Jordan and Egypt: Ancient Ruins, Desert Dunes & Iconic Wonders

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Get ready for an epic 16-day journey through the cultural and historical wonders of Jordan and Egypt, perfect for budget-savvy travellers.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Foodie Moment: As-Salt Food Tour, As Salţ Your Big Night Out Moment: Aqaba Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān Your Discover Moment: Aswān
Amman Citadel, Mosque and Amphitheatre Visit
Jerash Guided Visit
Little Petra and hike to Petra with guided visit
Sunrise visit to Petra
4x4 Wadi Rum Desert Trip
Night Walk in Wadi Rum
Dead Sea Visit
Madaba Mosaics
Guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Orientation walk through Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Free time in Aswan
Felucca Sailing Excursion
Kom Ombo Temple visit
Cycle and Funtasia Project visit
Free time in Madaba, Aqaba, Amman, Cairo, and Luxor
Internal flight between Amman and Cairo
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (12 nts, twin-share), Desert Tented Camp (1 nt), Overnight sleeper-train (2 nts).

14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Private air-conditioned van, train, felucca, walking, 4x4.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, & in Egypt a Certified Egyptologist as CEO

Highlights

Experience a taste of As-Salt’s rich culinary traditions on food tour throughout the city and sit down for tea in a local home
See the unique and charming Little Petra before hiking along the back door trail to its famous big neighbour
Stay in a private tented desert camp in Wadi Rum arriving by 4x4
Float blissfully in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea
Explore ancient temples and monuments
Journey down the Nile on a felucca
Visit a Nubian village

Jordan and Egypt: Ancient Ruins, Desert Dunes & Iconic Wonders

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private air-conditioned van, train, felucca, walking, 4x4.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Amman, Jordan

Finishes

Cairo, Egypt

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Amman

Arrive at any time. After a brief welcome meeting at the hotel connect with new friends on an optional group dinner in Amman, or explore on your own before the adventure begins.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Accommodation - Nomads Hotel Amman

Day 2: Amman

It's all about Amman's culture and food today in an immersive experience of the must-see sites and best food in the city. After breakfast, visit the King Abdullah Mosque, then follow that up with visits to the Citadel and Roman Amphitheater before travelling to the local favorite hillside town of As Salt. Here, embark on a 2-hour food tour where you will experience first-hand typical Jordanian hospitality while sampling, and learning about a smattering of regional dishes earning you a memorable taste of As Salt's rich culinary traditions. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free in Amman to do as you please.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The first stop on today's journey is the Visit King Abdullah Mosque, capped by a blue mosaic dome. Then, head to the Citadel, an archaeological site best known for the Roman Temple of Hercules and used by numerous civilizations since the Bronze Age. Then jump in a private vehicle for a ten minute drive to the Roman Amphitheatre to view the grounds from the outside. The theatre could once seat up to 6,000 people in its steep stairs.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a 2-hour food tour in As-Salt, Jordan for an immersive culinary experience. Begin at a local eatery and sample some traditional Jordanian appetizers like hummus, falafel, and labneh. Then, head somewhere else for the country's national dish, Mansaf. There will also be an exploration of the local markets and spice shops. Finish the tour up with dessert before a refreshing cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. The experience provides the perfect overview of As-Salt's rich culinary traditions.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Travel back to Amman for free time in the city.Accommodation - Nomads Hotel Amman

Day 3: Amman/Petra

Leave Amman in the morning and travel to the remarkably well-preserved Roman archaeological site of Jerash. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the site and learn more about the history of this architectural marvel as you walk through the various public squares and plazas. Continue onwards to Petra where you will have free time to get settled in before dinner on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.Free_time - Wadi Musa is the closest town to Petra. Enjoy free time here on your own to get settled and explore a bit.Accommodation - Nomads Petra hotel

Day 4: Petra

Today the group will hike from Little Petra along the ancient backdoor trail to the iconic masterpiece of Petra. The trail comes out near the Monastery where you can enjoy a boxed lunch overlooking the image most people come to Jordan searching for. Drive back to the hotel and have a free rest of the day to explore on your own or relax on the rooftop as the sun goes down past the horizon.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore the narrow alleyway with tall cliff walls and carved rock of Little Petra, which is similar to its larger namesake. Just 9km (5.6 mi) from Wadi Musa, it's worth the visit. Activity - Start today's hike along the back door trail to Petra. You'll visit the often overlooked, but unique and charming Little Petra and then embark along the ancient trail that leads to the back entry into Petra via the Monastery. Sit down for a picnic lunch overlooking the splendor before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wind through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long gorge flanked by these soaring sandstone walls standing 80m-high and catch a glimpse of this magnificent creation, the famed treasury of Petra. Explore in depth with your CEO and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Castle, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.Free_time - After a full day of exploring Petra and the surroundings, you will have free time back in Wadi Musa at the hotel. Choose to grab a few drinks at a nearby rooftop and find a local spot for dinner.Accommodation - Nomads Petra hotel

Day 5: Petra/Wadi Rum

You're in for an unforgettable experience on a sunrise visit to Petra to witness this famous archaeological site as the morning light crests over the sandstone cliffs. Travel back to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for the ‘Valley of the Moon' or more commonly known as Wadi Rum. Upon arrival hop on a 4x4 and ride deep into the natural beauty and unique landscape of red sand dunes to reach your private camp amid the dunes. Take some time to get settled here and have a group dinner at camp before a walking tour for some stargazing in a sky with very little light pollution. An epic day for sure!

