Egypt & Jordan In-Style

Welcome to Jordan, a country that is home to some of mankind's earliest settlements. We begin in Amman, Jordan's bustling and vibrant capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world.

We don't want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don't, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5:00pm.

We'll enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up, before joining our fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner this evening.

This morning we will travel to Jerash, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. The ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. We'll tour through the colonnaded streets, amphitheatre, churches, temples and the vast Roman Forum.

Later, we'll take a short drive to the impressive Ajloun Castle or ‘Qalaat Rabadh' (Arabic for ‘Hilltop Castle'). This Islamic castle was built in the 12th century and served as a military fort to protect the region from invading Crusader forces. We'll then return to Amman where we will learn about arranged marriages.

Special Experience: Meet a Jordanian matchmaker and listen to how they match brides and grooms. This tradition has been around for decades in the Middle East and especially in Bedouin communities.

This morning we begin with a visit to the amazing Amman Citadel that is perched atop the Jabal Al Qal'a, one of the cities highest hills and one of the seven Jabals that originally made up the city. We will walk through this ancient ruin to gain insight into Jordan's history while also enjoying incredible panoramic views.

Next we'll stop in Madaba, known as ‘The City of Mosaics', where underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic.

We will visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, home to Madaba's main attraction, a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. We'll also stop at Mount Nebo, the centre for pilgrimages since the earliest Christian times. Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred holy sites of Jordan as it is said to be the place where Moses was buried.

After some lunch at a local restaurant in Madaba we will make our way back to Amman and visit the Royal Tank Museum. Located in the heart of Amman, the museum is considered the first specialised tank museum in the region and displays more than 140 tanks within 20,000 sqm.

This afternoon we return to our hotel where the evening is at leisure.

Today we'll journey to the breathtaking Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. Traces of ancient civilisations exist in the many carved inscriptions to be found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most lasting monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-coloured sand dunes and vast peaks.

Deluxe Experience: In one of the most stunning desertscapes in the world, we'll take an exciting 4WD tour and finish viewing the sunset in an exclusive area while tasting local wine.

Departing Wadi Rum today, we will continue to Jordan's only coastal city, the picturesque Aqaba on the Red Sea. Aqaba is Jordan's major tourism resort and only seaport, with its Red Sea coastline, fascinating history and prime location attracting thousands of tourists each year.

We will cruise through the crystal-clear waters of the Aqaba Marine Park on a glass bottom boat and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Optional Excursion: Camel Ride - Experience an iconic aspect of Bedouin life, taking a camel ride through Wadi Rum. 1 hour – from $25pp US (cash only).

Delve into Jordanian cuisine during a Hooh sweets making class, complete with Arabian coffee and herbal tea tasting with the chef's family. As we make our way towards Petra, we'll stop to visit the fascinating 'Little Petra', also known as Siq al-Barid. Little Petra has a history dating back some 9,000 years and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Famous for its ancient buildings sculpted out of solid red sandstone, Little Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1985.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Petra.

Located in Jordan's southwestern desert, Petra is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.

This morning we explore the famous lost city of Petra on a guided tour. Carved into the sheer rockface by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, it was an important junction for the silk and trade routes. Attracting visitors from all over the world, much of Petra's appeal comes from its breathtaking setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge.

Our guide will explain the history of this great city and our tour will include a visit to Petra's most famous monument, the Treasury. We will also visit Pharaoh's Castle, the Triumphal Arch, the Amphitheatre situated near the top of a large hill and the stunning Monastery. The view from here is worth the climb!

After our guided tour, enjoy the rest of the day free to explore this delightful city independently.

Optional Excursion: Petra by Night - Discover the magic of Petra after dark, as the rock city is lit by more than 1,000 candles. 2 hours – from $25pp US (cash only).

If you're feeling adventurous and like to rise early you could take the option to re-visit Petra this morning.

Leaving Petra, our first stop today is the incredible Shobak Castle, perched atop a hill that was formerly called Mons Realis or 'Royal Mountain'. This imposing castle was built by the crusader King Baldwin I in 1115, and throughout history was the subject of numerous attacks, reflected through the site's weathered architecture.

