Temples, Tombs, Treasury
Experience the best of Egypt and Jordan on this 14 day adventure. Discover a treasure chest of ancient sites including the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the mysterious city of Petra, with beach time by the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea and a night in a desert Bedouin camp!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Cairo
Day 1 Cairo
Sunday. Welcome to Egypt! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel to spend the rest of today at leisure. If arriving early, you may wish to join our Backstreets of Cairo tour, which visits lesser-known highlights of the capital, including the cave church of St Simon and Tahrir Square.
You may also wish to extend your tour with an Alexandria Day Trip on the Saturday. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation on request.
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Discover Egypt’s most famous attraction today as we visit the Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Explore these ancient tombs and there’s also the opportunity to ride a camel at the legendary site. Continue to Saqqara necropolis to see the ancient stepped Pyramid of Zhoser. This monument is even older than the Giza Pyramids and is surrounded by countless tombs and burial sites.
Day 3 Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3 Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Luxor. Today we'll explore the Grand Egyptian Museum. Located only 2km from the Pyramids, this incredible new museum is home to a vast number of artefacts from across ancient Egyptian history. Some of these have never been on public display before and others have been painstakingly restored by experts. There is a large Tutankhamun exhibition and the museum makes use of modern technology, including virtual reality.
After our guided tour we head over to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall, where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on now display. Strolling through this incredible hall we'll see 20 mummies, including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut. Some of these mummies are so well preserved that they still have thick locks of hair and visible finger nails! Then we return to our hotel where there's time to relax by the pool and have dinner before we board the overnight train to Luxor 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 Luxor & Dendera
Day 4 Luxor & Dendera
We arrive in Luxor this morning and drive to Dendera, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes. Enjoy a guided tour of this ancient site, including the magnificent Temple of Hathor. Later, we return to Luxor to spend the afternoon at leisure and there's an optional visit to Luxor Temple this evening. After dark, the temple is beautifully illuminated by hundreds of lights.
Day 5 Valley of the Kings
Day 5 Valley of the Kings
Explore the lavishly decorated tombs of famous pharaohs this morning as we visit the Valley of the Kings. Many important pharaohs were buried here including Ramses II and of course, Tutankhamun. Continue to the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut - the second female pharaoh. The final stop of the morning is at the Colossi of Memnon. These two giant statues of King Amenhotep III are all that remains of what was once the largest temple in the world.
After time to relax by the hotel pool our busy day of sightseeing continues this afternoon as we discover the spectacular Karnak Temple. This vast complex took over 1,500 years to complete and more than 30 pharaohs contributed to it.
Day 6 Free time in Luxor
Day 6 Free time in Luxor
Today is free for you to explore Luxor at leisure or relax in the hotel and enjoy the sunshine. There is an optional tour of Luxor Museum, home to many important exhibits including treasures recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Days 7-8 Hurghada by the Red Sea
Days 7-8 Hurghada by the Red Sea
Luxor - Hurghada. Today we’ll drive to the popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada for two nights on the coast. Spend time relaxing on the beach or try out water sports such as kite-surfing. Alternatively, join our optional snorkelling trip at a nearby coral reef and swim amongst colourful fish in the crystal water. You may even see a turtle, or friendly dolphin or two. This excursion can be booked locally. In the evenings take some time to explore Hurghada’s restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Day 9 Fly to Jordan
Day 9 Fly to Jordan
Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra. Today we say goodbye to Egypt and fly to Amman via Cairo. On arrival we’ll drive to Petra for an evening at leisure, or you may wish to book our 'Petra By Night' add-on (approx. USD$25 payable locally). Take a stroll through the famous Siq to the Treasury, lit by over 1,000 candles.
PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Hurghada to Amman via Cairo is not included in the cost of this tour. Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost (total flight cost approximately USD$250 - $350pp) however, we can assist in booking these flights should you require. The flights to be booked are detailed in the tour Trip Notes.
Day 10 The Rose City of Petra
Day 10 The Rose City of Petra
Today we explore the ancient Rose City of Petra. Our guided walk will take in the highlights including the majestic Treasury - an ancient Nabatean tomb. Marvel at the giant amphitheatre, which once held a capacity of 7,000. After the tour you may wish to climb the steep steps to the Monastery for amazing panoramic views, or haggle for a horse and chariot ride. This evening is at leisure - why not join our Petra Kitchen add-on and learn how to cook delicious Jordanian cuisine? A local chef will show you how to create dishes including baba ghanoush and hoummous, before you sit down and enjoy your feast.
