Transport

All transport and transfers in AC vehicles (plus Bedouin jeeps in Wadi Rum)

Accommodation

All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in 3 to 4-star hotels 1 night in comfortable Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum 2 night felucca sailboat cruise with accompanying support boat with toilet & shower

Meals

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Guide

As one of our Small-Group tours, maximum group sizes are restricted to 18 people, while the tour is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of just 2. In Jordan, a professional licensed guide accompanies all groups of 5 or more throughout the whole tour. For groups of 2-4, one of our experienced English speaking drivers will escort the group with specialist local site guides used for the tours in As-Salt, Bethany, Jerash, Amman (Citadel), and Petra. In Egypt we provide fully trained, local English-speaking Egyptologists to act as your tour guides for all of the sightseeing tours in Cairo and the Nile Valley. Our local reps in all the towns and cities en-route are also at your service, and will be handling all the practical arrangements for the tour. We also use local Bedouin guides for tours through the desert. At Encounters Travel we aim to only use local Jordanian and Egyptian guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing as well as supporting the local population and economy.

Others

Overnight sleeper train in private twin-berth cabins 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service 4x4 jeep safari in Wadi Rum 1 night felucca sailboat cruise with accompanying support boat with toilet & shower

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights not included.

Optional

Other activities and services not included

Others

International flights (available on request) Amman-Cairo flight (available on request or bookable with your international flight ticket) Visa fees (Free Jordan visa included in the Jordan Pass; Egypt US$25) Entrance fees in Jordan (included in the Jordan Pass, to be purchased in advance, JD70) Entrance fees in Egypt (allow approx. US$80) Tipping kitty in Egypt (allow US$45) plus tour guide tips Tips in Jordan Travel insurance (compulsory, available from Encounters Travel) Meals not indicated in the itinerary Hotel gala dinners (see Tour notes) Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry) Single Room Supplement (applicable when a same sex room share cannot be arranged - contact us for details) Any other items not mentioned above

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To Amman. Airport To Hotel Transfers Included
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To Amman. Airport To Hotel Transfers Included

Once you arrive at the airport, one of our staff members will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel in Amman. After helping you check in and pointing you to any local shops, cafes or restaurants, you’re free to explore Amman independently before our sightseeing starts tomorrow. OVERNIGHT:. Amman hotel. MEALS:. NULL. EXTRAS:. Extra day in Amman - pre-tour - Standard level. Single room supplement (JOSHJE). As-Salt and Bethany tour
Day 2 Day 2: Exploring Amman And Jerash
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Exploring Amman And Jerash

We start the day by heading north out of Amman to nearby Jerash, one of the largest and most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. Fondly referred to as the ’Jewel of the North’, Jerash boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Jerash was hidden for centuries in sand, evacuations and restorations over the past 70 years have revealed a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East. After returning from Jerash we spend the afternoon exploring Amman, commonly known as the ’white city’ due to its sheer number of white limestone buildings. Amman’s rich history dates back many millennia, with numerous excavations and renovations uncovering remains from the Neolithic period as well as the Hellenistic and late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. Our tour will include the Citadel - the former home of the ancient Temple of Hercules, The Umayyad Palace and the Byzantine Church. We’ll also visit the 6000-seat Roman Theatre - which dates to the Roman period, when the city was known as Philadelphia. OVERNIGHT:. Amman hotel. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:
Day 3 Day 3: Mosaics, Castles & Wadis En-Route To Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Mosaics, Castles & Wadis En-Route To Petra

We say goodbye to Amman today as we drive to Petra via the King’s Highway. The drive to Petra is a scenic one, as we cross deep Wadis, pass through olive groves and remote rural villages. Before we reach Petra, we’ll stop at Madaba, where we’ll visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George - famous for its 6th Century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land and other biblical sites. We’ll also make our way up Mt Nebo, which provides spectacular views of the Holy Land, which is known as the burial place of the prophet Moses. After exploring Madaba, we’ll once again cross a few deep Wadis, including the impressive Wadi al-Mujib, where the road winds through olive groves before rising up the side of a spectacular 1-kilometre deep canyon. We’ll also stop at Kerak Castle, which is one in a chain of Crusader fortresses built across Jordan in the 12th Century on the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan route. Built in 1132AD by the Crusader King, Baldwin 1 of Jerusalem, the castle fell to Saladin in 1188AD. It is still a hugely impressive building with commanding views over the surrounding hills & plains. Once we arrive in Petra, we’ll help you check into your hotel and the evening is free for you to relax and explore. An option is available to get a first taste of Petra itself with the atmospheric Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury. OVERNIGHT:. Petra hotel. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:
Day 4 Day 4: Exploring Petra, Camping In Wadi Rum
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Exploring Petra, Camping In Wadi Rum

