CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TOUR: Uncover the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16 day adventure. Pyramids, temples, vibrant markets, Nile felucca cruising, remarkable tombs at the Valley of the Kings, Nile felucca cruising and Red Sea relaxation. Topped off with Jordan’s stunning Rose City of Petra - voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the red desert of Wadi Rum and the buoyant Dead Sea.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
With a choice of three festive departures in 2022, you can choose to celebrate Christmas or New Year exploring Cairo or relaxing by the Red Sea in Hurghada.
Hello Cairo
Welcome to Cairo, Egypt's bustling capital. You will be met at Cairo Airport and transferred to our start hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, or those arriving early may wish to book our Backstreets of Cairo tour which visits lesser known highlights of the capital including Tahrir Square, the hub of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution.
You may also extend your stay in Cairo with our pre or post tour accommodation or tour add-ons like our Alexandria Day Trip.
Overnight: Cairo
Pyramids & Saqqara
Our first day of touring starts with a visit to Egypt's most iconic site - the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. With plenty of time on hand to take the opportunity to explore and get up close to the world's sole surviving and oldest ancient wonder. We then have a short stop at a government supervised papyrus emporium before travelling to the ancient tomb-strewn necropolis, at Saqqara. Saqqara is a myriad of tombs and the highlight is Zhoser's Step Pyramid - constructed by Imhotep (the pharaoh's chief architect) in 2700 BC.
Overnight: Cairo | Breakfast
The Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Aswan. Today we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which houses a giant exhibition containing the treasures of King Tutankhamun. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex many of the exhibits are being displayed for the first time and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the world. The museum also makes use of new technology including virtual reality.
After our guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum we head over to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to visit the fascinating Royal Mummies' Hall, where the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens are on display. Then there's time to relax back at the hotel before we board the night train to Aswan this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Overnight: Sleeper train | Breakfast
Philae Temple
Aswan. We arrive into Aswan and check into our hotel before heading off on a boat trip to Agilika Island where we’ll visit the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Then, back in Aswan we’ll visit a perfume oil emporium. Spending the remainder of the evening at our own leisure, shopping in the colourful souqs or simply kicking back and relaxing.
Overnight: Aswan | Breakfast
Optional excursion to Abu Simbel
Aswan - Nile felucca sailing. Optional early morning excursion to the magnificent rock-cut Temples of Abu Simbel, built by mighty King Ramses II. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage downstream on the River Nile. Relax and chat with new friends as the felucca gently plies its route. Stops are made en route for swimming and visiting local villages.
If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise, please see 'Cruise Upgrade Prices & Dates' tab above for details.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Felucca sailing & Kom Ombo
Nile felucca sailing - Kom Ombo. Relax, go for a swim or just chill out in the sun on deck. Let your troubles melt away as the felucca plies its route. In the afternoon we dock near Kom Ombo and take a motorboat to visit the temple, which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god Sobek, before returning to our felucca for the night.
Overnight: Felucca Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional visit to the Temple of Luxor
Kom Ombo - Luxor. This morning we disembark and drive to Luxor - Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation and tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available or enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Valley of the Kings
Today we discover the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the temple of Amenophis III, and then we’ll explore the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and surrounding tombs.
After lunch we visit the Temple of Karnak, a spectacular religious complex built on a gigantic scale, where you get lost wandering around the stone papyrus columns. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Luxor | Breakfast
Red Sea watersports & R&R
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor on day 9, we drive east to Hurghada which is part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera! The remainder of today and tomorrow offers free time for you to explore or simply relax. On day 10 there's an optional day trip to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling, which can be booked locally.
Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's most popular resorts and it is easy to see why. Hotels and expanded infrastructure provide holidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. The Red Sea resort also has plenty of restaurants and bars for evening entertainment.
Overnight: Hurghada | Breakfast x 2
Fly to Jordan
Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra. Today we say goodbye to Egypt and fly to Amman via Cairo. On arrival we’ll drive to Petra for an evening at leisure.
PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Hurghada to Amman via Cairo is not included in the cost of this tour. Travellers need to independently book these flights at a personal cost (total flight cost approximately USD$250 - $350pp) however, we can assist in booking these flights should you require. The flights to be booked are detailed in the tour Trip Notes.
Overnight: Petra | Breakfast
The Rose City of Petra
Welcome to the Rose City! To access Petra on our guided walk today, we travel through the famous narrow and deep siq. The rocks give way to reveal the most amazing sight – the beautiful Treasury. Walking down the gravel tracks, we 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 or relax and take it all in. If you are feeling energetic, why not continue up the hillside along the ancient steps that take you to the Monastery to take in the stunning views – worth the effort. With a free evening ahead, why not test your culinary skills in the Petra Kitchen with our Petra Kitchen add-on – which afterwards you can enjoy the meal made.
Overnight: Petra | Breakfast
Petra & Wadi Rum Desert
Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning we can revisit the Rose Red city entering via 'secret road' of Al Madras for further exploration. After, 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 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 | Breakfast, Dinner
Crusader Castles, Wadi Mujib canyoning & the Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Shobak - Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. After breakfast at the campsite, we head north along the Desert Highway to visit Shobak Castle, which is perched dramatically on a hill top and was built by the Crusader King Baldwin I, in 1115. After exploring the castle we descend some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the world’s original health and beauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters and slap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an invigorating boost.
