Premium Egypt & Jordan in Depth

Premium Egypt & Jordan in Depth

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22 Days From

$10065

$8555

Premium Egypt & Jordan in Depth

22 Days Starting in Cairo and ending in Amman

Visiting: Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise - Luxor, Nile Cruise - Edfu, Nile Cruise - Aswan, Abu Simbel, Aswan, Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

XEPDC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Interests:

Cultural

From: $10065 $8555 Operator discount: -$1510 -15%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the modern and ancient marvels of Egypt and Jordan on this 22-day Premium journey to two of the Middle East's most fascinating countries. Beginning in Cairo, pass by the magnificent Pyramids of Giza, take a four-day cruise down the legendary Nile and learn about the battles fought in El Alamein. Fly to Jordan and discover the unique culture of the Bedouin in Wadi Rum, float in the salty Dead Sea and stand in awe in front of the elaborate Treasury of Petra. With premium accommodation, local leaders and a relaxed pace all as standard, you’ll be enjoying these masterpieces in all their prized glory.

Highlights

  • Discover the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, the ancient city of Alexandria, battle site of El Alamein, the majesty of Petra, and embark on a 4WD drive adventure through wind-swept rock formations of Wadi Rum.

  • Enjoy unforgettable Exclusive Experiences, including dinner in a family’s home in Cairo, a visit to the city’s oldest coffeeshop, sunset drinks on board a traditional felucca and a zarb dinner with your Bedouin hosts in Wadi Rum.

  • Take your time exploring Abu Simbel with an overnight stay, discovering this magnificent monument carved out of the mountainside with less crowds, followed by a Premium Exclusive Experience; an incredible sound and light show.

  • Relax with four nights on a premium Nile riverboat, allowing you to cruise up the river in comfort, and experience isolated elegance during your stay at a luxury camp in Wadi Rum, your Feature Stays for this adventure.

  • Experience the best of Middle Eastern cuisine during welcome dinners in Cairo and Amman, high tea at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, traditional meals in two family homes and a family-run cooking class in Amman.

  • Relax with four nights on a premium Nile riverboat, allowing you to cruise up the river in comfort, and experience isolated elegance during your stay at a camp in Wadi Rum, your Feature Stays for this adventure.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Cairo West or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Mrhbaan! Welcome to Egypt. Your adventure begins in Cairo – a city just as captivating as it is chaotic. You’ll be met at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel where you can explore the extensive hotel bar and pool area. You’re free until your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, get your first taste of Egyptian cuisine with a welcome dinner at a fantastic local restaurant where you can try out some classic dishes like fatta (a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce), and kushari (a delicious mix of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions).

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer
-Cairo - Welcome Dinner

Optional Activities:
-Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee)
-Urban Adventures - Islamic Cairo in Depth Tour
-Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis
-Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour

Day 2: Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Cairo West or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning after breakfast, travel to arguably the most recognisable structures in the world – the Great Pyramids of Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) and the Sphinx. Your leader is a trained Egyptologist and will share the fascinating history of these incredible feats of engineering. For an additional charge, you may be able to step inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After spending some time here, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world's greatest collections of ancient artefacts. Wander the treasure-filled halls for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Gain a special insight by touring with a guide and enjoy time to explore independently. Tonight you might like to take a taxi into town to explore Cairo further or book in for a dinner cruise on the Nile.

Included Activities:
-Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
-Cairo - Egyptian Museum

Optional Activities:
-Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee)

Day 3: Alexandria

Location: Alexandria

Accommodation: Hotel Helnan Royal Palestine Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Take to the road this morning for a journey to Alexandria, stopping in Wadi El Natron along the way. Your leader will explain how this area became a sanctuary for Christians after Saint Macarius the Great retreated here in AD360. There were once some 60-odd monasteries in the Wadi, though now only four remain. One of these is Anba Bishoy Monastery, named for Saint Bishoi who came to the site to live in solitude. Wander around the gardens and observe the resident monks as they go about their daily lives, then visit the church for expansive views over the desert. Continue to the city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great and often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean.

