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This 16 day tour, starts from Cairo, Egypt, and ends at Amman, Jordan.
Welcome to Cairo! Your Egyptian adventure begins upon landing at Cairo International Airport. Our dedicated staff will meet you there, assisting with your visa and luggage before transferring you comfortably to your hotel.
Cairo kicks off our Egyptian adventure! The iconic Egyptian Museum unveils Tutankhamun's riches and countless ancient relics. Our Egyptologist guide leads us to Giza, where the Sphinx stands guard and the Great Pyramid of Khufu, an engineering marvel, dominates the desert. Khafre and Menkaure pyramids complete the majestic trio. An opportunity awaits to explore the Great Pyramid's inner chambers (tickets limited). Tonight, we board the 12-hour sleeper train to Aswan, anticipation buzzing for its wonders.
Arrive in sun-drenched Aswan, greeted by a picturesque hotel with views of cascading rapids, green islands, and sailing feluccas. Dive into this lively city, its markets thrumming with activity. Immerse yourself in Nubian heritage with a village visit, tasting delicious lunch and experiencing their vibrant culture.
Afternoon unfolds with a scenic boat ride to the Philae Temple, a captivating island monument dedicated to Isis, rescued from rising watersof Lake Nasser. Enjoy free time as the sun sets: browse spice markets, stroll the Corniche promenade, or take a thrilling camel ride to St Simeon's Monastery.
Abu Simbel adventurers, rest up - temple wonders await tomorrow.
Adventure seekers, rise early! Witness the awe-inspiring UNESCO gems of Abu Simbel, temples built by Ramses II. For others, Aswan awaits: bustling markets, the scenic Corniche, or the Nubian Museum's historical treasures.
Midday brings a serene Nile felucca cruise. Observe life on the banks and enjoy local crew stories and music. Sleep under stars on the deck, lulled by gentle water. Mattresses, blankets, and nets ensure comfort. A separate boat offers facilities and delicious meals prepared by our crew.
Prefer extra comfort? Upgrade for an extra night at the Aswan hotel and rejoin the group tomorrow after their felucca departure without missing any activities
After breakfast, we bid farewell to our felucca crew and visit Edfu temple before continuing to Luxor. This town, built upon Thebes' ancient site, harbours the Nile Valley's largest array of ancient ruins. To the west, the City of the Dead showcases mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, while to the east, Luxor and Karnak Temples stand tall. As night falls, we explore the beautifully lit Luxor Temple in the town center, an enchanting sight to behold.
This morning, we cross the Nile for Luxor’s West Bank tour. Home to the Valley of the Kings, this ancient burial site unveils ongoing secrets, remaining a pivotal archaeological marvel globally. Our expedition explores Pharaonic tombs, Queen Hatchepsut's temple, Deir-el-Medina, and the colossal Colossi of Memnon. Consider an early start for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the Nile's west bank at sunrise.
Post lunch, we explore Karnak's vast temple complex, once Thebes' religious hub, featuring sphinx-lined avenues, grand pylons, and the monumental Hypostyle Hall adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and columns depicting gods and pharaohs.
In the evening, we board the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo (approx. 9 hours).
This morning, we arrive back to Cairo and transfer to our hotel. The day offers freedom to explore Cairo at your pace or join optional tours. Explore Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, and Mohamed Ali Mosque on a city tour, or delve into the history of pyramid building with a half-day tour to Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis. For a more extensive journey, venture to the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
In the late afternoon, we embark on a guided walk through Cairo's back streets and bustling bazaars, passing Bab al-Futuh gateway and diverse markets. Enjoy tea, a shisha pipe, and savor Egypt's beloved dish, Kushari, before returning to our hotel.
This morning, we depart Cairo for Dahab, driving through the Sinai region under the Suez Canal. Alternatively, an optional upgrade offers a Cairo to Sharm el Sheikh flight. The afternoon is yours to unwind by the hotel pool or beach, or explore Assalah's unique charm.
Dahab, translating to "gold" in Arabic, showcases golden beaches along the main bay. Assalah, the nearby Bedouin village on Ghazala Bay, boasts campsites, hotels, and a Bohemian atmosphere with restaurants, shops, and bars. Experience Dahab's allure, easily accessible via hotel shuttles or affordable taxis. Evenings offer delightful dining options, particularly for sampling local seafood at numerous restaurants.
