Highlights of Egypt and Jordan
Independent Pre-planned 20-day Journey
Starts in Cairo on any day

Highlights include Cairo, Giza Pyramids & Sphinx, Luxor, Nile River Cruise, Aswan, Abu Simbel,
Amman, Jerash, Um Qais, Ajloun, Madaba, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the Dead Sea
featuring five UNESCO World-Heritage Sites

 

Your Trip, Your Way

The trip described below is one which we have previously offered as one of our own Private Journeys. Since we are not currently offering this trip as a group departure, we have made it available as a custom-designed itinerary.

We can start this trip on any date and can accommodate any number of travellers. The itinerary can be followed exactly as shown or we can add or subtract days as required to suit your exact needs.

Along the way we will provide expert guides and private air-conditioned vehicles in all locations. We'll pre-arrange all breakfasts and any other meals that you require. We have suggested meals in the itinerary below, but we can adjust this to suit your tastes.

And while we show recommended hotel names in many of the locations on the itinerary as well, we can also adjust the hotels to suit whatever comfort level you prefer.

In short, we'll start with this itinerary and modify it in any way you like.

We'll take care of the details. Then all you have to do is arrive and enjoy your journey.
 

Introduction

These two countries have so much to offer. The archaeological treasures will leave you spellbound. The history will envelop you. The scenery and culture will dazzle you.

Egypt and Jordan are the two most interesting countries in the Middle East and have been welcoming western visitors for centuries. The infrastructure is well-developed, the countries are peaceful, the hotels are wonderful, the transportation is good and the sites are simply spectacular.

Travel to the cities, villages, deserts, extraordinary museums, busy markets, historic and cultural sites and more; all in comfort and safety. You'll spend four relaxing days floating down the Nile River in Upper Egypt and also visit the beaches in southern Jordan. You travel on modern aircraft, private mini-buses, jeeps, camels and boats. You'll watch the sun set over the Nile, the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. You'll do many things you've never even thought of.

Let us help you visit these very special places. Come in and talk to us or call us soon.

The Journey

In response to requests from many of our well-travelled clients, we created this spectacular journey through the more important parts of western and central Turkey.

You'll begin this 20-day journey in the frenetic and fascinating city of Cairo where you'll spend a few days taking in Egyptian antiquities, the Pyramids, the Sphinx and historic Coptic Cairo. From here, travel to Upper Egypt to examine Karnak and Luxor temples and the spectacular Valley of the Kings.

Then board your 5-star riverboat for a four-day float on the serene and beautiful Nile River. Along the way, stop in Edfu and Kom Ombo before arriving in Aswan where you'll spend a day visiting Philae temple and the high dam before visiting the magnificent site of Abu Simbel.

Then move on to Amman, Jordan's capital. For the next few days, travel through this beautiful country stopping in the Roman city of Jerash, the sites of Ajloun and Um Qais, the mosaic city of Madaba, Mount Nebo, the baptism site at Bethany Beyond and Dana Reserve. Then spend the final week taking in the desert scenery of Petra and Wadi Rum, the beaches of Aqaba and the amazing Dead Sea.

If the itinerary below is not exactly what you need, we can adjust it according to your wishes. Longer? Shorter? In different places? In different hotels? Whatever... And, if you wish to extend your time in the Middle East after this trip, we have many options available.

Let us create a special journey just for you. Come in and talk to us or call us soon. We can be reached at 613-789-1900 in Ottawa or Toll-free at 888-765-7662. Alternately, you can click here to send us e-mail.

The Itinerary (for a map of this journey click here)
 

