Premium Egypt & Jordan

Intrepid Travel · 16 days

4.4

19 Reviews

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take a 16-day Premium adventure through Egypt and Jordan, from the Valley of the Kings to the inspiring ruins of Petra. Cruise down the Nile in your Feature Stay – a riverboat for three nights of unique adventure.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (3), Dinner (13)
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (11 nights), Feature Stay (4 nights)

Highlights

Explore all the iconic sites starting with the Pyramids of Giza then discover the Valley of the Kings, Petra, Wadi Rum and the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea.
Cosy up in Bedouin-style seating as the sun dips behind the sandstone mountains in a secluded and picturesque spot, with snacks and local wine.
Lift the lid on Middle Eastern cuisine during Signature Experiences, including a meal in the home of a local family in Cairo, dinner with a view of the pyramids and local delicacies at a Bedouin camp cooked in a traditional zarb.
Cruise down the Nile on a traditional felucca boat during a fantastic Signature Experience. Enjoy drinks on board and watch daily life play out around you as the sun goes down.
Gain an unmatched understanding of the region while travelling with experienced local leaders and spending time with the locals. Discover the Nubian way of life with a family on the Nile and immerse yourself in Bedouin culture during an exciting evening at their camp.

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Plane, Riverboat, Felucca, Jeep

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairo, Egypt

Finishes

Amman, Egypt

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo

Salaam aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. When you arrive at the Cairo airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get out and explore the busy streets, find a hole-in-the-wall eatery for a snack or relax at your hotel – the pool offers magnificent pyramid views! After your meeting, get the trip off to a spectacular start with a Signature Experience dinner. Dine at an authentic Egyptian restaurant in view of the pyramids and the Sphinx as they’re illuminated during the nightly sound and light show.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Cairo - Welcome Dinner with Pyramid View

Optional Activities:

Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour (39 USD)
Cairo - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis (65 USD)

Accommodation:

Hyatt Regency Cairo West Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cairo

This morning, tour the mighty Pyramids of Giza – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World – and the Sphinx with your leader and expert local guide. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After some time for lunch, your adventure continues to the Grand Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world’s great collections of ancient artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun. From jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Your leader will take you through some of Egypt’s dynastic history and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own – home to almost 100,000 artefacts, there’s a whole ancient world to uncover!

Included Activities:

Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum

Optional Activities:

Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1500 EGP)

Accommodation:

Hyatt Regency Cairo West Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Aswan

Catch a morning flight to Aswan – Egypt’s southernmost city. Check into your hotel, then travel to Philae Island and visit the Temple of Isis – the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom – rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated here. Your leader will share stories of the history and changing landscape of the island. Then, take a boat to a Nubian village on an island in the middle of the Nile. Walk through the village before sitting down to dinner with a local Nubian family in their home. Enjoy traditional Nubian food, swap stories with your friendly hosts and gain a unique perspective into their way of life.

Included Activities:

Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Aswan - Philae Temple

Accommodation:

Sonesta Nouba or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Nile Cruise - Aswan

After breakfast, you may like to take a stroll around Aswan or join an optional tour of Abu Simbel – a temple complex that was dismantled and moved to make way for the Aswan High Dam. Board a Nile riverboat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights! Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting. In the afternoon, board a traditional felucca sailing boat where you can sit back and relax with some drinks as the sun sets over your surroundings. Return to your riverboat for dinner.

Included Activities:

Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca

Optional Activities:

Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) (110 USD)
Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price (596 USD)

Accommodation:

Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Nile Cruise - Edfu

Enjoy a peaceful morning on board your riverboat, then set out in the afternoon along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, where your leader will let you in on the secrets of this ancient sanctuary. Built in approximately 181 BC, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. After, return to your riverboat and continue to Edfu where you’ll dock for the evening.

Included Activities:

Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple

Accommodation:

Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Nile Cruise - Luxor

This morning, you’ll be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Sail towards Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. Arrive at 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. Today you’ll explore the Karnak Temple. One of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. You’ll also head over to our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), a local NGO dedicated to providing free veterinary care for wounded working animals in the region.

Included Activities:

Luxor - Karnak Temple

Optional Activities:

Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (48 USD)

Accommodation:

Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Luxor

Today you will leave your riverboat and travel to the Valley of the Kings. Over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings, are buried under the arid hills. 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 leader will explain the history and legends of these people and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. Entry is included to three tombs of your choosing, as well as access to the tomb of Tutankhamun. The unearthing of the young Pharaoh’s resting place is one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries, and today you’ll explore the painted chamber that holds his famous golden sarcophagus. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, then view the Colossi of Memnon – two 17 m (55.7 ft) statues on Luxor’s west bank.

Included Activities:

Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
Luxor - Colossi of Memnon

Optional Activities:

Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) (120 USD)
Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)

Accommodation:

Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Cairo

Board a flight to Cairo this morning. When you arrive, settle into your hotel then head out to the Al-Azhar neighbourhood to visit Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a sprawling maze of alleyways including the gold market, cloth market, ‘perfume street’ and the spice market. For a glimpse of the vibrant street life and local culture of Old Islamic Cairo continue to the UNESCO World Heritage –protected El Moez Street to admire the stunning architecture of historic mosques, palaces, and madrasas. Stop off in Cairo’s oldest coffeeshop for an Arabic coffee or mint tea as you watch the world go by. The best food in Cairo is made inside a local home – this afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family to sit down and enjoy a meal of traditional dishes as you gain an inside look at modern Egyptian life.