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Petra one last time for an impressive sight of sunrise above The Treasury. Truly the best time to see Petra in all its glory, you will experience far fewer visitors at this early hour. Sit down, take it all in, and feel how the string of time pulls thinner while the sun lights up the sandstone cliffs in an ethereal glow.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.Activity - Walk out into the desert from Wadi Rum and search for stars as the sun goes down and full darkness reveals just how many were there all along.Accommodation - Harb Eco Camp

Day 6: Wadi Rum/Aqaba

After breakfast leave the solitude of the desert for a more lively time in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Upon arrival, the day is yours to do as you please. Choose to book a boat ride with lunch and snorkelling in the marine-rich waters of the Dead Sea, or stay on land and peruse the Marina Village, or the Aqaba Local Market. Dinner this evening is on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Upon arrival to Aqaba there will be free time to enjoy all that the Red Sea has to offer. Choose to book a 4-hour boat ride including lunch and snorkelling gear. Or you could visit the local market for some local specialty snacks, and the Marina Village with all of its boutique shops. No matter what, the choice is yours.Accommodation - My Luxury Hotel Aqaba

Day 7: Aqaba

Get out there and fully immerse yourself in the fun experiences Aqaba has to offer its visitors. Choose to purchase a full-day beach club pass which includes lunch and will let you be as relaxed as can be on the sand, the whole day belongs to you. You can also visit the sites in town that you didn't get a chance to check out yesterday. Dinner is wherever you please, but a nearby restaurant with some live music and a fun local crowd sounds like a good idea!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The full day is free to do as you choose in the gorgeous seaside town of Aqaba. Options include hanging out by the hotel pool, visiting the market or Marina Village, or you can book the full--day Beach Club Pass with inclusive lunch and really go all out for your final free day in Aqaba.Activity - Whether it’s a a local place with live music or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Accommodation - My Luxury Hotel Aqaba

Day 8: Aqaba/Mādabā

Leave Aqaba and the Red Sea behind today and travel to Madaba and the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Along the way make a stop for a traditional Jordanian meal at the G Adventures-supported Al Safi Kitchen working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. Then, it's the moment many have been waiting for, a soak and float in the healing waters of the sea. Search for salt chunks bobbing nearby and rub the medicinal mud on your skin. Visit St George Church next, where you will see some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Spend a free evening in Madaba before an optional dinner with the group

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way for lunch at a G Adventures-supported initiative.Activity - Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.Activity - Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.Activity - Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.Accommodation - Rumman Hotel Madaba

Day 9: Mādabā/Cairo

Transfer from Madaba to Amman in the morning and catch a flight to Cairo for the next leg of this epic adventure. Spend a free evening in the city and attend an optional group dinner.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private transport back to Amman from Madaba.Transport - Sit back and enjoy your flight from Amman to Cairo for the next leg of your adventure.Free_time - Enjoy some free time in Cairo to explore on your own before an optional group dinner in the evening.Accommodation - Pharaohs Hotel Cairo

Day 10: Cairo/Aswān

Enjoy a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Then, take an orientation tour through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with free time for shopping or people watching from a shisha café. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
For lunch, why not go local with a couple of falafel sandwiches, or take the chance to find out what kushari tastes like?

In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.Activity - Head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in downtown Cairo for an orientation walk with the CEO. Learn the best places to buy various things, and opt to enjoy a hookah and a cup of tea in a cafe. Enjoy free time to stroll and shop the narrow pathways.Transport - Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Day 11: Aswān

Free morning to explore Aswan. Opt to wander through the souk at your own pace or visit the famous Philae Temple, it's your choice.

In the afternoon, board a boat and cruise down the Nile. Visit a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with locals.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Head out and explore this sleepy town.Activity - Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.Accommodation - Obelisk Hotel Aswan

Day 12: Aswān

Spend the day exploring Aswan.
Spend another day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit one of the most fascinating sights in the area, the Temple of Abu Simbel. Or continue exploring the city to learn more about Aswan's local people. In the evening choose to book the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Explore Aswan or go further afield.Accommodation - Obelisk Hotel Aswan

Day 13: Aswān/Luxor

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.
Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Board a felucca (local boat), to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the city. Journey 4 hours on the water to Aswan Bridge. Lunch will be served on board.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Susanna Hotel Luxor

Day 14: Luxor

Enjoy a full free day to explore Luxor. Opt to set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank of Luxor excursion. Or choose to discover the city at your own pace, by wandering through the local bazaars or visiting a museum—the choice is yours!

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Start exploring Luxor.Accommodation - Susanna Hotel Luxor

Day 15: Luxor/Cairo

After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterwards, cycle back to the waterfront and board the ferry to travel back across the Nile. Spend a free afternoon in Luxor at your leisure, or choose to join the East Bank optional excursion. In the evening board an overnight train back to Cairo.
In the evening, board an overnight train back to Cairo. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in an after school programs that teaches art, communication, and social skills. After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterward cycle back to the waterfront to board the ferry back to the East Bank.Free_time - Enjoy a free day to explore Luxor and beyond.Transport - Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Day 16: Cairo

Tour ends upon arrival.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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.

From
AUD $3649

AUD $3,101

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Get ready for an epic 16-day journey through the cultural and historical wonders of Jordan and Egypt, perfect for budget-savvy travellers.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Apr 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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