Egypt and Jordan: An Epic Exploration

Explore Cairo with your private guide on this engaging tour. Drive past Tahrir Square and arrive at the Egyptian Museum. It is home to more than 100,000 artifacts ranging from statues and mummies to jewelry and mosaics. On display are objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, including his solid gold mask adorned with precious stones and golden belt. You’ll also come across sculptures of Pharaoh Khufu who built the Great Pyramid and Nefertiti, wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Next, head to The Citadel of Saladin, perched atop Mokattam Hill, which contains some of the best examples of Islamic architecture. Walk through the courtyards to view the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Take in views of the historic quarter and its minarets, before visiting the centuries-old Khan El Khalili bazaar. Stroll through this bustling, vibrant market replete with stalls selling antiques, handicrafts and spices. Shop for souvenirs such as earrings with intricate designs and hand-painted pottery to wrap up your tour. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Begin the day with a tour of Giza’s pyramids, constructed about 4,500 years ago. These monumental tombs, erected by pharaohs Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, were filled with everything each ruler would need to sustain himself in the afterlife. Built in 2560 BC, the UNESCO-listed Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, get up close to the gigantic Sphinx, one of Egypt’s most famous landmarks. It features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a pharaoh headdress. Next, drive to Memphis, ancient Egypt’s first capital, founded after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. In the open-air Mit Rahina Museum, see a colossal statue of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, sculpted from a single piece of white gypsum. Continue to the village of Sakkara, where you’ll find the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Surrounding the Step Pyramid, is a funerary complex, which contains tombs of high officials, halls and courts. Later, return to your hotel in Cairo. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Please note that admission into the pyramids is not included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Discover the ancient Elephantine Island and the archaeological treasures housed in the Aswan Museum. Head to the Temple of Khnum, where you can explore the well-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphs that honor Khnum, the ram-headed god of Elephantine Island. Delve into its history as you walk along the Nilometer, an age-old device that is used to measure the water levels of the Nile. Your guide will tell you about how this ingenious invention played a crucial role in predicting the annual flooding of the river and its impact on the livelihoods of the people. Next, venture into a vibrant Nubian village. Stroll through the labyrinthine streets adorned with colorful houses, and learn about local traditions and culture. Conclude your tour at the Aswan Museum. View an extensive collection of artifacts, including statues, reliefs, and sarcophagi from various periods of Egyptian history. Gain insight into the island's rich archaeological heritage before returning to Aswan. (Duration: half day, Time: 0900/1200 hrs, Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy; Please wear walking shoes)

Experience the traditional Nubian way of life with a visit to a village near Aswan. In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the village, one among a cluster of colorful Nubian settlements, on the West Bank of the Nile. Here, you can explore the streets lined with brightly colored houses and structures. Take in the handmade art adorning the buildings as you stroll through the hamlet. Along the way, your guide will share interesting insight into Nubian culture, people and language. Then, sample some authentic local dishes and enjoy a traditional cup of tea. Afterward, rejuvenate yourself with some mud and sand therapy if you like. You could also opt for a boat ride down the Nile and soak in the stunning views before heading back to the hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: 09:00 / 12:00; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Experience Amman’s nightlife on this guided tour. This experience can be tweaked to suit your interests. You could drive past the ‘Circles of Amman’, a series of eight roundabouts that run along the downtown area. From the Roman Nymphaeum in the historic center, visit the Souk Al-Sukar. Here, you will find numerous shops selling fresh produce, dry fruits, perfumes, gold ornaments and brightly colored garments. Continue onward to Jabal Amman, one of the seven hills that originally made up the metropolis and has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. You may hear the muezzin’s beautiful call to prayer, as you proceed toward Rainbow Street. Explore this bohemian area that is lined with art galleries, cafes and boutiques. Then visit the legendary Hashem Restaurant, an Amman institution. Try classic Jordanian street food specialties including falafel, hummus, ful medames and moutabel before the tour wraps up. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs or later; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: traditional snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this tour can be combined with an afternoon city tour)

Explore Jordan’s archaeological treasures on this day trip. Journey north of Amman to Jerash, a Roman city, also known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Set in the bowl of a valley, the expansive site of Jerash is reached by crossing a bridge over the River Zarqa. Enter through the South Gate and follow your guide over 2,000-year-old cobblestone paths that lead to Hadrian’s Arch, Oval Plaza and South Theater. Vantage points along the way offer bird’s eye-views of the surrounding eucalyptus and olive groves. Visit the temples of Zeus and Artemis, and the Hippodrome that could seat 15,000 spectators. Pause at the Forum, an oval-shaped plaza encircled by 56 unfluted Ionic columns, which served as a marketplace. Next, drive to Ajloun Castle that boasts a strategic hilltop location. A fine example of Islamic military architecture, it was built as a fortification against invading Crusaders. In the warren of chambers and galleries, learn about this iconic landmark’s history through interactive displays, before heading back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch at local restaurant; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Explore the Siq Al-Barid, also known as Little Petra. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at a time of your choosing and take you to Little Petra, which is just 10 minutes north of Petra by road. Start with the classical temple that stands guard outside. Follow the narrow path that extends through the 400 m long Siq while your guide tells you about the tombs, temples and houses that line the way. Continue towards the Painted House. The frescoes of vines, flowers and birds on the underside of the interior arch are rare examples of Nabataean painting. Climb the steps at the end of the Siq for great views of the landscape before returning to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activities & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman or Dead Sea to Wadi Rum or Red Sea)

Enjoy trekking cross the iconic Wadi Rum’s desert landscape. You will be picked up from your hotel in a private vehicle and driven to the sandstone and granite valley. With your Bedouin trekking guide leading the way, set off at a comfortable pace past dramatic rock formations that have been carved by the elements over millions of years. The natural arches, canyons, and mountain tops have been featured in numerous movies including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Martian’, and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’. As you walk on the undulating terrain, learn about the rich history and geology of this protected area. The UNESCO-listed region is home to pre-historic trails, petroglyphs, and traditional Bedouin settlements. From vantage spots, take in panoramic views of the arid terrain colored in various hues by different oxides. After trekking for a couple of hours you will be driven back to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Time: morning/afternoon; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman or Dead Sea to Red Sea (Aqaba) or vice versa)