Amazing Egypt & Jordan

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore structures that have stood for over 4500 years and learn the history from a true local. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (although occasionally it’s closed to visitors). The Pyramids complex can be very hot in the summer months and has little shade to protect you from the sun so prepare accordingly. Your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's greatest collections of ancient artefacts. Recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the gleaming jewellery, golden death mask and gilded sarcophagi are an impressive site to say the least. It’s clear this pharaoh was prepared for a lavish afterlife! Take some time to freshen up back at the hotel before you board an overnight sleeper train to Luxor.

It's an early start this morning as you'll pull into Luxor around 6am. Take advantage of the early morning peace by visiting Karnak Temple – a spectacular collection of temples, chapels and pylons that are perhaps the most impressive of all the Pharaoh’s monumental works. Learn the secrets of an ancient Egyptian sanctuary, which developed over 1000 years and was, at its peak, the most important religious complex in Egypt. Your leader will take you through some of the most incredible highlights, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. After exploring Karnak, board your Nile River Cruise and settle into your cabin. This afternoon you'll have the option of heading off on a walking tour of Luxor and its bazaar with your leader.

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 pharaoh tombs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where he is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a columned building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore. Maybe you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum, where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation. This evening, set sail to Edfu.

This morning, enjoy breakfast before setting off towards Kom Ombo. The temple of Kom Ombo, in the town of the same name, is an unusual double temple right on the bank of the Nile. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility), and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). The whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. You’ll explore Kom Ombo with your leader and absorb the history of the place, before having lunch aboard the ship. Sail onwards to Aswan, the home of beautiful Nile Valley scenery and significant archaeological sites.

You have time this morning to explore or relax as you choose. Your leader can recommend one of the many optional activities that are available to you in this incredible location. Explore the picturesque city centre and its bazaar, opt to visit the High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk or feed your history needs with the Nubian Museum. Maybe you’d like to visit the breathtaking Abu Simbel – built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.

After breakfast today, say goodbye to your nights spent on the Nile. Visit Philae Temple this morning, an island-based temple complex built during the reign of Ptolemy II (around 280 BC). These picturesque walls show hieroglyphic scenes from Egyptian mythology – when Isis brought Osiris back to life, gave birth to Horus and was mummified after death. Catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. To celebrate your time in Egypt, join a local Cairo family for a delicious home-cooked dinner. The food and conversation will surely make for an evening to remember!

This morning, take a short flight from Cairo to Amman. You will be unescorted on this flight. When you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. You'll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet the new travellers joining you for the next stage of your trip. If you arrive with time to spare, feel free to head out and start exploring – highlights include the citadel with its sweeping views of Amman, the Jordan Museum, which is home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the Roman Theatre, right in the middle of downtown Amman. After the meeting, you might like to get to know your group over an optional dinner or explore on your own and pick up a tasty ara’yes (crispy pita filled with spiced meat).

Begin your journey by exploring a different side of Amman. Led by local insiders, you'll wander through some of the city's oldest neighbourhoods while uncovering the stories behind its street art, hip-hop culture and creative communities. Leaving the capital behind, travel north to Jerash – home to one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Explore its grand colonnaded streets, temples and plazas before lunch with your group. Continue to the hilltop town of Umm Qais, where sweeping views stretch across Jordan, Syria and the Sea of Galilee. Tonight, settle into your accommodation at a welcoming community-focused guesthouse.

This morning, explore the fascinating archaeological site of Umm Qais, where Roman ruins sit dramatically above the Jordan Valley. Later, you'll meet a local beekeeper and learn why bees play such an important role in the region's ecosystems and livelihoods. Suit up for a closer look at the hives and see some traditional honey-harvesting methods. Finish with a tasting of the seasonal, naturally flavoured honey! Later, as the sun begins to set, head out on an easy hike and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning for a cup of traditional tea before bed.

Today, you’ll travel into the green highlands of Ajloun – a region often overlooked by tourists. Set out on a walk through the Ajloun Forest Reserve, where pine-covered hills and rural landscapes provide a striking contrast to the country's deserts. After, continue to Ajloun Castle – an impressive 12th-century fortress built during the time of Saladin. After lunch, visit a biscuit house where local women preserve and reinvent traditional Jordanian recipes through handmade sweets and baked goods. Then, learn about the history and artistry of Arabic calligraphy. Guided by local women, you'll explore different calligraphic styles and try writing your name in your favourite script.

Today, head to Pella, one of Jordan's most fertile agricultural regions, to spend time with a local shepherd. Walk through the lush landscape – strewn with colourful wildflowers in the spring – and learn about traditional livestock practices, then hear stories of daily life in the countryside over a cup of tea. Later, visit the home of a local cheesemaker to discover traditional cheese-making techniques that have been passed down through generations. Roll up your sleeves and learn step by step how fresh cheese is produced, getting a deeper appreciation for the skills and stories behind every bite. Continue south to the Dead Sea, arriving in time to enjoy the resort facilities and stunning views.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Dead Sea, relaxing at the lowest point on Earth. Float effortlessly in these famously salty waters or simply soak up the unique surroundings. Later, travel to Little Petra – an ancient city also known as Siq al-Barid (‘Cold Canyon’), named for the high canyon walls that block out most sunlight. When you arrive, set out on a gentle 2 km hike to explore Siq al-Barid and stop at the Great Triclinium for a cup of traditional tea. Return to camp and take in the quiet desert landscapes as you settle into your Bedouin-style camp under the stars.

Today you’ll see Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, from a different perspective as you enter via the lesser-known, back-door trail. Beginning near the archaeological site of Little Petra, follow a scenic trail through open desert and sandstone mountains. The trail winds along rocky paths and ancient steps with sweeping views before arriving at the spectacular Monastery – one of the largest and most impressive monuments. Continue exploring the ancient Nabataean city at your own pace, following the trails through temples, tombs and rock-carved facades of this UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening, you can opt to share a home-cooked dinner with locals, enjoying Jordanian hospitality and traditional flavours.