day 1	CAIRO ARRIVALS Upon Arrival in Cairo you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. No formal activities are planned for today. Cairo, Egypt’s chaotic, noisy, unpredictable capital city boasts a population of more than 16 million people. Situated on the Nile, it’s famous for its incredible history, well-preserved in the medieval Islamic city, in Coptic Cairo, in Giza (the pyramids and Sphinx) and in the Egyptian Museum. Visitors to Cairo have marvelled at its antiquities for thousands of years, but Cairo is about more than just the past – it’s also home to a vibrant and modern society. Mud-brick houses lean up against modern office buildings, flashy cars crowd donkey-drawn carts. Cairo’s inhabitants cope well with these contrasts and are not driven by the Western obsession to update and upgrade, possibly because they live in such close proximity to centuries of history. Overnight at the downtown Sofitel El Gezirah.
day 2	CAIRO (B,L) Breakfast at the hotel. This morning depart for a full day of escorted sightseeing with your guide. You'll visit the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, Old Cairo, the Citadel & Mohammad Ali Mosque and the ancient Khan al Khalili Bazaar. The biggest single attraction within the city center for visitors is the Egyptian Museum. The sprawling building is packed with antiquities - mummies including the pharaohs Ramses II and III and Seti I, the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamen and thousands of other highlights from the oldest of civilizations including an excellent collection of Greek and Roman artefacts. Old Cairo is a wonderful part of the city that contains the remnants of cities which were capitals before Cairo as well as some other elements from the city's varied history including Coptic Cairo with its ruins of Roman fortifications, the Coptic Museum, Babylon Fortress, the Hanging Church and other Coptic churches, the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Mosque of Amr ibn al-'As. The mosque of Muhammad 'Ali Pasha was built between 1828 and 1848. Perched on the summit of the citadel, this Ottoman mosque, the largest to be built in the first half of the 19th century, is, with its animated silhouette and twin minarets, the most visible mosque in Cairo. Khan al-Khalili is a major souk in the Old City and a historic landmark. The souk dates back to 1382, when an Emir built a large caravanserai in Cairo in order to repair the city walls after major damages due to the plague. The souq is noted for selling good-quality clothing, cloth, spices, souvenirs, traditional jewelry and perfumes at reasonable prices. In addition to shops, there are several small and traditional coffeehouses serving Arabic coffee and usually offering shisha. At an appropriate time you'll have lunch at the Felfela restaurant. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Free for dinner. Overnight at the Sofitel El Gezirah.
day 3	CAIRO - GIZA - CAIRO (B,L) Breakfast at the hotel. This morning visit Giza to see the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. The Giza Necropolis stands on the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Cairo near the town of Giza, southwest of city centre. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining monument of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’. The Great Sphinx is a half-human, half-lion statue located just to the east of the pyramids. The earliest and largest monolith statue in the world, it stands 73.5 metres long, 6 m wide and 20 m high. It is commonly believed to have been built by ancient Egyptians in the 3rd millennium BC. At an appropriate time today, stop for lunch at the Khan Al Khalili café at the Mena House. Rest of the afternoon free. You can choose to use the time to your advantage to visit some of the local museums and galleries or simply to relax at the hotel. Free for dinner. Overnight at the Sofitel El Gezirah.
day 4	CAIRO - LUXOR (B,D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, check out of your hotel and transfer to the Cairo airport in time for your flight to Upper Egypt. Upon arrival in Luxor, transfer to your hotel and check in. The hotel is located right on the riverside and your room looks out on the Nile. Luxor, population 376,000, is the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes and contains the ruins of the Karnak and Luxor temple complexes which stand within the modern city. Across the Nile River from the city lie the spectacular monuments, temples and tombs on the West Bank Necropolis which includes the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. This afternoon, visit the amazing Karnak Temple complex. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at the Nile Palace Hotel.
day 5	LUXOR - NILE CRUISE (B,L,D) Breakfast at the hotel. At an appropriate time today you'll begin your four-day cruise on the Nile River by checking in to your cabin on board the beautiful MS Sonesta St. George riverboat. During the cruise all visits to important monuments are included as well as transport and Egyptologist guides, all meals, accommodation and entertainment. This morning visit the west bank sites of the Valley of the Kings, the terrace temple of Hatshepsut and the Memnon Colossus. Enjoy lunch on board the boat today. Afternoon visit to Luxor temple or enjoy an optional calache ride through the lesser-visited parts of Luxor city. Dinner and overnight on board MS Sonesta St. George.  Tonight, depart from Luxor and cruise southbound toward the town of Edfu.
day 6	CONTINUE THE NILE CRUISE (B,L,D) Breakfast on board. Today is a leisurely one spent cruising the Nile and taking in the sights and sounds of the settlements along the banks of this amazing river. This morning, pass through the locks at Esna and this afternoon you'll arrive at the town of Edfu. Note that the timing of actual visits will depend on scheduling of the boat arrivals. Lunch on board at an appropriate time during the day. Dinner and overnight on board MS Sonesta St. George.
