The Best of Egypt and Jordan

Embark on an evening exploration of the vibrant city alongside a knowledgeable local resident, well-versed in the captivating food and drink scene. Together, you'll venture into Downtown Cairo, a charming district that has retained its character since its establishment in the 1860s. The area's central and pedestrian-friendly nature, with its wide promenade streets and spacious sidewalks, makes it an ideal hub for people from all walks of life. Discover the bustling shopping scene, diverse culinary offerings ranging from authentic eateries to elegant belle-époque cafes, and observe how Egyptians unwind after work, savoring street food and ice cream. Keep an eye out for artists congregating in specific cafes and indie film cinemas. In this treasure trove of hidden gems, we'll visit various stops, including a place renowned for serving Egypt's national dish, Koshary, and culminate the evening with a refreshing beer atop a rooftop bar in a vintage hotel. The tour lasts approximately two hours, offering an enchanting glimpse into Cairo's nightlife.

Enter a world of ancient artefacts and incredible finds in one of the world's most famous museums, The Egyptian Museum. Also known as the Cairo Museum, you’ll witness the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world within its walls, including the iconic pure gold death mask of Tutankhamun, among countless other treasures. Your excursion at the museum will help you to gain an understanding and invaluable insight into how the Pharaohs and nobles of ancient Egypt once lived.

Savour the true essence of Egypt through an authentic culinary experience: 'Eat like an Egyptian!' Today, we have arranged for you to embark on a remarkable food tour led by a knowledgeable local expert in Egyptian cuisine and street food. Brace yourself, as this gastronomic adventure consists of four delectable stations that will leave you fully satisfied. Make sure to arrive with an appetite!

Prepare to indulge in the national dish of Egypt, Koshary. This mouthwatering combination of rice, pasta, lentils, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions, among other ingredients, is a must-try. Discover the Egyptian twist on falafel, which is traditionally made from fava beans and is considered a breakfast delicacy. Immerse yourself in a tantalizing assortment of traditional dips and starters, known as meze. Finally, we'll conclude the tour with a visit to a local fruit or coffee parlour, where you can savor the flavors of Egypt. Beyond the culinary delights that await you, this experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with a Cairo local and gain valuable insights into the realities of life in the city.

Explore the iconic Cairo Citadel, a historic fortress initially built in 1183 CE by Salah El Din, the esteemed Arab conqueror and leader. Over time, the Citadel was expanded by the Mamluks, serving as a strategic military stronghold against potential Crusader attacks. Discover the captivating history of the Arab, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods, delving into the rise of Mohammed Ali and the final dynasties of Egypt, including King Farouk's reign and the subsequent revolution led by young generals like Nasser and Sadat. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Byzantine Ottoman architecture as you visit the remarkable Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, a true highlight of the tour. If you have a particular interest in Islamic architecture, please inform your guide, and if time permits, we will endeavor to include a visit to the nearby and awe-inspiring Sultan Hassan Mosque as well.

Of the seven wonders of the ancient world, only one remains today: The Great Pyramid of Giza. These massive structures served as a way for kings to journey to the next world and emerge as gods. Despite their age, the pyramids still overwhelm and impress visitors. You will visit all three of the pyramids at Giza, and also get to see their collective grandeur from a panoramic view point. You will have a chance to enter a pyramid should you want to, however please note climbing into a pyramid is much more physically demanding than most people realise and is not recommended for anyone who is unfit, or has even slight physical ailments.

Proceed to the Great Sphinx with its head of a man and body of a lion, gazing imposingly across the valley and try to unravel some of the mysteries behind this monument together with your guide.

Situated in close proximity to the awe-inspiring unfinished obelisk, the Nubian Museum awaits your exploration. Prepare to be enthralled by a treasure trove of Egyptian, Roman, and African artifacts housed within its captivating walls. Since its inauguration in 1997, this remarkable museum has been a beacon of knowledge and an architectural marvel in its own right. Nestled harmoniously in the hillside, the museum sprawls across an expansive 50,000 square meters of meticulously landscaped gardens and thoughtfully designed structures. As you wander through its enchanting pathways, you will encounter distinct sections that unravel the captivating story of the Nubian civilization. Immerse yourself in the open-air museum section, where ancient wonders await your discovery. Explore a prehistoric cave adorned with vivid rock art, transporting you back in time. Marvel at the majestic ancient Egyptian statues, obelisks, and columns that stand as testaments to a glorious past. Admire the intricate Roman frescoes that reveal glimpses of a different era. To further enrich your experience, step inside a fully reconstructed Nubian house, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of this remarkable culture.

Embark on a fascinating journey to Aswan, where you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating Nubian community of Egypt. The Nubians, an ethnic group hailing from Northern Sudan and Southern Egypt, have been an integral part of the Nile region for centuries, renowned for their expertise in trading precious goods such as gold and spices. This tour takes you beyond the surface, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the Nubian people. Unlike conventional tourist encounters, we steer clear of the well-trodden path and guide you to the unexplored side of a genuine Nubian village. Here, you will interact with the locals, step inside their homes, and discover their unique infrastructure. Accompanied by the villagers themselves, you will embark on a village tour, encountering remarkable ancient remnants that deviate from the typical tourist routes.

