Jordan & Egypt Adventure

Day 1: Amman

Your trip starts today in Amman. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Amman Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Your tour leader may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.

Day 2: Amman

Amman is a curious city stuck in an uneasy cultural position somewhere between the western and Islamic worlds. One hundred years ago the city barely existed, but now, spread over nineteen hills, it is the showpiece of the modern Middle East. Women swathed in gowns walk the streets passing boutiques stocked with the latest European fashion. Old men sit on sidewalk cafes smoking sheesha pipes and wearing keffiyas, as their grandfathers have done before them, while kids walk by humming the latest pop tunes. The city is visually striking - with few exceptions, no building is allowed to be more than four storeys high and all must be built with the white limestone taken from the earth surrounding Amman. We enjoy a city tour on foot, visiting the Roman Theatre and the Citadel as well as walking in the old souq (bazaar). From the Citadel hill we have our first view of the impressive Roman Theatre. Cut into the rock of a hill in the heart of the downtown area it once seated 6000 people. Now it offers a little haven of peace in this bustling metropolis and closing your eyes you can almost imagine the sounds of musical and theatrical performances gracing its stage. High above the city of Amman are the ancient ruins which make up the Citadel complex. From here we have magnificent views of the hills of Amman while sitting amongst the regal columns of a Roman temple and the elegant capitals of a Byzantine church. A small archaeological museum on the site has an excellent collection of antiquities dating back to prehistoric times including an exhibit particularly worth viewing – the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Found in 1952, the scrolls tell of hidden treasure buried somewhere on the West Bank of the River Jordan, but have never been found. You can also book an optional afternoon tour to the ancient Roman city of Jerash (US$30).

Day 3: Amman - Petra

In the morning you can partake in an optional visit to the Dead Sea (entrance fee: US$15). You probably already know that this is the lowest place on earth. But did you also know that it is part of the Great Rift Valley that stretches from the Middle East all the way down into East Africa? As you descend to 400 metres below sea level, the mountains tower above, looking fierce and unforgiving. Approaching the Dead Sea, you notice the white residue left all around the shore line - evidence of its high salinity (normal sea water has around 3-4% salt but the Dead Sea is 30% salt). Then you jump in and find out that all those pictures that you've seen were actually true, and you really can float in the sea, sitting as you would in an armchair. The Dead Sea is said to contain many healing properties, and you can reach down and pick up some of the soft, sulphurous black mud and apply it to your body like a mud pack! Many of our travellers remark just how good their skin feels after a quick dip in its waters. Stepping into the Dead Sea is a sensation like no other and definitely one of those life experiences that you shouldn't miss out on. In the afternoon we transfer to Wadi Musa, beside the ancient city of Petra. Throughout Jordan we will encounter amazing mountain ranges where villages nestle on cliffs that tumble down to deep valleys. A stroll around the village will give us a unique insight into the lives of Jordanians and its steep roads will serve as a warm up for your experience in Petra! You can sit in a small café and watch the world go by or enjoy a drink at ‘the Cave’ a popular local bar. The rose red city of Petra is the most mystic and glorious of Jordan’s ancient treasures. Located in a spectacular setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge it is the remains of the once lost Nabataean city. In ancient times Petra was admired for its refined culture, incredible architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. As we stroll through the towering Siq, we will be torn between the desire to make every step last and the urge to run as the anticipation of our first glimpse of the dramatic Treasury between the Siq walls almost takes over. Used in the final sequence of the film, 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade', the Treasury is only the beginning of our fabulous adventure. As we climb old steps to the High Place of Sacrifice where we view the dramatic expanse of Petra, catch glimpses of a multitude of tombs nestled into rugged mountain sides, walk on sands that change colour from rose, to deep reds and to purple, take the monumental staircase to the magical Monastery and walk to the 'end of the world' for views of the wild Negev Mountains. After exploring Petra why not treat yourself to a relaxing and invigorating Turkish bath (optional - cost US$30) to wash away the rose sands and ease those well-used muscles. (Approx 6 hrs driving)

