Jordan & Egypt: Desert Sands & Ancient Wonders - 15 Days

Itinerary

• Day 1: Amman: Welcome to JordanArrival Day

  Step into the kingdom of Jordan and walk in the footsteps of past civilizations and modern culture as you explore the country’s abundant natural wonders and ancient sites. We welcome you to Amman, and to Jordan, and we invite you to see this beautiful country in a way that allows you to experience its culture, people and natural beauty. Arrive at any time. After meeting fellow travellers and your CEO during the welcome meeting, share a delicious dinner at the Tawaheen Al Hawa Restaurant and experience a full immersion into Amman and Jordanian cuisine.

• Day 2: Amman: Jerash and the North

  Leave Amman for the day as you head north to explore ancient orchards and historical sites. Part of the fertile crescent, the region is rich with agricultural tradition and also home to incredible tales of Roman Invaders, Christian churches, the rise of Islam and Crusader attacks. Experiencing this part of the country will quickly give you a deep appreciation for what makes Jordan so unique. Set out on a morning hike in the crisp, fresh air from Ajloun Castle through the local olive fields and farms. After, take a private transfer to Mar Elias Church before continuing on to a group lunch and in-depth visit to our G for Good cafe, Beit Khayrat Souf, owned and operated by a team of women. Visit Jerash before travelling back to Amman for a free evening.

• Day 3: Amman: Food and Culture

  Food and culture are one of the best ways to fully understand a city and its people, and you'll see why today in Amman. While historical sites allow you to hear stories of the past, it's the market stalls with freshly prepared dishes and coffee with a host family that allow you to experience the present. Prepare to be immersed in all the great stories Amman has to tell, both past and present. Start the morning with visits to the Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre before a downtown market walk through stalls with spices, vegetables, locally handcrafted goods and freshly made dishes. Lunch like a local and discover cuisine from the best of the food stalls. Head out of the city center to meet with a local family to gain a rare authentic glimpse into the life of a local Bedouin family and enjoy a free evening.

• Day 4: Dana Biosphere Reserve: Spectacular Natural Landscapes

  From Mount Nebo it is said that Moses set sight for the first time on the promised land, how beautiful it must have been, and it still is. Wander into the Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to human settlement well before the earliest writing. Here set against the expansive semi desert landscape sits the Feynan Ecolodge, devoted to the protection of the country’s finest natural landscapes. Choose to wander through the lush, elevated terrain surroundings to reveal panoramic vistas of the valley below. Soak in the atmosphere of a forgotten time and spend an evening deep in the heart of the mountains in an idyllic candle-lit lodge. Travel to Mt. Nebo’s ridgeline for spectacular views then drive to St. George Church. See the mosaics of Madaba and enjoy lunch in Dana Village, prepared by members of the local community. Stretch those legs as you wander through the lush, elevated terrain surrounding Fenyan Lodge to reveal panoramic vistas of the valley below.

• Day 5: Dana Biosphere Reserve to Petra: Your OMG Day

  One of the best gifts of travel is seeing the world from the perspectives of others. Born naturally curious, we search a special connection and an understanding of the larger world, and today you get to pick how you get that connection. Choose between walking with a Bedouin shepherd to immerse yourself in a truly unique way of life or meet with a Bedouin Family to learn more about their culture, with the opportunity to prepare traditional dishes together. Choose between two different activity options to either spend a day with a local shepherd or to immerse yourself in the daily life of the Bedouins with a cooking class. In the afternoon drive south to Petra and enjoy a free evening.

• Day 6: Petra: Hike to the Ancient Back Entrance

  Sprawling over a hundred square miles, the city of Petra is one of the world's most iconic cultural sites-a New Wonder of the World. With only 15% of the site exposed, there are still mysteries and secrets that are destined to remain locked in time. We likely will never witness the site returned to its former glory, when over 20,000 people lived within the city, but that shouldn't stop you from harnessing your inner explorer and following the ancient back trail from Little Petra to Petra, a unique way to enter the site, leaving the crowds behind. Start the morning at Little Petra, a site many skip but unique and charming compared to its famous big neighbour. Then embark on a hike along the ancient trail that leads to the back entry into Petra to the Monastery. Along the way you will take a deserved break to enjoy your packed lunch before continuing on to the front entrance of Petra visiting the site as we make our way to the hotel. Spend free time in Petra City to round out the day in this incredible landscape.

