Discover Egypt & Jordan
Experience Overview
Myth, religion and wonder come together on this expedition across the timeless terrain of Egypt and Jordan. From the mysteries of the Sphinx to the sublime stone structures of Petra, discover ancient sites galore. Travel on a felucca down the mighty Nile, and spend a night with Bedouin locals amid the sand dunes of Wadi Rum – these are just some of the highlights that make this adventure across the sands of time truly memorable.
Highlights
- See the grand burial sites of the pharaohs in the valley of the Kings.
- Explore vibrant Cairo with its bustling markets and colourful streets.
- Experience Nubian hospitality with a home cooked meal.
- Experience the feeling of weightlessness as you float in the super salty Dead Sea.
- Spend the night trying to count the billions of stars or chat with the locals at our bedouin-style camp in Wadi Rum
- Check out the rock cut tombs and the remains of the ancient city of Petra.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3021
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle, Felucca, Jeep, Overnight sleeper train, Plane
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: XESPC
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Finishes: Madaba, Egypt
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (4), Dinner (6)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Desert camp (2 nights), Felucca (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4200 ($280 /day)
Itinerary
Ahlan! Welcome to Egypt. Your adventure begins in Cairo with a welcome meeting at 4 pm, where you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, get your bearings by walking around the neighourhood, or escape the hustle and bustle and explore the Christian quarter, known as Coptic Cairo. After the meeting, head out with your fellow travellers and discover Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, located in Cairo's Islamic centre. This traditional souk is a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with local merchants, making it the perfect place to experience daily Egyptian life.
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
- Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili (entrance fee) (180 EGP)
- Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Urban Adventure (49 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head to Giza – home to some of the world’s most iconic sights and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Explore the structures that have stood tall for 4500 years and uncover the mysteries surrounding them with your leader. Head to a spot where you'll have a panoramic view of the three pyramids, before checking out the Great Sphinx of Giza. For lunch, follow your leader to a local restaurant to try a Koshary plate (a tasty and filling Egyptian take on pasta). After, make your way to the Egyptian Museum, which houses one of the world's greatest collections of antiquities. Wander through the treasure-filled halls while your leader highlights the true gems of the exhibits. Later, meet your leader and travel to the nearby train station, where you’ll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Aswan.
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum (minimum 2 people)
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1000 EGP)
- Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city, where the river Nile flows, white-sailed feluccas glide by and Elephantine Island awaits. Today is a free day, so take the opportunity to see some Aswan sites like the Unfinished Obelisk – an ancient monument that has remained unfinished for 3500 years – or the High Dam. Maybe see The Nubian Bazaar, the Nubian Museum or the beautiful Temple of Isis, dedicated to the goddess Isis on Philae Island. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's Corniche, runs alongside one of the Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to pause for a mint tea. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand by joining a local Nubian family for dinner in a nearby village.
Included Activities:
- Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple (55 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (25 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple Tour (minimum 2 people) (40 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another free day in Aswan. Perhaps head out of the city and visit Abu Simbel this morning. With the four colossal statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly from the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Alternatively, you could take a sailboat around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Your leader will be on hand to help you arrange any excursions. Otherwise, simply relax and take in the beauty of the Nile or do some shopping in the local bazaar.
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Abu Simbel Tour (minimum 4 people) (110 USD)
- Aswan - Abu Simbel by Air - subject to availability - from (Per Person) (450 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With your free time this morning, perhaps hop on a motorboat out to the Tomb of the Nobles or stock up on snacks for your evening on the Nile. Board the felucca with your group just before lunch and spend the afternoon out on the river, watching Egyptian daily life play out on the banks, before spending a night under the stars. Your Nubian sailing crew provides all the meals, which are hearty and delicious, as well as some local entertainment. Being a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, your felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements, however, there’s no cabin or enclosed section. Tonight, watch the sunset across the Nile for a sight you won't forget.
