Egypt and Jordan In Depth

Today we arrive in Amman, the capital of Jordan. We then make our way to the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea. At 400 metres below sea level, it is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. We will check-in to our hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure before we meet in the evening for our welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Dead Sea

Today is free to explore the Dead Sea. The banks of the Dead Sea have been a centre for healing for several centuries. The mineral-rich mud is known for its therapeutic qualities and the salt content is ten times higher than the ocean which makes it uniquely buoyant. Float in the relaxing waters or sample some of the many spa treatments available.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Dead Sea

Today we head south to Wadi Rum Desert (Valley of the Moon), a protected desert wilderness featuring rippled red sand dunes and a maze of monolithic sandstone and granite rockscapes which rise up from the desert floor. Enjoy a 4WD Bedouin Jeep tour to explore the most picturesque spots, before transferring to our accommodation for the evening – traditional style Bedouin tents equipped with modern conveniences.

Accommodation: Sun City Camp

Today we travel to the ancient city of Petra where we will explore for the afternoon. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Petra enchants visitors with massive architecture and an ingenious complex of dams and water channels. Much of Petra’s appeal comes from its spectacular setting, deep inside a narrow desert gorge.

Accommodation: Petra Guest House

After an early breakfast, we will walk to Petra to watch the sunrise, with an unforgettable pattern of changing colours amongst this fascinating site. Enjoy free time at Petra in the afternoon before we complete our Petra experience with a visit to the “Petra by Night Show” – this event is a magical way to see part of the rock city by candlelight and explore the old city.

Accommodation: Petra Guest House

Visit Kerak Castle en-route to Madaba “The City of Mosaics”, followed by a visit to the Monastery in Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land. We then visit the unique site of Bethany, recognised by the major traditional Christian Churches as the true site where Jesus Christ was baptized by St. John. It is now one of the most significant places of pilgrimage in Catholicism and one of the most important biblical discoveries in the world.

Accommodation: Corp Amman

Today we visit Ajloun Castle, one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture. We then head to the Roman City of Jerash, hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years. The site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world.

Accommodation: Corp Amman

We farewell Jordan this morning and fly to Cairo. On arrival, we will be transferred to Giza, home of the iconic Great Pyramids and Sphinx. The afternoon will be spent at your leisure.

Accommodation: Marriott Mena House

It’s a memorable day today as we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Learn about one of the most celebrated civilisations in human history from an Egyptologist. We also see first-hand how papyrus was made in ancient times on a tour of the Papyrus Institute. This afternoon we visit the pyramids of Memphis and Sakkara.

Accommodation: Marriott Mena House

Today we farewell Giza and head for Alexandria. Founded in 331 BC by a 25-year-old Alexander the Great, it was once among the greatest cities of the Mediterranean world and a centre of Hellenic scholarship and science. One of Egypt’s largest cities, it started a cosmopolitan makeover and renaissance in the 19th century, when it became one of the Mediterranean’s key commercial hubs.

Accommodation: Sheraton Montazah

We spend the day exploring this vibrant coastal city. Our first stop is the Alexandria Library – renowned for its walls carved with giant letters, hieroglyphs and symbols. This afternoon we explore the Catacombs of Kom Ash Shuqqafa, the largest-known Roman burial site in Egypt. We then make our way to the striking 14th century, Citadel of Qaitbay.

Accommodation: Sheraton Montazah

We farewell Alexandria this morning, en-route to Cairo we visit El Alamein for a guided tour of the site of the allied force victory in World War II. Wander through the War Museum which offers an outstanding collection of artefacts, followed by a visit to the War Cemetery where more than 1200 Australian WWII Diggers have been laid to rest.

Accommodation: Sonesta Hotel

Today we fly to Luxor for our next adventure, a 4 night cruise on the magnificent Nile. After settling in on the ship and enjoying a late lunch, we’ll tour Luxor’s East Bank, where you will see Karnak and Luxor Temples. Karnak Temple is perhaps the greatest example of worship in history and was dedicated to the God Amon, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu, while the temple of Luxor has been in almost continuous use as a place of worship right up to the present day.

Accommodation: Movenpick Royal Lotus

This morning we discover the West Bank of the Nile including the Valley of the Kings and descend into the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, one of the most renowned archaeological sights in history. We also visit the temple of Queen Hatshepsut which is one of Egypt’s most impressive temples and the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Accommodation: Movenpick Royal Lotus

This morning we visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the most well-preserved temple of Ancient Egypt, renowned for its gigantic pylons and the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak. We then sail to Kom Ombo and the ancient Egyptian temple of Horus and Sobek, a healing place of pilgrimage for ancient Egyptians and famous for its mummified crocodiles.

Accommodation: Movenpick Royal Lotus

We arrive into Aswan this morning. We tour the High Dam and the Temple of Philae, one of the greatest Temples in Egypt, rising from the waters of the Nile on the Island of Philae. This afternoon we board a traditional Felucca to sail around Kitchener’s Island and visit the Aswan Botanical gardens.

Accommodation: Movenpick Royal Lotus

This morning we disembark our cruise and take a short flight to visit the impressive temple of Abu Simbel which is guarded by four colossal statues of Ramses II. Admire the effort of relocating the temples, when the Aswan Dam created Lake Nasser in 1968. We return to Aswan for our flight to Cairo where we will transfer to our hotel.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir

We begin our day with a visit to the Citadel of Salah el-Din, then proceed to the beautiful Alabaster Mosque of Muhammed Ali. We make our way to the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to Tutankhamun’s death mask and the most extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. We then have time for some bargain hunting at the Khan El Khalili Markets. This evening we celebrate our final night on tour with a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir

Spend the morning at leisure before we say goodbye to the “Land of the Pharaohs” and travel to the airport to begin our journey home.

The Egypt and Jordan tour concludes today. On arrival home from your Escorted Escape, farewell your new friends and tour host as you head home.