Today is all about exploring the Nabatean site of Petra. It was once the ancient capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans finally took over in 106AD. For a long period of time, Petra was forgotten - except by the local Bedouins - before it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra can be found at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, where canyon walls and towering hills make it virtually impossible to reach, except via a narrow cleft in the rock, known as the Siq. There are very few free-standing buildings in Petra, as the Nabateans chose to carve their dwellings into the multi coloured sandstone cliffs. Petra has become one of Jordan’s main tourist attractions and the Jordanian Government is well aware of this. The tourism infrastructure in the adjoining village of Wadi Musa is booming, though, thankfully, once you enter through the Siq, the site is protected, there aren’t that many touts or souvenir sellers, and all the building feels miles away. We have most of the day available today to explore this ancient city (2-3 hour guided tour, then free time to explore independently). We start by making our way through the Siq, which rises to 200 metres above us and narrows to just 2 metres wide in certain sections. Keep an eye out for the ancient Nabatean water channel which is still visible on one wall and there are remnants of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city as well. We’ll turn a corner and suddenly - one of the most familiar sights of Petra will be in front of you - The Khazneh (Treasury) comes into view. Our guide will explain how this, and the other buildings here, are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down, and also discuss the spiritual significance of the building style. From the Treasury, the valley opens out, and you’ll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides. You’ll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheatre and colonnaded streets and during your free time, you can walk up a steep and narrow winding gorge to the towering ’Monastery’ - which is 50 metres high and 45 metres wide, giving you breath-taking views of the Wadi Aruba desert and the Jordan Valley. Another climb takes you to the High Place of Sacrifice, and Lion Fountain. All in all, this is a full and tiring exercise, but hugely rewarding day touring one of the world’s most famous ancient sites. Walking distances today are an absolute minimum of 3km through the Siq to the Treasury and back and to see a few tombs, 8km to take the trail on as far as the main basin, plus an additional few km to the Monastery and back (over 800 steps up and down). For those with less mobility or who are worried about the distance, horse carriages are available for around 20JD (USD 28) to take you on the 1.2km journey through the Siq to the Treasury and back again at an agreed time. They will also take you further in through the site for an extra fee. We do not recommend riding the horses that are available. Donkeys are available for the steps up to the Monastery - if you want to use them, we’d reommend doing this on the way up, not on the way down. Later in the afternoon, we leave Petra and drive into the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to greet us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal. OVERNIGHT:. Wadi Rum Bedouin camp. MEALS:. Breakfast, Dinner. EXTRAS:. NULL
Day 5 Day 5: A Jeep Safari In Wadi Rum & A Swim In The Dead Sea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: A Jeep Safari In Wadi Rum & A Swim In The Dead Sea

After breakfast, we explore the spectacular desert and mountains of Wadi Rum via a Jeep safari. The desert here, with its towering rust coloured rocky ’jebels’ awed TE Lawrence during his visits during the Arab Revolt of 1917-18 and was later made famous in the film Lawrence of Arabia. We’ll leave Wadi Rum and drive north up the banks of the Dead Sea, one of the world’s most amazing places. As well as being the lowest point on earth at over 400 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea region is one of the most spiritual landscapes in the world as well as being full of dramatic natural beauty. The Dead Sea itself receives several incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a rich cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost otherworldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). We stop along the way to enjoy a ’swim’, though the intensely salty waters lead to a very strange swimming experience. In fact, normal swimming is not possible, and it is easier (and more photogenic!) just to float, sitting or lying in the water. Be careful not to get any water in your eyes, as it will sting - you’ll also discover various tiny cuts you never thought you had! If you’d like some additional time at the Dead Sea for spa treatments and/or relaxation, we also offer the option of spending your final night in Jordan here instead of returning to Amman. We finish the day back at our hotel in Amman. OVERNIGHT:. Amman hotel. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:
Day 6 Day 6: Amman To Cairo. Hotel Transfer Included
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Amman To Cairo. Hotel Transfer Included