day 7	CONTINUE THE NILE CRUISE (B,L,D) Breakfast on board. Edfu is the site of the great temple of the Royal Falcon God, Horus. This morning visit the temple which was built between 237 and 57 BC, into the reign of Cleopatra VII. It is one of the best preserved temple in all of Upper Egypt. Afterwards we set sail for Kom Ombo, an agricultural town on the shore of the Nile about 50 km north of Aswan. The town was originally an Egyptian settlement called Nubt which became a Greek settlement during the Greco-Roman Period. The town's location gave it some control over trade routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley but its main rise to prominence came with the erection of the temple in the 2nd century BC. Visit the temple this evening. The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty. One side of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world. The other side is dedicated to the falcon god Horus the Elder. The temple is atypical because everything is perfectly symmetrical along the main axis. Much of the temple has been destroyed by the Nile, earthquakes, and later builders who used the stones for other projects. Some of the reliefs inside were defaced by Copts who once used the temple as a church. A few of the three-hundred crocodile mummies discovered in the vicinity are displayed inside the temple. After seeing the temple, set sail for Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board MS Sonesta St. George.
day 8	CONTINUE THE NILE CRUISE (B,L,D) Breakfast on board. This morning visit the magnificent High Dam with views of Lake Nasser and also visit Philae Temple. Lake Nasser is a vast reservoir in southern Egypt and Northern Sudan. It was created as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam across the Nile between 1958 and 1970. The lake is named after President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who initiated the controversial project and is 550 km long and 35 km across at its widest point. It has a storage capacity of about 157 cubic kilometres of water. When Lake Nasser was being created, the anticipated rising waters behind the dam required major relocation projects that were carried out during the 1960s. Many important Nubian and Ancient Egyptian archaeological sites were dismantled block by block and moved to higher ground. Two of the most notable of these were Philae Temple, which you visit today, and Abu Simbel, which you visit tomorrow. Lunch on board at an appropriate time. This afternoon board a felucca and sail leisurely along the Nile passing Kitchener’s Island and its botanical gardens as well as the Agha Khan Mausoleum. Dinner and overnight on board MS Sonesta St. George in Aswan.
day 9	ASWAN - ABU SIMBEL - ASWAN (B) Breakfast on board. Disembark from the MS Sonesta St. George for an early morning flight to Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples on the western bank of Lake Nasser about 290 km southwest of Aswan. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments" which run from Abu Simbel downriver to Philae. The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari, to commemorate his alleged victory at the Battle of Kadesh and to intimidate his Nubian neighbours. The complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s on an artificial hill, high above the Aswan dam reservoir. After a tour of this magnificent site take the return flight to Aswan and upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Free for dinner. Overnight at the Movenpick Hotel.
day 10	ASWAN - CAIRO - AMMAN, JORDAN (B) After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo and on to Amman. Upon arrival in Amman, you'll be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Amman (population, more than 2 million) is the capital city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the administrative and commercial capital. It is located in a hilly area in north-western Jordan and was originally built on seven hills but now spans over an area of nineteen hills. The main areas of Amman gain their names from the hills on which they lie. Amman is home to many diverse religious sects making up the two primary religions of Islam (90%) and Christianity (10%). Numerous mosques and churches dot the capital. The city has both a modern and a historic touch. Old Amman is filled with souks, small shops and single-family dwellings, all crowded together. Rapid growth is reshaping the city and transforming it into a major commercial hub. No activities are planned for the rest of today. Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel.
day 11	AMMAN (B,L) Breakfast at the hotel. The most interesting part of Amman is the downtown area which is centered around the old souk and the King Hussein Mosque. Downtown (Al Balad), has been completely dwarfed by the sprawling urban areas that surround it, but despite the changes, much remains of its old character. Those seeking the atmosphere of the Old City will certainly find it here complete with the bustle of daily life, the capital's greatest souks, fine museums, ancient sites and monuments. Citadel hill, known as Jabal al Qal’a, has been inhabited for centuries and was an important military and religious site. It dates back to Roman and Byzantine times. Remains unearthed at the northern and eastern ends of the Citadel possibly date back to the Bronze Age. The Citadel also is home to the Temple of Hercules which is said to have been constructed under the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius who reigned from 161-180 AD, is similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Behind the Roman Forum stands a Roman Amphitheatre—the largest in Jordan—with room for 6,000 spectators. Thought to have been built between 138 and 161 AD by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, it is constructed into the side of the mountain and is still used for sports displays and cultural events. Today  you’ll spend most of the day visiting the important sites of the city including Downtown, the market, Citadel Hill, the Roman Amphitheatre and the upmarket area of West Amman (Jebel Amman). Have lunch at a local restaurant at an appropriate time. After touring, return to the hotel. Free for dinner. Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel.
