Egypt & Jordan Discovery April/May 2024

DAY 1 Friday 26th Apr

CAIRO (D)

Welcome to Cairo! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Today is simply an arrival day, so you can arrive in Cairo at any time, although you will need to be in the hotel foyer to meet your fellow travellers, local tour guide and the Two’s a Crowd Host around 6pm this evening. We will have tour briefing and enjoy our first meal together as a group. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can perhaps be symbolised by two imposing landmarks—the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you arrive early, perhaps go out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts- where you can see donkey carts and expensive cars, medieval slums and modern shopping malls.

Accommodation: Your own room at Conrad Cairo Hotel or similar

DAY 2 Saturday 27th Apr

CAIRO (B/L)

Today you will visit some of the most iconic structures ever created by man—the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is captivating. The Egyptian Museum is simply one of the world’s great museums, and we will head here after lunch and your guide will take you through Egypt’s rich and fascinating dynastic history. Later, go on a guided walking tour to experience a more modern side of Cairo. You’ll sample some of Cairo’s favourite street food and see interesting architecture along the way.

Accommodation: Your own room at Conrad Cairo Hotel or similar

DAY 3 Sunday 28th Apr

ASWAN (B/D)

After breakfast we will transfer to Cairo airport and travel to Aswan. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom). It’s a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings—definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt.
This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand with a visit to a nearby village. You’ll join a local Nubian family for dinner and get an unforgettable insight into the daily life of the local people. This is a rare and memorable experience, giving you the chance to become fully immersed in the local culture.

Accommodation: Your own room at Basma Aswan Hotel or similar

DAY 4 Monday 29th Apr

NILE CRUISE (B/L/D)

This morning we take a short flight (approx. 45 minutes) from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where we will explore some magnificent temples. 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. Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet your Nile cruise boat. Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organized sightseeing on an iconic Nile River cruise to Luxor.

Note: Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Evenings will be spent on the boat, so make full use of the boat’s facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch the stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board. Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn’t to the same standard that we might expect at home. They are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile (due to varying schedules we aren’t able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we’ll be sailing on).

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard a Nile Radamis boat or similar

DAY 5 Tuesday 30th Apr

NILE CRUISE (B/L/D)

Continue your leisurely cruise down the Nile, with today’s stop Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex sits picturesquely ruined on the river’s edge and dates back to the early 2nd century BC. The complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of Gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). Return to the cruise boat where you’ll continue travelling upriver, relax on the sundeck and take in the surrounding sights.

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard a Nile Radamis boat or similar

DAY 6 Wednesday 1st May

NILE CRUISE (B/L/D)

Today finds you moored near Edfu, a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. You will disembark and discover the lively streets of Edfu town—get acquainted the bustling town centre and the bazaar. Back on board continue towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks. It is not uncommon to have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from up on deck with a cool drink in hand, and listen to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience—life on the Nile! Arrive Luxor around 3pm and visit the Luxor temple.

*Note: The only mode of transport available to visit the Edfu temple is by local horse/carriages. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the horse/carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer include the visit to Edfu Temple. In addition to the animal welfare concerns, there has also been a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse/carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included stop on the Nile River cruise schedule.

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard a Nile Radamis boat or similar

DAY 7 Thursday 2nd May

LUXOR – TRAIN TO CAIRO (B/D)

Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Tutankhamun’s final resting place is also located here, and you’ll have free time to visit it. Your guide will explain the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. You will visit three royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Visit the valley of the queens. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon. Later transfer to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Cairo.

Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in your own cabin, although there are 2 beds which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided on board and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Your bags will be stored in your cabin, where airline-style dinner and breakfast will be served. However, it may be worth bringing some additional snacks, especially if you are vegetarian or have dietary requirements. Your tour leader can help you to arrange this. Despite being a tourist class train, facilities are basic. Please also keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard the Luxor to Cairo Sleeper Train

DAY 8 Friday 3rd May

CAIRO (B/D)

Arrive in Giza and dive into another layer of Egyptian history: medieval Cairo. Head to Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s oldest mosque and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. You will also get to visit the Egyptian Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the Royal Mummies Hall, where you can see the mummies of pharaohs who ruled 3000 years ago! This evening you’ll get to share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Visit their home, chat with the local family members about life in the Middle East, and learn some of your favourite traditional Egyptian dishes while enjoying a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Your own room at Conrad Cairo Hotel or simila

DAY 9 Saturday 4th May

AMMAN (B)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history, Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan and is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. There is much to do in Amman; you can head over to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre, find fine culture at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, look down on the city from the hilltop Temple of Hercules, or begin your Jordan experience with a relaxing Turkish bath house.