Included Activities:
-Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries
-Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery

Day 4: Alexandria

Location: Alexandria

Accommodation: Hotel Helnan Royal Palestine Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy a full day uncovering Alexandria's secrets with your knowledgeable leader's guidance. Visit Pompey’s Pillar and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa – a Roman burial site dating back to the second century that wasn’t discovered until 1900. The fascinating tombs were created during a transitional period in Alexandria’s history and interestingly feature Greek, Egyptian and Roman elements. Continue to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (once the Great Library of Alexandra), where the Library of Ptolemies once stood some 1700 years ago. Finish up with a stop at Fort Qaitbay – a 14th-century complex designed to defend Alexandria from the Ottoman empire, built on the site of the former Alexandria Lighthouse. Spend the evening wandering along the corniche by the water or maybe relax at your hotel.

Included Activities:
-Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
-Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
-Alexandria - Fort Qaitbay

Day 5: Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Today, travel south of Alexandria for a more sombre experience at the historic battle site of El Alamein. Here, British and Commonwealth soldiers fought a decisive Allied victory against the German Afrika Korps that defined the North African campaign. Both sides suffered heavy losses, and the memorial commemorates nearly 12,000 Commonwealth servicemen who died in the Western Desert campaigns during the Second World War. Stop to enjoy your late lunch, brought with you from Alexandria – a delicious feteer meshaltet. This layered pastry is an iconic Egyptian dish and can be filled with a range of sweet or savoury ingredients. Return to Cairo in the afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Included Activities:
-El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum

Day 6: Nile Cruise - Luxor

Location: Nile Cruise - Luxor

Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Transfer to Cairo Airport after breakfast this morning and board a short flight to Luxor. Luxor was the pharaohs' capital during the height of their power and is now known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. When you arrive, transfer to your Feature Stay Nile riverboat where you’ll unpack and settle in for the next four nights. There’s no better way to soak in the ancient history of the Nile and the incredible sights along its banks! Enjoy all the comforts of a world-class hotel, including a swimming pool, sundeck, restaurant and cabins with panoramic windows to watch riverside life stream by. This afternoon, visit Karnak – one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes built over approximately 200 years. Some parts date back to 2055 BC and your guided tour will take you to its finest sections. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to relax, take a shopping trip through the bazaar or kick back in a local teahouse.

Included Activities:
-Luxor - Karnak Temple

Optional Activities:
-Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee)
-Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee)
-Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport)

Day 7: Nile Cruise - Edfu

Location: Nile Cruise - Edfu

Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Rise early this morning to journey into the Valley of the Kings. There are over 60 pharaoh tombs buried under the hills here, many of which are richly decorated, and your guide will take you through this spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. Learn about the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the paintings and hieroglyphics and visit the final resting place of Tutankhamun. The discovery of the young Pharaoh’s tomb is undoubtedly one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time, and here you will have the opportunity to enter it yourself, exploring the painted chamber and admiring his famous sarcophagus. Visit another three royal tombs and continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon – giant statues that once formed part of an impressive colonnade – before returning to the boat for a leisurely lunch. Enjoy some time relaxing either on deck or in your cabin before setting sail upstream to Edfu, where you’ll arrive in the evening.

Included Activities:
-Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
-Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
-Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
-Luxor - Colossi of Memnon

Optional Activities:
-Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee)
-Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee)
-Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee)
-Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings

Day 8: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Location: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, you’ll be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Continue along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills that form a backdrop over the lush riverbanks. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, which sits spectacularly on the river’s edge. Learn from your leader how this temple was built in approximately 181 BC and is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in Sobek. After, board your boat and continue to Aswan, arriving in the late evening.

