The Treasury | Petra | Jordan
FROM: AUD $5,615 pp
Festive Road to Jordan with Cruise - 16 days map

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR TOUR: Uncover the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16 day adventure. Pyramids, temples, vibrant markets, Nile cruising in style, 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.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Petra - Discover this spectacular UNESCO-listed Nabataean city, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
Cairo - Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the Grand Egyptian Museum
Luxor West Bank - Discover exquisite tombs at the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and explore the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night
Nile cruising - Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, spending 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile cruiser
Shobak - Visit Shobak Crusader Castle, perched dramatically on a hill top
Hurghada - Relax at the Red Sea, swim and opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters
Wadi Rum - Explore this vast red desert with its rolling dunes and dramatic rock formations in a 4x4 and camp under a blanket of stars
The Dead Sea - Spend a night at the Dead Sea, float in the famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters and smother yourself in Dead Sea mud
Aswan - Take a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island to explore romantic Philae Temple and wander around the colourful souqs
Kom Ombo - Visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo

Included

Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners
1 overnight train from Cairo to Aswan (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Touring - Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Hurghada, Petra, Wadi Rum and Shobak
Wadi Rum 4x4 desert safari
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology and a licensed Jordanian guide throughout Jordan
6 nights 4-5 star hotels in Egypt, 4 nights 4 star hotels in Jordan, 1 night deluxe desert camp in Wadi Rum, 3 nights aboard 5 star Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1, day 11 and day 16. Transfers on day 16 are offered at 23:00 (day 15), 04:00, 07:00, 09:00, 12:00 and 16:00
Coastal Hurghada, Red Sea stay - Swim, sun and sand
2 days of leisure at the Dead Sea
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flight between Hurghada and Amman is not included and needs to be booked separately by the traveller - refer to the Trip Notes on day 11 for details
Tip for your tour guides in Egypt and Jordan - we recommend you allow USD$8 per day, per traveller for your guide, though tipping is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency
International flights and visas (see Trip Notes for further information about visas)
Entrance Fees: USD$210-230pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Hello ancient Egypt

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

Day 2

Pyramids & Saqqara

Get ready for a memorable day! Today we explore the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx at the Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! A stop will be made at a government supervised papyrus emporium, and then we travel on to explore the sand-strewn tombs and temples of the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, home to the Zhoser’s Step Pyramid.
Overnight: Cairo  |  Breakfast

Day 3

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

Day 4

Aswan & Philae Temple

This morning we arrive into Aswan and enjoy a short boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis and rescued under an enormous UNESCO effort in the 1970s to save the temple from the rising waters of the High Dam. Back in Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium before check-in onboard our Nile Cruiser, which will be home for the next three nights. Later, there is free time to perhaps enjoy some shopping in the colourful souks and markets or simply relax in this attractive town which straddles the River Nile.
Overnight: Aswan - Nile Cruiser  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Nile cruise & optional Abu Simbel

Aswan - Nile Cruise. Optional early morning drive to Abu Simbel, the famous the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. We then return to our 5 star Nile Cruiser which this afternoon will cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple.
Overnight: Nile Cruiser  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Nile Cruise to Luxor

Nile Cruise - Luxor. Relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck this morning. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.
Overnight: Luxor - Nile Cruiser  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

4000 year-old Luxor

This morning we disembark and check into our 5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to relax and explore. Tonight, an optional visit is available to the Temple of Luxor – beautifully illuminated at night (book/pay locally).
Overnight: Luxor  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Valley of the Kings

Today we discover the West Bank of the Nile and the legendary Valley of the Kings and some its many tombs. Marvel at Colossi of Memnon, the massive stone remains of the Temple of Amenophis III, before exploring 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

Days 9-10

Red Sea 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

Day 11

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 or consider the Petra by Night excursion available to book locally (approx. USD$25), for a tantalizing candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq.

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

Day 12

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

Day 13

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

Day 14

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

Day 15

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

Day 16

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

Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gigantic rock–cut façade, 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.

Not to be missed! Add on an Abu Simbel excursion.

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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Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo (from price)
AUD $215
AUD $405
Post Tour Accommodation - Dead Sea
AUD $195
AUD $355
Abu Simbel by Road (Adult)
AUD $285
N/A
Alexandria Day Trip (Adult)
AUD $235
N/A
Backstreets of Cairo
AUD $195
N/A
Alexandria & El Alamein - 4 days (Adult)
AUD $935
AUD $1,515
Alexandria & El Alamein - 4 days (Child)
AUD $935
AUD $1,515

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Train

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

M/S Medea, Nile Cruising

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 star cruise boat

The M/S Medea is elegantly furnished with rich fabrics, wood panelling and classic style furniture, offering a refined setting for your Nile cruise. The restaurant offers 120 covers with a combination of waiter service and buffet meals which allows to sample both Egyptian and international cuisine. The spacious lounge bar is tastefully furnished with Chesterfield sofas and offers panoramic views of the Nile River.

M/S La Traviata, Nile Cruising

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 star cruise boat

M/S La Traviata has proved be a long term favourite with many regular Nile cruise guests. The cosy restaurant on the lower deck serves 88 guests and serves both - international and Egyptian cuisine. Lounge bar with dance floor and music system for evening entertainment. The sundeck offers a pool as well as sun loungers and a shaded area. The reception offers full services including an international phone. The gift shop on board has a wide range of gifts and souvenirs from Egypt.

Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Deluxe Hotel

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

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

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Superior Camp

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

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: Superior Camp

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

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

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.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Cairo
Ends
Amman
Departs
27 Dec 2024
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 - 5 star
Tour Guide
Yes, escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 15, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 4
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
Click to play videoThe city of Cairo at the end of a dusty path in front of the setting sun
Ancient ruins standing majestically against the sky in Aswan
Click to play videoStone carvings in the side of the mountain at Abu Simbel
Cruise ship on the River Nile
Click to play videoThe entrance to the ancient city of Luxor
Perfect turquoise water and
Click to play videoThe carved rock structure of Petra
Click to play videoSunset painting the sand of Wadi Rum a vivd pink
Click to play videoSalt encrusted rim of the Dead Sea at sunset

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
AUD $ 285
Alexandria | Egypt
AUD $ 935 / 4 days
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