Accommodation: Your own room at Toledo Hotel or similar

DAY 10 Sunday 5th May

AMMAN – AQABA (B)

After breakfast today we will journey down the Desert Highway, with the beach resort of Aqaba as your destination (approx. 4 hrs). This region is known not only for its rich culture dating back to the 14th Century, but it also offers some of the best snorkeling in the world with its untouched coral reefs just south of the town.

Accommodation: Your own room at City Tower Hotel or similar

DAY 11 Monday 6th May

AQABA – WADI RUM (B/D)

This morning you will see the contrast between the sparkling waters of the Red Sea and an ochre sea of desert on the way to spell-binding Wadi Rum. Drive approximately 1 hour into this desolate yet achingly romantic landscape. Journey through the sweeping swathes of desert, wondering how this place could be livable. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin Hosts. Once the food is ready the sand and blankets are removed to reveal the delicious slow cooked smoky meat and perfectly cooked vegetables. After a wonderful dinner, spend the night in this incredible location, deep in Wadi Rum and under a huge expanse of stars.

Note: Here we stay in permanent Bedouin-style tents with shared bathroom facilities. Tents are luxuriously furnished complete with comfortable king-size or twin beds, Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and the finest bed linens. All the furniture is hand-made. There is cosy relaxation area outside the tent to watch the stars at night. Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. Each tent has a private terrace with a fantastic view over the Wadi Rum Mountains.

Accommodation: Your own luxury desert tent within the camp

DAY 12 Tuesday 7th May

WADI RUM – PETRA (B/D)

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp this morning, you will enjoy a walk around the area (the length of the walk will depend on how energetic you are feeling) before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy sensational views of the surrounding area. You will then continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra (approx. 2.5 hrs.). On arrival there is time in the afternoon to explore the town that has grown up around the site, and to just relax… ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.

Accommodation: Your own room at P. Quattro Hotel or similar

DAY 13 Wednesday 8th May

PETRA (B/D)

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. This morning, enjoy a guided tour of this jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the site was lost to Western minds until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. The iconic Petra view is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The afternoon will be at your leisure. Tonight we’ll witness Petra by night—seeing it lit up by flickering candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a magical experience.

Accommodation: Your own room at P. Quattro Hotel or similar

DAY 14 Thursday 9th May

PETRA – AMMAN (B)

Petra is an incredible site and almost demands more than one visit. If you want to see more, then get up early to soak in the dramatic setting Later, the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak makes as imposing sight as you make the short drive up to it. Stroll the site and discover a small chapel, original gatehouse, and find out where a long, dark secret passage leads. Continue half an hour to the ancient village at Dana, where local artisans sell attractive silver jewelry and charms. Drive on to Madaba, home to a number of fine Byzantine mosaics. After that we will arrive into Amman in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Your own room at Toledo Hotel or similar

DAY 15 Friday 10th May

AMMAN (B/L/D)

Today you will leave Amman for Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. In the afternoon you can wash off the dust from exploring the ruins with a dip the Dead Sea. Named for the scarcity of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the density of the water makes swimming and getting underneath the surface very difficult. Afterwards you will return to Amman for the evening. Tonight, the group will spend their farewell night together at one of the many restaurants and bars in West Amman or ask your leader about the traditional cafés dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.

Accommodation: Your own room at Toledo Hotel or similar

DAY 16 Saturday 11th May

AMMAN DEPARTURE DAY (B)

After breakfast our tour ends as we transfer to the airport for our flight home, or onwards for further adventures. Alternatively, we can organise for you to stay for a night or two longer in Amman if you wish.

TOUR PRICING $8,997 PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES AND TAXES

TOUR DATES: 26TH APRIL – 11th MAY 2024

Conrad Cairo Hotel

Basma Hotel

Enjoy Aswan’s Magnificent Views from The Comfort Of Your Room

Basma Hotel is located on the highest point of Aswan next to the famous pharaonic monuments and overlooking the beautiful greenery and the amazing Nile Views. From the moment you step in, you are surrounded by authentic unique art. Hand-painted walls and ceilings immediately give you a head start on the beauty you will enjoy during your stay. Basma Hotel is the place to be in Aswan. We provide rooms and hospitality that are top-class in our category. We cater to your comfort and happiness above all. When you choose to stay with Basma, you choose peace, happiness, and simplicity, which is also what Aswan is all about. Basma Hotel provides a wide range of dining experiences and is a magnet for food lovers. At each and every restaurant is a variety of quality world cuisines, with a flare of our chef’s creativity to bring you something truly unique.

