint tea. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand by joining a local Nubian family for dinner in a nearby village.

Included Activities:

  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner

Optional Activities:

  • Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple (55 USD)
  • Aswan - Philae Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
  • Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (25 USD)
  • Aswan - Philae Temple Tour (minimum 2 people) (40 USD)
  • Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (55 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Aswan
Today is another free day in Aswan. Perhaps head out of the city and visit Abu Simbel this morning. With the four colossal statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly from the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Alternatively, you could take a sailboat around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Your leader will be on hand to help you arrange any excursions. Otherwise, simply relax and take in the beauty of the Nile or do some shopping in the local bazaar.

Optional Activities:

  • Aswan - Abu Simbel Tour (minimum 4 people) (110 USD)
  • Aswan - Abu Simbel by Air - subject to availability - from (Per Person) (450 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Nile Felucca
With your free time this morning, perhaps hop on a motorboat out to the Tomb of the Nobles or stock up on snacks for your evening on the Nile. Board the felucca with your group just before lunch and spend the afternoon out on the river, watching Egyptian daily life play out on the banks, before spending a night under the stars. Your Nubian sailing crew provides all the meals, which are hearty and delicious, as well as some local entertainment. Being a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, your felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements, however, there’s no cabin or enclosed section. Tonight, watch the sunset across the Nile for a sight you won't forget.

Included Activities:

  • Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip

Optional Activities:

  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) (200 EGP)

Accommodation:

  • Felucca (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Luxor
Say goodbye to your Nubian friends this morning and take a private van to the ‘open-air museum’ of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. On the way, there's the option to visit either the unique mirror-image design of the Temple of Kom Ombo, or the beautifully preserved Temple of Edfu. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of 200 years. After, visit a local NGO, Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), our Intrepid Foundation partner, to learn about the work they do to care for wounded working animals in the region. The rest of the day will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar or chill out in a local teahouse.

Included Activities:

  • Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
  • Luxor - Animal Care in Egypt (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) visit

Optional Activities:

  • Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) (500 EGP)
  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport ) (45 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Luxor
Today, discover some of the wonders of ancient Thebes via a private minivan. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-m-high statues on Luxor's West Bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade. Continue to the royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings – here, buried under the arid hills, are over 60 richly decorated tombs of pharaohs. Your leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable pharaohs and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. After, join a local family for lunch and try some traditional home cooking. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your pace before boarding an overnight sleeper train from Luxor back to Cairo.

Included Activities:

  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Family visit & home-cooked lunch

Optional Activities:

  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun (entrance fee) (700 EGP)
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple (440 EGP)
  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)
  • Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) (120 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Amman
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan’s capital, Amman – cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, be sure to head to the citadel, taking in its sweeping views of Amman. The Jordan Museum – home to the Dead Sea Scrolls – and the Roman Theatre are also both well worth visiting. After your meeting, perhaps head out with your new-found travel pals and pick up a coffee from one of the cafes and partner it with an arayes (a local style toastie filled with spiced meat).

Optional Activities:

  • Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
  • Amman - Roman Theatre (2 JOD)
  • Amman - Citadel (entrance) (3 JOD)
  • Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entrance fee) (12 JOD)
  • Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (3 JOD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Wadi Rum
This morning, leave Amman and head to Aqaba – the only coastal city offering a pocket of beach in this otherwise landlocked country. When you arrive, explore the market and walk along the beach on a leader-led walking tour. Visit the Aqaba Marine Reserve and learn about their conservation effort from Jordan's first female ranger at the reserve! Hear about her personal journey to become the first female marine ranger, an unusual journey to talke on this non-traditional role and the important work at the reserve to protect the diverse eco-system. Enjoy a couple of hours exploring this city at your own leisure, maybe by snorkelling in the Red Sea, navigating the local markets or simply relaxing by the water. After, continue on the road to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Rum, arriving in time for dinner. You’ll get a chance to sit down with the sheik of the local Bedouin tribe and get a glimpse into what life is like living in this desert environment. Enjoy dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Meaning ‘desert dwellers’ in Arabic, the Bedouins are a semi-nomadic people, and in Jordan up to 40 per cent of the general population is thought to have Bedouin ancestry. This evening, catch your shuteye in a simple Bedouin desert camp, either in a camel hair tent or out under the stars.

