Premium Egypt & Jordan
Experience Overview
From the Valley of the Kings to the awe-inspiring ruins of Petra, this 16-day Premium adventure through Egypt and Jordan reveals the sphinxes and tombs of your childhood imagination and then some. Cruise down the Nile, visit traditional Nubian communities, dig for obscure treasure in ancient marketplaces and float in the Dead Sea. Be guided by a passionate Egyptologist and a Jordanian local, respectively, for the most immersive possible experiences in two fascinating nations. This tour reveals the iconic sites that you’ve seen on film plus plenty of intimate moments with locals who are proud to invite you into their world.
Highlights
- A day at the incredible Pyramids of Giza is only the beginning. Discover the Valley of the Kings, Petra and Wadi Rum, and experience the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea.
- With two Feature Stays, experience the best of each country with three unforgettable evenings on a Nile riverboat and a night in isolated elegance at a camp in Wadi Rum.
- Lift the lid on Middle Eastern cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a meal in the home of a local family in Cairo, a visit to the city’s oldest coffeeshop, and dinner at a Bedouin camp cooked in a traditional zarb.
- Cruise down the Nile on a traditional felucca boat during a fantastic Exclusive Experience. Enjoy drinks on board and watch daily life play out around you as the sun goes down.
- Gain an unmatched understanding of the region while travelling with experienced local leaders and spending time with the locals. Discover the Nubian way of life with a family on the Nile and immerse yourself in Bedouin culture during an exciting evening at their camp.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3007
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,Plane,Riverboat,Felucca,Jeep
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: XEPJC
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Finishes: Amman, Egypt
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (3), Dinner (12)Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (11 nights),Feature Stay (4 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,388 ($462 /day)
Itinerary
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. When you arrive at the Cairo airport, meet an Intrepid representative and take an included transfer to your hotel. You’re adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get out and explore the busy streets, find a hole-in-the-wall eatery for a snack like ta’ameya (Egypt’s take on falafel) or relax at your hotel – the pool offers magnificent pyramid views! After your meeting, head out for an included dinner with the group. Your leader will introduce you to Egyptian cuisine, known for being fresh, delicious and unique to the country. Best enjoyed when shared, you’ll tuck into an array of traditional dishes like fatta (a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce) and kushari (a delicious mixture of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions).
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Cairo - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
- Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis (109 USD)
- Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour (29 USD)
Accommodation:
- Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, tour the mighty Pyramids of Giza (one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World) and the Sphinx with your expert leader, who is a trained Egyptologist. Seeing these ancient and iconic structures up close is a memory that will stay with you long after your time in Egypt is over. For an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops). After some time for lunch, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Your leader will take you through some of Egypt’s dynastic history and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own – home to almost 100,000 artefacts, there’s a whole ancient world to uncover!
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
- Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1000 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Catch a morning flight to Aswan – Egypt’s southernmost city. Check into your hotel, then travel to Philae Island and visit the beautiful Temple of Isis – the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom – rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated here. Your leader will share stories of the history and changing landscape of the island. Then, take a boat to a Nubian village on an island in the middle of the Nile. Walk through the village before sitting down to dinner with a local Nubian family in their home. Enjoy traditional Nubian food, swap stories with your friendly hosts and gain a unique perspective into their way of life.
Included Activities:
- Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
- Aswan - Philae Temple
Accommodation:
- Sonesta Nouba or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, you may like to take a stroll around Aswan or join an optional tour of Abu Simbel – a temple complex that was dismantled and moved to make way for the Aswan High Dam. Board a Nile riverboat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights! Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting. In the afternoon, board a traditional felucca sailing boat where you can sit back and relax with some drinks as the sun sets over your beautiful surroundings. Return to your riverboat for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Aswan - Sunset drinks on a felucca
Optional Activities:
- Aswan – Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) (110 USD)
- Aswan - Abu Simbel excursion by flight (includes flights, transfers, guide and entry) from price (450 USD)
Accommodation:
- Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a peaceful morning on board your riverboat, then set out in the afternoon along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills forming a backdrop over the lush riverbanks. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, sitting spectacularly on the river’s edge. Your leader will let you in on the secrets of this ancient temple. Built in approximately 181 BC, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. After, return to your riverboat and continue to Edfu where you’ll dock for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Accommodation:
- Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Sail towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks. You may have to queue to proceed through the locks, but this is a great opportunity to sit back with a drink in hand and observe life on the Nile. Arrive at 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. Today you'll explore the Karnak Temple. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. You’ll also head over to our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), a local NGO dedicated to providing free veterinary care for wounded working animals in the region.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
Optional Activities:
- Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Amwaj Nile Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Disembark your riverboat and travel to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore the place where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your leader will explain the history and legends of these people and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. Entry is included to three tombs of your choosing, as well as access to the tomb of Tutankhamun. The unearthing of the young Pharaoh’s resting place is one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries, and today you’ll explore the painted chamber that holds his famous golden sarcophagus. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre, then view the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-m-high statues on Luxor's west bank.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
- Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Optional Activities:
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (120 USD)
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Sonesta St George Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Board a flight bound for Cairo this morning. When you arrive, settle into your hotel then head out to the Al-Azhar neighbourhood to visit Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a sprawling maze of alleyways including the gold market, cloth market, 'perfume street' and the spice market. Continue to the 9th-century Al-Azhar Mosque – one of the oldest and largest in Egypt. Its perfectly proportioned courtyard and distinctive minaret make it a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Stop off in Cairo’s oldest coffeeshop for an Arabic coffee or mint tea as you watch the world go by. It’s a known fact that the very best food in Cairo is made inside local homes, but few visitors get the chance to experience this for themselves. This afternoon, you’ll be one of the lucky few as you’re welcomed into the home of a local family. Sit down to a wonderful meal of traditional dishes which you’ll share with your friendly hosts and gain an inside look at modern Egyptian life.