Toledo Hotel

“Welcome to your home in Amman. The staff will go to great lengths to ensure comfort and great service. We spend a great deal of effort and time to train the staff “the art of hospitality”. The word “cannot” is not in our vocabulary. Whether the request is accommodation/hotel related or concerns getting around the city, the “can I help you!” attitude is instilled in each member of our staff, and I guarantee it.” -Hakam Barakat, General Manager Toledo Amman Hotel

Toledo Amman Hotel is situated in the heart of Amman, on the edge of the old city center and within walking distance to the new downtown. Toledo Amman Hotel is only few minutes away from major historical and biblical sites, in addition only a two minute walk to the future entertainment center “Al Abdali Boulevard”.

City Tower Hotel

City Tower Hotel is strategically located by Middle Beach of Aqaba opposite Arab Revaluation Square. Offering luxurious modern room and suites, with an ambience decorated for your comfort. Making each stay unforgettable, for you and you family. We are the hotel of choice for both the leisure and business travellers searching for an authentic experience, which meets with the local culture. Our Hotel benefits from 72 well appointed rooms each with it’s own facilities, with lift accessibility to all floors. All of our rooms are restful, each beautifully furnished with a carefully considered colour scheme. It is perfect if you value privacy and welcome friendly service, dignity, security and comfort.

P. Quattro Hotel

P. Quattro Relax Hotel is located in the rose city Petra, in the heart of the city center, entertainment and shopping district, the hotel is 5 minutes drive from the main gate of Petra. We go all out to make your stay or event as remarkable and memorable as possible, because your comfort is our satisfaction. The epitome of luxury and comfort, the guests will experience the city life, the magnificent and commanding views in our roof terrace of the city skyline.

Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and, with a total population in excess of 16 million people, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East (the regions which it conveniently straddles). It is also the 19th largest city in the world, and among the world’s most densely populated cities.

On the Nile river, Cairo is famous for its own history, preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic city and Coptic sites in Old Cairo. The Egyptian Museum in the centre of town is a must see, with its countless Acient Egyptian artefacts, as is shopping at the Khan al-Khalili bazaar. No trip to Cairo would be complete, for example, without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, and to the nearby Saqqara Pyramid Complex, where visitors will see Egypt’s first step pyramid built by the architect Imhotep for the third dynasty Pharaoh, Djoser.

Though firmly attached to the past, Cairo is also home to a vibrant modern society. The Midan Tahrir area situated in downtown Cairo area, built in the 19th century under the rule of Khedive Ismail, has strived to be a “Paris on the Nile”. There also are a number of more modern suburbs including Ma’adi and Heliopolis, while Zamalek is a quiet area on Gezira Island, with upmarket shopping. Cairo is best in the fall or spring, when the weather isn’t so hot. A felucca ride on the Nile is a good way to escape from the busy city, as is a visit to Al-Azhar Park.

Aswan

Located about 899 km south from Cairo, Aswan is a serene Nile Valley destination where the Nile is more majestic than anywhere else, flowing through granite rocks, and round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. It is considered as an all-time favourite winter destination. Moreover, you’ll be surprised to see how many monuments and sites this small city has to offer. Consider sailing to the temple of Philae, seeing the Agha Khan Mausoleum and taking an excursion to St. Simeon Monastery. Egypt’s sunniest southern city is the perfect destination to stroll and relax in a magical cultural setting: wander down the broad walkway, locally known as the corniche, to watch feluccas slowly sailing the Nile then stop at one of the floating restaurants to enjoy Nubian music and freshly caught fish. Aswan offers a splendid view of the Nile and is a great starting point for a Nile cruise. Aswan also offers a rich cultural experience; you will get to know Nubian culture and shop for spices, henna tattoos, souvenirs and African handmade goods at the Aswan souk. The word Aswan derives in fact from the Ancient Egyptian word Soun meaning souk or trade. It has earned its name thanks to the city strategic position, on the trade route linking the North of Egypt to its South. Since Ancient times, Aswan has also been known for its environmental therapy: burying the aching parts of your body in Aswan sand gives valuable results and can help relieving you from stubborn ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, joint edema and skin inflammation. The town climate is also known to have great relaxing and rejuvenating properties.The best times to visit Aswan are May and September, summers are scorching, and winter temperatures have been known to reach 27 during the day, with cold nights.

Amman

Amman is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with a population of more than four million. Amman forms a great base for exploring not just Jordan, but the wider region as well and does, despite popular belief, offer much that is of interest to the traveller. The city is generally reasonably well-organized, enjoys great weather for much of the year and the people are very friendly. Although Amman can be difficult to penetrate at first sight, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Visit Amman’s Roman Amphitheatre, its many art galleries or the newly opened Jordan Museum, while an afternoon away on a chic cafe terrace, take a course in the University of Jordan or stay in luxurious hotels and dine on the region’s varied and delicious cuisine. Modern shopping malls are increasingly abundant in Jordan but open air souqs are what many travellers will remember most.

Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman’s roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of parts of the city but the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do in and around Amman.

Wadi Rum

People have lived in Rum for thousands of years, struggling to survive in its harsh environment. They have been hunters, pastoralists, farmers and traders, as Rum is close to national borders. Even the famous Nabateans once occupied Rum, leaving behind several structures, including a temple.

Local people gained notoriety more recently when they joined the arab revolt forces under the leadership of king Faisal and fought along with Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt (1917/18) to fight the occupying Turkish and German armies. Lawrence himself makes many references to Wadi Rum in his book ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’, a title apparently inspired by one of Rum’s imposing mountains. The exploits of Lawrence have become part of local folklore, and some popular tourist sites are named after him, although whether he used these exact sites is open to debate.

Virtually all the people living in and around Wadi Rum today are of Bedouin origin and, until recently, led nomadic lives, relying on their goat herds. They are resourceful, hospitable people who are largely responsible for developing Wadi Rum as a tourist destination.

Recognizing the unique natural and cultural history of Wadi Rum and the vital importance of tourism to the local economy, the government of Jordan declared Wadi Rum a protected area in 1998. With support from the World Bank they commissioned the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a national NGO, to prepare a conservation plan and build a team of local people to manage the area. This team is now under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and is pioneering ways to restore and safeguard Rum’s sensitive desert habitats from ever-increasing human pressure

Petra

The Nabatean Kingdom chose Petra as it capital around the 6th century BCE, carving what is one of the greatest wonders of the world out of the unique reddish rock that this region of Jordan is built upon. The extensive city was one of the most advanced of its time, with water management systems, and extensive and enormous monuments and features. When the Nabatean Kingdom was absorbed into the Roman Empire, the Romans continued to develop the city and it remained an important point on several trade routes including the ancient Spice Route.

An earthquake hit Petra around 660 AD, and with vital infrastructure destroyed, the city was abandoned and largely forgotten, until 1812 when the first Westerner, a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered it. At this point, Bedouins had made the city their own, living in the caves and ruins. Over the next 200 years, more explorers and archaeologists uncovered parts of the city, with Scottish explorer David Roberts being the first to chronicle the city in 1839. It wasn’t until the 1920’s however, that excavations began in Petra, and more of the city was uncovered, and more recently, that the Bedouin population moved out of the site itself following its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today Petra is a National Park, and the most popular tourist site in Jordan. Managed by a conservation trust, the site is extensive, and for those who wish to really explore in depth, a few days is required. Most visitors, however, come to Petra for one or two days, and see the main highlights and famous points including the Treasury, the Siq, and the Monastery.

Tour Inclusions:

• Two’s a Crowd Tour Host
• 11 nights’ accommodation in your own hotel room, as well as 3 nights onboard the MS Nile Radamis in your own cabin, 1 night in the desert in your own Bedouin-style tent, and 1 night in your  own cabin onboard a sleeper train
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, S=supper)
• Return group transfers from airport to hotel at the start and end of the tour
• Flights: Cairo to Aswan, Aswan to Abu Simbel, Cairo to Amman
• All transport as detailed in the itinerary by comfortable air-conditioned bus, riverboat, and sleeper train
• Professional English-speaking guide throughout
• All sightseeing, guided tours, and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
• Solo room – always!

Tour Exclusions:

• Travel Insurance (we can assist)
• International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour
• Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs, and phone calls
• Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
• Pre- and post-tour accommodation (we can assist)
• Visa costs (if applicable)
• Any tours listed as “Optional Tours” (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes)
• Gratuities

DAY 1 Friday 26th Apr

CAIRO (D)

Welcome to Cairo! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Today is simply an arrival day, so you can arrive in Cairo at any time, although you will need to be in the hotel foyer to meet your fellow travellers, local tour guide and the Two’s a Crowd Host around 6pm this evening. We will have tour briefing and enjoy our first meal together as a group. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can perhaps be symbolised by two imposing landmarks—the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you arrive early, perhaps go out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts- where you can see donkey carts and expensive cars, medieval slums and modern shopping malls.

Accommodation: Your own room at Conrad Cairo Hotel or similar

DAY 2 Saturday 27th Apr

CAIRO (B/L)

Today you will visit some of the most iconic structures ever created by man—the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power, getting up close to these incredible pharaonic tombs is captivating. The Egyptian Museum is simply one of the world’s great museums, and we will head here after lunch and your guide will take you through Egypt’s rich and fascinating dynastic history. Later, go on a guided walking tour to experience a more modern side of Cairo. You’ll sample some of Cairo’s favourite street food and see interesting architecture along the way.

