From the Pyramids of Giza, to the hidden city of Petra and onto Amman, this 14 day adventure brims with excitement and adventure. Cruise the River Nile, uncover the secrets of Valley of the Kings, explore the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, rejuvenate in the Dead Sea and relax in the ever warm waters of the Red Sea.
Our Tutankhamen to Treasury tour has regular departures between now and 01 July 2012. If travelling after 01 July, please see our NEW Tutankhamen to Treasury tour with similar touring arrangements.
Saturday. Welcome to the start of your Arabian adventure! Arrive Cairo prior to 08:00, included transfer and hotel check in. At 10:00, we embark on a guided tour of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. The museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display, the remainder in storerooms. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom is displayed.
Overnight - Cairo
Cairo - Aswan. This morning we visit the iconic pyramids which were built for the fourth dynasty kings Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, who ruled through 2589 - 2504BC. Continuing we drive to the necropolis at Saqqara to see the oldest pyramid in all of Egypt, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. Built during the third dynasty of the Old Kingdom to protect the body of the King Zhoser who died around 2649BC. The Step Pyramid was the blue print that heralded the short but remarkable age of the gigantic stone pyramids of ancient Egypt.
Later there is time for dinner before travelling on the overnight seater train to Aswan. Upgrade to sleeper cabin available. Overnight - Train (B)
Old Tutankhamen to the Treasury - 14 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Nile Cruise Upgrade.Overnight - Aswan (B)
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile down stream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands. If sailing by felucca is not for you, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Pharaoh's Pass. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor (book and pay locally). Remainder of the evening at leisure to enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor. An early start allows us to
avoid some of the fierce heat as we venture to the tomb
strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of our visit include
the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand
silent against a backdrop of history, the legendary Valley of
the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
This afternoon after lunch and time to relax, we visit the
Temple of Karnak, a spectacular temple on a gigantic
scale dedicated to the Theban gods. Karnak is ancient
Egypt at its very best. You’ll feel like a star in a
Hollywood epic, as you stroll around. This afternoon, we
travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada. Overnight - Bus (B)
Dahab. Arrival and hotel check-in. Spend two days at leisure. Scuba diving, snorkelling, sun-worshipping, or shopping - take your pick. On day 9, we offer an optional snorkelling excursion to the Blue Hole. 80 metres deep, the Blue Hole boasts an abundance of colourful coral, fish and marine life. Most of the aquatic species live within the first 5 metres beneath the sea level. Overnight - Dahab (B:2)
Dahab - Petra (Jordan). Today we transfer to Nuweiba Port to cross the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry and travel onward to Petra. This evening we will meet our Jordanian tour guide and other tour members continuing with us through Jordan. Tonight, it maybe possible to take a candlelit walk through the Siq by attending the 'Petra by Night' excursion.
Overnight - Petra (B)
Taking a walk through the mysterious siq (an ancient passage created thanks to a geological fissure) we are confronted by the spectacle of the breath-taking rose-red facade of the Treasury. Actually serving as a royal tomb, the massive rock cut structure is known as the treasury because according to legend, pirates hid their treasure there. Amazing Nabataean and Roman ruins are on tap here at Petra, including tombs, a Roman road, temples and amphitheatre. The energetic can ascend the many stone carved steps to Ad-Deir, better known as the Monastery. Consider opting for our Petra Kitchen bolt-on tonight. Overnight - Petra (B)
Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning we can return to the Rose Red city for further exploration. Then drive to Wadi Rum for a 4x4 desert safari before enjoying a traditional Jordanian dinner and a night camping in the desert. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D)
Day 13: The Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Karak - Dead Sea - Madaba. This morning we explore the 12th century crusader castle of Karak (or Shobak Castle) before descending to the lowest point on the earth's surface - the Dead Sea. Here, we enjoy lunch and take dip in the mineral-rich waters, which are famously buoyant, due to the high salinity. A short drive leads us to the ancient Christian-Muslim market town of Madaba - famed for its Byzantine mosaics. Here, if time permits you’ll have time to explore before tonight’s dinner in a delightful local restaurant.
Overnight - Madaba (B, L, D)
Friday. Madaba - Amman Airport. Madaba is easily navigated on foot allowing you to further sight see or shop for souvenirs before taking our departure transfer to Amman airport.
