Journeys: Discover Jordan & Egypt

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Arrive in Amman at any time, there are no planned activities. Meet your CEO this evening for a welcome meeting to learn more about the tour and plans for the following day, choose to head out for an optional dinner at a local restaurant with your CEO and the group.

Amman is a very big city and there is not one central area to stay - hotels are spread out across various neighbourhoods within the city, often on busy streets without pedestrian walkways - getting around the city, for visitors and locals, is done by car. For this reason, to move around the city in your free time, you will have to take a taxi, please feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations and assistance.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

Awake in the Jordanian capital and venture to Jerash, home to one of the world’s largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins. Wander amid the colonnaded streets, soaring temples, and spacious squares of this ancient city; then visit a G Adventures–supported café run by local women, where we’ll enjoy a cooking class and delicious traditional lunch. Back in Amman, visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum and explore the ruins of the Citadel—one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.

ACTIVITY: Part of the G Adventures for Good program, Beit Khayrat Souf is a women-run cafe with the purpose of training and employing women to gain their own financial independence. Women manage the cafe and lead cooking classes on site. They engage more women outside the organization by sourcing and making preserves sold at the cafe.

ACTIVITY: As part of an experience exclusive to National Geographic Journeys travellers – and part of our G Adventures for Good program, prepare your own traditional Jordanian meal with a lively group of women at Beit Khayrat Souf. This café is run and managed by women seeking financial independence. Here, women help prepare food along with leading cooking classes on-site. The café also sources and makes preserves which are served and sold at the café, helping to engage even more women living in the charming hills of Souf.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit the museum for an overview on Jordan's history and ancient sites. Continue on to the Citadel archaeological site, best known for the Roman Temple of Hercules, but used by numerous civilizations dating back to the Bronze Age.

Depart early towards Petra, driving along the scenic King’s Highway. Stop at Mount Nebo, where Moses was offered a glimpse of the Promised Land according to the Hebrew Bible. Take in stunning views of the Dead Sea from the summit, and continue to Madaba, famed for its Byzantine mosaics—including the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Arrive in Wadi Musa, our base for exploring Petra, and enjoy a talk by an archaeologist about the legendary sandstone city and the ongoing excavations taking place there.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Visit Mount Nebo, a historic site believed by many to be the location of Moses' death and has thus been a centre for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Reach to the summit (817m or 2,680 ft), and be rewarded with views of the stunning surrounding countryside and Israel in the distance.

ACTIVITY: Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.

ACTIVITY: Join an archaeologist for a talk about the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, the ancient city that was half-built and half-carved into a sandstone landscape. Learn about the ongoing excavation taking place here, and get a better understanding of the site for when you explore it yourself.

Rise early to discover the legendary city of Petra, carved out of sandstone cliffs by the Nabataean Arabs as early as the second century BC. Venture into the city by way of a gorge called the Siq, and enjoy a guided walking tour of the magnificent rose-red ruins. Spend some time exploring on your own before returning to our hotel. This evening, opt to experience Petra by night, when the site glows in the light of thousands of candles, and take in a performance of Bedouin music.

The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.

ACTIVITY: Journey to Petra to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. Wind your way through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long (.6 mi) gorge flanked by soaring 80m-high (262 ft) sandstone walls. Take in the astounding colours and patterns of the rock, and, at the end of this passage, catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh, the famed treasury of Petra.

Explore in depth with your CEO and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Castle, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Continue to explore Petra on your own.

After breakfast, continue to Wadi Rum—a vast landscape of sweeping red sand dunes and towering sandstone arches. Enjoy lunch at our desert camp, then set out on a thrilling 4x4 excursion into the desert. Drive past spectacular rock formations, look for ancient petroglyphs, and pick the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Return to camp for a typical Bedouin feast. Later, head out with your Bedouin guide for a nighttime walk, admiring the dazzling, starry skies of the desert.

After breakfast, drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Spend the night in a simple, but comfortable desert camp; The authentic goat-wool tent provides a glimpse into traditional Bedouin living. Each tent has ensuite and is outfitted with sheets, pillows, a raised bed, towels, electricity and thick covers against the desert cold. While the accommodation is simple, it is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience.

Additional Information: November – February: The desert can get very cold after the sun sets and it can be cool during the days. If you are visiting during the winter months you should pack warm comfortable clothing for daytime and especially the evenings (a jacket, hat, gloves and warm pajamas).

September/October & March/April: evenings can still get chilly so you should bring something warm to wear. Daytime is usually warm and comfortable but you can bring a sweater or jacket just in case.

May – August: the weather is very hot during the day and the evenings are usually comfortable and warm.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.

ACTIVITY: There’s nothing quite like counting stars in the night sky from the desert below, away from the noise and light pollution of our modern world. Enjoy this experience while walking with a Bedouin who’s lived in this remote region his entire life.