Accommodation: Your own room at Conrad Cairo Hotel or similar

DAY 3 Sunday 28th Apr

ASWAN (B/D)

After breakfast we will transfer to Cairo airport and travel to Aswan. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom). It’s a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings—definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt.
This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand with a visit to a nearby village. You’ll join a local Nubian family for dinner and get an unforgettable insight into the daily life of the local people. This is a rare and memorable experience, giving you the chance to become fully immersed in the local culture.

Accommodation: Your own room at Basma Aswan Hotel or similar

DAY 4 Monday 29th Apr

NILE CRUISE (B/L/D)

This morning we take a short flight (approx. 45 minutes) from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where we will explore some magnificent temples. 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. Return from Abu Simbel and transfer to meet your Nile cruise boat. Enjoy a fantastic mix of total relaxation and organized sightseeing on an iconic Nile River cruise to Luxor.

Note: Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. Evenings will be spent on the boat, so make full use of the boat’s facilities where you can relax on the top deck by the pool and watch the stunning Nile scenery pass by. All meals are included on board. Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, please note that the local equivalent of five stars isn’t to the same standard that we might expect at home. They are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile (due to varying schedules we aren’t able to provide advance notice of which exact boat we’ll be sailing on).

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard a Nile Radamis boat or similar

DAY 5 Tuesday 30th Apr

NILE CRUISE (B/L/D)

Continue your leisurely cruise down the Nile, with today’s stop Kom Ombo Temple, north of Aswan. Built on a high dune overlooking the Nile, the complex sits picturesquely ruined on the river’s edge and dates back to the early 2nd century BC. The complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of Gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god). Return to the cruise boat where you’ll continue travelling upriver, relax on the sundeck and take in the surrounding sights.

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard a Nile Radamis boat or similar

DAY 6 Wednesday 1st May

NILE CRUISE (B/L/D)

Today finds you moored near Edfu, a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. You will disembark and discover the lively streets of Edfu town—get acquainted the bustling town centre and the bazaar. Back on board continue towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks. It is not uncommon to have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from up on deck with a cool drink in hand, and listen to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience—life on the Nile! Arrive Luxor around 3pm and visit the Luxor temple.

*Note: The only mode of transport available to visit the Edfu temple is by local horse/carriages. As a responsible travel focused business, animal welfare is extremely important to us and we want to ensure that we are not promoting any activities where the working animals are not properly cared for. Unfortunately, some operators of the horse/carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines and it is, for this reason, we will no longer include the visit to Edfu Temple. In addition to the animal welfare concerns, there has also been a substantial amount of feedback suggesting that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the pushy nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. While we recommend that you do not use the horse/carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you. Edfu is an included stop on the Nile River cruise schedule.

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard a Nile Radamis boat or similar

DAY 7 Thursday 2nd May

LUXOR – TRAIN TO CAIRO (B/D)

Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Tutankhamun’s final resting place is also located here, and you’ll have free time to visit it. Your guide will explain the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. You will visit three royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Visit the valley of the queens. Your final stop is the Colossi of Memnon. Later transfer to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Cairo.

Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in your own cabin, although there are 2 beds which convert to bunk beds. All bedding is provided on board and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. Your bags will be stored in your cabin, where airline-style dinner and breakfast will be served. However, it may be worth bringing some additional snacks, especially if you are vegetarian or have dietary requirements. Your tour leader can help you to arrange this. Despite being a tourist class train, facilities are basic. Please also keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.

Accommodation: Your own cabin onboard the Luxor to Cairo Sleeper Train

DAY 8 Friday 3rd May

CAIRO (B/D)

Arrive in Giza and dive into another layer of Egyptian history: medieval Cairo. Head to Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s oldest mosque and the Gayer-Anderson Museum. You will also get to visit the Egyptian Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the Royal Mummies Hall, where you can see the mummies of pharaohs who ruled 3000 years ago! This evening you’ll get to share an authentic Egyptian meal with a local family. Visit their home, chat with the local family members about life in the Middle East, and learn some of your favourite traditional Egyptian dishes while enjoying a delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Your own room at Conrad Cairo Hotel or simila

DAY 9 Saturday 4th May

AMMAN (B)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan. Cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history, Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan and is also one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. There is much to do in Amman; you can head over to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre, find fine culture at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, look down on the city from the hilltop Temple of Hercules, or begin your Jordan experience with a relaxing Turkish bath house.