Note: Madaba and Amman are equidistant from Queen Alia International Airport. We choose to stay in Madaba rather than Amman as the capital city is widely spread across 7 hills with no particular centralised city centre or CBD. Previous passenger feedback has also highlighted the preference for staying in Madaba. However should you specifically wish to visit Amman you are able to do so by purchasing post tour accommodation and our departure transfer would be offered after the conclusion of your stay. For more information on the options available to you please speak with a member of our reservations team at time of booking. (B)
Perseids Meteor Shower departure - 04 Aug 2012
Why not combine this tour with the amazing celestial spectacle of the Perseids Meteor shower? The Perseids meteor shower is a spectacular celestial light show, that has mystified and amazed sky watchers for nearly 2000 years. The night sky is lit up by often over 60 meteors per hour! You can witness the incredible meteor shower from our desert camp in Wadi Rum, where you will spend two incredible nights star-gazing, when the meteor shower is at its peak on the 13th and 14th August. Please see the Go Guide for details of the amended itinerary. Supplement applies.
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged for the Egypt section of this trip, thus reducing the cost of the single person supplement.
Our Tutankhamen to Treasury tour has regular departures between now and 01 July 2012. If travelling after 01 July, please see our NEW Tutankhamen to Treasury tour with similar touring arrangements.
Supplementary Prices
Twin/Double
Single Supp.
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo
USD $79
USD $20
Old Tutankhamen to the Treasury - 14 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
Abu Simbel by flight. The massive rock-cut temple of Abu Simbel never fails to impress. It's possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan intricately carved facade, created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began.
Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day tour (with lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, souks and relics from a bygone age.
Upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor and cruise in style aboard a luxury Nile cruiser. Our 5 star cruiser has a bar and restaurant, whilst your well–appointed, air-conditioned cabin offers a private bathroom. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. Sightseeing stops are made en-route. All meals included, buffet style during your onboard stay.
On our Jewel of the Nile, Family tours and many tailor-made itineraries we include the Sleeper Cabin Train as part of your journey. On all other tours (taking the Nefertiti Seater Train) we offer the option to upgrade to a sleeper cabin on the Sleeper train. Cabins are lockable, equipped with 2 bunk beds, linen, washbasin and towel, allowing passengers to relax and stretch out.
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
Get your adrenaline pumping with our selection of off road adventures. Take an exciting 4x4 ride across the red desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan or the Western Desert in Egypt, or perhaps test out your Quad biking skills by the coast in Morocco.
One of the highlights of our Egypt group tours, is felucca sailing on the mighty River Nile. Feluccas are simple, traditional sailboats, with broad sails, that have plied the mighty Nile since ancient times. Sail during the day, taking in the colourful sights of the Nile village life en-route, soak up the sun, relax, jump in for a swim and let the peaceful routine of life aboard allow, you to escape the stress of everyday life! At night sleep ondeck under a blanket of stars! What better way to experience the great outdoors!
The Rose City of Petra is the jewel in Jordan’s glittering archaeological crown, and is now one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Accessed on a walk through a narrow, deep and winding cleft in the rock that is known as the Siq, the end prize is the hidden valley where the Rose City of Petra lies. And the first sight to behold is the façade of Al-Kazneh – aka the Treasury of Petra. This rose red building actually served as a royal tomb, but got its name from the legend that pirates hid their treasure there. With a backstory like that and its amazing appearance its no surprise to learn that it was this building that served as the Holy Grail’s resting place In Indiana Jones and the last crusade.
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Petra is full of ancient tombs, temples and ruins ripe for modern-day discoverers like us!
