Petra and the Nile Tour

Upon arrival in Amman, the staff warmly welcome you and assist you with your hotel transfer. Once you've settled in, a brief orientation of the local area, pointing out nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants. After that, you'll have free time to explore the city on your own and experience its atmosphere before the tour officially begins tomorrow.

This journey through time begins with a visit to the ancient city of Jerash. Witness the impressive Roman architecture that was once buried beneath the sand. Explore the city’s remarkable sites, including theatres, baths, fountains, paved streets, and hilltop temples.

After Jerash, return to Amman for a city tour. Known as the "white city," Amman features stunning white limestone buildings. A knowledgeable guide shares the city’s rich history, pointing out excavations and renovations from the Neolithic, Hellenistic, and late Roman to Arab Islamic periods.

The tour's highlight is the Citadel, where the ancient Temple of Hercules, the 8th-century Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church, and the 6,000-seat Roman theatre, dating back to the 2nd century, can be discovered. The theatre, still in use for cultural events, offers a glimpse into Amman’s vibrant heritage.

Take a scenic drive along the King's Highway to Petra, passing through Jordan’s stunning wadis, olive groves, and rural villages. Along the way, visit historic landmarks, starting with Madaba and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, where you can see the famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land and other biblical sites.

Next, head to Mount Nebo to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Holy Land from its summit. As the journey continues toward Petra, cross the impressive Wadi al-Mujib and stop at the 12th-century Kerak Castle, a massive fortress built by Crusader King Baldwin along the ancient caravan route between Egypt and Syria.

Upon arrival in Petra, check into your hotel for the night. There is free time to explore the city on your own, but the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury is highly recommended for a magical experience.

Today is a full-day exploration of Petra, the famous Nabatean city. Dating back to the 1st century AD, Petra was once the thriving capital of the Nabatean empire but remained hidden for centuries until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Accessible only through a narrow path called the Siq, Petra sits on the edge of Wadi Aruba, surrounded by towering canyon walls.

The guided tour begins with a walk through the Siq, a 200-meter-high passage that narrows to just 2 meters wide. Along the way, see the terracotta pipes and the ancient Nabatean water channel that once brought water to the city. As the path opens up, the Khazneh, or Treasury, comes into view—a breathtaking sight and one of Petra’s most iconic landmarks. The tour also includes visits to the Roman amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and the colorful sandstone cliffs leading to the Monastery, Petra's largest carved monument, which stands 50 meters high and 45 meters wide. The views of Wadi Aruba and the Jordan Valley from here are stunning.

After an unforgettable day in Petra, the journey continues to Wadi Rum, a desert landscape with towering rocks and cliffs. Upon arrival, friendly Bedouin hosts welcome you to a comfortable campsite. Enjoy a delicious traditional Jordanian meal, relax by the campfire, and gaze at the stars in the peaceful desert night.

The day starts with an exciting jeep safari through the stunning desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Known for its towering cliffs and unique rock formations, the rust-colored "jebels" here were made famous by the movie Lawrence of Arabia. As you drive through the desert, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking views that stretch out across the horizon.

After exploring Wadi Rum, head north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, over 400 meters below sea level. The sea is fed by several rivers, including the Jordan River, which leaves behind a rich mix of salts and minerals. These natural elements are harvested for high-quality products used in local industries.

Next, stop for a swim in the Dead Sea, an experience like no other. The high salt content makes floating effortless, creating a fun and unforgettable moment. Just be sure to avoid getting the water in your eyes, as it can sting!

After enjoying the Dead Sea, travel back to Amman, passing by the scenic hills of Jerusalem, believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zebouin, and Zoar (Bela). If you’d prefer more time at the Dead Sea for spa treatments or relaxation, there's an option to spend your last night in Jordan here instead of returning to Amman (for an additional cost). 

You'll be transferred to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo, where a team greet you upon arrival and help you with your visa and luggage before taking you to your hotel in Cairo for check-in. You can then enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax at the hotel. For those interested, there is an optional Nile dinner cruise tonight, offering a special dining experience (for an additional cost).

Note: The Amman-Cairo flight is not included in the tour price. For flexibility, this flight can be added to the main international ticket or booked separately. Both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines offer direct flights throughout the day. All transfers in Amman and Cairo are included, and assistance with booking international flights is available upon request.

Begin your Egyptian adventure by visiting the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, located just outside Cairo. Built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 BC, these pyramids are some of the most famous ancient structures in the world. An Egyptologist guide can explain the history of the Pharaohs and share insights into how and why the pyramids were built. For those seeking more adventure, there is an option to explore the interior of one of the pyramids (for additional cost and subject to availability).

Next, visit the majestic Sphinx, fully uncovered in the 1920s, located near the pyramids.

The journey continues to the ancient capital of Memphis to view the statue of Ramses II and the Step Pyramid in Saqqara.

This morning start with a transfer to Cairo airport for an early flight to Luxor. The tour begins on the West Bank of the Nile, starting at the Colossi of Memnon, followed by an exploration of the famous Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The tour also includes a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and a stop at Medinat Habu to admire its colorful hieroglyphics, before crossing back to Luxor.

The afternoon is free to relax on the 5-star Nile cruise boat or explore Luxor’s markets. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of the beautifully lit Luxor Temple.

This morning offers the chance to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile (for an additional cost). After breakfast, the tour of Luxor includes the impressive Karnak Temple complex, known for its towering columns and numerous temples and structures—truly earning Luxor's title as the largest open-air museum in the world! In the afternoon, the boat sets sail up the Nile, passing through the lock at Esna and continuing to Edfu for the overnight stay.

After breakfast, the visit includes the nearby Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus. The journey continues upriver toward Kom Ombo, with views of traditional rural Egyptian life along the banks of the Nile. A relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck is a great option. At Kom Ombo, a tour of the temple reveals its scenic location by the Nile and its collection of mummified crocodiles, among other attractions. The cruise then continues onward to Aswan.

An option this morning allows a visit to the temples built by Ramses II at the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel (for additional cost). The early departure aims to catch the sunrise over the temples. For those not visiting Abu Simbel, the morning is free.

Tours in Aswan include a trip to the beautiful island temple complex of Philae, reached by boat. The Philae temple is one of Egypt’s most romantic and picturesque sites, having been completely relocated after the construction of the dam. The impressive Aswan High Dam, built to create Lake Nasser, is also part of the itinerary.

This morning includes a transfer to Aswan airport for a flight back to Cairo. The tour of Cairo begins with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, known for its vast collection of Egyptian antiquities. Accompanied by a certified Egyptologist, stroll through the halls showcasing each historical period of this ancient land.

The afternoon is free for leisure activities or for those interested, an optional half-day tour can explore Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and wander through the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar (for additional cost). Additionally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.

Today is free until the transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Extensions are available to add time at the Red Sea, take day trips to Alexandria, or visit the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales.

If our scheduled departure dates don't fit your plans or you prefer a private experience, we can arrange this tour exclusively for you. Contact us for more details and pricing.