Day 4: Petra - Wadi Rum - Bedouin Camp

We spend most of the day exploring the magnificent hidden city of Petra. Later in the afternoon we head into the desert to Wadi Rum. According to the Bedouin, to understand Jordan you must have the time and peace to clear your mind in the expanse of Wadi Rum, probably one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. As the main inhabitants of Wadi Rum, the lives of the Bedouin are intrinsically linked with the desert landscape and here and there we will see women herding goats and families around their traditional camel hair tents. Standing amid this wonderful landscape where the red rocks rise up to meet the deep blue sky, the illusion of Wadi Rum will soon work its magic on you. After travelling just a few kilometres into the desert a glance back reminds you that you would not be able to find your way back without the remarkable skills of your Bedouin guides. While all around you uniquely shaped mountains soon have you pointing out faces and shapes to your companions and wondering if anyone else thinks the rock looks like melting chocolate (they will!). Immortalised as the desert of 'Lawrence of Arabia', Wadi Rum ('wadi' means valley) was once a meeting place for caravans from Arabia, but also has a longer history dating back to prehistoric times. We spend the night in a Bedouin style camp. For the most part nowadays the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle has been replaced by life in semi-permanent shantytown settlements. In the desert of Wadi Rum, we have located a camp owned by Bedouin and operated along more traditional lines. Our hosts adhere to more distinctive values and our travellers are well looked after. We are accommodated communally in two large tents of the time-honoured design. Mattresses, pillows and blankets are provided, and there are toilets and one shower. Please note that meals are taken at a low table and sitting on cushions. (Approx 2 hrs driving)

Day 5: Camel Trek - Aqaba

We join the Bedouin people of Wadi Rum for a short camel trek into the desert. There is also the chance of an optional jeep safari (US$15). Later we drive to the coastal town of Aqaba, Jordan’s window to the sea and a place that boasts some excellent snorkel and dive spots. Its calming atmosphere and balmy weather gives it an almost Mediterranean feel and makes it an ideal spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the many water sports on offer. Wandering around town we find medieval archaeological sites, small bustling Middle Eastern markets with incredibly friendly traders who are happy just to chat, and street cafes where we can enjoy some of the best fresh fruit juice ever tasted. (Approx 1 hr driving)

Day 6: Nuweiba - Dahab

Board the hydrofoil to cross the Gulf of Aqaba to Nuweiba (Egypt). Imagine massive reddish brown granite mountains, coral gardens and coloured reefs, blue skies, crystal water, wide amazing valleys, coloured canyons, Bedouin tribes, nomad footsteps, big camels and tiny goats and you'll have a good idea of how beautiful the Sinai is. Though small in size, the Sinai Peninsula is a region of great contrasts, from the arid peaks of the Sinai High Range to the teeming marine life of the Red Sea. You can go trekking through the great valleys and mountains. If you adore relaxing, you'll struggle to find better than the excellent beaches along the coast. Our journey continues to the coastal village of Dahab. 'Dahab' means 'gold' in Arabic, so it's not hard to imagine what Dahab looks like – amazing beaches and an almost unrivalled variety of coral gardens and coloured reefs. Here you may find yourself hanging out in a beach café with a sheesha pipe, eating sea food while watching the moonlight reflect on the crystal water, riding a camel in the desert, having tea with a Bedouin family or simply watching the local children wander beneath the palm trees selling handmade Bedouin crafts. (Approx 6-8 hrs travelling - including time spent completing port formalities)

Day 7: Dahab - St Catherine's

We have a free morning in Dahab to relax on the beach or snorkel amidst the crystal water and the coral gardens of the Red Sea (US$10). In the afternoon transfer to St Catherine's Village, where we spend the night near the foot of Mount Sinai next to the famous St Catherine's Monastery. St Catherine's is surrounded by spiky granite mountains, and located between two of the highest and most religious mountains in the Sinai - Mount Sinai and Mount St Catherine. Take a walk around the village and we are sure to come across Bedouins, camels, trekkers and pilgrims, united by the spirit of adventure found so close to Mount Sinai. (Approx 2 hrs driving)