Today offers freedom to explore Dahab and its wonders. Dive into snorkeling or experience an introductory scuba-dive. Alternatively, unwind at beachside restaurants or soak up the sun on the shore. Day trips to Ras Abu Galum's protected area promise close encounters with renowned marine life. Explore the Blue Hole, Coloured and White Canyons, Mount Sinai & St Catherine's Monastery, or enjoy a Bedouin evening in the desert. Numerous options cater to varied interests, ensuring a fulfilling day amidst Dahab's diverse offerings.
You have another free day in Dahab today, to relax or explore the local area further on another of our optional tours.
This morning, we journey from Dahab to Taba Heights (approx. 2 hours) for the Aqaba ferry (approx. 1 hour). Upon arrival in Jordan, we proceed through passport control and head into Wadi Rum's stunning desert. Welcoming Bedouin hosts await at a cozy camp nestled amidst towering rocks and cliffs. The evening invites relaxation, indulging in a delightful traditional Jordanian meal, often featuring 'Zarb'—a Bedouin-style dish of Lamb and Chicken cooked underground. Enjoy optional activities like a sunset camel ride or stargazing with telescopes, embracing the enchanting atmosphere of the desert camp.
Following camp breakfast, a jeep safari navigates Wadi Rum's sand and towering 'jebels,' pausing for sand dune climbs and admiring unique rock formations, including a striking rock bridge. Engage in Bedouin-inspired activities, strolling with a local shepherd to a Bedouin tent. Embrace traditional Bedouin practices like shearing, milking, grain grinding, bread-making, and coffee roasting, immersing in nomadic Bedouin life.
Return to camp by jeep and proceed to Petra, stopping en-route at Petra Bakery for a glimpse of traditional breadmaking and a light lunch. Opt for an enchanting Petra by Night tour, walking the Siq illuminated by countless candles, offering a captivating introduction to Petra's ambiance.
Today, we delve into Petra, the former Nabatean capital absorbed by the Romans in 106AD. Situated at the Wadi Aruba desert's edge, reaching Petra demands passage through the Siq's narrow cleft. Nabateans sculpted dwellings into multi-colored sandstone cliffs, making it a major tourist attraction. Wadi Musa village thrives due to tourism, but within Petra, a serene atmosphere prevails with minimal vendors.
Exploration starts at Little Petra before embarking on the back-route, leading to the Monastery via a mountain trail. This less-crowded path offers stunning Holy Land vistas and includes Little Petra and the Monastery. Ascend rock-hewn steps, pause for photos, and witness iconic Petra monuments like The Treasury and Roman ruins, ending with a glimpse of The Monastery.
This route entails moderate hiking over 2-3 hours to the Monastery and additional sandy terrain exploration. For accessibility, horse carriages are available within Petra but not on the hiking route.
Today's focus is on exploring Petra, once the Nabatean capital seized by the Romans in 106AD. Rediscovered in 1812, it lies at Wadi Aruba desert's edge, accessed solely through the narrow Siq. Nabateans crafted dwellings into sandstone cliffs, minimizing free-standing structures. Following breakfast in Petra, we venture north along the Dead Sea road to Wadi Mujib, embarking on the thrilling Siq Trail hike. Revel in stunning views of the Dead Sea's Salt Flats en route to Wadi Mujib's visitor center. After lunch (not included), delve into the gorge within the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve. Between April and October, experience an exhilarating hike through shallow waters, climbing small waterfalls. Bring a dry-bag and water shoes, available for hire/purchase. Note: In November to March, when Siq Trail hiking isn't viable, visit the Baptism site in Bethany, possibly the biblical site where John baptized Jesus. An electric minibus tour covers Tell Mar Elias, Baptism Pools, and John the Baptist's Church. End the day at a Dead Sea resort, enjoying a unique swim or float in its saline waters and relaxation by the hotel pool. Capture an iconic Dead Sea photo with a newspaper or magazine for added flair.
After a restful night, our journey begins in Madaba, renowned for Byzantine mosaics including the ancient 'Madaba Map,' the oldest preserved Holy Land map. Next, we visit Mount Nebo, Moses' lookout and burial site, offering remarkable views of Jericho and surroundings on most days. Our final stop takes us to Jerash, famed for its well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins, including the Forum, Roman streets, the Nymphaeum, and the elevated Temple of Artemis. We conclude the day with a return drive to Amman, our last stop in Jordan for the night.
Your time is free in Amman today until we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure.
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feztravel@feztravel.com
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