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
Supplier Code: XESPC
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Finishes: Madaba, Egypt
Duration: 15 days
Departures: 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 3591 (CAD 239 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Egypt! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. For those arriving early, why not take a walk to get your bearings of the neighbourhood, or escape the hustle and bustle and explore the Christian Coptic sector. After your important meeting, head out with your new travel buddies 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; a perfect place to get introduced to daily Egyptian life.
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) (500 EGP)
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
- Cairo - Sufi Dance Khan al-Khalili (entrance fee) (125 EGP)
- Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (82 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
- 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) (500 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. Welcome to Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. Today is a free day so take the opportunity to see such Aswan sites as the unfinished obelisk or the High Dam. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is top of many visitors’ lists. Highly recommended is the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's Corniche, runs alongside one of Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand with a visit to a nearby village. You’ll join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner and get an unforgettable insight into the daily life of the local people.
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 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) (35 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple Tour (minimum 2 persons) (35 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) (55 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today perhaps head out of Aswan and book in to visit stunning Abu Simbel this morning. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Please note this optional activity has a very early start (but it’s totally worth it). There’s two ways to get there – a 40-minute flight, or renting a minivan with your group and leaving very early. The journey by land is 3 -4 hours each way, with an early departure from Aswan at 4 am. Instead, you could take a sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Your tour 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 (450 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With some free time this morning, perhaps head down and grab a motor boat out to the Tomb of the Nobles or stock up on snacks for your evening on the Nile. Board your included felucca journey just before lunch and spend the afternoon out on the river, watching Egyptian daily life play out on the banks, then spend a night under the stars. Your Nubian sailing crew provides all the meals which are hearty and delicious. Being a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, your felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements. However, there is no cabin or enclosed section. Nonetheless, watching the sun setting across the Nile in the evening is a sight you won't forget. This is the absolute highlight of the trip for many, especially with some local Nubian entertainment from your crew.
Included Activities:
- Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) (200 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Felucca (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to your Nubian friends and take a private van to the ‘open-air museum’ of Luxor (approximately 3.5 hours travel time). 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. This afternoon you will 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 some 200 years. Then head over to a local NGO to learn about the work they do to care for the wounded working animals in the region. The rest of the day will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar, which is open until quite late, or perhaps experience the atmosphere of 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 (45 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover some of the wonder of ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-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 on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 richly decorated tombs of pharaohs. With your leader, explore this sprawling and spectacular 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 group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. Afterwards, join a local family for lunch to try some traditional home cooking. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore – with the Luxor Museum a great place to visit. Keep in mind that tonight you’ll board an overnight sleeper train from Luxor back to Cairo (approximately 10 hours).
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 (120 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you will farewell Egypt and take a short flight to Jordan. This flight is currently scheduled for the afternoon to allow for delays from the overnight train.
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your Amman hotel, where your Jordanian Group Leader will be waiting for you. There may also be new group members joining the trip in Jordan.
Welcome to Jordan, cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Tonight consider a visit to Rainbow Street where you will hear “Welcome to Jordan” from the locals, and maybe pick up a coffee from one of the cafés and partner it with an ara’yes, a toastie filled with spicy mincemeat.
Optional Activities:
- Amman - King Abdullah I Mosque (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
- Amman - Roman Theatre (entrance fee) (2 JOD)
- Amman - Citadel (entrance fee) (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, you’ll leave Amman and head to Aqaba – the only coastal city offering a pocket of beach in this otherwise landlocked country. On arrival you’ll get a chance to explore the bustling market and walk along the beach on a guided walking tour with your group leader. Then you’ve got a couple of hours under your belt to explore this city at your own leisure, you might like to go snorkelling in the Red Sea, explore the local markets further or simply chill out and relax by the water. Then, you’ll leave for Wadi Rum and arrive just in time for dinner. Tonight, 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. You’ll sleep in a simple Bedouin desert camp this evening, with the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. 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. Conditions are basic at the desert camp, but the hospitality of your hosts as well as the chance to sleep beneath the twinkling desert night sky will surely make up for it.
Included Activities:
- Wadi Rum - Bedouin Desert Camp
- Aqaba - Leader-lead Walking Tour
- Wadi Rum - Bonfire Talk with the Sheik
Accommodation:
- Desert camp (Number of Nights: 1)
After waking up in the unique surrounds of the camp this morning, head out on a hike around the area (approximately 12 to 15 kilometres), with a stop for tea and a lunch break. You might scale one of the large sand dunes for sensational views of the valley – the perfect chance to snap some unbelievable pictures. Explore the distinctive rock formations and bask in its eerie silence. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T E Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917–18. This afternoon, gear up for half-day jeep safari through some of the most striking desert scenery on the planet. Wadi Rum 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 you'll leave your desert camp, taking 4WDs 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 also a great spot to buy some jewelry 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-listed site. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Petra. Squeeze through a mile-long narrow path, known as the Siq, 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 free day of self-discovery as you explore Petra on your own today – free to wander as you wish. The site is surprisingly big, and 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 1-hour walk up the steps to the secluded yet stunning Monastery.
Optional Activities:
- Petra - Petra By Night (17 JOD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll 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 (approximately 2.5 hours). You’ll have time to explore the ruins and discover the legends of centuries-old battles. Pack your swim gear as next you can wash off the dust in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). This super-salty lake is a perfect place to spend some time relaxing and float your worries away. For those who are game, why not 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 fourth-century church. Afterwards, continue to Madaba, famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the acclaimed sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces from the fifth to seventh centuries can be found throughout Madaba’s churches, museums and homes.
Included Activities:
- Kerak - Castle visit
- Mt Nebo - Site visit
- Dead Sea - Swimming opportunity
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll leave Madaba for a short drive 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. It has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, and is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring. Discover Hadrian’s arch, the partially restored hippodrome, ornate public fountains, the south amphitheatre, 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 majestic Jordan.
Included Activities:
- Jerash - Roman ruins
- Madaba - St Georges Church
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with your accommodation’s check-out times.
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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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