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Home-Cooked Dinner
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar
- Cairo - Al-Azhar Mosque
- Cairo - Coffee/tea in a local cafe
Accommodation:
- Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo, Sonesta Cairo, or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll catch an unescorted flight to the Jordanian capital Amman to embark on the second half of your trip. On arrival, you’ll be met by an Intrepid representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where there will be a second welcome meeting with your new group and local leader at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit a local cafe and pick up a coffee and ara’yes (pita filled with spiced meats). Maybe head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre or the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. After your meeting, head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a huge part of Jordanian culture, and eating out is always a social affair. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, like mansaf (a dish made with lamb, yoghurt and rice) and kunafa (a dessert made with pastry and cheese).
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Amman - Welcome Dinner
Accommodation:
- Coral Tower Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash where you’ll find some of the world’s best Greco-Roman ruins. Reaching its peak as a favourite of the emperor Hadrian, Jerash is home to a collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Your leader will share the incredible history of the ruins and help you imagine what life once looked like in this glorious Roman city. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece of the Oval Plaza – a great place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. After, return to Amman and head to a cooking school for a look behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine. During this hands-on activity, you will learn how to make some classic dishes like Maqlubeh, Mutabbal and Baba Ghanouj before sitting down as a group to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Included Activities:
- Jerash - Roman ruins
- Amman - cooking class and dinner
Accommodation:
- Coral Tower Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll make the journey from Amman to the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming very difficult, but bobbing on the water's surface is a fun experience. On the way, stop off at Mount Nebo and hear the story of how Moses saw the Promised Land before he died from what is believed to be this very spot, and St Georges Church, best known for its Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. When you arrive, enjoy some time to float in the waters of the Dead Sea, relax on your hotel’s beachfront or take a dip in the infinity pool.
Included Activities:
- Madaba - St Georges Church
- Mt Nebo - Site visit
Accommodation:
- Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart the Dead Sea and drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – your leader will explain how this ancient castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Enjoy superb scenery and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in the late afternoon to your Petra accommodation. Petra dates back to the sixth century BC and is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. When you arrive, start uncovering the secrets of Petra with the knowledgeable guidance of your leader. The iconic view of the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq, is perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region.
Included Activities:
- Shobak - Shobak Castle
- Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra
Accommodation:
- Petra Moon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today return to Petra to explore more of this remarkable and enormous site under your own steam. Walk once more through the Siq that leads through the rock and is at points only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 m on either side. You’ll also have time to climb to the Monastery if you wish, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. Or take a free transfer to Little Petra with the option of hiking through the back door to Petra. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy your own light lunch.Tonight, maybe take the chance to witness Petra by night – seeing the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.
Included Activities:
- Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
Optional Activities:
- Petra - Petra By Night (17 JOD)
Accommodation:
- Petra Moon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, drive to Wadi Rum – a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum and browse the informative visitor’s centre. After, jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the silent desert landscapes, home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. Gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set deep in the desert. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is a camp that offers a base among remote and wild surroundings. Spacious tents are fitted out with creature comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms, with decor inspired by Bedouin culture. Fall asleep in your tent after witnessing a magnificent canopy of stars outside, and wake up to a sunrise over the red-hued landscape.
Included Activities:
- Petra - Petra second day visit (unguided)
- Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
- Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner
Accommodation:
- Mazayen Camp or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area before scaling one of the large dunes for panoramic views of your surroundings. After, return to Amman for the evening. Tonight, you might like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – speak to your leader about the best restaurants in the city that are popular with the locals.