Included Activities:
- Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) (200 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Felucca (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to your Nubian friends this morning and take a private van to the ‘open-air museum’ of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. On the way, there's the option to visit either the unique mirror-image design of the Temple of Kom Ombo, or the beautifully preserved Temple of Edfu. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of 200 years. After, visit a local NGO, Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), our Intrepid Foundation partner, to learn about the work they do to care for wounded working animals in the region. The rest of the day will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar or chill out in a local teahouse.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
- Luxor - Animal Care in Egypt (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) visit
Optional Activities:
- Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) (500 EGP)
- Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
- Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport ) (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, discover some of the wonders of ancient Thebes via a private minivan. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-m-high statues on Luxor's West Bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade. Continue to the royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings – here, buried under the arid hills, are over 60 richly decorated tombs of pharaohs. Your leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable pharaohs and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. After, join a local family for lunch and try some traditional home cooking. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your pace before boarding an overnight sleeper train from Luxor back to Cairo.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Family visit & home-cooked lunch
Optional Activities:
- Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun (entrance fee) (700 EGP)
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple (440 EGP)
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) (120 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan’s capital, Amman – cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, be sure to head to the citadel, taking in its sweeping views of Amman. The Jordan Museum – home to the Dead Sea Scrolls – and the Roman Theatre are also both well worth visiting. After your meeting, perhaps head out with your new-found travel pals and pick up a coffee from one of the cafes and partner it with an arayes (a local style toastie filled with spiced meat).
Optional Activities:
- Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
- Amman - Roman Theatre (2 JOD)
- Amman - Citadel (entrance) (3 JOD)
- Madaba - Al-Maghtas Bethany Baptism site (entrance fee) (12 JOD)
- Amman - Jordan Archaeological Museum (entrance fee) (3 JOD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave Amman and head to Aqaba – the only coastal city offering a pocket of beach in this otherwise landlocked country. When you arrive, explore the market and walk along the beach on a leader-led walking tour. Visit the Aqaba Marine Reserve and learn about their conservation effort from Jordan's first female ranger at the reserve! Hear about her personal journey to become the first female marine ranger, an unusual journey to talke on this non-traditional role and the important work at the reserve to protect the diverse eco-system. Enjoy a couple of hours exploring this city at your own leisure, maybe by snorkelling in the Red Sea, navigating the local markets or simply relaxing by the water. After, continue on the road to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Rum, arriving in time for dinner. You’ll get a chance to sit down with the sheik of the local Bedouin tribe and get a glimpse into what life is like living in this desert environment. Enjoy dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Meaning ‘desert dwellers’ in Arabic, the Bedouins are a semi-nomadic people, and in Jordan up to 40 per cent of the general population is thought to have Bedouin ancestry. This evening, catch your shuteye in a simple Bedouin desert camp, either in a camel hair tent or out under the stars.
Included Activities:
- Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
- Aqaba - Leader-lead Walking Tour
- Wadi Rum - Bonfire Talk with the Sheik
- Aqaba - Marine reserve & conservation awareness talk
Accommodation:
- Desert camp (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up at camp and head out on a desert hike, with a break for tea and lunch. You might scale one of the large sand dunes for views of the vast valley – the perfect chance to snap some pictures. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the British officer T.E. Lawrence – or Lawrence of Arabia – who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917–18 and helped coordinate Arab forces against the Ottoman Empire. This afternoon, gear up for a half-day jeep safari through Wadi Rum. The valley is full of weird and wonderful lunar-like rock formations and traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the area – from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. After an action-packed afternoon, tonight is yours to enjoy the traditional Bedouin hospitality and the clear night skies of the desert.
Included Activities:
- Wadi Rum - Guided hike
- Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
- Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari
Accommodation:
- Desert camp (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave your desert camp in 4WDs and make your way to the main entrance of Petra, which is opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women's co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Then, continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra by private vehicle. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812, when it was visited by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site – spend the afternoon getting to know it on a guided tour. Squeeze through a mile-long narrow path – known as the Siq – and through huge towers of rock and get your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury complex. It’s amazing to think that this enormous, intricate building entrance was hand-carved out of the rock.