Next, we venture to the lowest point on Earth – the Dead Sea. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals that give its waters its renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities and buoyancy. Because the salt content is four times that of most oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not take a dip in the Dead Sea and cover your body in the therapeutic mud, said to have amazing benefits for your skin?

We will transfer to the airport today, for our flight to Cairo. Set on the Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to many famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new.

Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel before a group dinner to welcome us to Egypt.

Our touring in Egypt begins at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. Here we will tour the pyramids, including entry inside the Pyramid of Khufu. We'll also visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt. Our tour then takes us to visit a weaving workshop, with an opportunity to purchase a locally-made Egyptian carpet.

Special Experience: Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at Khufu's Restaurant.

Special Experience: Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis bulls.

We have an early start this morning as we leave the hustle and bustle of Cairo behind and fly to Luxor.

Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments. Once in Luxor, we'll explore the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple's structure over time, which explains its monumental size! We'll then visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.

Special Experience: Explore the spectacular Luxor Temple at sunset and witness as the sun brings this ancient wonder to life.

This morning we explore the West Bank – the world's largest open-air museum!

On a half day tour, our first destination is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. Serving as a royal burial chamber for around 500 years, it is home to legendary kings and queens, their families, and their possessions for the afterlife. Here we'll explore tombs carved deep into the limestone rock, where each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber.

Special Experience: Descend underground into Tutankhamun's Tomb, adorned with intricate corridors, ancient artefacts, and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.

Optional Excursion: Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US (cash only).

Optional Excursion: Deir El Medina & Medinet Habu – Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses ll. 3 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $105pp US, including Nobles Tombs; from $160pp US, including Nefertari’s Tomb (subject to open times). (Cash Only).

Today will be spent cruising along the Nile as we set sail for Edfu, crossing the lock at Esna and continuing south. Kick back, relax and take in the passing views as we cruise this iconic river.

Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan you will find Edfu. The Egyptian city has a population of approximately sixty thousand people. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we'll visit this morning. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. We'll then cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, before continuing to Aswan this evening.

Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.

We'll transfer to Aswan airport this morning for our flight to Abu Simbel. We visit the incredible UNESCO listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. We'll spend a couple of hours exploring these gigantic temples, before flying back to Aswan for a Nubian show onboard the ship tonight.

Optional Excursion: Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).

This morning we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the crew. Today will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan. On a half day tour, we visit the High Dam and the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. This tiny island is approximately 450 metres long and 150 metres wide!

Deluxe Experience: We'll indulge in a decadent high tea of delicate sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream whilst enjoying spectacular views over the Nile at the Old Cataract Hotel.

Today begins in the heart of lively Cairo with a visit to the world-famous Egyptian Museum.

We'll then visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Built in classic Turkish style, it resembles the great mosques of Istanbul.

Our last stop is the 14th century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a major souk in Cairo's Islamic District. Famous for its handmade crafts, it's also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills! We also visit a jewelry shop, that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, which will be available for purchase.

Special Experience: Enjoy a culinary experience at a local farm, featuring an array of delicious dishes made of fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Tour the historic Abdeen Palace, one of the richest palaces in the world and the official residence of the Egyptian government. One of Egypt's most famous royal palaces, the Abdeen Palace was the seat of the government from 1874 to the 23rd revolution in 1952. Built as a part of Khedive Ismail's plans to create a modern Cairo with the city mimicking those of Europe, the Abdeen Palace absolutely reflects this ambition featuring a seamless blend of Ottoman, Rococo and Neoclassical styles.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, exploring the city at your own pace or simply relaxing! Tonight, we'll enjoy a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Today marks the completion of our incredible adventure across Egypt and Jordan. Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to Egypt and begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!

Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.

Optional Excursion: Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).

Optional Excursion: Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).

Optional Excursion: The Pyramids of Dahshur - Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis & contains a number of pyramid complexes & monuments 3 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).

Optional Excursion: National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – Displaying the civilisation of Egypt from the prehistoric period to the present era. 3 hours – from $80pp US. (Cash only).