Included Activities:
-Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple

Day 9: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Location: Nile Cruise - Aswan

Accommodation: MS Nile Style (Feature Stay) or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Spend the morning visiting the temple complex of Philae, including the stunning Temple of Isis, located on Agilkia Island. The temple was reassembled in this location after being saved from rising waters and is a true architectural gem featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings. Some Egyptologists believe that Philae was the last active site of the ancient Egyptian religion and where the last Egyptian hieroglyph was written. After, get to know the city of Aswan on foot during a walking tour with your leader. Explore the Sharia el Souk – a sprawling and bustling marketplace. Your leader will guide you through a colourful array of stalls selling everything from baked goods to Nubian crafts. Return to the boat for another evening, being rocked to sleep by the calm Nile waters.

Included Activities:
-Aswan - Philae Temple
-Aswan - Sharia el Souk

Optional Activities:
-Aswan - Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee)

Day 10: Abu Simbel

Location: Abu Simbel

Accommodation: Seti I Resort or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Travel by road this morning to Abu Simbel. Your accommodation is located right by Lake Nasser and features lush grounds, two swimming pools and fantastic views over the lake. Spending the night here allows the group a chance to visit the Abu Simbel temples at a more leisurely pace as opposed to a jam-packed half-day trip. Built during the reign of Ramesses II, these mammoth temples took 20 years to complete and feature rock-cut statues of the pharaoh and the queen, some of which are 20 metres tall. Tour the complex with your leader, who will provide historical context on these grand structures. Head back to the temples this evening for an impressive sound and light show.

Included Activities:
-Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
-Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel Sound and Light Show (entrance fee)

Day 11: Aswan

Location: Aswan

Accommodation: Movenpick Aswan or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Return to Aswan, arriving in time for lunch. Enjoy some downtime to relax at your hotel or explore more of the city, then regroup with your fellow travellers later in the afternoon. Take a step back in time during a visit to the Old Cataract Hotel for afternoon tea. Built in 1899 by Thomas Cook, the hotel has played host to an illustrious roster of guests, including Princess Diana, Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, who lived here while writing her novel Death on the Nile. Soak up old-world glamour while enjoying tiered trays of finger food and a delightful selection of tea. The setting is up there with the best of them, with gorgeous grounds overlooking the Nile. Make the most of a free evening to find a local gem for dinner – your leader can help with recommendations.

Included Activities:
-Aswan - Afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel

Optional Activities:
-Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee)

Day 12: Aswan

Location: Aswan

Accommodation: Movenpick Aswan or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern example of Egyptian engineering. Located 13 km south, its controversial history required the relocation of many ancient temples and statues, which has, in the end, had a mostly positive impact on the region. After, head to the Unfinished Obelisk – an abandoned structure that would’ve been the largest obelisk ever erected in ancient Egypt had it been finished. Return to Aswan for some time to relax, then meet your leader in the late afternoon to board a traditional felucca and sail to the settlement of Elephantine Island. This island was once thought to be the home of Khnum – the god who guarded and controlled the Nile’s waters. This evening, enjoy stunning sunset drinks on the river on board your Felucca sailing boat. Disembark at a village and join a local family for a traditional Nubian feast. Here you will have the chance to see a different side of Egyptian life, try out some excellent Nubian dishes and swap stories with your welcoming hosts.

Included Activities:
-Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
-Aswan - Elephantine Island
-Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
-Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner

Day 13: Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Sonesta Cairo, or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, fly back to Cairo. Settle into your downtown hotel, then spend the day discovering yet another layer of Egyptian history – Islamic Cairo. Explore the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a labyrinthine area with sprawling alleyways packed with shops and cafes. This is a quintessential Cairo experience, home to the gold market, perfume street and spice market. Stop off for an Arabic coffee or mint tea at El Fishawy, Cairo’s oldest café. Run by the same family for seven generations and a favourite with Cairo’s residents, there’s no better snapshot of local life in the city. Stop for lunch at Koshary and then continue to the Mosque of Ibn Tulun and the Gayer-Anderson Museum, home to all curious objects, from antique furniture to Islamic artefacts. Share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Be welcomed into their home and chat with the family about life in Egypt and Egyptian cuisine while enjoying a delicious feast of traditional dishes.