Accommodation: Your own room at Toledo Hotel or similar

DAY 10 Sunday 5th May

AMMAN – AQABA (B)

After breakfast today we will journey down the Desert Highway, with the beach resort of Aqaba as your destination (approx. 4 hrs). This region is known not only for its rich culture dating back to the 14th Century, but it also offers some of the best snorkeling in the world with its untouched coral reefs just south of the town.

Accommodation: Your own room at City Tower Hotel or similar

DAY 11 Monday 6th May

AQABA – WADI RUM (B/D)

This morning you will see the contrast between the sparkling waters of the Red Sea and an ochre sea of desert on the way to spell-binding Wadi Rum. Drive approximately 1 hour into this desolate yet achingly romantic landscape. Journey through the sweeping swathes of desert, wondering how this place could be livable. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin Hosts. Once the food is ready the sand and blankets are removed to reveal the delicious slow cooked smoky meat and perfectly cooked vegetables. After a wonderful dinner, spend the night in this incredible location, deep in Wadi Rum and under a huge expanse of stars.

Note: Here we stay in permanent Bedouin-style tents with shared bathroom facilities. Tents are luxuriously furnished complete with comfortable king-size or twin beds, Bedouin sofa, mirrors, lamps, and the finest bed linens. All the furniture is hand-made. There is cosy relaxation area outside the tent to watch the stars at night. Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. Each tent has a private terrace with a fantastic view over the Wadi Rum Mountains.

Accommodation: Your own luxury desert tent within the camp

DAY 12 Tuesday 7th May

WADI RUM – PETRA (B/D)

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp this morning, you will enjoy a walk around the area (the length of the walk will depend on how energetic you are feeling) before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy sensational views of the surrounding area. You will then continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra (approx. 2.5 hrs.). On arrival there is time in the afternoon to explore the town that has grown up around the site, and to just relax… ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.

Accommodation: Your own room at P. Quattro Hotel or similar

DAY 13 Wednesday 8th May

PETRA (B/D)

Petra is justifiably on most people’s list of ‘must-visit’ places. This morning, enjoy a guided tour of this jewel of Jordan, the lost city of the biblical Nabateans. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the site was lost to Western minds until it was rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. The iconic Petra view is arguably the single most striking sight of the entire region. The afternoon will be at your leisure. Tonight we’ll witness Petra by night—seeing it lit up by flickering candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a magical experience.

Accommodation: Your own room at P. Quattro Hotel or similar

DAY 14 Thursday 9th May

PETRA – AMMAN (B)

Petra is an incredible site and almost demands more than one visit. If you want to see more, then get up early to soak in the dramatic setting Later, the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak makes as imposing sight as you make the short drive up to it. Stroll the site and discover a small chapel, original gatehouse, and find out where a long, dark secret passage leads. Continue half an hour to the ancient village at Dana, where local artisans sell attractive silver jewelry and charms. Drive on to Madaba, home to a number of fine Byzantine mosaics. After that we will arrive into Amman in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Your own room at Toledo Hotel or similar

DAY 15 Friday 10th May

AMMAN (B/L/D)

Today you will leave Amman for Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. In the afternoon you can wash off the dust from exploring the ruins with a dip the Dead Sea. Named for the scarcity of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the density of the water makes swimming and getting underneath the surface very difficult. Afterwards you will return to Amman for the evening. Tonight, the group will spend their farewell night together at one of the many restaurants and bars in West Amman or ask your leader about the traditional cafés dotted around the city where locals spend their evenings.

Accommodation: Your own room at Toledo Hotel or similar

DAY 16 Saturday 11th May

AMMAN DEPARTURE DAY (B)

After breakfast our tour ends as we transfer to the airport for our flight home, or onwards for further adventures. Alternatively, we can organise for you to stay for a night or two longer in Amman if you wish.

TOUR PRICING $8,997 PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES AND TAXES

TOUR DATES: 26TH APRIL – 11th MAY 2024

Conrad Cairo Hotel

Basma Hotel

Enjoy Aswan’s Magnificent Views from The Comfort Of Your Room

Basma Hotel is located on the highest point of Aswan next to the famous pharaonic monuments and overlooking the beautiful greenery and the amazing Nile Views. From the moment you step in, you are surrounded by authentic unique art. Hand-painted walls and ceilings immediately give you a head start on the beauty you will enjoy during your stay. Basma Hotel is the place to be in Aswan. We provide rooms and hospitality that are top-class in our category. We cater to your comfort and happiness above all. When you choose to stay with Basma, you choose peace, happiness, and simplicity, which is also what Aswan is all about. Basma Hotel provides a wide range of dining experiences and is a magnet for food lovers. At each and every restaurant is a variety of quality world cuisines, with a flare of our chef’s creativity to bring you something truly unique.