Included Activities:
- Wadi Rum - Desert and dunes walk
Accommodation:
- Coral Tower Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Amman, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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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
Rhonda - Traveled, March 2024
So much to explore between Egypt and Jordan. Travelling with Intrepid made it easy and gave us amazing experiences with locals!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Dyanne - Traveled, February 2024
Excellent experience in Egypt and Jordan. Don’t hesitate to go - you are safe and well looked after by Intrepid. Our leader Hady was outstanding and so was the cooking class!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Donna - Traveled, September 2023
Amazing trip with amazing guides. Hotels exceptional. The sites speak for themselves
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Penelope - Traveled, July 2023
We have just experienced the most fantastic two weeks in Egypt and Jordon with Intrepid. Our leaders Rania and Zaher were exceptional and our groups in both countries were fantastic company. The great times spent exploring, eating, socializing were experiences of a life time and we have come home with a new appreciation of the amazing Middle East.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
Maria - Traveled, June 2023
Although well gravelled, this is the first tour I have done. This premium tour is the perfect way to see Egypt, especially as a solo traveller. A well balanced itinerary giving you history and opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture, food and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2023
Jaclyn - Traveled, May 2023
Fabulous trip that I highly recommend! I was a little concerned travelling to Egypt and Jordan as a single female but it was all absolutely perfect. I was greeted at the airport by an intrepid representative before I even picked up my bags and I felt completely safe for the rest of the trip. The standard of accommodation is excellent and the sights are simply amazing. It truly was a fabulous trip. Going in May was a great time of year, as it is just outside of peak season so crowds aren’t as bad and the heat is manageable. I like intrepid for the small group size as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/09/2023
Gérard - Traveled, May 2023
I have now used Intrepid for trips to Sri Lanka and Egypt/Jordan. They have both been exceptionally good in every respect : itineraries, transport, accommodation, organisation, efficiency and guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2023
Mark - Traveled, May 2023
Egypt/Jordan was the trip of a lifetime. Everything, our tour guides, our itineraries,, our newfound knowledge, and our experiences with the cultures themselves were above and beyond our expectations. We can't wait to return.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Marie - Traveled, March 2023
Intrepid tours were great except for hotel rooms we got stuck with. They weren't the Premium rooms expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2023
John - Traveled, January 2023
I read some of the reviews of all the Egypt, Jordon and Beyond and can't understand why they all are not 5+ Excellent. This was my first Intrepid trip, but I've done many with other small group companies and this Trip was great. The guides, van drivers, sites, hotels, cruise, flights, food, HISTORY.... what more do you want.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/02/2023
Lynne - Traveled, October 2022
What an amazing trip through Egypt and Jordan. Cannot recommend this highly enough, we had the best time and fabulous experiences. Do not hesitate to take this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
Norman - Traveled, October 2022
Great trip with so much to see and do. Meet great new friends
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/31/2022
Gail - Traveled, September 2022
Wish we would have take Intrepid tours sooner but we had never heard about them. We could have got do much more out of our travels that we did on our own. Just a great way to get the most out of unique adventures
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/26/2022
Jane - Traveled, September 2022
Premium Egypt and Jordan was a truly astounding trip. The leaders were fantastic, activities so interesting and accommodations just right.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/04/2022
Adriana - Traveled, June 2022
As a solo female traveler, this premium trip was a great way to finally see the Great Pyramids and Petra, in addition to other beautiful sites like Karnak Temple and Wadi Rum The accommodations were definitely premium-level with each hotel being well chosen and comfortable, especially the Nile riverboat and the luxury tent in Wadi Rum. The guides were very knowledgeable and passionate about each place. This is an active trip for people who want to explore and experience as much as possible while having some creature comforts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2022
Brian - Traveled, March 2022
From start to finish, our travels through Egypt and Jordan with Intrepid were outstanding - educational, rich in culture and people experiences, and awe-inspiring.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2022
Beatrice - Traveled, March 2022
Our Premium trip to Jordan was a rewarding experience. Our leader Usana Anwar has an excellent knowledge of archeology , history & culture of Jordan. He was great company and had a good sence of humour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2022
Sylvie - Traveled, April 2024
I do not recommend Intrepid Travel for Premium travel. The company has severely under delivered in most key aspects of the Egypt/Jordan trip: communications, accommodations, included meals and included transportations including flights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2024
Leslie - Traveled, May 2024
The Egypt Premium trip surpassed my expectations. Ahmed our group leader was excellent. His knowledge and organization made the trip so enjoyable. The other trip participants made the trip even better. Made life long friends. I am definitely using Intrepid again. My first trip was outstanding and I am an avid traveler.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/28/2024
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