We leave Jordan today and transfer you to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo. Once you arrive, we’ll meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your trip. We’ll help you check in before giving you some free time to relax or explore Cairo independently. An optional dinner cruise on the Nile is also available tonight. Note: the Amman-Cairo flight is left out of the set tour price as it is often more cost effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. We are happy to book all your international flights, just this Amman-Cairo flight, or none of them at all, whichever works best for you. Direct flights are available with both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines. You can fly at any time during the day - all transfers in Amman and Cairo are included. OVERNIGHT:. Cairo 3-star hotel. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:. Request a quote for Amman to Cairo flight
Day 7 Day 7: Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx At Giza. Overnight Train To Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx At Giza. Overnight Train To Aswan

We start our exploration of Egypt with the iconic three great pyramids at Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo. Probably the most recognizable ancient buildings in the world, these three pyramids were built pyramids were built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure around 2500 years BC. Our Egyptologist guide will start your introduction into Egyptian history here with information on how and why pyramids were built and how they fit into the whole ancient Pharaonic story. You’ll have the chance to climb down inside one of these pyramids if you wish (and if you’re not claustrophobic!). Our next visit is the majestic Sphinx, which nestles nearby, and was uncovered completely only in the 1920s. In the afternoon you’ll have some free time to visit the Egyptian Museum of antiquities, home to the treasures of ancient Egypt. This evening we will board the overnight VIP seater train from Cairo to Aswan. For those preferring more comfort, there is the option of upgrading to the sleeper train where you will have a private cabin onboard with airline style meals included. OVERNIGHT:. Overnight seater train. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:. NULL
Day 8 Day 8: Arrive In Aswan. Philae Temple & Nubian Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Arrive In Aswan. Philae Temple & Nubian Village

After our night onboard the overnight train, we arrive in Aswan where we spend the night in a Nubian village staying in a local guesthouse. The ancient region of Nubia comprised an area around the Nile in parts of present day southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live around Aswan and during our stay we’ll see their colourful houses. This morning we’ll take a boat trip to visit one of Egypt’s most beautifully situated temples which was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This is the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis. After visiting Philae Temple, we’ll head south of Aswan to visit one of the Nubian Villages where we’ll have the opportunity to experience the local way of life and visit the local homes of the Nubian people and even spend the night in a local guesthouse. OVERNIGHT:. Aswan - Nubian guesthouse. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:. NULL
Day 9 Day 9: Aswan, Abu Simbel Option, Philae Temple & Felucca Cruise
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Aswan, Abu Simbel Option, Philae Temple & Felucca Cruise

There is an optional tour early this morning to drive to the amazing UNESCO world heritage site at Abu Simbel which sits on the banks of Lake Nasser about 3 hours away from Aswan. The temples here were built by Ramses II and are one of Egypt’s most impressive and fascinating sites, especially because they are carved into the hillside rather than built independently, and were completely dismantled and moved to their present location when Lake Nasser was flooded. If you don’t visit Abu Simbel you can explore Aswan’s markets and Corniche this morning or visit the Nubian Museum which has an excellent collection covering the history of the Nubian people in the region. This afternoon we’ll take a boat trip to visit one of Egypt’s most beautifully situated temples which was also reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This is the Temple of Philae, which was dedicated to Isis. Later we board a traditional Nile felucca and sail a little way out of Aswan before mooring up for the night. Our separate facilities boat will join with us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night. This boat helps us protect the environment of the banks of the Nile, having a proper toilet and showers on board as well as a hygienic kitchen. You sleep on the deck of the boat, with mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets provided. This is a fun but basic experience, and you can upgrade the night sleeping on the felucca to an additional night in a hotel in Aswan if you prefer. OVERNIGHT:. On board felucca. MEALS:. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. EXTRAS:. Abu Simbel overland. Felucca to Hotel upgrade
Day 10 Day 10: Felucca Sailing, To Luxor. Optional Luxor Temple At Night
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Felucca Sailing, To Luxor. Optional Luxor Temple At Night