Included Activities:
-Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
-Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
-Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
-Cairo - Ibn Tulun Mosque
-Cairo - Gayer-Anderson Museum (entrance fee)

Day 14: Cairo

Location: Cairo

Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Sonesta Cairo, or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Early this morning, you’ll drive to Fayoum and visit Wadi El Rayan – a natural park home to two lakes that connect Egypt’s only waterfall. Now this is a great photo op! After, hop in a 4WD to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wadi Al-Hitan (or Whales Valley) – a desert home to invaluable fossil remains of the earliest (now extinct) ancestors of whales. Spend a few hours here, learning about one of the most extraordinary evolutionary journeys. Visit the onsite Fossil and Climate Change Museum to see a collection of fossils found nowhere else in the world, including the largest intact Basilosaurus isis whale fossil. Jump in a jeep for a tour of the desert and then enjoy a desert lunch with your group. After, you’ll head back to Cairo for your final night.

Included Activities:
-Cairo - Fayoum Day Trip with Valley of the Whales and the Climate Change Museum

Day 15: Amman

Location: Amman

Accommodation: Regency Palace Amman or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. You’ll be met by an Intrepid representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where there will be a welcome meeting with your group and local leader at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit a local cafe and pick up a coffee and ara’yes (pita filled with spiced meats). Maybe head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre or the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. After your meeting, head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a huge part of Jordanian culture, and eating out is always a social affair. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, like mansaf (a dish made with lamb, yoghurt and rice) and kunafa (a dessert made with pastry and cheese).

Included Activities:
-Complimentary Arrival Transfer
-Amman - Welcome Dinner

Day 16: Amman

Location: Amman

Accommodation: Regency Palace Amman or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash where you’ll find some of the world’s best Greco-Roman ruins. Reaching its peak as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, Jerash is home to a collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Your leader will share the incredible history of the ruins and help you imagine what life once looked like in this glorious Roman city. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece of the Oval Plaza – a great place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. After, return to Amman and head to a cooking school for a look behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine. During this hands-on activity, you will learn how to make some classic dishes like Maqlubeh, Mutabbal and Baba Ghanouj before sitting down as a group to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Included Activities:
-Jerash - Roman ruins
-Amman - cooking class and dinner

Day 17: Dead Sea

Location: Dead Sea

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today, you’ll make the journey from Amman to the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming very difficult, but bobbing on the water's surface is a fun experience. On the way, stop off at Mount Nebo and hear the story of how Moses saw the Promised Land before he died from what is believed to be this very spot, and St Georges Church, best known for its Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. When you arrive, enjoy some time to float in the waters of the Dead Sea, relax on your hotel’s beachfront or take a dip in one of three swimming pools or jacuzzi.

Included Activities:
-Madaba - St Georges Church
-Mt Nebo - Site visit

Day 18: Petra

Location: Petra

Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Depart the Dead Sea and drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – your leader will explain how this ancient castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Enjoy superb scenery and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in the late afternoon to your Petra accommodation. Petra dates back to the sixth century BC and is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. When you arrive, start uncovering the secrets of Petra with the knowledgeable guidance of your leader. The iconic view of the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq, is perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region.

Included Activities:
-Shobak - Shobak Castle
-Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra

Day 19: Petra

Location: Petra

Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

Today return to Petra to explore more of this remarkable and enormous site under your own steam. Walk once more through the Siq that leads through the rock and is at points only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 m on either side. You’ll also have time to climb to the Monastery if you wish, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. Or take a free transfer to Little Petra with the option of hiking through the back door to Petra. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy your own light lunch.Tonight, maybe take the chance to witness Petra by night – seeing the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.