Day 11 Wadi Rum
Day 11 Wadi Rum
Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning there is time to revisit Petra, before we travel to the wild desert of Wadi Rum. Enjoy an SUV safari experience through this silent red landscape to our Bedouin desert camp. Here we enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner and settle down to sleep in comfortable tents, away from the lights and noise of civilization.
Day 12 Crusader Castles, Wadi Mujib & the Dead Sea
Day 12 Crusader Castles, Wadi Mujib & the Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Shobak - Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. We leave the desert today and head to the imposing hill-top fortification of Shobak Castle, built by the Crusader King Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring this site, we continue to the shore of the Dead Sea, more than 400 metres below sea level.
April - October departures will enjoy a trek to Wadi Mujib before we descend to the Dead Sea. The Wadi Mujib canyon is one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features and you should prepare to get wet as we travel along the Siq Trail.
Day 13 Dead Sea Free Time
Day 13 Dead Sea Free Time
Today is free to relax on the Dead Sea as you please. Enjoy bobbing in the mineral-rich waters, where the high salt content will keep you afloat. There is also an optional excursion to the Ma’in hot springs this afternoon.
Day 14 Dead Sea to Amman Airport
Day 14 Dead Sea to Amman Airport
Saturday. Dead Sea - Amman. Our tour comes to an end today with a departure transfer to the airport. These transfers are offered at 23:00 on the evening of day 13 or at 04:00, 07:00, 09:00, 12:00 and 16:00 today.
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.
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 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.
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.
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
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.
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.
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
Temples, Tombs, Treasury - 14 daysExperience the best of Egypt and Jordan on this 14 day adventure. Discover a treasure chest of ancient sites including the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the mysterious city of Petra, with beach time by the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea and a night in a desert Bedouin camp! Signature147190I loved Luxor and Hargharda. I thought Holiday Inn in Cairo was quite poor. The male staff were rude and not always respectful. My cousin and I were expected to get our own suit cases from the locker room. My cousin insisted that that the male staff member oblige. The service was poor indeed. Ramadan the guide was equally rude, not respectful and obliging. He was pushy and asked me why I did not buy from the Jewellery store that he brought the group too. I said it was not a priority. He was disrespectul and messaged me that he wanted more money that what I and my cousin had given him. I cannot recommend the hotel in Cairo nor the rude and disrepectful guide who used his Surname for us to call him by. Further, I asked to sit out at the Alabaster place as I had a walking stick and sore Knee, but he would not hear of it and made me come down and join the rest of the group. He was focused on money and was unprofessional and was consistently focused on himself and self praise, which is definitely no recommendation. The staff in luxor were thankfully devine. The guide Amirr was fabulous. not pushy and he would sit with us for meals and we were happy to have our meals later so he could join. Highly Highly recommend him.
Temples, Tombs, Treasury - 14 daysExperience the best of Egypt and Jordan on this 14 day adventure. Discover a treasure chest of ancient sites including the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the mysterious city of Petra, with beach time by the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea and a night in a desert Bedouin camp! Signature147190The tour was amazing ! What our tour guide 'Momo'' doesn't know about Egypt and it's history is not worth knowing. He went over and above to made sure everyone had a great tour and was always the ultimate professional, I can't sing his praises enough. Never at any stage of the tour did I ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, the Egyptian people were so kind and friendly to us all. I would highly recommend this tour and especially 'Momo' to all my family and friends.
Temples, Tombs, Treasury - 14 daysExperience the best of Egypt and Jordan on this 14 day adventure. Discover a treasure chest of ancient sites including the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the mysterious city of Petra, with beach time by the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea and a night in a desert Bedouin camp! Signature147190It was a wonderful tour with a very good guide, Amir whom helped us with everything, even with knowing the right price for different items.
Temples, Tombs, Treasury - 14 daysExperience the best of Egypt and Jordan on this 14 day adventure. Discover a treasure chest of ancient sites including the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and the mysterious city of Petra, with beach time by the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea and a night in a desert Bedouin camp! Signature147190Everything about this tour was fantastic! Not only was Egypt amazing! the group size, accommodation and additional tours were great as well! What made this tour special was Mahmoud the guide. To be shown Egypt by a local who also happens to be an Egyptologist is something truly incredible! His passion and enthusiasm on our tour created an experience we will never forget. I just cannot possibly recommend this tour enough. Thank you so much.
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.
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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