FROM PETRA TO PYRAMIDS - Jordan & Egypt
13 DAYS - 12 NIGHTS
Jordan, a vibrant kingdom in the Middle East, is a small yet remarkable country nestled in the heart of sacred lands known for their tumultuous history, while still exuding a sense of peace and tranquility. Its stunning attractions range from the breathtaking ancient city of Petra, crafted by Nabataean stonemasons, to the unique experience of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Egypt, renowned for its awe-inspiring pyramids and the colossal Sphinx, is one of the world’s most captivating destinations, drawing thousands of eager travelers each year. A country rich in history and culture, Egypt offers endless opportunities for exploration, ensuring that every visit unveils new wonders and experiences.
DAY 1: ARRIVE TO JORDAN
Upon arriving Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) in Amman, the capital of Jordan, JAT Representative holding a sign with your name will be present to meet and assist you with the completion of customs, immigration procedures, passport formalities, and visa handling.
DAY 2: AMMAN CITY TOUR - JERASH
Pick up from your hotel in Amman for a tour of the capital city of Jordan. Your visit includes sites and museums such as the Archeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, The CITADEL and the AMPHITHEATRE. Continue to JERASH, an amazing blend of Greco-Roman and Oriental influences. A great place to visit during the spring with its beautiful rolling hills and lush greenery, Jerash has a rhythm not seen anywhere else in Jordan. The largest archaeological site in Jordan and the best-preserved example of Roman civilization in the Middle East.
DAY 3: MADABA - MOUNT NEBO - KERAK - LITTLE PETRA
Visit MADABA, the city of Mosaics, a combination of rural home life and a hot spot for religious tourism. Known as the “City of Mosaics” Madaba is the cultural epicenter for Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Just a short distance from the capitol visitors are just a stone's throw away from the holy monuments of religious iconography.
Proceed to MOUNT NEBO is most known for being the site where Moses overlooked the Holy Land but did not enter it and where a church and a monastery were built to honor him. The book of Numbers (33:47) mentions that when the children of Israel moved from Almon Diblathaim they camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo, and that the children of Reuben rebuilt the city (Numbers 32:38).
Visit KERAK, an ancient Crusader stronghold, Karak sits 900m above sea level and lies inside the walls of the old city. The city today is home to around 170,000 people and continues to boast a number of restored 19th century Ottoman buildings, restaurants, places to stay, and the like. But it is undoubtedly Karak Castle that dominates.
Transfer to LITTLE PETRA “ AL BEIDA “ Siq Al Barid (Cold Canyon) is well worth a visit. It was thought to have served as an agricultural center, trading suburb and resupply post for camel caravans visiting Petra. The surrounding area is picturesque and fun to explore, especially as it is home to some of the oldest settlements in the world.
DAY 4: PETRA VISIT
Visit the ancient city of PETRA, one of Jordan’s national treasures and by far its best known tourist attraction. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritages Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra.
DAY 5: PETRA - WADI RUM - DEAD SEA
Transfer to WADI RUM . “The Valley of the Moon”, depicted as Mars in several Hollywood feature films Wadi Rum is an Arabian fairy-tale waiting to be discovered. Home to nomadic Bedouin tribes, Wadi Rum is a a quiet getaway of stars, sand, and sun; a perfect complement from Amman’s epicenter. Once inhabited by the Nabataeans of prehistoric times, Wadi Rum allows you to get lost in large landscapes and horizon lines. The calmness of the desert is sure calm your spirit and de-clutter your thoughts. explore the desert in 4x4 Jeeps visiting the holographic pictures carved before Christ on this intriguing tour.
Proceed to Dead sea which is the lowest point on earth 400 meters below sea level.
A spectacular natural wonder the DEAD SEA is perfect for religious tourism and fun in the sun with the family. With its mix of beach living and religious history you can soak up the sun while Biblical scholars can get their daily dose of religious history. The leading attraction at the Dead Sea is the warm, soothing, super salty water itself – some ten times saltier than sea water, and rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm, incredibly buoyant and mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the Great and the beautiful Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra. All of whom have luxuriated in the Dead Sea's rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on their backs while soaking up the water's healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.