Set sail on a traditional felucca boat and slowly float down the spectacular river Nile. These small vessels, with their shining wood and billowing sails, allow you to sit back and relax as the river scenery passes you by, much of it unchanged for thousands of years.

Spend four days and five nights cruising the River Nile stopping off at some of Egypt's most iconic sites.

It's well worth the journey down to the border of Sudan to marvel at the temples at Abu Simbel which were built by Ramses II to demonstrate the might and glory of Egypt to the nearby Nabatean tribes. There are 20m tall twin statues of Ramses II carved into the mountainside as well as images of the king bearing the double crown of lower and upper Egypt. Knee high to Ramses, you'll see his wife Queen Nefertari and his children, their diminutive form indicative of their lower status. The great temple of Abu Simbel was dedicated to the sun god Amun, the god Ra-Horakhty and the god Ptah, and to the deified form of Ramses himself. The rescue story of these monuments from the rising waters of Lake Nasser is also remarkable – the monuments were cut into blocks and then moved, stone by stone, to more elevated land.

The relaxed city of Aswan definitely deserves its reputation as Egypt's most beautiful city. Much of what you will see here is in some way connected with the momentous damming of the Nile here during the 1960s to control the annual flooding and create Lake Nasser. The ambitious project took decades to complete. The scale of the engineering works is impressive and standing at the top of the dam you will enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding arid desert scenery. Continue to the temple of Philae, an outstanding temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis and dating back to the Ptolemaic age of about 690 BCE. There are many legends associated with Isis and the temple, but the most famous is the story of Isis finding the heart of Osiris after his murder by his brother Seth. As with Abu Simbel this temple was dismantled piece by piece and rebuilt on higher ground to avoid it being flooded by the damming of the Nile. The temple is accessed by motorboat.

Next you will visit the unfinished obelisk which was ordered by Pharaoh Hatshepsut (1508–1458 BC), and had it been finished it would have been the largest obelisk around at over 40 meters. It seems that its creators started the work of carving it out of the bedrock but the stone became cracked and the project was abandoned. Today it gives fascinating insights into ancient Egyptian engineering and stone cutting techniques.

Visit the enchanting temple of Kom Ombo, nestled on the picturesque banks of the Nile River, midway between Luxor and Aswan. This magnificent temple traces its origins back to the Ptolemaic dynasty around 200 BCE and holds a captivating tale of dual deities. Dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God symbolizing keen vision and the love of the people, and Sobek, the crocodile god representing earthly instincts and revered out of fear, this unique double temple embodies the profound notion that within each of us reside both good and bad. It stands as a timeless reminder that humanity's purpose lies in maintaining a harmonious equilibrium within ourselves and in the universe.

Kom Ombo Temple, beyond its spiritual significance, played a pivotal role in ancient Egypt's medical practices. With Sobek revered as the god of fertility, the temple became a prominent hub for fertility treatments and various other forms of healing. Adorning its walls are intricate depictions of ancient Egyptian medicine and hygiene practices, including the meticulous washing of food before consumption, offering glimpses into the civilization's advanced understanding of health and well-being.

To honor Sobek within the temple, priests would embark on a ritual journey to the Nile, selecting a living crocodile to reside in this sacred space. When the crocodile eventually passed away, it would be mummified and replaced, a custom that highlights the reverence bestowed upon the deity. Today, you can witness these preserved crocodile mummies at the adjacent museum—a small but truly captivating treasure trove.

Today you will get the chance to explore the iconic, towering temple of Edfu, also known as the temple of Horus. Extremely well preserved and dedicated to the falcon god, Horus, this huge structure lies on the west bank of the river Nile. The temple’s history stands out in a land full of ancient stories, as it’s believed to have been constructed during Ptolemaic times, about 200 BCE. This is a later period than many of Egypt’s key monuments.

What makes this temple so impressive to visit is that the entire structure of the sanctuary – walls, floor and ceiling – remain intact today. Also in exceptional condition are the inscriptions visible on the temple walls which, according to Egyptian mythology, depict the battle between Horus and the god Seth and also refer to daily life in Egypt during this time.

Venture south of Luxor today to the town of Esna to explore its famous temple dedicated to the god Khnum, as well as his consorts and son, and the goddess Neith. Khnum temple is often peaceful and, with less tourists visiting, you should get to experience an exclusive and meaningful visit here. A tour of the temple will reveal stunning remains as well as centuries of sand and dirt debris that still shroud around half of the ruins - creating a dramatic juxtaposition.

According to ancient Egyptian mythology, Khnum had the head of a ram and created humans from his potter’s wheel. The temple would have been astonishingly beautiful when it was built by Ptolomy VI. It was however the Romans who finally completed the building using a vibrant red sandstone and featuring an impressive portico of six rows of four columns each with lotus leaf capitals, individually designed and different from one another.