day 12	AMMAN – JERASH – UM QAIS – AMMAN (B,L) Breakfast at the hotel. Today you drive about 50 km north of Amman to the city of Jerash. Second only to Petra in popularity, Jerash is known for the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gerasa. It became an urban center during the 3rd century BC and a member of the federation of Greek cities known as the Decapolis ("ten cities" in Greek). Jerash prospered during the 1st century BC as a result of its position on the incense and spice trade route from the Arabian Peninsula to Syria and the Mediterranean region. You'll spend some time touring the ruins here. Afterwards travel on to the city of Ajloun, where you visit the impressive ruins of the 12th century Ayyubid Saladin Castle (Qal'at Ar-Rabad) located on the site of an old monastery. The castle was built by Izz al-Din Usama, a general of Saladin army, in 1184 to protect the communication routes between south Jordan and Syria. From here, head for Um Qais, tucked into the angle of borders formed by Jordan, Israel and the Golan Heights. Um Qais is the site of the Decapolis city of Gadara and the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine. Here, have lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Amman in the afternoon. Free for dinner. Overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel.
day 13	AMMAN - MADABA – DANA (B,L,D) Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive south to Madaba, the city of mosaics. Madaba's chief attraction, the contemporary Greek Orthodox church of St. George contains a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. From here, continue on to Mount Nebo for a quick tour of the site of Moses’ Tomb and lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, have a short visit to the baptism site at Bethany beyond the Jordan, located a few hundred meters from the Jordan River. Excavations have uncovered a first century AD settlement with plastered pools and water systems that were almost certainly used for baptism as well as a 5th - 6th century AD late Byzantine settlement with churches, a monastery and other structures probably catering to religious pilgrims. After lunch in Madaba, drive south to Dana and check in for your overnight stay. The Dana Nature Reserve is Jordan's largest, comprising 308 square km. The varied geology includes limestone, sandstone and granite, and Wadi Dana features wind-cut sandstone cliffs. The reserve is home to hundreds of species of plants, birds and mammals. Tonight's accommodation is very basic with shared bathrooms, but the atmosphere makes up for the minor inconvenience. Dinner and overnight at the Dana Guesthouse.
day 14	DANA – PETRA (B) Breakfast at the guesthouse. In the morning you have time for a leisurely walk to examine some of the features of the local village. Later, continue your trip southward toward Petra. Petra is Jordan's most famous archaeological site lying in a basin among the mountains forming the eastern flank of Wadi Araba, the large valley running from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. The site is renowned for its rock-cut architecture. It remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by a Swiss explorer. In 1985, Petra was designated a World Heritage Site. Upon arrival in Petra, check into your hotel. Overnight at the Movenpick Resort.
day 15	PETRA (B,L) Breakfast at the hotel. Full day of sightseeing at Petra. Lunch at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Movenpick Resort.
day 16	PETRA - WADI RUM (B,L,D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today, continue your drive southward from Petra to Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum, the largest wadi in Jordan, is a valley cut into sandstone and granite rock which has become one of Jordan's most important destinations for international visitors. Popular activities in the desert environment include camping, horseback riding, hiking, biking, jeep excursions and rock-climbing. Here we’ll have the opportunity to try some of these or simply to explore the region at your leisure. Due to the isolation of the area, the accommodation for this night is very basic and there are no ensuite facilities. Overnight at Bait Ali Camp.
day 17	WADI RUM - AQABA (B) Breakfast at the camp. Today, drive to the southern tip of Jordan and check in to your hotel in Aqaba, Jordan’s only seaport, located at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, the northeast arm of the Red Sea. The city is well-known for its beach resorts offering fun and relaxation to those who come for the sand and sea. Welcome back to civilization! The rest of the time in Aqaba is at leisure. Enjoy! Overnight at the Movenpick Resort.
day 18	AQABA (B) Breakfast at the hotel. Totally free day to do whatever you want! Overnight at the Movenpick Resort.
day 19	AQABA – DEAD SEA  (B,D) Breakfast at the hotel. Today's drive will take you to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at 1286 ft below sea level. This mineral-rich body of water attracts visitors from around the world and even those who can't swim can float freely on the surface. This area is a wonderful place to enjoy a great vacation in relaxation and comfort. Therapeutic, cosmetic and massage treatments are available throughout the area. After checking in to the hotel, the rest of the day is free. Your hotel offers three luxurious enclaves set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools, designed in affectionate tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. All rooms benefit from stunning views of the Dead Sea and its dramatic sunsets. Overnight at Kempinski Ishtar Resort.
day 20	DEAD SEA – HOME (B) Breakfast at the hotel. At an appropriate time today, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