Included Activities:
- Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra
- Petra - Two-Day Pass
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a day of self-discovery as you explore Petra on your own today – free to wander as you wish. The site is surprisingly big, so it is up to you to choose your own route around the complex. You could explore the old Roman road, other smaller temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those who are feeling a bit more active, there's the challenging but highly rewarding one hour walk up the steps to the secluded monastery.
Optional Activities:
- Petra - Petra By Night (30 JOD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, traverse the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff overlooking Wadi Karak and the Dead Sea in the distance. You’ll have time to explore the ruins and discover the legends of centuries-old battles. Pack your swim gear as you can wash off the dust in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on land with its shoreline at around 430 m below sea level. This super-salty lake is a perfect place to spend some time relaxing and float your worries away. You can also cover yourself from head to toe in a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Continue to Mt Nebo – the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the ‘promised land’ and where he’s supposedly buried. Explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the 4th-century church. Afterwards, continue to Madaba, famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the acclaimed 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church.
Included Activities:
- Kerak - Castle visit
- Mt Nebo - Site visit
- Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Madaba and make your way to Jerash – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins around. The ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2000 years ago, with its collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Discover Hadrian’s arch, the partially restored hippodrome, ornate public fountains, the south amphitheater, and see the collection of daily artefacts uncovered during excavations. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza. After a full day of exploring, return to Madaba. Maybe gather your travel buddies together and share a celebratory shisha as you reminisce on your memories of Jordan.
Included Activities:
- Jerash - Roman ruins
- Madaba - St Georges Church
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sahil - Traveled, November 2023
THE TRIP IS A MUST! Great tour leader! Great activities and moments! My girlfriend and I had the time of our lives. It was truly a memory we will forever cherish. I cannot rave enough about how thankful I am for this trip and how much I recommend it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Allison - Traveled, November 2023
Egypt is a dream come true destination! It’s more than just the pyramids. It’s the food, the people, the landscapes. I cannot recommend this tour enough! In fact, I wish I a longer tour with more days to experience this rich culture! Intrepid is so well organized and has activities I never knew I’d get to experiment, like getting home cooked meal by a Nubian family and sleeping on a felucca boat on the Nile. You need to do this tour!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Courtney - Traveled, November 2023
The visit to Egypt and Jordan was fantastic. It hit all the highlights and I would highly recommend the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/01/2023
Tamara - Traveled, November 2023
Discovery of Egypt and Jordan: Great trip with lots of highlights and Mohsen (Egypt) and Mohammed (Jordan). We have some great memories and lots of pictures. The trips were more than I expected and both guides made the trip safe and very enjoyable to learn about both countries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Claire - Traveled, October 2023
A life changing experience, brilliant guide and very, very safe. I can’t wait to go back
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2023
Kelly - Traveled, October 2023
Out tour of Egypt was fantastic and hit all the highlights. Our tour guide Ahmed was extremely knowledgeable, approachable and experienced. I would highly recommend this trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Danielle - Traveled, October 2023
This trip was a little girls' dream come true! From watching Discovery and History channel and marveling at the pyramids and everything the Egyptians accomplished and created to actually being there and seeing the history with my own eyes...WOW! In reality this trip is hot and dusty, so be prepared for that, there isn't anything to do but surrender to the heat (it's hot year round, even in October when we went). Accommodations were about what we would expect from a basic/comfort tour where we saved a lot of money by taking overnight trains and staying in hotels that were not four star luxury. Overall it was great and we loved learning more about the history, but be prepared it's not a luxury trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
Lydia - Traveled, October 2023