For departures between April and October, we head up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib. We embark on a moderate–paced two hour trek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metres in depth and spanning 4kms across, the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features. This dramatic canyon features sheer rocky walls and sparkling waterways that range from puddle height to depths that are perfect for swimming (chest height or deeper) depending on the rainfall. When the water level is high you should be prepared for having to climb up ladders, clamber across boulders and be happy to wade through water. The canyon is just one feature of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, home to a surprising diversity of wildlife and plant species. For those not interested in taking the full hike, you can walk part of it or wait by the Visitor Centre until the group returns. After our trek, we make our way to the Dead Sea.
Overnight: Dead Sea | Breakfast
Dead Sea free time
The Dead Sea is a natural phenomenon and high on most travellers’ bucket lists. Lucky for us we have a whole day to spend here, whiling away the time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath. There is an optional visit to the Ma’in Hot Springs available. This is the site where it is thought Jesus Christ was baptised by John (book locally).
Overnight: Dead Sea | Breakfast
Dead Sea - Amman Airport
Dead Sea - Amman. Today our holiday together comes to an end. We offer a departure transfer to Amman Airport at 23:00 (evening of day 15) and today at 04:00, 07:00, 09:00, 12:00 & 16:00. If you would like a departure transfer at any other time or a transfer with post tour accommodation this can be arranged at an additional cost.
If you have extra time and wish to head back to Amman, why not book our 2 day end in Amman add on? Perfect for those who wish to spend more time in Jordan's ancient capital, Amman.
For information about visas, top travel tips and much more, take a look through our Egypt travel guide or Joran travel guide.
Breakfast
Visit the incredible temples of Abu Simbel
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt with its gigantic rock–cut façade, Abu Simbel was created to revere the mighty ruler Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert.
Would you like to see more of Egypt? check out our other add-ons.
Prices & Dates
All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Extra Prices
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.
Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi, Cairo
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
Sleeper Train, Cairo
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
Holiday Inn City Stars, Cairo
The Holiday Inn Cairo City Stars Hotel is an ideal base for exploring the modern and historic attractions of Egypt's capital. Rooms are spacious, offering a flatscreen TV and private bathroom. There are restaurants on site, including the rooftop garden that offers panoramic views of the city.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
Tolip Hotel, Aswan
Set in manicured gardens, the Helnan Aswan is an elegant hotel with impressive views of the Nile. Guest rooms are spacious with modern interiors and located next to the beautiful pool. Wi-fi is available in the lobby and by the pool. There are also two restaurants and bars, a bowling alley, a swimming pool and a cinema. Why not relax by the pool before exploring the rest of Aswan.
Felucca Sailboat, Felucca Cruise
Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 10 - 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. The support boat is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet (or hire for a nominal cost) and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals.
Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
Marriott Beach Resort, Hurghada
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
Swiss Inn Resort Hurghada, Hurghada
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
Old Village Resort, Petra
Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel about it with open stonework and original architecture. Rooms are full of character, some with delightful archways and all directly accessed from the outside. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s mountains.
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's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Desert Seasons Camp, Wadi Rum
Desert Season Camp, nestled in the heart of Wadi Rum, offers a serene desert retreat with breathtaking mountain vistas and a range of comfortable accommodations, including tents equipped with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Campsite facilities include complimentary WiFi in communal areas. Guests can explore the quiet, secluded canyon surroundings, climb a nearby mountain to witness stunning sunsets, and even experience local camel races on the camp's flat sand area. The evenings come alive with traditional music performances by local musicians, complemented by the inviting ambiance of the outdoor seating area.
Sharah Camp, Wadi Rum
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Sharah Camp promises a desert retreat with a modern touch. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning and en suite facilities. There is complimentary WiFi in communal areas at the campsite. With stunning mountain views, a charming terrace, and a host of modern conveniences, this camp offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition in the heart of the desert.
Holiday Inn Resort, Dead Sea
Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea.
Our tour was by far one of the greatest experiences we’ve ever had. Lots of our friends and family had reservations about us going to Egypt and Jordan, but we never felt unsafe once. We had our ultimate holiday and ticked two wonders of the world off our bucket list in one trip. MoMo, our guide was beyond fabulous. He ran our trip like a well oiled machine, always one step ahead of us coordinating everything. He went above and beyond what we expected. He made sure we had an amazing time, but also befriended us in the process. His knowledge about the different sites we visited was incomparable and he engaged us in different ways to make sure he wasn’t just giving us lectures of information. If you want the adventure of a lifetime, then do this tour. We did and honestly we’d do it again twice over. The pure grandeur of the pyramids and the sheer magnitude of Petra will stay with me always. We also made friends on group tour for life. We’ll be definitely doing another On the Go Tour. On the Go is the most professional company I’ve ever done a tour with. All our transfers, buses and hotel check ins were effortless. Again, I can’t recommend them more. ”
My husband and I went on the festive road to Jordan tour & we couldn’t have picked a better tour to go on. Medo was an amazing tour guide & you can honestly tell how passionate he is about his job & Egypt. He made sure we had time & got to see & learn about everything! Our favourite temple was definitely Abu Simbel. All the places we visited and hotels were great and we will never forget our time in Egypt or with Medo who made the experience so much more special. Anyone that has doubts about visiting Egypt should definitely go on this tour! ”
We had an absolutely life-changing experience on our tour to Egypt and Jordan.