Travel towards the Dead Sea, one of the saltiest bodies of water on the planet. Stop for lunch at a G Adventures–supported community café, located on lush green farmland surrounded by desert. Continue to the shores of the Dead Sea and settle into our hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing poolside, or choose to take a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the lake, long known for their therapeutic properties.

At 423m (1,388 ft) below sea level, the shores of the Dead Sea are at the lowest land elevation on Earth. The sea is named because its salinity is so high (up to nine times that of the world’s oceans) that only a few microorganisms can live in its waters.

The Dead Sea is a resort area, with chain hotels whose sole purpose are to allow access to the Dead Sea. This allows time to relax, float in the sea or opt to visit a spa. Dinner is in the hotel, as there are no local restaurants within the resort area.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.

ACTIVITY: Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.

FREE TIME: Relax under an umbrella next to one of the freshwater swimming pools or enjoy the other facilities at the resort hotel. Why not indulge in an optional massage or one of the other health and beauty therapies available?

Enjoy a visit to the archaeological remains of Bethany, where Jesus is believed to have been baptized. Explore the churches, chapels, monasteries, and caves of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, then travel back to Amman. Join the group for an optional farewell dinner tonight.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Visit the archaeological site of Bethany, thought to be the site of John the Baptist's settlement and where Jesus was baptized. Fairly recently rediscovered, the site is an important archaeological find, numerous sites are being uncovered including Roman and Byzantine Baptismal pools, ancient churches, and caves.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport in Amman and board a flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, there will be free time to explore the city at your leisure. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can help with recommendations about where to go and what to do. Later, check into the hotel and get settled for the second leg of your amazing journey. In the evening, join fellow travellers for an optional group dinner.

TRANSPORT: MORNING Board a flight to Cairo in the morning from Amman.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Take advantage of this free afternoon in Cairo to explore and experience the lively atmosphere on your own.

In the morning, enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist certified by the Ministry of Antiquities, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will share their knowledge about these massive structures. From here, visit a local farm supported by Nawaya, a community-led project which helps small scale farming families generate new income streams in the tourism industry. Embark on a farm-to-table experience learning about sustainable cultivation practices and traditional food-cultural preservation work being carried out on nearby farms before a hands-on bread and cooking demonstration in a female-led community kitchen followed by lunch. After, travel through barren desert and fertile farmlands to Sakkara, the site of Egypt’s first pyramids where you’ll dig deep into the history of this important archaeological site. The rest of the evening is on your own.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.

ACTIVITY: Nawaya is a community project dedicated to empowering females and preserving the deep heritage of small-scale farming families across Egypt, while fostering sustainable development, cultivation, and cooking practices. The project works with women, providing a safe space to gain independence while working to sustain the community. The project also works closely with local farmers and village youths, teaching them how to encourage the exchange of knowledge between those who visit Cairo and those who have always called this place home. Upon arrival, meet with an environmentally responsible farmer who will take the group around his land while he teaches everyone about the various crops and animals his family cares for. The experience will end with an authentic community kitchen visit. Here, the group will meet with the local women who run and manage this integral part of the project, and enjoy a hands-on demonstration of how to prepare Egyptian bread and Mahshi. After the prep work, the cooking part will take place outside in which you will watch the women perfectly bake the dough. It might look easy, but it takes years to master this long passed down art. Afterwards, sit down for a true farm-to-table meal amid the friendly hospitality of these local women as you swap stories and share laughter together.

ACTIVITY: Travel through desert and farm lands to visit Sakkara, the necropolis of the old kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The main attraction n is the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the very first constructed in the history of man, it dates back to 2750 BC. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites.

Board an early flight from Cairo to Aswan. Upon arrival, visit Philae Temple, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis and the temple walls are adorned with scenes from Egyptian mythology. Philae Temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after Lake Nasser flooded. Learn about the temple’s architecture, history and important place in Egypt’s culture. This evening embark on a sunset felucca ride on the Nile to a Nubian Village. Walk through the village, learning about local customs while listening to the Nubian Peoples’ own distinct language, which does not have an alphabet and was thus never written down. Afterwards, sit down for dinner in the home of a local family.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

ACTIVITY: Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.

ACTIVITY: Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.

In the morning, board a flight to Abu Simbel where you will explore the two rock-cut temples built by and dedicated to famed King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. A true testament to innovation, the temple was saved from the waters of Lake Nasser by a massive global mobilization led by UNESCO in the 1960s. Fly back to Aswan to enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure. In the free evening choose to experience one of the best sound and light shows in Egypt at Philae Temple.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

ACTIVITY: Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure in Aswān.