Included Activities:

  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
  • Aqaba - Leader-lead Walking Tour
  • Wadi Rum - Bonfire Talk with the Sheik
  • Aqaba - Marine reserve & conservation awareness talk

Accommodation:

  • Desert camp (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Wadi Rum
Wake up at camp and head out on a desert hike, with a break for tea and lunch. You might scale one of the large sand dunes for views of the vast valley – the perfect chance to snap some pictures. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the British officer T.E. Lawrence – or Lawrence of Arabia – who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917–18 and helped coordinate Arab forces against the Ottoman Empire. This afternoon, gear up for a half-day jeep safari through Wadi Rum. The valley is full of weird and wonderful lunar-like rock formations and traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the area – from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. After an action-packed afternoon, tonight is yours to enjoy the traditional Bedouin hospitality and the clear night skies of the desert.

Included Activities:

  • Wadi Rum - Guided hike
  • Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
  • Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari

Accommodation:

  • Desert camp (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Petra
This morning, leave your desert camp in 4WDs and make your way to the main entrance of Petra, which is opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women's co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Then, continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra by private vehicle. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812, when it was visited by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site – spend the afternoon getting to know it on a guided tour. Squeeze through a mile-long narrow path – known as the Siq – and through huge towers of rock and get your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury complex. It’s amazing to think that this enormous, intricate building entrance was hand-carved out of the rock.

Included Activities:

  • Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra
  • Petra - Two-Day Pass

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Petra
Enjoy a day of self-discovery as you explore Petra on your own today – free to wander as you wish. The site is surprisingly big, so it is up to you to choose your own route around the complex. You could explore the old Roman road, other smaller temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those who are feeling a bit more active, there's the challenging but highly rewarding one hour walk up the steps to the secluded monastery.

Optional Activities:

  • Petra - Petra By Night (30 JOD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 13: Madaba
Today, traverse the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff overlooking Wadi Karak and the Dead Sea in the distance. You’ll have time to explore the ruins and discover the legends of centuries-old battles. Pack your swim gear as you can wash off the dust in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on land with its shoreline at around 430 m below sea level. This super-salty lake is a perfect place to spend some time relaxing and float your worries away. You can also cover yourself from head to toe in a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Continue to Mt Nebo – the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the ‘promised land’ and where he’s supposedly buried. Explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the 4th-century church. Afterwards, continue to Madaba, famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the acclaimed 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church.

Included Activities:

  • Kerak - Castle visit
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
  • Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 14: Madaba
Leave Madaba and make your way to Jerash – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins around. The ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2000 years ago, with its collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Discover Hadrian’s arch, the partially restored hippodrome, ornate public fountains, the south amphitheater, and see the collection of daily artefacts uncovered during excavations. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza. After a full day of exploring, return to Madaba. Maybe gather your travel buddies together and share a celebratory shisha as you reminisce on your memories of Jordan.

Included Activities:

  • Jerash - Roman ruins
  • Madaba - St Georges Church

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
15
Day 15: Madaba
Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,630
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Myth, religion and wonder come together on this expedition across the timeless terrain of Egypt and Jordan. From the mysteries of the Sphinx to the sublime stone structures of Petra, discover ancient sites galore.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 Jan 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Sahil
Traveled, November 2023

11/27/2023

THE TRIP IS A MUST! Great tour leader! Great activities and moments! My girlfriend and I had the time of our lives. It was truly a memory we will forever cherish. I cannot rave enough about how thankful I am for this trip and how much I recommend it!

4.5
Allison
Traveled, November 2023

11/27/2023

Egypt is a dream come true destination! It’s more than just the pyramids. It’s the food, the people, the landscapes. I cannot recommend this tour enough! In fact, I wish I a longer tour with more days to experience this rich culture! Intrepid is so well organized and has activities I never knew I’d get to experiment, like getting home cooked meal by a Nubian family and sleeping on a felucca boat on the Nile. You need to do this tour!!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989