Amazing trip, we fit so much into a short space of time. Our guides were great, especially our guide in Egypt who was absolutely incredible! Itineraries were amazing. My only comment is that the optional extras on the itineraries could be more accurate. More were available in Jordan than stated which blew our budget and made it hard to make a decision as we had to decide on arrival.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2023
John D - Traveled, October 2023
I have traveled to over 70 countries. I have had a number of excellent guides. Mohammed was by far the best ever. His knowledge of Egyptian history was encyclopedic and his enthusiasm for his country was infectious. Great opportunity to see and learn. The family meals and night on the Nile are fun. Lots of road time and not a luxury trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/29/2023
Sophie - Traveled, October 2023
Our trip to Egypt with Intrepid was sensational. Daly was a fantastic guide who was extremely knowledgeable and well organised. I have never done a tour before and was reluctant to use a tour group. However I would thoroughly recommend Intrepid when visiting Egypt. We loved every minute of the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2023
Jill - Traveled, October 2023
Only thing I want the Intrepid company to know is that prices for Egypt transportation from airport to hotel and Jordan transportation hotel to airport prepaid was 3x more than what I could arrange myself. I am, female, traveling alone and I wanted to be safe. I feel Intrepid took an advantage of the situation. Even my tour guide made comments about company was ripping me off on the transportation. You should not offer the service if you are going to charge outrageous prices. I demand the refund of both transportation which you charged 3 times more than actual price.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/24/2023
Shelley Monahan - Traveled, October 2023
This was our first Intrepid trip but it definitely won’t be our last! Our guide was extremely organized, thoughtful and fun! We got to see so many things from famous sites to the inside of villager’s homes as we shared a meal with them.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Dominique - Traveled, September 2023
WOOOOW! All I can say is well. Traveling alone or creating your own itineraries is fun and all. But having knowledgeable and happy leaders through a jampacked itinerary is probably the only way you’re going to see everything Worth-wild on a trip. I think whenever you are traveling, there’s a fear of is this tour and ship worth my money, what are the accommodations like, what if I don’t have a good tour guide? After using intrepid, and using multiple tour guides throughout our tour, I can confidently say that they pick the best to run and lead these expeditions. There wasn’t anything on this where I did not like. It was worth it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Daly really made this trip feel like a family and made it feel like an adventure the whole way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/29/2023
Sean - Traveled, September 2023
Our holiday to Egypt and Jordan was a bucket list trip and the anticipated experience of a lifetime was exactly what we got with Intrepid. Our guides Amhed and Thaer were outstanding. We go home sad but happy and with new friends. 10/10.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/01/2023
Catherine - Traveled, July 2023
I could not be happier with this tour. Full schedule but wouldn’t change a thing. There’s so much to do and experience. Summer was definitely rough, but I was still able to enjoy every moment. The felucca and Wadi Rum nights were magical. One of the best experiences of my life.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/18/2023
Liana - Traveled, May 2023
Brilliant brilliant trip! Worth every cent. If you're looking at this trip- book it!! I had an absolute blast.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2023
Jazmin - Traveled, April 2023
Strongly recommend this trip if you want to see everything! It’s pretty non stop but you get to tick a lot off your bucket list in such a short amount of time. Both group leaders were excellent, super helpful and knowledgeable. However plus budget at least $80 USD for the tipping kitty as they was not mentioned to us previously it took us by surprise. Also the sleeper train conditions were pretty terrible, very uncomfortable and loud, prepare yourself for no sleep those nights. But overall a really great experience! High light is definitely the pyramids and wadi rum!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2023
Roberta - Traveled, March 2023
This trip was so much greater than I expected. My knowledge of Egypt and Jordan has increased so much, due to our fantastic tour leaders. Dive in .... you wont regret it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Andrew - Traveled, February 2023
Our trip was fantastic! Well organised and smoothly run by friendly, knowledgeable reps. I will be booking another trip with Intrepid in the near future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2023
Carol - Traveled, October 2022
Egypt and Jordan are both amazing places and well worth going to. The ancient history is awesome and both tour leaders were so knowledgeable and helpful. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/03/2022
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