DAY 6: DEAD SEA - DEPART AMMAN – CAIRO
Arrive in Cairo airport, you will be met and assist by our representative who will assist you through the formalities, and then be transferred to your hotel to meet your tour manager for briefing about the tour package.
DAY 7: CAIRO
Your tour will kick off with a visit to the breathtaking pyramids and the Sphinx at the Giza Plateau. Next, you'll explore a papyrus factory before heading to the Egyptian Museum. Finally, you'll wander through Khan El Khalili, the vibrant open market filled with countless souvenir shops and charming coffee houses.
DAY 8: CAIRO - ASWAN (NILE CRUISE)
Check out from your hotel in Cairo and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, begin your day with a morning tour of the renowned High Dam of Aswan. Next, visit the enchanting Temple of Philae, followed by a stop at a local perfume shop. Afterward, you'll be transferred to your Nile Cruise, where you can enjoy lunch on board. In the evening, savor dinner and relax overnight on your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise.
DAY 9: ASWAN - KOM OMBO - EDFU (NILE CRUISE)
Optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel by road, including a breakfast box, ensuring you don’t miss any part of the tour. Afterward, enjoy some free time before having lunch. Then, set sail down the lush banks of the Nile to visit the Kom Ombo Temples. Continue your journey down the river to the city of Edfu, where you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night aboard your luxurious 5-star Nile cruise.
DAY 10: EDFU - LUXOR (NILE CRUISE)
Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Edfu Temple, where you’ll enjoy a scenic ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage. After exploring this remarkable site, return to your Nile cruise for a delicious breakfast, featuring a selection of local and international dishes.
Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, set sail toward Luxor, soaking in the stunning views of the lush landscapes along the Nile. During your journey, you’ll have lunch on board, allowing you to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the river.
As you approach Luxor, you will pass through the Esna Lock, a fascinating engineering feat that allows ships to navigate the Nile’s varying water levels. Arriving in Luxor around 5:00 PM, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the East Bank.
Here, you’ll visit the historic Luxor Temple, renowned for its impressive architecture and rich history, where ancient Egyptian rituals were held. After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you will return to the cruise for an overnight stay, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences.
DAY 11: LUXOR - KARNAK - CAIRO
Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the West Bank, complete with a breakfast box, ensuring you don’t miss any part of the tour.
After disembarking, embark on an exciting exploration of the West Bank of Luxor. Your first stop will be the majestic Colossi of Memnon, the last remnants of the temple dedicated to Amenophis III. Marvel at these towering statues that have stood for centuries, bearing witness to Egypt's storied past.
Next, visit the world-renowned Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of ancient pharaohs are intricately decorated with stunning hieroglyphics and vibrant frescoes. You’ll then stop at an alabaster factory, where you can see artisans at work and learn about this beautiful stone's significance in ancient Egyptian culture. Continue your journey to the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir al-Bahri), an architectural marvel dedicated to one of Egypt's few female pharaohs. Here, you’ll discover the fascinating history of Hatshepsut and her reign.
After a day filled with exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Egyptian cuisine. Following your meal, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Giza, where you can relax and unwind overnight.
DAY 12: CAIRO
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, taking the time to savor the flavors of local cuisine while planning your day. After breakfast, you will have some free time to relax, explore the area at your own pace, or simply unwind by the pool.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, consider taking an optional tour to Alexandria. This vibrant coastal city, known for its rich history and stunning Mediterranean views, is just a short drive away. On this tour, you can visit the iconic Library of Alexandria, a modern marvel built to honor the ancient library that was once a center of knowledge in the world. You’ll also explore the impressive Citadel of Qaitbay, situated on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The tour will allow you to stroll along the picturesque Corniche, where you can take in the beautiful seaside views, and visit the Roman amphitheater, showcasing the city’s historical significance.After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.
DAY 13: DEPART CAIRO
Today you bid farewell to Egypt and will return with memories and keepsakes that will last a lifetime.