Toledo Hotel

“Welcome to your home in Amman. The staff will go to great lengths to ensure comfort and great service. We spend a great deal of effort and time to train the staff “the art of hospitality”. The word “cannot” is not in our vocabulary. Whether the request is accommodation/hotel related or concerns getting around the city, the “can I help you!” attitude is instilled in each member of our staff, and I guarantee it.” -Hakam Barakat, General Manager Toledo Amman Hotel

Toledo Amman Hotel is situated in the heart of Amman, on the edge of the old city center and within walking distance to the new downtown. Toledo Amman Hotel is only few minutes away from major historical and biblical sites, in addition only a two minute walk to the future entertainment center “Al Abdali Boulevard”.

City Tower Hotel

City Tower Hotel is strategically located by Middle Beach of Aqaba opposite Arab Revaluation Square. Offering luxurious modern room and suites, with an ambience decorated for your comfort. Making each stay unforgettable, for you and you family. We are the hotel of choice for both the leisure and business travellers searching for an authentic experience, which meets with the local culture. Our Hotel benefits from 72 well appointed rooms each with it’s own facilities, with lift accessibility to all floors. All of our rooms are restful, each beautifully furnished with a carefully considered colour scheme. It is perfect if you value privacy and welcome friendly service, dignity, security and comfort.

P. Quattro Hotel

P. Quattro Relax Hotel is located in the rose city Petra, in the heart of the city center, entertainment and shopping district, the hotel is 5 minutes drive from the main gate of Petra. We go all out to make your stay or event as remarkable and memorable as possible, because your comfort is our satisfaction. The epitome of luxury and comfort, the guests will experience the city life, the magnificent and commanding views in our roof terrace of the city skyline.

Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and, with a total population in excess of 16 million people, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East (the regions which it conveniently straddles). It is also the 19th largest city in the world, and among the world’s most densely populated cities.

On the Nile river, Cairo is famous for its own history, preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic city and Coptic sites in Old Cairo. The Egyptian Museum in the centre of town is a must see, with its countless Acient Egyptian artefacts, as is shopping at the Khan al-Khalili bazaar. No trip to Cairo would be complete, for example, without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, and to the nearby Saqqara Pyramid Complex, where visitors will see Egypt’s first step pyramid built by the architect Imhotep for the third dynasty Pharaoh, Djoser.

Though firmly attached to the past, Cairo is also home to a vibrant modern society. The Midan Tahrir area situated in downtown Cairo area, built in the 19th century under the rule of Khedive Ismail, has strived to be a “Paris on the Nile”. There also are a number of more modern suburbs including Ma’adi and Heliopolis, while Zamalek is a quiet area on Gezira Island, with upmarket shopping. Cairo is best in the fall or spring, when the weather isn’t so hot. A felucca ride on the Nile is a good way to escape from the busy city, as is a visit to Al-Azhar Park.

Aswan

Located about 899 km south from Cairo, Aswan is a serene Nile Valley destination where the Nile is more majestic than anywhere else, flowing through granite rocks, and round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. It is considered as an all-time favourite winter destination. Moreover, you’ll be surprised to see how many monuments and sites this small city has to offer. Consider sailing to the temple of Philae, seeing the Agha Khan Mausoleum and taking an excursion to St. Simeon Monastery. Egypt’s sunniest southern city is the perfect destination to stroll and relax in a magical cultural setting: wander down the broad walkway, locally known as the corniche, to watch feluccas slowly sailing the Nile then stop at one of the floating restaurants to enjoy Nubian music and freshly caught fish. Aswan offers a splendid view of the Nile and is a great starting point for a Nile cruise. Aswan also offers a rich cultural experience; you will get to know Nubian culture and shop for spices, henna tattoos, souvenirs and African handmade goods at the Aswan souk. The word Aswan derives in fact from the Ancient Egyptian word Soun meaning souk or trade. It has earned its name thanks to the city strategic position, on the trade route linking the North of Egypt to its South. Since Ancient times, Aswan has also been known for its environmental therapy: burying the aching parts of your body in Aswan sand gives valuable results and can help relieving you from stubborn ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, joint edema and skin inflammation. The town climate is also known to have great relaxing and rejuvenating properties.The best times to visit Aswan are May and September, summers are scorching, and winter temperatures have been known to reach 27 during the day, with cold nights.