Day 8: Mount Sinai - Cairo

We rise early to climb Mount Sinai for sunrise. This mountain is believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. Following in Moses' footsteps we have the opportunity to ascend to the summit in time for sunrise. This means a very early start (between 1-3am depending on the time of year) and involves a strenuous uphill walk along a camel path and finally up 750 stone steps accompanied by our tour leader. The climb takes about three hours although it is possible to take a camel up as far as the steps or hire one halfway up if necessary! There are teahouses dotted along the way and one at the top, so not only can we follow the glow of their lights, but we can also stop for a hot drink and a breather. The view from the top as the day breaks is worth every step of the climb. There are two routes down the mountain. From the top we must follow the 750 stone steps back down and then can either return along the camel path or follow a winding route down the 'Steps of Repentance'. Neither route is difficult (particularly as we will no longer need our torches!), however the 3000 or so 'Steps of Repentance' do have some steep sections and can take around two hours to descend. After breakfast continue to Cairo via the Suez Canal. When we arrive in Cairo we are thrown headlong into the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. As we wander the streets our senses will be assaulted on all levels – an endless cacophony of noise with cars tooting donkeys braying and the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer; the mix of smells like the aroma from cooking pots bubbling with 'foul' (pronounced 'fool' - a local bean paste dish that we will certainly get to sample); the delicious taste of mint tea as you sit in a shaded café to relax; and the endless river of life that you can watch roll past you – women haggling in the bazaars, men talking whilst enjoying a traditional sheesha pipe, cars vying for space on the crowded roads, camels ambling serenely along and children playing in the back streets. There are many things to do in Cairo, from visiting the fantastic Egyptian Museum to the bazaars of Khan el Khalili. (Approx 7 hrs driving)

Day 9: Cairo - overnight train

Today we enjoy a guided visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. The Pyramids really do have to be seen to be believed! To get there we weave our way through the manic Cairo traffic, out into the suburbs and then, suddenly, there they are. Huge majestic tombs rising out the desert, towering above the modern city of Cairo, they are an incredible testament to the immense achievements of the Ancient Egyptians. Built over 5000 years ago the Pyramids are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that is still standing. We explore the Pyramids and the Sphinx with our Egyptologist guide who can explain all the mysteries surrounding their creation – were they built by aliens or are they aligned to the stars? We also have the opportunity to climb inside the Great Pyramid (optional) and see for ourselves the burial chamber inside (not for the claustrophobic!). Later there is the option to visit the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist (cost: US$28). What a museum, what a collection! This museum houses the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts including many of the treasures discovered in the tombs of pharaohs, the amazing golden mask of Tutankhamun and a large number of mummies. To put that in perspective, if you spend just one minute at each exhibit it would take more than nine months to see everything! In the evening we catch our overnight train and travel south to Luxor. The journey takes about 10 hours and we will be travelling in 1st class reclining seats. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business-class seats on a plane) that recline to about 45°. A simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.

Day 10: Luxor

After arriving from our overnight train journey, we check into our hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to do some sightseeing. There cannot be anywhere else in the world that has the same number of awe-inspiring attractions as the small town of Luxor. This was the capital of Egypt in ancient times (then known as Thebes) and there are an endless number of temples, tombs and museums that could keep even the most avid sightseer busy for a week! The Movenpick Hotel, on the southern outskirts of Luxor, is famed for its ice cream and a great place to relax (while sampling the wide assortment of flavours!) after some serious sightseeing. During your free time we suggest that you take a ride along the banks of the River Nile on a horse-drawn carriage and head to Karnak Temple. Arriving at the gates there is an avenue of lion statues leading up to the magnificent gates. But this doesn’t prepare you for the sheer size of the temple when you get inside. It was built by many pharaohs over a period of 2000 years with each one trying to outdo his predecessor in architectural achievement. You could lose yourself inside but we have an Egyptologist who takes us around, pointing out all the most impressive parts of the temple and giving a full insight into the lives of the pharaohs who worshipped there. For those who wish to experience it (optional), there is a sound and light show held at Karnak every evening. The show is unlike other sound and light shows in Egypt - instead of sitting throughout the performance, you walk through the temple as the show progresses. The smaller, but equally interesting Luxor Temple is located on the southern part of town. It is missing one obelisk, which is today residing on the Place de la Concorde in Paris!