Included Activities:
-Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)

Optional Activities:
-Petra - Petra By Night

Day 20: Wadi Rum

Location: Wadi Rum

Accommodation: Mazayen Camp or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

This morning, drive to Wadi Rum – a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum and browse the informative visitor’s centre. After, jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the silent desert landscapes, home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. Gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set deep in the desert. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is a camp that offers a base among remote and wild surroundings. Spacious tents are fitted out with creature comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, with decor inspired by Bedouin culture. Fall asleep in your tent after witnessing a magnificent canopy of stars outside, and wake up to a sunrise over the red-hued landscape.

Included Activities:
-Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
-Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
-Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner

Day 21: Amman

Location: Amman

Accommodation: Regency Palace Amman or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area before scaling one of the large dunes for panoramic views of your surroundings. After, return to Amman for the evening. Tonight, you might like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – speak to your leader about the best restaurants in the city that are popular with the locals.

Included Activities:
-Wadi Rum - Desert and dunes walk

Day 22: Amman

Location: Amman

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Amman, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable hotel (16 nights), Feature Stay (5 nights)

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

  • Cairo - Welcome Dinner

  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum

  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries

  • Alexandria - Anba Bishoy Monastery

  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina

  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbay

  • El Alamein - War cemeteries and museum

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
  • Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.
  • NILE RIVERBOAT
  • You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use.
  • All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board.
  • Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document.
  • You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock.
  • Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Important Information

  • 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
  • 4. Petra By Night is offered as an optional activity. This activity is currently scheduled to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Please check your departure date if you are planning this activity as it is not available on all departures.

Mode of Transport

  • SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
  • Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.
  • NILE RIVERBOAT
  • You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use.
  • All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board.
  • Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document.
  • You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock.
  • Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    In 2023, Ramadan will take place from 22 March to 21 April. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
$10065 $8555

Operator discount: -$1510

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Jan 11, 2025
$10260 $9234

Operator discount: -$1026

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 05, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025
$10270

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$10270

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$10575

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$10575

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$11315

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 16, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$10985

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 23, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$10985 $10436

Operator discount: -$549

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$10575

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$10575

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$10575

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$10575

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 17, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$10985

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 24, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$10985

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$10985

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 11, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$10985

Monday - Monday

Oct 13, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 18, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$10985

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$10575

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
$10575

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$10575

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 12, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025
$10575

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 15, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025
$10170

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 19, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
$10170

Monday - Monday

Nov 24, 2025 - Dec 15, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 13, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$11515

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026
$11515

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 17, 2026
$11515

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 10, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 17, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 14, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 18, 2026 - Mar 11, 2026
$10170

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 25, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 04, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 11, 2026 - Apr 01, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 14, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 08, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 21, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 25, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 22, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 29, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 11, 2026 - May 02, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 15, 2026 - May 06, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 18, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 22, 2026 - May 13, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 29, 2026 - May 20, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

May 02, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

May 09, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 13, 2026 - Jun 03, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

May 16, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

May 23, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 27, 2026 - Jun 17, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

May 30, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 11, 2026 - Aug 01, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 15, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 22, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 26, 2026 - Sep 16, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 16, 2026 - Oct 07, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 19, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Sep 21, 2026 - Oct 12, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 23, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 30, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 07, 2026 - Oct 28, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Oct 12, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 14, 2026 - Nov 04, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 17, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Oct 19, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 21, 2026 - Nov 11, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Oct 28, 2026 - Nov 18, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 25, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 30, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 11, 2026 - Dec 02, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2026 - Dec 05, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Nov 16, 2026 - Dec 07, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 18, 2026 - Dec 09, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 21, 2026 - Dec 12, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Nov 23, 2026 - Dec 14, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Nov 25, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 19, 2026
$10680

Monday - Monday

Nov 30, 2026 - Dec 21, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 05, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 09, 2026 - Dec 30, 2026
$10680

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 12, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$10680

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 16, 2026 - Jan 06, 2027
$12090

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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