Amman

Amman is the capital and largest city of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with a population of more than four million. Amman forms a great base for exploring not just Jordan, but the wider region as well and does, despite popular belief, offer much that is of interest to the traveller. The city is generally reasonably well-organized, enjoys great weather for much of the year and the people are very friendly. Although Amman can be difficult to penetrate at first sight, the city holds many surprises for the visitor. Visit Amman’s Roman Amphitheatre, its many art galleries or the newly opened Jordan Museum, while an afternoon away on a chic cafe terrace, take a course in the University of Jordan or stay in luxurious hotels and dine on the region’s varied and delicious cuisine. Modern shopping malls are increasingly abundant in Jordan but open air souqs are what many travellers will remember most.

Amman is experiencing a massive (some would say: reckless) change from a quiet sleepy village to a bustling metropolis, some of whose neighbourhoods seem hell-bent on wanting to imitate Dubai. Amman’s roads have a reputation of being very steep and narrow in some of parts of the city but the city has state of the art highways and paved avenues. The steep terrain and heavy traffic remains challenging for pedestrians and for the rare cyclist. New resorts and hotels dot the city and there are many things for the traveller to see and do in and around Amman.

Wadi Rum

People have lived in Rum for thousands of years, struggling to survive in its harsh environment. They have been hunters, pastoralists, farmers and traders, as Rum is close to national borders. Even the famous Nabateans once occupied Rum, leaving behind several structures, including a temple.

Local people gained notoriety more recently when they joined the arab revolt forces under the leadership of king Faisal and fought along with Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt (1917/18) to fight the occupying Turkish and German armies. Lawrence himself makes many references to Wadi Rum in his book ‘The Seven Pillars of Wisdom’, a title apparently inspired by one of Rum’s imposing mountains. The exploits of Lawrence have become part of local folklore, and some popular tourist sites are named after him, although whether he used these exact sites is open to debate.

Virtually all the people living in and around Wadi Rum today are of Bedouin origin and, until recently, led nomadic lives, relying on their goat herds. They are resourceful, hospitable people who are largely responsible for developing Wadi Rum as a tourist destination.

Recognizing the unique natural and cultural history of Wadi Rum and the vital importance of tourism to the local economy, the government of Jordan declared Wadi Rum a protected area in 1998. With support from the World Bank they commissioned the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a national NGO, to prepare a conservation plan and build a team of local people to manage the area. This team is now under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and is pioneering ways to restore and safeguard Rum’s sensitive desert habitats from ever-increasing human pressure

Petra

The Nabatean Kingdom chose Petra as it capital around the 6th century BCE, carving what is one of the greatest wonders of the world out of the unique reddish rock that this region of Jordan is built upon. The extensive city was one of the most advanced of its time, with water management systems, and extensive and enormous monuments and features. When the Nabatean Kingdom was absorbed into the Roman Empire, the Romans continued to develop the city and it remained an important point on several trade routes including the ancient Spice Route.

An earthquake hit Petra around 660 AD, and with vital infrastructure destroyed, the city was abandoned and largely forgotten, until 1812 when the first Westerner, a Swiss explorer named Johann Ludwig Burckhardt discovered it. At this point, Bedouins had made the city their own, living in the caves and ruins. Over the next 200 years, more explorers and archaeologists uncovered parts of the city, with Scottish explorer David Roberts being the first to chronicle the city in 1839. It wasn’t until the 1920’s however, that excavations began in Petra, and more of the city was uncovered, and more recently, that the Bedouin population moved out of the site itself following its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today Petra is a National Park, and the most popular tourist site in Jordan. Managed by a conservation trust, the site is extensive, and for those who wish to really explore in depth, a few days is required. Most visitors, however, come to Petra for one or two days, and see the main highlights and famous points including the Treasury, the Siq, and the Monastery.

Tour Inclusions:

• Two’s a Crowd Tour Host
• 11 nights’ accommodation in your own hotel room, as well as 3 nights onboard the MS Nile Radamis in your own cabin, 1 night in the desert in your own Bedouin-style tent, and 1 night in your  own cabin onboard a sleeper train
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, S=supper)
• Return group transfers from airport to hotel at the start and end of the tour
• Flights: Cairo to Aswan, Aswan to Abu Simbel, Cairo to Amman
• All transport as detailed in the itinerary by comfortable air-conditioned bus, riverboat, and sleeper train
• Professional English-speaking guide throughout
• All sightseeing, guided tours, and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
• Solo room – always!

Tour Exclusions:

• Travel Insurance (we can assist)
• International/domestic flights to the start/end of the tour
• Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, taxis, souvenirs, and phone calls
• Meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
• Pre- and post-tour accommodation (we can assist)
• Visa costs (if applicable)
• Any tours listed as “Optional Tours” (and are subject to change, depending on weather and schedule changes)
• Gratuities