Explore the mystical West Bank of Luxor, once the renowned necropolis of Thebes. Symbolically positioned where the sun bids its farewell, this ethereal city of the departed embodies the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Journey through a captivating array of intricately painted tombs, narrating the afterlife voyage of the honored deceased. Admire the miraculously preserved burial chambers, like Queen Nefertari's, where vivid colors defy the passage of millennia. Immerse yourself in meticulously restored tombs, such as Queen Hatshepsut's temple tomb, offering a vivid glimpse into their former glory. Delve into legend as you witness the world-renowned discovery of Howard Carter—the complete tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun, adorned with treasures and provisions for his celestial transition. Time permitting, venture further to the tomb of Ramses I and behold the timeless Colossi of Memnon—monumental stone statues guarding the Theban Necropolis since 1350 BCE.

Explore the temple and Luxor today and be mystified as you try to comprehend how the enormous statues and granite obelisk at the entrance could possibly have been created without the use of modern machinery. These statues and the obelisk were signs of fertility and prosperity and were capped with precious metals to capture the light so everyone could find their way to the temples
The temple of Luxor dates to 1400 BCE and was intended for priests rather than the general public. This is also the site where kings were crowned. Alexander the Great claimed to have been crowned at Luxor, but in fact it is unlikely he travelled this far south.

Experience the awe-inspiring marvel that is the Karnak Temple, situated in Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, which once pulsated as the spiritual epicenter of ancient Egypt. It comes as no surprise that Luxor and its surroundings boast an unparalleled concentration of temples, tombs, and monuments, with Karnak reigning as the pinnacle of this sacred landscape. As the earthly abode of the sun god Amun-Re, Karnak held immense significance in the spiritual tapestry of ancient Egypt, showcasing a breathtaking ensemble of shrines, obelisks, and temples.

Explore the ancient city of Jerash. A truly incredible site, extremely well preserved and with remains from Neolithic times, as well as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Umayyad and others. Its history also tells the tale of a remarkably long chain of human occupation.

As one of the best preserved cities of the Roman Empire, visited by Emperor Hadrian 129 AD, it’s possible to walk within the tracks of chariot wheels that are still visible in the paving stones. During your tour today you will be able to walk beneath the imposing south gate and then make your way up the 'Street of Columns' – the Roman road running 600 metres north from the Oval Plaza. And, as you visit the theatres you can imagine the throngs of crowds enjoying dramas unfolding before them.

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a city of contrasts, offering both ancient ruins and thriving modern life. The city was built in an ideal location, situated on the hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. Begin your tour by stepping back in time with a visit to The Citadel - a reminder that Amman has been inhabited for thousands of years, and was once a major Roman city. The Citadel is home to a small but extremely interesting museum which is well worth a visit, before exploring the modern aspects of the city and understanding a little about how modern Jordanians live, shop, eat, work and pray in this large, modern city.

Read a map like no other today when you visit the ‘City of Mosaics’ and St George's Church, famous for its ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land. The real name of this city is Madaba, which sits just south of Amman and is in fact a 4000 year old archaeological site. The quantity of the mosaics here is astounding, particularly the creation within the Church of the Apostles which depicts the sea and her creatures.

Visit Mount Nebo today and gaze across to Jerusalem, just 60 kilometres away. The Prophet Moses is said to have stood on Mount Nebo and looking over into the Promised Land, understood that he would not be permitted to enter it. Today Mount Nebo is a memorial site, and the Church of Moses was built by early Christians in honour of the site and has attracted pilgrims since the earliest days of Christianity.

Today you will visit Petra - perhaps one of the most stunning and impressive ancient sites which one can visit anywhere in the world today. On arrival at the visitor center our guide will escort you into Petra through the Siq and reveal the highlights of the Nabatean city, including the stunning Treasury. Other sites include the theatre, the tombs and facades and the colonnaded street. Full historical background will be provided, together with information about the Nabatean civilisation. Please bring excellent walking shoes with you as Petra is a large site and a visit to Petra involves a considerable amount of walking.

Uncover the remarkable ruins of Little Petra today, sitting within a natural gorge with its impressive doorway - enormous and majestic. Step inside to reveal the wonders within the depths from remarkable Nabatean tombs, divinity blocks, cisterns, and dining halls complete with benches and hand washing sinks used for commemorative meals. During the excavations a large number of broken dishes were found, suggesting that breaking dishes was a ritual at the end of commemorative meals inside Little Petra.

Embark on an exhilarating jeep tour through the magnificent desert alongside a knowledgeable local Bedouin guide. Marvel at the endless expanse of golden sands stretching before you, and be mesmerised by the fascinating formations of rocks that punctuate the landscape. As you traverse this breathtaking terrain, take advantage of the opportunity to engage with your guide, delving into his unique way of life, the cherished traditions of the Bedouin culture, and the secrets of desert survival—all of which stand in stark contrast to our own familiar existence.

Whether you want to unwind with luxurious spa treatments and mud baths, or if you're looking for an exhilarating adventure, the Dead Sea has something for everyone. There are beautiful waterfalls and stunning canyons to discover, as well as historical landmarks.