Included Activities:

Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe

Accommodation:

Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Amman

Today you’ll catch an unescorted flight to the Jordanian capital Amman for the second half of your trip. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel, where there will be a second welcome meeting with your new group and local leader at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit a local cafe and pick up an ara’yes (pita filled with spiced meats). Maybe head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre or the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. After your meeting, head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a huge part of Jordanian culture. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, like mansaf (a dish made with lamb, yoghurt and rice) and kunafa (a dessert made with pastry and cheese).

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Amman - Welcome Dinner

Accommodation:

InterContinental Amman or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Amman

This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash, where you’ll find some of the world’s best Greco-Roman ruins. Featuring an 11 m (36 ft) arched gateway built for a visit from the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 129, Jerash is home to a collection of theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Your leader will share the history of the ruins and help you imagine what life once looked like in this Roman city. After, return to Amman and head to a cooking school for a look behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine. During this hands-on activity, you will learn how to make some classic dishes like maqlubeh, mutabbal and baba ghanouj before sitting down as a group to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Finish the day with a walking tour of Amman with a local guide. Set off from Jabal Amman, learning the story of the city, through waves of migration and the global events that influenced it, to longstanding cultural and culinary traditions.

Included Activities:

Jerash - Roman ruins
Amman - cooking class and dinner
Amman - City Tour

Accommodation:

InterContinental Amman or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Amman - Dana Biosphere Reserve - Little Petra

Today, journey from Amman to the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming very difficult – but bobbing on the water’s surface is great fun! On the way, stop off at Mount Nebo and hear the story of how Moses is said to have seen the ‘promised land’ before he died from what is believed to be this very spot. At St Georges Church, see a Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. When you arrive, enjoy some time to float in the waters of the Dead Sea, relax on your hotel’s beachfront or take a dip in the infinity pool.

Included Activities:

Madaba - St Georges Church
Mt Nebo - Site visit

Accommodation:

Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Petra

Depart the Dead Sea and drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – your leader will explain how this fortress 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. Enjoy the scenery then continue to your Petra accommodation. Petra dates to the 6th century BC and is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to start uncovering the secrets of Petra at your own pace. The iconic view of the Treasury’s glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq, is perhaps the most striking sight of the entire region.

Included Activities:

Shobak - 'Crusader' Castle visit
Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra

Accommodation:

Petra Moon Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Petra

Today, you’ll explore Petra on a guided walking tour. Walk through the Siq that leads through the rock and is at some points only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 m (590.5 ft) on either side. If you wish, you’ll also have time to climb to the Monastery, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. Dinner this evening is a special one – you’ll visit the home of a local Bedouin family for a homemade dinner and the chance to learn more about life in Petra. Tonight, maybe take the chance to witness Petra’s transformation at nightfall – seeing the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.

Included Activities:

Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
Petra - Homecooked Dinner with Local Family

Optional Activities:

Petra - Petra By Night (30 JOD)

Accommodation:

Petra Moon Luxury Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Wadi Rum

This morning, drive to Wadi Rum – a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum, then jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the silent desert landscapes, home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. Gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set deep in the desert. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is a camp that offers a base among remote and wild surroundings. Spacious tents are fitted out with comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms. Join your group to watch the sunset with a trained astronomer, who will explain how Bedouins used the stars as navigation. Enjoy fresh dates, nuts and local wine or champagne in Bedouin-style seating as the sun dips behind the sandstone mountains. Later, fall asleep in your tent before awaking up to an equally dramatic sunrise over the red-hued landscape.

Included Activities:

Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner
Wadi Rum – Sunset Experience

Accommodation:

Mazayen Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Amman

After waking up in the sweeping surroundings of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area before scaling one of the large dunes for panoramic views. After, return to Amman for the evening. Tonight’s exclusive farewell dinner is at one of Amman’s most celebrated farm-to-table restaurants. Indulge in traditional, seasonal Jordanian dishes within a beautifully restored, century-old villa with a garden terrace, an artisan boutique and even a soulful vinyl collection. It’s an atmospheric way to reminiscence with your group and say goodbye to Jordan.

Included Activities:

Wadi Rum - Desert and dunes walk

Accommodation:

InterContinental Amman or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Amman

Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Amman, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

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.

AUD $11,995

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 05 Feb 2027

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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

Rhonda

Traveled, March 2024

03/15/2024

So much to explore between Egypt and Jordan. Travelling with Intrepid made it easy and gave us amazing experiences with locals!

4.5

Dyanne

Traveled, February 2024

02/28/2024

Excellent experience in Egypt and Jordan. Don’t hesitate to go - you are safe and well looked after by Intrepid. Our leader Hady was outstanding and so was the cooking class!

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

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