Festive Road to Jordan - 16 days

FROM USD $2,819

Combine the very best of Egypt and Jordan with this all-encompassing tour; see the legendary pyramids, unwind by the Red Sea, and float like a cork in the Dead Sea. Plus do something out of the ordinary this New Year and spend it under the stars of the spectacular Wadi Rum or on a Nile felucca cruise!

Day 1: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the start of your holiday! Arrive in Cairo and transfer to hotel for the night. Overnight - Cairo
Cairo - Aswan. You’ll need lots of energy today as we tackle some of the most famous sites in Egypt with a tour of the Giza Plateau. Highlights include the famous pyramids, the giant sphinx and the ancient necropolis at Saqqara. After an evening meal we will board the overnight seater train to Aswan in the south. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)
Festive Road to Jordan - 16 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Girls striking an Egyptian pose in front of the Sphinx and pyramid on the Giza Plateau
In Aswan we will check in to the hotel and then head to the mighty High Dam. We will also go on a boat ride to Agilika Island to visit the Temple of Philae. Whether you decide to hit the bazaars or relax with a glass of wine, you are free to spend the rest of the evening as you choose. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Felucca boats on the River Nile
Days 4 - 5: Felucca Cruise
Aswan - Nile felucca cruising. Before boarding our Nile felucca for a 2-night cruise downstream those keen to visit the majestic Abu Simbel can book an early morning air excursion to the impressive rock-cut temple (see page 33). Once onboard the felucca, while away the days catching rays on deck and stopping off at villages and sites en route.

If travelling on 14 Dec 2013, our optional Abu Simbel excursion is undertaken by air. On 17, 21, 23 and 27 Dec 2013, the optional excursion is undertaken by road.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. Our Nile Cruise Upgrade can be purchased in conjunction with a sleeper train upgrade. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank in Luxor
Day 6: Temple of Horus & Luxor
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking at Kom Ombo, travel to visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Later, time to relax at our hotel and spend the evening your way. Alternatively enjoy an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor by night. The excursion is payable locally. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Cairo. breakfast. Start the morning with an optional hot air balloon ride before heading into the Valley of the Kings. Here we will see the Colossi of Memnon, the colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, and after a break, the giant Temple of Karnak. At night we will return to Cairo on the overnight seater train (upgrade to sleeper train available). Overnight - Train (B)
Day 8: Egyptian Musuem
Arrving to Cairo, we set off on a guided tour of the Egyptian National Museum of Antiquities. The museum boasts an amazing and certainly extensive collection. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom is displayed. The afternoon offers free time or the option to take part in a city tour. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Divers in the Red Sea with tropical fish
Days 9 - 11: Dahab - by the Red Sea
Cairo - Dahab. st. On day 9 we travel to the cool waterfront of Dahab, located on the Red Sea. With pristine beaches, various water sports, and plenty of shops, you can decide how to spend your days. Optional local excursions include snorkelling at Dahab’s Blue Hole, a trek up the summit of Mt Sinai, and a visit to St Katherine’s Monastery. Overnight - Dahab (B:3)
Head below sea level to swim in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea
Dahab - Wadi Rum. Today we transfer to Nuweiba to take the ferry crossing to Aqaba in Jordan. From Aqaba we drive to Wadi Rum - a vast, silent landscape of pastel coloured sketches of sandy desert punctuated by amazing rock formations known as jebels. Here we'll undertake a 4x4 desert safari, before tucking into a Bedouin dinner at our desert camp. Bed tonight is under a galaxy of stars or in tents. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, L)
Day 13: Petra
Wadi Rum - Petra. After breakfast at our desert camp we travel on to Petra through the breath-taking 'secret road' of Al-Madras. Tonight, it may be possible to take a candlelit walk through the Siq by taking the atmospheric 'Petra by Night' excursion (bookable locally) Overnight - Petra (B)
Ad-Deir - better known as The Monastery in Petra
Day 14: The Rose City of Petra
Walking down the gravel tracks, we’ll explore the ancient Nabatean tombs and the Roman rock-carved streets lined with temples, royal tombs, staircases, arched gates and public buildings. There is also a gigantic amphitheatre originally built to house 3000 spectators, though the Romans increased capacity to a whopping 7000. After the guided tour, you’re free to head off and further explore, haggle for a horse and chariot or just relax and take it all in.

Free evening or why not test your culinary skills in the Petra Kitchen? Consider our Petra Kitchen - something good's cooking bolt-on. Overnight - Petra (B)
A group standing on a rock formation in Jordan's red desert - Wadi Rum
Petra - Mt Nebo -Dead Sea - Madaba. This morning we travel to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth's surface for lunch and a chance to bob around in the buoyant mineral rich waters and smother ourselves in mud!

Next stop is holy Mt Nebo - the single most important Biblical site in Jordan. Having led the Israelites for 40 years through the wilderness, it is from this panoramic vantage point, that Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. We too can enjoy excellent views of the Jordan River Valley, the northern shore of the Dead Sea, Jericho and on clear days, Jerusalem. We travel on to the bustling Christian market town of Madaba, where we spend the night. Overnight - Madaba (B, L)
The Red Sea resort of Dahab with the Sinai Mountains
Sunday. Madaba – Amman airport - breakfast. If time permits, explore Madaba independently before hotel check-out and an included departure transfer to Amman’s Queen Alia Airport. (B)

5 star Nile cruise for Xmas or New Year

If you’d like to upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor, cruise the Nile in style for 3 nights with our 5 star Nile Cruise upgrade.

Cruiser's are similar to 5 star hotels with their own bar, lounges and restaurant. Your well–appointed, outward facing cabin offers air-conditioning, a private bathroom and views of the Nile as we sail. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. All meals are included, buffet style.
Tour Details
  • Starts in: Cairo / Ends in: Amman
  • Departs: 17, 21, 23, 27 Dec 2013
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:15, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 2
  • Hotel Rating: 4 - 5 star (+ 3 star Jordan hotels & Wadi Rum camp)
  • Tour Guide: Yes
The on the go Theatre
Highlight of our tours to amazing Jordan including Petra