We spend some more time sailing on the Nile this morning, and after lunch with the felucca crew, we bid them a reluctant goodbye and drive north to Luxor. Luxor is the jewel in Egypt’s crown with the largest concentrations of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. These are split across both banks of the Nile, with the City of the Dead on the West Bank with many mortuary temples and tombs cut into the rocky mountains, and with the Temples of Luxor and Karnak and their connecting Avenue of Sphinxes the highlights on the East Bank. Later this evening there is an optional tour available to Luxor Temple which is right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night. You’ll can also head into town to explore some of Luxor’s popular outdoor cafes, perhaps enjoying a few games of backgammon and trying a shisha pipe with the locals. We spend the night at a comfortable 4-star hotel with a pool on the banks of the Nile. OVERNIGHT:. Luxor 4-star hotel. MEALS:. Breakfast, Lunch. EXTRAS:. Hot air balloon in Luxor. Nile cruise upgrade
Day 11 Day 11: Luxor, West Bank Tour. Optional Karnak Temple Tour. Train To Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Luxor, West Bank Tour. Optional Karnak Temple Tour. Train To Cairo

This morning we take a tour to the West Bank of the Nile, where we’ll visit the Temple of Queen Hatchepsut, explore several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, learn about the workers who made all this happen in Deir El-Medina (the Valley of the Artisans) and stop to see the huge Colossi of Memnon. Your afternoon is then free to relax in the hotel, or take an optional tour to explore the huge temple complex at Karnak. A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is also available today (expect another early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises). This evening we re-join the overnight VIP seater train back to Cairo (there is another opportunity to upgrade to the sleeper train for those looking for more comfort). OVERNIGHT:. Overnight seater train. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:. Hot air balloon in Luxor. Karnak Temple tour
Day 12 Day 12: Arrive In Cairo. Optional Day Trips Available
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Arrive In Cairo. Optional Day Trips Available

We arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our hotel. The day is then free to explore Cairo as you choose or you may take an optional tour. These include a city tour in Cairo which visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, or a half day tour to Saqqara, Dashour and Memphis to learn more about the history and evolution of pyramid building. Another full day option further afield includes a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan. If you haven’t chosen to join one of our full day optional tours, in the afternoon there is the option to take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in central Cairo. We’ll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We’ll have time for a break to try some tea and a shisha pipe and perhaps enjoy an early dinner of Egypt’s unofficial national dish, Kushari before returning to our hotel. OVERNIGHT:. Cairo 3-star hotel. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:. NULL
Day 13 Day 13: Cairo, Optional City & Museum Tour. Departure Airport Transfer
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Cairo, Optional City & Museum Tour. Departure Airport Transfer

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. We recommend an afternoon or evening flight so that you can take a tour to visit the incredible Egyptian Museum and see more of the city this morning. Extra nights in Cairo are also available if you would like to extend your stay. OVERNIGHT:. N/A. MEALS:. Breakfast. EXTRAS:. Cairo city tour. Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis. Extra day in Cairo post-tour (3-star)

+10

13 days tour

Jordan & Egypt Express

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Jordan & Egypt Express

Day 1: Welcome To Amman. Airport To Hotel Transfers Included

Day 2: Exploring Amman And Jerash

Day 3: Mosaics, Castles & Wadis En-Route To Petra

Day 4: Exploring Petra, Camping In Wadi Rum

Day 5: A Jeep Safari In Wadi Rum & A Swim In The Dead Sea

Day 6: Amman To Cairo. Hotel Transfer Included

Day 7: Cairo, Pyramids & Sphinx At Giza. Overnight Train To Aswan

Day 8: Arrive In Aswan. Philae Temple & Nubian Village

Day 9: Aswan, Abu Simbel Option, Philae Temple & Felucca Cruise

Day 10: Felucca Sailing, To Luxor. Optional Luxor Temple At Night

Day 11: Luxor, West Bank Tour. Optional Karnak Temple Tour. Train To Cairo

Day 12: Arrive In Cairo. Optional Day Trips Available

Day 13: Cairo, Optional City & Museum Tour. Departure Airport Transfer

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