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. Jordan’s largest city, Amman is a fascinating destination of contrasts, seamlessly blending together history and modernity.

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 freshen up, before meeting our fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner this evening.

This morning our eyes are set on exploring Jerash, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. This fascinating ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. In an in depth tour, we’ll walk through and uncover 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. Here, we’ll also be treated to unparalleled views over the rolling hills of the Jordan Valley and the desert that surrounds it.

We will be welcomed into the home of a local matchmaker, learning about the tradition of arranged marriages in Jordan and how they help couples in the community. This tradition has been around for decades in the Middle East and especially in Bedouin communities.

On the agenda today is exploring the ancient town of Madaba, also 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.

On arrival at Carob Farm, we’ll be greeted by the farm keeper who will briefly share with us the farm’s history and their natural farming philosophy. We’ll set off on a tour of the property, before transferring to Carob House in the town’s centre. In a beautiful 1930’s restored-house, we’ll enjoy scrumptious dishes made of locally-sourced ingredients, with each course reflecting a cultural story that will be interpreted by the local host!

After this amazing experience, we’ll make our way back to Amman, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

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.

Our sights are then set on travelling to the breathtaking Wadi Rum. This protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan spans over 700 kilometres-squared and is home to nomadic Bedouin tribes renowned for their traditions and warm hospitality. 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.

Also known as the ‘Valley of the Moon’, Wadi Rum’s exotic landscapes are a favourite location for keen filmmakers, with a variety of blockbusters utilising the region’s space-like vistas, including Lawrence of Arabia, the Martian and Red Planet.

On arrival we’ll enjoy an exclusive BBQ lunch in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert.

Tonight we’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime stay in a luxurious Bedouin-style desert camp. Staying in uniquely-shaped ‘bubble tents’, our accommodation will allow us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Wadi Rum, enjoying phenomenal views of the rugged mountains and endless red desert sands that surround us.

Jordan’s only coastal city, the picturesque Aqaba on the Red Sea, is our destination for today. Jordan’s premier tourism resort and only seaport, Aqaba captivates visitors with its stunning Red Sea coastline, rich history, and amazing location, attracting thousands of travellers each year. This relaxed town is situated on the southern tip of Jordan, and yet despite its beach town vibe, the city retains much of its traditional Jordanian charm.

On arrival in Aqaba, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore more of this relaxed city, or to simply kick back and relax.

This morning we take the opportunity to delve into Jordanian cuisine, learning how to make the delicious Hooh sweets in a cooking class. A traditional Aqaba treat consisting of layers of dough with nuts, butter, honey and more, this unique experience gives us the opportunity to make and sample this local dessert fresh! We will also enjoy coffee and tea with the chef’s family.

After exercising our sweet tooth, we’ll make our way towards Petra. Along the way, 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 delicious 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.

We farewell Petra this morning and make our way to today’s first stop, 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 iconic 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!

Enjoy the rest of the day 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?

This morning we farewell the Dead Sea and make our way back to the bustling city of Amman, delighting in a fun and informative cooking class along the way.

We’ll visit a community involved in a sustainability project that aims to empower locals through teaching permaculture practices. Here, we will be taken to a nearby restaurant to meet a local chef. In a home-style kitchen, we’ll learn how to cook a traditional Jordanian recipe, before devouring our delicious creations.

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.

On arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel and meet our guide before a group dinner to welcome us to Egypt.

We’re set for a magical day of touring, visiting some of the sites that frequently top traveller’s bucket lists. We begin our Egyptian touring at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. Serving as the tomb of the pharaoh Khufu, the largest pyramid was originally 481 feet high and has managed to stay largely intact since its construction in 2600 BC. The two slightly smaller pyramids were built for Khufu’s son, Khafre, and grandson, Menkaure, likewise as burial places for three generations of Egyptian kings.

We’ll then 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. This iconic statue is believed to have been built during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre and is thought to represent him, yet its construction and purpose remains a fascinating mystery.

At Khufu’s Restaurant, we’re treated to delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, but the best bit? The view! This unique restaurant is unlike anything you’ve been to before. Offering panoramic views of the majestic pyramids surrounded by desert, the pictures you’ll take here are guaranteed to be incredible.

This afternoon we visit the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, located a short distance from the pyramids themselves. One of the largest, most modern and renowned museums in the entire world, the GEM is home to over 100,000 ancient Egyptian artefacts. We’re greeted by a 3,200 year old and 83-ton statue of Ramses II in the GEM’s main entrance, so you know we’re in for a real treat exploring this fascinating place!

Please note: The Grand Egyptian Museum partially opened in October 2024. Your visit will include main galleries currently available to the public. We will also continue to visit the Egyptian Museum, where Tutankhamun’s collection still is displayed, until the GEM’s official opening date. This date will be announced by the Government of Egypt in the near future.

Our day begins by discovering the incredible Pyramids of Dahshur. This site was used as funerary grounds beginning in the time of the Fourth Dynasty, where King Senefru built two of his three pyramids: the 'Bent' pyramid, named for the angle of the sides, & the 'Red Pyramid' named for the red limestone used in its construction.