After breakfast, drive north along the Nile passing local villages and farmland as you make your way to the top of the Temple of Kom Ombo. Built along the riverbank, the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. Continue your journey north towards Luxor and stop to explore the temple of Edfu, it took nearly 200 years to build and was dedicated to the God of War and Sky, Horus. Enjoy lunch before continuing the scenic drive to Luxor.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle on the very scenic drive north from Cairo to Luxor with stops along the way to visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to the Edfu Temple, which is located in the middle of a bustling village. It is the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.

FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy yourselves on a free evening in Luxor.

Today, head to the West Bank of Luxor. Start the morning with a visit to Funtasia, a G for Good project. Enjoy a short bike ride led by a student guide before stopping for tea and a discussion about the project and community. Continue to explore the famed Valley of the Kings—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and active archaeological site of over 63 tombs–many still in excavation. Descend inside a few tombs with the option to visit Tutankhamen’s resting site.

Afterward, meet an archaeologist at the temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to the powerful Queen that ruled for 21 years. During your visit, you’ll learn about the archaeologist’s dig site and continuing work in cataloging new discoveries. Finally, visit the colossi of Memnon, which guarded the entrance to King Amenhotep III’s massive temple. Enjoy a late lunch in the home of a local family before heading back to Luxor.

ACTIVITY: After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide.

Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in after school programs that teach art, communication, and social skills.

ACTIVITY: Rise early to cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings.

Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead.

Continue on to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.

ACTIVITY: During your visit to the Valley of the Kings proceed to Hatshepsut temple and meet with an archaeologist who is a member of the excavation team doing research while working on the West Bank. Learn about some of their findings and get more acquainted with the work they’re doing. Hatshepsut was the first woman to rule Egypt as king after her husband died and her stepson tried to eradicate all evidence of her rule after her death. According to an interesting article on National Geographic’s website titled, “How did this female pharaoh survive being erased from history?” It's believed her likeness was chiseled away from monuments and her statues destroyed to secure the tradition of males serving as ultimate rulers. Celebrate her un-erasable legacy and memory on this visit to her temple.

FREE TIME: Arrive back to your hotel in Luxor in the late afternoon and freshen up before a night to yourself.

Start your day exploring Luxor with a visit to Karnak Temple. The temple is known as the house of Amon Ra, the King of Gods. The Temple was the largest religious complex of its time and took 2,000 years to complete, as each subsequent king has added something to the temple. Lunch will be on your own before an afternoon of free time. In the evening meet back up with the group for a visit to Luxor Temple after dark to witness the monuments lit up in their glory. Dinner will be on your own.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend the afternoon on your own in Luxor before meeting back up with the group in the early evening.

ACTIVITY: Take in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years. Your visit will take place after dark to allow you to witness the temple lit up in all of its glory.

In the morning, fly from Luxor to Cairo. Head to ancient Coptic Cairo and enjoy visits to the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Then, travel to Tahrir Square to meet a local food expert for an Egyptian foodie experience. Visit urban local food counters and small specialty restaurants while learning about traditional dishes and their connection to Egyptian culture. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to explore Cairo on your own.

TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

ACTIVITY: Explore Cairo’s fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts on a tour of Coptic Cairo. Visit the iconic Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue on a full sampling of Cairo's religious buildings.

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon in the lively city of Cairo.

ACTIVITY: Visit the famous Tahrir square in the heart of Cairo where the 2011 revolution was centred. The square became very important after the revolution as a symbol of freedom; it was recently renovated and an Obelisk surrounded by Sphinx has been installed in the middle of the square.

Here we start our walking tour along some of Cairo's busiest streets while enjoying the taste of popular Egyptian food and exposing yourself to new flavours. Enjoy Koshari which is Egypt's national dish, consisting of rice, lentils, macaroni, tomato sauce, onions, hummus and garlic. Take the opportunity to try an Egyptian falafel sandwich as well as sugar cane juice.

Drive to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum for a morning visit on a tour that will take you through the kingdoms of Ancient Egypt. From there, proceed to Khan El Khalili, the largest bazaar in Egypt. The iconic market was established in 1382 and contains hundreds of stalls with a treasure trove of souvenirs, spices, and more. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the market, then walk along Muiz Islamic Street as you continue to explore the lively stalls.

ACTIVITY: With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, this massive museum is a fantastic place to learn about the country. There is plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. Please note, there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum.

ACTIVITY: AFTERNOON Head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in downtown Cairo for a walk through with the CEO. Learn the best places to buy various things, and opt to enjoy a cup of tea in a cafe. Take advantage of free time to stroll and shop the narrow pathways. The iconic market was established in 1382 and contains hundreds of stalls with a treasure trove of souvenirs, spices and more. Lunch will be had at a local restaurant in the market.

Depart at any time. Your departure transfer from the hotel to the Cairo International Airport is included.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.