Pyramids to Petra
Take in the highlights of Egypt and Jordan including the legendary Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's Valley of the Kings and the incredible rose red city of Petra. Combine ancient wonders with sailing the Nile, floating in the Dead Sea and camping in the Wadi Rum desert for an unforgettable 15 day adventure.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Ancient Egypt
Day 1 Welcome to Ancient Egypt
Friday. Welcome to Egypt! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel to enjoy the rest of today at leisure. If arriving early, you may wish to book our 10am Backstreets of Cairo tour and explore Tahrir Square, El Moez Street and the famous cave church of St Simon.
For those who wish to extend their stay, we also offer a pre tour Alexandria Day Trip. every Thursday
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Explore Egypt’s most famous site today as we enjoy a tour of the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The largest of the three pyramids, Cheops, will tower above you at 481ft tall - it was the tallest man-made structure in the world for 3,800 years. Later, continue to Saqqara to see the famous Pyramid of Djoser and explore the countless tombs and burial sites that this necropolis has to offer. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.
Day 3 The Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3 The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. Today we’ll visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum. This vast museum is home to thousands of artefacts, some of which have never been on display before. Built just 2km from the pyramids, the new museum is also home to a large Tutankhamun exhibition and makes use of modern technology including virtual reality. After our tour we head over to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization where 20 mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are now on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall, including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut. After we've seen the mummies we return to the hotel where there's time to relax before we board the overnight train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Day 4 Philae Temple
Day 4 Philae Temple
Arrive in Aswan and enjoy some free time before we take a boat trip to Agilkia Island this afternoon. Here we discover the beautiful Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was painstakingly relocated to Agilkia in the 1960s after floods from Lake Nasser threatened to destroy it. After our final visit to the a perfume oil emporium,you can spend the rest of today at leisure - perhaps take a stroll through Aswan’s bustling market.
Day 5 Felucca Sailing & Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel
Day 5 Felucca Sailing & Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. This morning you may join our optional trip to Abu Simbel to marvel at the 4 giant statues of Ramses II that guard the entrance to this famous temple. Later, we say goodbye to Aswan and board a traditional felucca sail boat to begin our cruise along the Nile. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise, please see the tab above for prices. For more information about Nile Cruising please click here.
Day 6 Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo
Day 6 Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo
Nile felucca cruise - Kom Ombo. Relax onboard our felucca as we cruise along the mighty Nile. This afternoon we dock at Kom Ombo and explore the famous symmetrical temple, dedicated to both the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. We then continue downriver and spend our final night onboard the felucca.
Day 7 Luxor
Day 7 Luxor
Kom Ombo - Luxor. Disembark this morning as we drive to ancient Luxor. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city and there is an optional trip to Luxor Temple tonight. After dark the site is beautifully illuminated by hundreds of lights.
Day 8 Valley Of The Kings
Day 8 Valley Of The Kings
Luxor - Cairo. Today we’ll explore the famous Valley of the Kings, where important pharaohs were buried in richly decorated tombs. Our excursion will also take in the temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Marvel at these two giant statues of King Amenhotep III, all that remains of what was once the largest temple complex in the world. This afternoon our tour continues to the colossal Karnak Temple. You’ll feel like a pharaoh yourself as you walk down the Avenue of Sphinxes and admire the towering columns of Hypostyle Hall. This evening, we return to Cairo on the night train.
Day 9 Free time in Cairo
Day 9 Free time in Cairo
Arrive back in Cairo and enjoy a day in the bustling capital at leisure. Perhaps explore Khan el Khalili bazaar where you can buy souvenirs and taste delicious street food.
Day 10 Goodbye Egypt, Hello Jordan
Day 10 Goodbye Egypt, Hello Jordan
Sunday. Today we say goodbye to Egypt and transfer to the airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan (not included). On arrival you’ll be transferred to our hotel where the rest of today is free to enjoy as you please.
PLEASE NOTE: Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost, they are not included in the tour price, however, we can assist in booking these flights should you require. If you provide us with your flight details, we’ll be there to meet you at Amman Airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Day 11 Mt Nebo & the Promised Lands
Day 11 Mt Nebo & the Promised Lands
Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Umm ar Rasas - Petra. This morning we’ll tour the citadel and Archaeological Museum in Amman and walk through a local souk to taste typical Jordanian street food.
We then leave Amman and travel to Mt Nebo - the site from where Moses first saw the Promised Land. Enjoy the same view over the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea and Jericho before we explore Madaba. We’ll tour highlights of the town including the Church of St George and the Madaba Museum. Our day continues with a trip to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Umm-ar-Rasas, where we’ll see the beautiful mosaic floor of St. Stephen’s Church, before we finally arrive in the “Rose City” of Petra. There is an optional excursion tonight to see Petra by night (approx. USD$25 payable locally), as we take a candlelit stroll to the ancient Treasury.
Day 12 Petra sightseeing
Day 12 Petra sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of Petra today as we walk along the Siq to the Khazneh (The Treasury), which you may recognise from the blockbuster film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Our tour will also climb the steep steps to Ad-Deir (The Monastery), hidden high in the hills. This evening why not enjoy our Petra Kitchen add-on and prepare a delicious Jordanian dinner?
Day 13 Wadi Rum
Day 13 Wadi Rum
Petra - Wadi Rum. See more of Petra this morning as we climb to the High Place of Sacrifice and enjoy magnificent views of our surroundings. We also visit Wadi Farasa, then say goodbye to Petra as we travel to the desert of Wadi Rum. Enjoy a 4X4 safari into the wilderness to our remote campsite and feast on a delicious Jordanian meal. Tonight, we settle down to sleep under the stars, away from the lights and noise of civilization.
