Petra and the Nile Tour

Upon arrival in Amman, the staff warmly welcome you and assist you with your hotel transfer. Once you've settled in, a brief orientation of the local area, pointing out nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants. After that, you'll have free time to explore the city on your own and experience its atmosphere before the tour officially begins tomorrow.

Begin the day with a morning transfer to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the Middle East. Walk through the monumental Hadrian’s Arch and continue along colonnaded streets to explore theatres, bathhouses, temples, and public plazas. The guide explains the city’s historical layers, from its Roman origins to its rediscovery after centuries under sand.

Return to Amman in the afternoon for a guided city tour. Known as the “white city” for its limestone buildings, Amman holds traces of Neolithic, Hellenistic, Roman, and Islamic history. At the Citadel, visit the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, a Byzantine church, and the Roman Theatre, still used for modern performances.

Later, enjoy a street food tasting experience in Downtown Amman. Typical offerings include falafel, sweet kunafa, and fresh sugar cane juice, depending on what is available.

After time to rest at the hotel, take part in an evening visit to the Wild Jordan Center. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the center supports conservation and community development through eco-tourism and local handicraft initiatives. Guests may also choose to relax at the hotel instead.

Overnight at a centrally located hotel in Amman, with modern amenities and easy access to major sites.

Depart Amman early and travel south along the scenic King’s Highway toward Petra. The journey passes olive groves, rural villages, and desert valleys, with stops at key historical sites along the way.

The first stop is Madaba, home to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Inside, see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, the oldest known cartographic depiction of the region. Continue to Mount Nebo, where sweeping views stretch across the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea and, on clear days, Jerusalem.

Drive onward across the Wadi al-Mujib gorge before arriving at Shobak Castle. Built by Crusaders in the 12th century, this hilltop fortress once protected trade routes between Egypt and Damascus. Walk the castle grounds to learn about its strategic design and historic battles.

Arrive in Petra by late afternoon and check into a local hotel near the entrance to the archaeological site. The accommodation provides modern comforts and easy access to Petra’s attractions.

This evening offers two optional experiences. Choose between the Petra by Candlelight tour, which includes a walk through the Siq to the Treasury lit by hundreds of candles, or take part in a hands-on cooking class at Petra Kitchen, where local chefs guide guests through the preparation of traditional Jordanian dishes. Advance booking is required for the cooking class due to limited space.

Begin the day with a full guided tour of Petra, Jordan’s most iconic archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the site through the Siq, a narrow sandstone canyon once used as a water route by the Nabateans. Along the way, see remnants of ancient water channels and carvings in the rock walls.

At the end of the Siq, reach the Treasury in Al-Khazneh, Petra’s most photographed monument. The tour continues to the Roman amphitheater, colonnaded streets, rock-cut tombs, and temples. Climb to the Monastery in Ad Deir, one of Petra’s largest monuments, for wide views over Wadi Araba and the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, transfer by road to Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness known for its red sand dunes, sandstone cliffs, and natural rock formations. Upon arrival, settle into a Bedouin-style desert camp equipped with modern comforts.

Enjoy a traditional dinner prepared by local hosts, followed by time to relax around the campfire. An optional nighttime astronomy experience is available, offering guided stargazing under Wadi Rum’s clear skies—ideal for viewing stars, constellations, and planets.

Begin the day with a jeep safari through Wadi Rum, a protected desert area known for its red sand, towering sandstone cliffs, and natural arches. Drive through narrow canyons and open valleys, passing famous sites linked to the story of Lawrence of Arabia. The route includes stops at key viewpoints and rock formations that highlight the dramatic desert terrain.

After the desert exploration, travel north toward the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at more than 400 meters below sea level. The drive passes desert plains and hills with views toward the biblical landscapes of the Jordan Rift Valley.

Arrive at a resort located on the shores of the Dead Sea and check in for an overnight stay. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the buoyant, mineral-rich waters. The high salt concentration makes floating effortless. Spa facilities are available, offering Dead Sea mud treatments and wellness therapies.

During the warmer months, an optional excursion to Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve is available, featuring guided siq treks through water-filled canyons (subject to seasonal conditions and local regulations).

Overnight at a resort on the Dead Sea, with direct beach access and full amenities.