Day 11: Valley of the Kings - Luxor - Aswan

The Valley of the Kings is on the other side of the Nile, on the West Bank. To get there we rise at around 4:30 am (to avoid the heat) and meet up with our donkeys who will be our favoured (and most fun!) method of transport. Each member of the group will be assigned a donkey and given a quick lesson in how to control them, before we set off on the seven kilometre ride. We take quiet roads, with lovely views of the green fields leading to the edge of the Nile and the sheer cliffs of the desert beyond. We are not the only people up at this time and will pass villagers on their own donkeys on their way to the fields. Arriving at the Valley of the Kings, there is not much to see above the ground. But corridors carved deep into the valley lead to the burial chambers far underground. The walls of the tombs are covered in incredibly well preserved paintings depicting the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt and complex hieroglyphics which our guide will help us decipher. We visit three different tombs and there may also be the chance to visit the tomb of Tutankhamun, the famous boy king (additional cost), and spend some time exploring on your own. Our route back takes us past the Colossi of Memnon. Returning to Luxor we gather our luggage and board an afternoon train to Aswan. The train journey takes approximately just over 3 hours. On arrival in Aswan we check into our hotel. Aswan is a whole world away from Cairo - the pace of life is much slower and the town is small enough to explore on foot. In Aswan the Nile is at its most picturesque with golden sand dunes coming right to the waters edge and scores of white sailed feluccas gliding around the islands. The bazaar runs the whole length of town and is crammed with shops and stalls selling everything imaginable - a great place to hone your haggling skills. To relax you can sit at one of the many cafes and enjoy a cup of sweet tea and a game of backgammon.

Day 12: Aswan - Nubian village - overnight felucca

Today we have a free morning, so there is an opportunity to take an optional, but highly recommended excursion to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. The options include going by bus (US$80) or by air (US$215). Travelling by bus will involve an early rise and a pre-dawn start. Abu Simbel is one of the highlights of any visit to Egypt and considered 'not-to-be-missed' by many travellers. Deep in the heart of the desert, miles from the nearest habitation is a gigantic monolith out of which are carved four colossal statues – each one the seated figure of Ramses II, one of Ancient Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. Built in the 13th century BC, the temples remained totally hidden by sand until 1813, and were almost destined to be submerged again, 150 years later, by the rising waters of Lake Nasser – a man-made lake formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam. Remarkably, a massive UNESCO project dismantled the entire temple and the cliff out of which it is carved, and reassembled it on higher ground redirecting the magnificent stare of Ramses II across Lake Nasser's blue waters. It is still possible to see just how close they came to being submerged by the watermarks around the base of the statues. There is no better way to see Aswan than a cruise aboard a traditional felucca. In the afternoon we board our feluccas and drift among Aswan's islands. There is nothing to do but sit back, relax and watch, as we pass by Elephantine Island, Kitchener's island, Agha Khan's Mausoleum and the Monastery of St Simeon. We also visit a Nubian village and enjoy a typical Nubian dinner. Feluccas are sailing boats that have been used on the Nile for centuries. There is no motor – if the wind is not blowing then we drift as the river takes us. There are no facilities on board; if you need the toilet then the boat will pull over to the bank and you can find a suitable bush; if it is hot we erect a simple canopy to provide shade; if it is cold then you snuggle up under your sleeping bag. We spend the night under a blanket of stars and wake with the sun as the mist rises from the river. Each felucca sleeps 6 -12 people and is crewed by a captain and a deck-hand – both of whom have grown up along the banks of the Nile and have become our long standing friends. As well as being experienced Nile sailors they also know how to make the most delicious meals out of simple local ingredients – local bread, white cheese, hummus and delicious fresh juicy tomatoes. They may also treat you to a bit of impromptu entertainment of Nubian singing or drumming. The deck is covered with mattresses and cushions and you will sleep sardine style across the boat, however bedding is not provided so you will need to bring a sleeping bag. In the summer months (March – Oct) you may like to bring a sleeping sheet AS WELL to use instead of your sleeping bag if the nights are warmer. You will also need to have brought your own towel for the night. Note: It is very important that if you are unable to swim, you inform your tour leader before boarding the felucca.

Day 13: Aswan - overnight train

After breakfast we disembark from our felucca and are transferred to a hotel in town, where we share the use of a day room to store our luggage for the day. The rest of the time we are free to wander around and revisit the Nubian bazaar, the long and colourful street that snakes through the centre of town. Other options include visits to the stunning Temple of Isis on Philae Island and/or a stop at the Aswan High Dam (strictly no photography). You may decide to head out on a felucca to the West Bank and take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St Simeon. In the evening we board the train for our return overnight journey to Cairo, which takes about 13 hours.

Day 14: Cairo

Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan el Khalili bazaar – an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There’s time for everything and our tour leader can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain! This evening we can enjoy a final night out together.

Day 15: Cairo

Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.

Tour Grade: Culture