Get ready for a wide-ranging adventure showcasing the region’s natural wonders and fascinating cultures, offering the perfect combination of guided excursions with free time to explore at your own pace. Our expert local leaders will share with you the archaeological and historical secrets of the ancient sites of Petra, Luxor, and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Whether it’s haggling in Cairo’s bustling bazaars or snapping a desert sunset, Egypt and Jordan will be etched into your memory like a hieroglyph.
Day 1 Cairo
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
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.
Day 2 Cairo/Aswān
Tour the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx before a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Catch an overnight train to Aswan.
Head straight to the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures. Later, visit the Egyptian Museum to see more ancient artifacts.
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.
Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour
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.
Egyptian Museum Visit
With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. Your tour leader will direct you to the most important and magnificent items. There is also plenty of free time for you to explore on your own.
Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3 Aswān
Explore Aswan before visiting a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile.
Later, board a boat to reach one of the many Nile islands and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.
Free Time
Head out and explore this sleepy town.
Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal
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.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 4 Aswān
Spend the day exploring Aswan.
One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan’s local people.
Free Time
Explore Aswan or go further afield.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 Aswān/Kom Ombo
Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca. Sleep onboard under the stars.
Board the felucca and spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars.
Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Felucca Overnight Sailing Excursion
Enjoy a relaxing ride on a felucca (traditional Nile sailboat) and travel down the river, watching the scenery glide by. At night, sleep on the deck under the stars (mattresses and blankets are provided). Enjoy delicious meals on board. The felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, but a private support boat travelling in close proximity has both (please bring a towel).
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 Kom Ombo/Luxor
Enjoy a guided visit Kom Ombo Temple before driving to Luxor. En route, visit the Temple of Karnak.
Kom Ombo Temple Visit
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.
Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the Crocodile museum.
Private Vehicle
Stop en route to visit the Karnak Temple.
Karnak Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs. Round-trip transfer included. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Free Time
Start exploring Luxor.
Bazaar Visit
Wander through the bustling local bazaar and check out the wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Luxor
Visit the Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West Bank of the Nile.
Cross to the West Bank. Visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops.
Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Colossi of Memnon Visit
Enjoy a visit to the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon; they used to stand at the front of a temple that no longer exists. Check out ancient graffiti discussing the statues!
Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon Visit
Enjoy a full day guided excursion to the famous Valley of the Kings. Rise early to catch the sunrise from the motorboat that will take you across the Nile to the West Bank. From here, ride through farmer’s fields to reach the Valley of the Kings.
Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the most incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead; visit three tombs in total, and opt to visit the famous tomb of King (‘Tut’) Tutankhamun. Then visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops — it’s a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. Last stop is to the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon before returning to your hotel. Minimum 2 passengers required.
Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family
Sit down to a traditional lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile.
Free Time
Enjoy time in Luxor exploring ruins or relaxing.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 8 Luxor/Amman
Take a flight from Luxor to Cairo, then transfer to a connecting flight to Amman, Jordan. Free time to explore Amman on arrival.
You will not be accompanied by a CEO on the flight between Cairo and Amman. Say goodbye to your Egyptian CEO at the Cairo Airport, where our local rep will assist you in catching the flight. Upon landing you will meet our Jordanian rep at the Amman airport who will assist with immigration and visas. After transfer to the hotel where your Jordanian CEO will meet you.
Border Crossing (Egypt – Jordan)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Free Time
Take some time to explore Jordan’s capital.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman
Guided visit to the ancient Roman town of Jerash followed by a visit to the Dead Sea.
Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy.
Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus’ baptism.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jerash Guided Visit
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dead Sea Visit
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 Amman/Karak/Petra
Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Continue to Wadi Musa for the evening.
Depart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views.
Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades.
Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.
Private Vehicle
Including stops along the way.
Mt Nebo Visit
Visit Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses’ death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Trek to the summit (817m or 2,680 ft), and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance.
Madaba Mosaics Guided Tour
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.
Karak Castle Guided Visit
Take a walk through history on this guided tour of Karak Castle, the largest late-Islamic castle in Jordan. Explore its unique construction – initially built in the Crusader period, it was expanded and refortified during the Ayyubid and Mamluk eras.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 Petra
Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.
The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.
Petra Guided Tour
Journey to Petra to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Wind your way through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long (.6 mi) gorge flanked by soaring 80m-high (262 ft) sandstone walls. Take in the astounding colours and patterns of the rock, and, at the end of this passage, catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, 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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12 Petra/Wadi Rum
Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4×4 excursion during the day before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.
Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4×4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way.
Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.
Accommodation in the desert is in one large goat-hair tent divided into “rooms” with curtains. Basic linens are provided but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. There are shared, unisex facilities. For religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.
Private Vehicle
Drive time doesn’t include stops in the gorgeous desert along the way.
Wadi Rum 4×4 Excursion
Journey into the stunning, colourful desert on this 4×4 excursion. Make stops along the way to get out and explore, learn about the region or scramble up rocks or sand dunes. Reach the Bedouin camp for nightfall to learn about a new culture and eat traditional food beneath the starry skies.
Your Local Living Moment: Bedouin Camp Overnight
Camp overnight in the desert, enjoying a traditional meal and learning more about the ancient Bedouin culture. Spend the evening sitting under the stars, around a fire, listening to stories from the Bedouin hosts. If really lucky, they may bring the drums out for some music!
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 13 Wadi Rum/Aqaba
Journey to the red sea, where you can explore your surroundings or relax on the beach.
Drive to the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba. Enjoy free time to enjoy the beach, go snorkelling or check out the city. Make sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner.
Opt to pre-book the “Aqaba Boat Trip with Snorkelling” activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Make the most of this Red Sea resort town. Free time is yours to use any way you want!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 Aqaba/Amman
Journey back to Amman. En route stop at a G Adventures- supported community cafe for lunch.
Numeira Environmental Association is a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create a sustainable future for the community. They engage children in environmental education, promote sustainable farming practices, while creating jobs and training opportunities through their work. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission.
Upon arrival in Amman, enjoy a final night out in the city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Numeira Community Cafe Lunch
Stop for lunch at Numeira Environmental Cafe to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds and learn about how this small nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. “
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 15 Amman
Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