You'll be transferred to Amman airport for your flight to Cairo, where a team greet you upon arrival and help you with your visa and luggage before taking you to your hotel in Cairo for check-in. You can then enjoy some free time to explore the city or relax at the hotel. For those interested, there is an optional Nile dinner cruise tonight, offering a special dining experience (for an additional cost).

Note: The Amman-Cairo flight is not included in the tour price. For flexibility, this flight can be added to the main international ticket or booked separately. Both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines offer direct flights throughout the day. All transfers in Amman and Cairo are included, and assistance with booking international flights is available upon request.

Begin your Egyptian adventure by visiting the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, located just outside Cairo. Built by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure around 2500 BC, these pyramids are some of the most famous ancient structures in the world. An Egyptologist guide can explain the history of the Pharaohs and share insights into how and why the pyramids were built. For those seeking more adventure, there is an option to explore the interior of one of the pyramids (for additional cost and subject to availability).

Next, visit the majestic Sphinx, fully uncovered in the 1920s, located near the pyramids.

The journey continues to the ancient capital of Memphis to view the statue of Ramses II and the Step Pyramid in Saqqara.

This morning start with a transfer to Cairo airport for an early flight to Luxor. The tour begins on the West Bank of the Nile, starting at the Colossi of Memnon, followed by an exploration of the famous Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The tour also includes a visit to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and a stop at Medinat Habu to admire its colorful hieroglyphics, before crossing back to Luxor.

The afternoon is free to relax on the 5-star Nile cruise boat or explore Luxor’s markets. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of the beautifully lit Luxor Temple.

*Other boats of similar standard may be used.

This morning offers the chance to take a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile (for an additional cost). After breakfast, the tour of Luxor includes the impressive Karnak Temple complex, known for its towering columns and numerous temples and structures—truly earning Luxor's title as the largest open-air museum in the world! In the afternoon, the boat sets sail up the Nile, passing through the lock at Esna and continuing to Edfu for the overnight stay.

After breakfast, the visit includes the nearby Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus. The journey continues upriver toward Kom Ombo, with views of traditional rural Egyptian life along the banks of the Nile. A relaxing soak in the plunge pool on the boat's sun deck is a great option. At Kom Ombo, a tour of the temple reveals its scenic location by the Nile and its collection of mummified crocodiles, among other attractions. The cruise then continues onward to Aswan.

Start the day in Aswan, a relaxed city on the Nile known for its river islands and ancient temples. An optional early morning excursion is available to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most remarkable archaeological sites. These twin rock temples, built by Ramses II and relocated to avoid submersion by Lake Nasser, offer a powerful glimpse into ancient Egyptian engineering and artistry. The tour includes roundtrip transfers and entry, with sunrise views over the site (additional cost applies).

Guests who do not join the Abu Simbel trip begin the day with a felucca sailboat ride on the Nile. This traditional sailing experience passes islands and offers views of desert hills, palm groves, and local life along the riverbanks.

Later in the day, all guests regroup for guided visits to the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. Reach Philae by boat to explore this island complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated after the construction of the dam. Learn about its history and significance before continuing to the Aswan High Dam, a key infrastructure project completed in the 20th century to control Nile flooding and form Lake Nasser.

Return to the hotel in Aswan for an overnight stay. The accommodation offers river views, air-conditioned rooms, and modern amenities, providing a comfortable base in Upper Egypt.

This morning includes a transfer to Aswan airport for a flight back to Cairo. The tour of Cairo begins with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, known for its vast collection of Egyptian antiquities. Accompanied by a certified Egyptologist, stroll through the halls showcasing each historical period of this ancient land.

The afternoon is free for leisure activities or for those interested, an optional half-day tour can explore Cairo's old churches and synagogues in Coptic Cairo, visit the Citadel overlooking the city, and wander through the narrow streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar (for additional cost). Additionally, an optional dinner cruise on the Nile is available this evening.

Today is free until the transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Extensions are available to add time at the Red Sea, take day trips to Alexandria, or visit the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales.

If our scheduled departure dates don't fit your plans or you prefer a private experience, we can arrange this tour exclusively for you. Contact us for more details and pricing.