• Day 7: Wadi Rum: Desert Landscapes

  Witness the dawn of a new day in the red rose city as old as time itself. Watch as the sun awakens the enigmatic wonder of Petra in its warm golden light, and feel as if you are the one who discovered this carved city built by the Nabateans more than 2000 years ago. The sands of time are no match for this magnificent structure in the Middle-East. Head further south and continue your discovery of Jordan, entering the sandy valley of Wadi Rum. Visit Petra again at sunrise before driving to Wadi Rum for a Jeep tour through the rolling sand dunes and some light hiking. Enjoy the sun slipping beneath the horizon amid the desert landscape and savour a delicious dinner back at camp with the group.

• Day 8: Dead Sea: Hike Wadi Himara and Swim

  Like travel, the power of water knows no bounds, which you will see evidence of even in the middle of a desert. Take in the shockingly pink hue of the Pink Lake and Salt Beach then follow it up by submerging yourself in the Dead Sea, making you feel weightless in water that feels lighter than air. Drive to the Dead Sea and hike through Wadi Himara along a river before taking a swim in the Dead Sea. In the evening sit down for a farewell dinner with the group and swap stories of your adventures.

• Day 9: Amman/Cairo

  Say your final goodbye to Jordan and board your flight to Egypt today. Spend the remainder of the day settling in and exploring Cairo on your own terms with free time.

• Day 10: Giza: The Great Pyramid, Sphinx, & Community Farming

  Consider the sheer, staggering scale of the undertaking required to construct these pyramids and contemplate the ancient ingenuity while you marvel at their impressive structures. Ponder the mysteries still held within their immense stone blocks – secrets of their construction, the lives of those who built them, and the pharaohs they eternally entombed – mysteries that continue to captivate and challenge archaeologists, historians, and scientists to this very day. While none of this was new to the locals, seeing them for the first time can take your breath away. Start the day in Giza, exploring the Great Pyramid site and the Sphinx. Follow this with lunch at Nawaya to experience a the tour operator-supported community farming initiative. Then transfer to the The Grand Egyptian Museum to discover more of Egypt’s impressive history.

• Day 11: Aswan: Your OMG day

  There’s nothing quite like the freedom of choice while travelling. After flying from Cairo to Aswan you will choose to explore one of two incredible Egyptian temples. Aswan sits near the dam that formed Lake Nassar. The world united around the mission to save the Abu Simbel and Philae temples from being submerged forever in the rising waters of the lake. A global effort was put in place to dismantle and rebuild the temples at a site above the high water mark. That feat of humanity meant that these temples were saved for travellers to continue to enjoy today. Board a flight to Aswan in the morning and then have the choice between two activity options to discover Abu Simbel Temple or Philae Temple. You can’t go wrong with either experience as they both allow an authentic taste of history and life along the Nile.

• Day 12: Aswan to Kom Ombo: Sailing the Nile

  Our journey north begins today along the Nile aboard a traditional dahabiya. Sail past farmlands and small islands that have forever been bathed by rich nutrients, creating fertile land in a narrow green ribbon along the river's banks, surrounded by desert on both sides. Our day ends as we dock near Gebal El Silseila, the perfect vantage point for a sunset on the Nile. This morning you can choose to pre-book a visit to Philae Temple if you chose Abu Simbel yesterday. Otherwise you will have a free, leisurely morning before the group boards the dahabiya, your OMG Stay. Sail north on the Nile to Kom Ombo and visit the temple here before docking for the evening nearby.

• Day 13: Kom Ombo to Luxor: People along the Nile

  The sails are up and your first full day of sailing on the Nile. Get ready to discover incredible sites and enjoy an experience only possible on your dahabiya. Sail further north along the Nile today towards Luxor. Along the way visit Gebal Silsila and Esna Temple. Then, go for a walk in Esna Village before sailing to Luxor and having dinner on board.

• Day 14: Luxor: Egypt's Great Temples & Local Hospitality

  Embark on an early morning excursion to delve into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the temples of the West Bank. While tales of ancient curses persist, the genuine challenge lies in the limited time available to thoroughly explore each tomb. The amazement you feel is profound when your eyes first see the great temples of Egypt. You immediately understand why for centuries people have been coming here to explore and observe these incredible monuments. Visit the iconic Valley of the Kings in the morning before a local family-hosted lunch on the West Bank. Then, tour Karnak Temple before checking in at the hotel to get settled and have some free time. After dark the group will visit Luxor by night to enjoy the monument all lit up. Choose to join the group for an optional farewell dinner afterwards.

• Day 15: Luxor: Departure Day

  Your adventure comes to an end, and you can depart at any time today. You may be leaving Egypt behind, but the experiences you have will last forever. Depart at any time.