 

Price

The price will be determined after the trip is designed the way you want it. We can change any aspect of the trip to meet your needs.

Accommodation

The accommodation shown below and in the itinerary are simply examples of the types of hotels that we have used in the past. We can discuss hotel choices with you when creating your special journey and can adjust specific properties according to your wishes.
 

Cairo Sofitel El Gezira	Hotel website
	A wonderful, classy starting hotel situated in the heart of Cairo on the banks of the Nile River. Fully refurbished in 2007, the contemporary interior design combines exquisite style and elegant refinement with the convenience of several restaurants, bars, spa, casino and a unique French flair and personalized service.
Luxor Nile Palace Hotel	Hotel website
	Located in the centre of Luxor City on the shore of the Nile River, the  hotel is an ideal base from which to explore this former capital of the ancient Egyptian Kingdom of Thebes. Your room offers an unobstructed view of the Nile and the West Bank.
Nile Cruise MS Sonesta St. George	Hotel Website
	The newest ship of the Sonesta Nile fleet is the Sonesta St. George, with 47 deluxe cabins. This is truly one of the finest and most elegant vessels on the Nile. What a magnificent way to travel through Upper Egypt in style!
Aswan Movenpick Hotel	Hotel Website
	A perfect place to relax in some of the most beautiful, natural surroundings in Egypt. The resort is set on an island in the middle of the Nile River.
Amman Intercontinental Hotel	Hotel Website
	Deluxe surroundings, situated atop one of Amman’s seven hills within walking distance of the city centre. You couldn't ask for a better location.
Dana Dana Guesthouse	Information
	Simple and wild, the Dana Guesthouse is perched on the edge of the spectacular Wadi Dana canyon in the Dana nature reserve in southern Jordan. It's one of the most peaceful and relaxing places you can stay in the whole country. Washrooms are shared here.
Petra Movenpick Resort	Hotel website
	Located directly at the entrance to the historic city of Petra, the luxurious Mövenpick Resort is certainly one of the most notable hotels in the Middle East.
Wadi Rum Bait Ali Camp	Hotel website
	Bait Ali is a newly-created facility in the heart of Wadi Rum. This simple camp and rest area is built in the Bedouin Arabic tradition blending naturally into its desert surroundings. Together with its large modern kitchen, “Bait Ali” has traditional Bedouin tented areas, modern showers and toilets, terraced areas and bar facilities. Note that washroom facilities are not "ensuite" at this location.
Aqaba Movenpick Resort	Hotel website
	Located in the centre of Aqaba, overlooking the Red Sea, this architectural delight features a mix of European and Arabesque designs, with a feeling of grandeur and luxury.
Dead Sea Kempinski Ishtar Resort	Hotel website
	This superb hotel is set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools, providing guests with absolute privacy in a serene and exclusive setting. The highest of service levels at the lowest point on earth.