We’ll then make our way to the small town of Sakkara to uncover Egypt’s oldest pyramid, the ancient Step Pyramid of Sakkara. It’s believed to have been designed by the famous vizier of King Zoser, Imhotep, one of the first recognised architects in history. While here, we will also tour the breathtaking Serapeum of Sakkara, an ancient burial place for scared bulls of the Apis ult in Memphis. Bulls were linked to the god Ptah, and priests would choose specific bulls based on their distinctive markings and divine origins. When these bulls died, they were mummified and placed in sarcophagi during elaborate ceremonies.

This afternoon, we’ll delight in a culinary experience at a local farm. Enjoying a farm-to-table lunch, we will sample an array of delicious dishes made of fresh and locally sourced ingredients. After, we return back to Cairo where the remainder of the evening is at leisure.

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.

Luxor Temple is connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. It’s also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

This morning we discover the sights of Luxor 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.

While here, we’ll also get the chance to descend underground into the world-famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Discovered over 100 years ago by renowned Egyptologist Howard Carter, this spectacular tomb consists of four chambers, intricate corridors and an entrance staircase. We’ll admire the well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings on the wall as we explore this underground marvel.

Our next destination is the spectacular Temple of Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. We’ll then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. We then stop at a nearby alabaster workshop, to learn how the locally quarried stone is carved and crafted.

This afternoon we embark on our Nile River cruise ship. Lunch is served on board and the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure.

The main temple of Dendera is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, who’s associated with love, pleasure, beauty and music. Beauty can be seen everywhere in this complex, with well-preserved artwork and reliefs found within the temple reflecting religious rituals and mythological stories. Its exquisite detailing and vibrant colours make Dendera Temple complex a fascinating location to uncover.

Today we will also pass through the Esna Lock to continue our journey south. Situated near the town of Esna along the river, this crucial piece of infrastructure is designed to manage the Nile’s flow and allows vessels to bypass the Esna Barrage, a dam that regulates water for irrigation purposes. Constructed in the 20th century, the lock ensures continuous river navigation despite varying water levels and seasonal changes.

Located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan, you will find the small city of Edfu. This 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 by bus transfer. 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 Horus. It’s an unusual ‘double’ temple, meaning that this complex honours two gods, and remnants of Sobek’s crocodiles and Horus’ falcons can be seen throughout their respective sides.

Tonight, we enjoy a traditional (and fun!) Galabeya party on board.

Departing Kom Ombo in the early morning, we continue on to Aswan. 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.

Today, we disembark the Nile cruise ship and bid farewell to the amazing crew. Our day will be spent exploring the incredible sights of Aswan.

Known for their rich history and traditions, Nubian history can be traced back thousands of years. The Nubian people are renowned for their unique language, vibrant music and colourful crafts, preserving a distinctive cultural identity. Dotted along the Nile River, you’ll find traditional Nubian villages that feature bright and colourful mud-brick homes.

This afternoon, we'll check into our once-in-a-lifetime stay at the famous Old Cataract Hotel. Hugging the banks of the Nile River since 1899, the hotel’s history alone is astounding. Many illustrious figures frequented this luxurious property, including former British prime minister, Winston Churchill, and renowned archaeologist, Howard Carter. Celebrated novelist, Agatha Christie, stayed at the Old Cataract for an entire year, where she wrote part of the iconic ‘Death of the Nile’ novel. Here, history and luxury waltz hand-in-hand.

This morning we will set off to explore the enchanting Philae Temple, a temple that was relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from rising waters during the High Dam’s construction. It is dedicated to the goddess Isis and the complex is a seamless blend of ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman architectural styles. Here, we’ll marvel at the majestic colonnades and intricate reliefs.

We’ll enjoy the afternoon at leisure to bask in the Old Cataract’s atmosphere and to delight in the facilities on offer to us. Ever dreamed of taking a refreshing dip while overlooking the picturesque Nile River? Well, today’s your chance!

Later today, we will board a felucca and sail on the Nile around Kitchener Island. A traditional wooden sailing boat featuring a single sail, a felucca provides a tranquil and serene sailing experience, allowing us to bask in the calmness of the river as the sun gently sets.

This morning we head to Aswan airport and make our way back to Egypt’s lively capital, Cairo.

On arrival, we’ll begin with a visit to the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo, serving throughout history as both a royal residence and military barracks, and the Mohammed Ali Mosque, one of the most prominent Ottoman-style landmarks in Cairo. Next, we stop at a local jewellery shop that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches, before visiting a weaving workshop to learn about locally made Egyptian carpet.

This afternoon, we will check into our accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Our first stop of the day is the historic El Moez Street, one of the oldest streets in historic Cario. We’ll then wander around 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 whilst soaking up the local bustling atmosphere. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills!

Built by Prince Mohammad Ali in the early 20th century, the Manial Palace is truly a complex that will leave us inspired. It’s interior is a beautiful and fascinating mix of Ottoman, Moorish, Persian and European rococo styles, lavishly adorned with stunning tiles, chandeliers and carved ceilings. The palace’s gardens are also impressive, featuring exotic and rare tropical plants collected by the prince. We’ll also get the chance to uncover an ancient nilometer. This fascinating device was used to track the rise and the fall of the Nile River during the annual flooding season.

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

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.