Get ready for 23 days of pure adventure through Jordan, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula— where ancient history meets epic landscapes. Kick things off with a warm Jordanian welcome at a local family’s home near Amman, then roam the ancient ruins of Jerash before stepping into the legendary city of Petra. Sleep under a sea of stars in Wadi Rum, float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, and take a thrilling 4×4 ride into the vast desert of Wadi Araba. Then, cross the Gulf of Aqaba to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where you’ll spend free time in Dahab’s beach town and hike to the summit of Mount Sinai. The adventure continues with a scenic felucca cruise down the Nile, a visit to the iconic Pyramids, and a home-cooked meal in a Nubian village. Packed with bucket-list experiences and hidden gems, this is the Middle Eastern journey you’ve been waiting for.
21 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Allow USD385-500 for meals not included.
Private vehicle, 4x4, hydrofoil ferry, walking, train, felucca
Amman: Arrive at any time. After a brief welcome meeting at the hotel connect with new friends on an optional group dinner in Amman, or explore on your own before the adventure begins.
Amman/Petra: Leave Amman in the morning and travel to the remarkably well-preserved Roman archaeological site of Jerash. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the site and learn more about the history of this architectural marvel as you walk through the various public squares and plazas. Continue onwards to Petra where you will have free time to get settled in before dinner on your own.
Petra: Today the group will hike from Little Petra along the ancient backdoor trail to the iconic masterpiece of Petra. The trail comes out near the Monastery where you can enjoy a boxed lunch overlooking the image most people come to Jordan searching for. Drive back to the hotel and have a free rest of the day to explore on your own or relax on the rooftop as the sun goes down past the horizon.
Wadi Rum/Aqaba: After breakfast leave the solitude of the desert for a more lively time in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Upon arrival, the day is yours to do as you please. Choose to book a boat ride with lunch and snorkelling in the marine-rich waters of the Dead Sea, or stay on land and peruse the Marina Village, or the Aqaba Local Market. Dinner this evening is on your own, but the nightlife in Aqaba is something to consider trying out.
M?dab?: Relax on this full free day in Madaba. Choose to explore other locations you didn't have the chance to yesterday and perhaps choose to sign up for an optional activity to visit the Ma'in Hot Springs. These mineral-rich, naturally heated waters are the perfect way to soothe your muscles before the next leg of your travels. Think an oasis-like destination, steeped in wellness culture, and a prime spot for waterfall swimming, and warm water soaking.
Cairo: It's a full free day to explore Cairo! Whether you want relax and recharge, visit Memphis and Sakkara, or tour the fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts this city, the choice is yours.
Cairo/Asw?n: Take an orientation tour through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with free time for shopping or people watching from a shisha caf?. Then enjoy a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Asw?n: Free morning to explore Aswan. Opt to wander through the souk at your own pace or visit the famous Philae Temple, it's your choice.
Asw?n: Spend the day exploring Aswan.
Asw?n/Luxor: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.
Luxor/Cairo: After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterwards, cycle back to the waterfront and board the ferry to travel back across the Nile. Spend a free afternoon in Luxor at your leisure, or choose to join the East Bank optional excursion. In the evening board an overnight train back to Cairo.
Cairo: Tour ends upon arrival.