Apart from a slight lack of communication as we arrived at our hotel in Cairo regarding pre-tour meeting etc - the tour ran like clockwork. Our guide Waleed in Egypt was extremely well versed in all things Egyptology. His care, enthusiasm and passion were evident.
Unfortunately when we got to Jordan for the second part of our tour - our original tour group was split up. We ourselves had to rectify the situation indicating we wanted to stay with our original group, as we had already developed some great connections. Our guides in Jordan eventually sorted this out for us, although it wasn't as easy as it should have been. Petra was incredible, and our night in the desert Wadi Rum fabulous - but freezing! take a sleeping bag!
It was altogether jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, perception-altering and altogether incredible. Friends are constantly asking "What was the highlight" my response "Egypt and Jordan!" I'm so sad it's over! ”
Tour was great, Alam is the best :)”
To whom it may concern, I am writing because I was very impressed with Alam and his tour guiding skills. He had excellent knowledge and was very personable. He had great patience with all members of the group while still maintaining a sense of humour....which was even more greatly appreciated. He could always make jokes and was willing answer any question. Everyone on my tour was impressed by the calibre of his knowledge on Egypt in terms of history and culture and relay information with sensitivity and grace. Alam was always willing to help and go above and beyond.... ”
MoMo really took time to get to know everyone in the group. He always added in his own suggestions or tips on food for us to get a true and authentic experience. His knowledge and care was outstanding. An amazing trip and made even better by outstanding experience and consideration from MoMo. Thank you!”
Mido Alam is an incredible group leader. He is knowledgeable about Egypt’s ancient history and current culture, seamlessly takes care of the logistics and red tape for his clients, responds to individual requests, and makes it comfortable for his clients to contact him 24/7. He bonded with the 12 of us, and then when another group of 11 more were added, he worked tirelessly, with their needs as well. He orchestrated various side trips for small groups within the larger ones, making it clear what all the options entailed. He met with everyone at their final moment with the group, regardless of how late or early their individual departures. It was remarkable how much he made each individual feel special, while listening and responding to the needs of the group as a whole. He has the energy, flexibility, and breadth of skills of a super hero. I was dubious about taking a group tour; I only did so because I had been warned about Egypt’s safety. But Alam’s quiet, competent care made me feel safe, the ease of travel he provided was an indulgence, and the mini lectures and discussions on the bus were more fun and informative than had I been on my own. Thank you Alam, for an amazing experience of Egypt!”
Hi On The Go,
I would just like to provide you with further feedback about a recent tour that I travelled on.
I would like to start off by mentioning that I am a travel agent in Australia and I have travelled on 15+ extended tours and countless day tours all around the World. During this time I have never met a guide that has the passion for their job or their Country as Haytham does. I work for a company where everyone is passionate about their jobs and travelling, and no one comes close to the passion that Haytham showed me and the rest of our group.
I also noticed that Haytham went above and beyond in making sure that everyone was comfortable, and had no issues with anything. Often calling us after check in to make sure everything was okay with the room. He also made sure that we had lunch at reasonable times and that we ate food that was at clean restaurants (ensuring that we did not get sick). There was a couple of occasions where our itinerary stated that we needed to arrange our own lunches, but were organised and paid for by Haytham.
Haytham was a wealth of knowledge and was able to answer any question that was thrown at him, he also had very interesting ways of getting this information across to us by 'role plays' which made it very fun and interesting.
I believe that Haytham is a huge asset to On The Go tours and you are very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and passionate employee.
Thank you. ”
"On the Go Tours" were great!....Our guide was very experienced and we felt that our experience was authentic and unique. The tour was a lot of fun and we saw many wonderful sights and it was a very fulfilling experience. The tour was able to offer flexibility and was very accommodating to our needs. ”
Fabulously well organised including one off specfics just for our party depsite being part of a group tour. Great balance of the organised activities and free time which is a trademark of On the Go - this was our second trip with On The go (Road to Jordan 2008) twhich was just as good as the first (Road to Revolution (Russia)) in 2006.”
Prices & Dates
The Nile Cruise Upgrade version of this tour includes 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin) in place of the felucca. For full details, please refer to the 'Nile Cruise Upgrade Trip Notes' in the right hand column for details.
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At a Glance
Tour Add-ons
Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons
My husband and I went on the festive road to Jordan tour & we couldn’t have picked a better tour to go on. Medo was an amazing tour guide & you can honestly tell how passionate he is about his job & Egypt. He made sure we had time & got to see & learn about everything! Our favourite temple was definitely Abu Simbel. All the places we visited and hotels were great and we will never forget our time in Egypt or with Medo who made the experience so much more special. Anyone that has doubts about visiting Egypt should definitely go on this tour! ”