Day 14 Shobak Castle & The Dead Sea
Day 14 Shobak Castle & The Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Shobak - Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. We leave the desert this morning and head to Shobak Castle, built by the Crusader King Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring this fascinating hill-top fortress we continue to the shores of the Dead Sea. Bob in the mineral-rich waters where the high salt content will keep you afloat.
Before we arrive at the Dead Sea, April to October departures will also enjoy a trek along the famous Siq Trail to Wadi Mujib, one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features. Walk through the towering canyon and prepare to get wet as we wade through the river.
Day 15 Farewell
Day 15 Farewell
Friday. Dead Sea - Amman Airport. Our adventure ends today with a departure transfers are offered at 04:00, 07:00, 12:00 and 23:00 only. If you would like a departure transfer at any other time or a transfer with post tour accommodation this can be arranged at an additional cost upon request, please enquire.
If you have extra time and wish to head back to Amman, why not book our 2 day end in Amman add on? Perfect for those who wish to spend more time in Jordan's ancient capital, Amman.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Ideally located in the heart of downtown Cairo, the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir is right by the lively Tahrir Square. Guestrooms offer peace and quiet away from the high-energy of the city, with contemporary decor and sound-proofed windows overlooking views of Cairo. The wellness facilities are state-of-the-art, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool and sauna and massage rooms. Be sure to take advantage of the poolside bar and delicious hotel restaurant, or enjoy the option of 24-hour in-room dining.
The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan.
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 10 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet. The support boat is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals.
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Recently refurbished, the Al Qasr Metropole is a modern and chic boutique hotel. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished and include free Wi-Fi connection and luxury en suite facilities. All guests at the Al Qasr gain free access to the on site Fitness First gym as well as a complimentary breakfast. The rooftop restaurant has fantastic panoramic views of Amman and is a great place to spend the evening. The hotel is well located in Shmeisani, one of Amman's most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel about it with open stonework and original architecture. Rooms are full of character, some with delightful archways and all directly accessed from the outside. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s mountains.
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Desert Season Camp, nestled in the heart of Wadi Rum, offers a serene desert retreat with breathtaking mountain vistas and a range of comfortable accommodations, including tents equipped with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Campsite facilities include complimentary WiFi in communal areas. Guests can explore the quiet, secluded canyon surroundings, climb a nearby mountain to witness stunning sunsets, and even experience local camel races on the camp's flat sand area. The evenings come alive with traditional music performances by local musicians, complemented by the inviting ambiance of the outdoor seating area.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Sharah Camp promises a desert retreat with a modern touch. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning and en suite facilities. There is complimentary WiFi in communal areas at the campsite. With stunning mountain views, a charming terrace, and a host of modern conveniences, this camp offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition in the heart of the desert.
Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea.
Tour Reviews
Tour guides/drivers were excellent. Appreciated the way we were met at airports and assisted to depart.
From arrival to departure, everything was taken care of. Everything explained for the day, and tours of ancient wonders told in fantastic detail. Medo loves his country and that was definitely shown in his re-telling of ancient times. He kept the whole tour group engaged all the time, but also gave us free time to relax. If any dilemma rose, Medo was swift in rectifying it, a sign of a very personable operator. I have recommended to many people i have spoken with here, about my trip - that they should travel to Egypt, and also use On the Go tours. It was a most memorable trip. Thank you Medo and On the Go tours.
Wow I'm still talking about this amazing adventure. The itinerary for the Pyramids to Petra tour enabled us to see all the sights: the Pyramids, Abu Simbel, Valley of the King's, Petra, Petra at night, Wadi Rum and The Dead Sea. The tour itself is well planned and allows you to cover an extraordinary amount of ground in a short time: arriving in Cairo you are escorted through immigration by an On The Go rep, Ahmed Katonga, from then until being deposited back at the airport we were extremely well cared for. My bags did not arrive with me and he did everything to help locate and deliver to hotel. The hotels ranged from good to excellent, the representatives from excellent to unbelievable. The transport was comfortable and at all times we felt safe, well informed and well fed. The performance of all the On The Go representatives, guides and other staff involved was faultless. Special mention to our guide for Egypt. Ahmed Esmat (Medo) His passion and knowledge of Egypt was outstanding. No matter what was needed or asked, he was more then happy to help. In particular, a traveller broke his ankle and Medo went to the hospital and found crutchers. If anyone had an upset stomach, Medo was there with help finding a chemist. He made sure the whole group was involved in any activity, no matter their age. He had a great group of beautiful people from all across the world. Thank you Medo for being an outstanding tour guide, you made our trip one that we will always talk about and never forget.
Trip of a lifetime! We booked the Pyramids to Petra tour six months in advance for November and it was everything we hoped for and more! I felt extremely confident we were in good hands from the get-go due to the super clear and detailed itinerary, and personal assistance from our online representative (Terri Burgess). Our guides were Mohamed (Dino) in Egypt and Hameed (AJ) in Jordan and both guys were above and beyond friendly, professional, patient, helpful, knowledgeable, and well prepared! We received great overall briefings the first day in each country, and well timed reminders each day so we always knew what to expect next.
Wow wow wow what a great tour my husband and I just loved it. So well organised. Medo our Egypt guide was great so passionate about Egypt and so entertaining he made it fun to learn all the history even throwing in a play of which I had a staring role as Isis! Egypt was a major bucket list tick for me and it didn’t disappoint. Thank you Medo, thank you On The Go, I will and actually already have recommend this tour to all my friends and family. Jordan was also fantastic and Mohammad (also part time pharmacist) was again a great guide, nothing was too much trouble. Loved it all.
Extras and add-ons
Alexandria Day Trip
Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day trip (including lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, a fortress, souks and relics from a bygone age.
Abu Simbel by Road
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.
Backstreets of Cairo
Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.
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