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
Nile felucca cruising - islands en route
Edfu - Temple of Horus
Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Rose City of Petra, Jordan
Al Karak - 12th century crusader castle
Madaba - Christian market town, the Church of St George, Jordan’s finest Byzantine mosaics
Aswan - High Dam, Philae Temple, River Nile
Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo
Luxor - Temple of Karnak
Dahab - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters
Wadi Rum desert and safari
The Dead Sea
What's Included
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
1 overnight train: Cairo - Aswan (seater train), 1 night bus: Luxor - Dahab
Airport arrival and departure transfer day 1 and day 14
Swimming in the Dead Sea
Escorted by Egyptian tour leader/guide qualified in Egyptology and licensed Jordanian tour guide throughout Jordan
5 nights 4 - 5 star hotels - Egypt, 3 nights 3 star hotels - Jordan, 1 night deluxe desert camp (Wadi Rum) and 2 nights felucca (open deck)
Ferry crossing: Nuweiba - Aqaba
Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu, Luxor, Dahab, Petra, Wadi Rum, Karak, Dead Sea and Madaba
4x4 desert safari through Wadi Rum
All additional transfers and transportation in A/C vehicles
What's Not Included
International flights and visas
Entrance Fees: $200-210 USD
Tip for your tour guide in Egypt & Jordan. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your Felucca Crew/ Nile Cruise staff, we recommend you allow $10 USD. Tipping your guides and crew is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: $75-85 USD
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.
Oasis Hotel - Cairo
Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Oasis Hotel is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer.
Well located in Giza on the Cairo-Alexandria Road. The pyramids and Sphinx are all close by.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
Isis Island Hotel - Aswan
Set in the middle of an island, the Pyramissa Isis Island Resort and Spa offers accommodation within beautiful landscaped gardens. Guest rooms are spacious with private balconies and excellent facilities. The beautiful outdoor pools are great for relaxing by or having a splash in. There us also an on site spa, perfect for a bit of pampering.
Isis Island Hotel has a waterfront location, in the middle of the Nile on an island near the center of Aswan.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Felucca Cruise - Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 8 - 12 passengers comfortably. The boat’s deck is draped with soft colourful cushions that serve as your lounging area during the day and as your sleeping area at night. A support boat travels alongside your felucca and is on hand if you need to use the toilet or wash. It is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals, though they welcome helpers!
Our Rating : Simple —
Local Rating:
Steigenberger Nile Palace - Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room and there is a tennis court on the roof.
The hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile, with the train station is 1.5 kilometres away and the airport 10 kilometres away.
Our Rating : Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel
Mercure Bay View - Dahab
Perched on a hillside looking out over the Red Sea, the Mercure Bay View is a beautiful hotel with the stunning back drop of the Sinai Mountains. Rooms are brightly decorated with private balconies and terraces. Free Wi-Fi is available and the restaurant offers and excellent buffet. Walk down the to the gorgeous swimming pool to relax with a refreshing drink and if hunger strikes, their burgers are excellent!
Located a short drive from downtown Dahab looking out across the water to Saudi Arabia.
Our Rating : Superior —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
Petra Moon Hotel - Petra
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom.
The hotel is 100 metres from the main gate of Petra.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Rainbow Camp - Wadi Rum
A row of permanent tents in the desert make up the popular Rainbow Camp. Inside the tents are comfortable camp beds and warm bedding. Showers and toilets are close by and are cleaned thoroughly everyday. Guests can relax in the communal area which is adorned with colourful rugs and cushions. The food at Rainbow Camp always gets rave reviews. Taking an evening stroll around the beautiful surroundings is a great way to work up an appetite before dinner.
Well located in the heart of Wadi Rum.
Our Rating : Simple —
Local Rating: Deluxe Camp
Madaba Inn - Madaba
The Madaba Inn is a basic hotel, with spacious rooms. The restaurant serves both local and international food and the cafe serves light meals.
Our Rating : Standard —
Local Rating: 3 Star Hotel
Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Old Tutankhamen to the Treasury - 14 days
Hi Bronwyn
Am in Brisbane at the moment but just wanted to let you know that my holiday to Egypt was the best holiday of my entire life and I did not want to leave. I fell madly and deeply in love with Egypt, it's beautiful people, and the wonderful sites and scenery. The knowledge, enthusiasm and passion of our tour guide Sam was unbelievable. I was really at a loss about how to thank him properly for making this trip so memorable. He was amazing and I let OTG know in my feedback form that I think he should be declared a national treasure. I had not one single issue, I did not get sick or even a headache, my birthday was absolutely fantastic thanks to Sam, the balloon trip was breathtaking as was Abu Simbel, snorkelling in the blue hole in Dahab was fantastic. I was so happy and excited by everything I saw and heard I kept bursting into tears (much to the amusement of the balloon tour operator !!). If I could have prolonged my visit I would have. Even as write this I cannot help smiling and remembering some of the happiest times of my life spent in Egypt.
I will definitely be looking at OTG for my next trip and will talk to you later when I get back.
