Ancient Egypt and Jordan – Travel Companions Club Hosted Tour

Begin your day with a visit to Memphis and Sakkara. Memphis which served as the capital of Upper and Lower Egypt some 5000 years ago during the First Dynasty was the home of many pharaohs, including King Tutankhamun. Continue to Sakkara one of the most exciting historical and archaeological areas in all of Egypt. Dominated by the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser this was the first pyramid to be built in ancient Egypt preceding those at Giza by many centuries.

This afternoon continue to the great Pyramids of Giza and the legendary Sphinx along with more iconic monuments. The Great Pyramid of Giza (which is also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one to remain largely intact.  Egyptologists believe that the pyramid was built as a tomb over a 10 to 20-year period concluding around 2560 BC. At 146.5 metres the Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for more than 3,800 years. Not far from the Pyramids, you will also see the Great Sphinx of Giza hewn from natural yellowish limestone – it measures 73 metres long from paw to tail and 20 metres high from the base to the top of the head.

Dinner is included this evening at the historic Marriott Mena House.

Explore the most illustrious sites of ancient Egypt, with your personal Egyptologist guide – Uncover the celebrated treasures of the boy King Tutankhamun at the new Grand Egyptian Museum, GEM where your Egyptologist guide will enrich your experience with fascinating insights. This massive project has been under construction for over a decade. Previously un displayed items belonging to this famed boy-King will be on display for the first time. Later this morning transfer to the Airport for your flight to Luxor. On arrival transfer to the Sofitel Old Winter Palace. It was here that Howard Carter announced that he had discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun. This afternoon explore vibrant Luxor on foot. Enjoy dinning in a historic restaurant tonight at your hotel.

This morning at 0930 depart your hotel to the Mummification Museum to view a model of the Tomb of Tutankhamun on the West Bank. Continue to embark your Nile Cruise. Welcome to the deluxe Sonesta St George Nile Cruise Boat, which will be your floating hotel for the next six nights. Embark prior to midday. Seeing the Nile, one can understand the words of Herodotus ‘Egypt is the gift of the Nile’.

The ships facilities include: A Spa and wellness centre, gym, massage services, sauna, and steam bath. Restaurants/Bars: Main restaurant, Sun Deck Bar, Lounge and Piano bars. Lunch is buffet style. Evening dinners are a la carte.

This afternoon after lunch on board, visit the West Bank to make a special visit to the house of Howard Carter, the famous archaeologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun, with many artefacts carefully preserved from the 1920’s.   Continue to the Habibi Cotton Factory, providing employment for local women and view quality locally produced cotton goods, including colourful artwork and clothing. Return on board.

This evening after dinner, a lively folkloric and belly dancing show will take place.  Optional Sound and Light show. 

This morning after an early breakfast, cross the Nile to the West Bank to the Valley of the Kings where you’ll find the tombs of the Theban rulers, such as Ramses II and Tutankhamun, (Upgraded entrance fees are included to the Tutankhamun Tomb are the tomb of Ramses VI). Continue to the Valley of the Queens and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. See the famed Colossi of Memnon facing the Nile. Later return the ship for afternoon tea. This evening attend the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail party, where “mocktails” are served, followed by dinner on board. Sail to Esna.

Early this morning sail to Edfu. Visit the remains from the Old Kingdom, the Temple of Horus, and houses of the Byzantine period. Sail to Kom Ombo and view its famous temple completed during the reign of Ptolemy during 181-146B.C. This temple was shared by the two Gods, Sobek and Haeroris. See the beautiful murals, bas relief and fine views of the river. This evening attend the Galabeya party, with the option to purchase a Galabeya locally, or rent on board. Overnight in Kom Ombo.

Sail to Aswan. Highlights today will include the Aswan Dams at the end of Lake Nasser, the re-sited Temple of Philae and the granite quarries which provided stone for Karnak & Luxor Temples. This afternoon you will sail by felucca (Egyptian Sailboat) around Kitchener Island. Overnight in Aswan.

Optional morning half day Abu Simbel tour:
If taking the optional Abu Simbel tour, early this morning transfer to Aswan Airport for your flight to Abu Simbel. You will be met by a local representative at Abu Simbel Airport and escorted to your vehicle for the short drive to Abu Simbel. After disembarking the coach, there is a walk along uneven paths to the entrance of Abu Simbel. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours and ends at the exit, situated at the rear of the monument. Your vehicle will be waiting to return you to the airport where you will go through a security check. The airport waiting room has a small snack counter and bathrooms for your convenience.

Abu Simbel is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in all of Egypt, not only for its historical significance, but for the great engineering success in moving these temples to their present location. Of all the temples of Egyptian antiquity, amongst the most spectacular and best preserved are the Temples of Abu Simbel. The master builder was Ramses II, one of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs. The larger temple celebrates the Pharaoh himself while the smaller one honours his wife Queen Nefertari. When the new Lake Nasser Dam was built in the 1960s, the temples were moved to save them from a watery grave. In an amazing feat of engineering, the temples were hewn into huge blocks of thirty tonnes and relocated 180m further inland.

This afternoon upon our return to Aswan, transfer to Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel, base for Dame Agatha Christie as she penned “Death on the Nile”. Take a High Tea on the Terrace, while looking out over the ageless Nile. Later transfer return to our cruise boat.

For those remaining in Aswan, the morning is at leisure to relax or further explore Aswan in your own time. After lunch on board, transfer to the Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel for High Tea on the Terrace.

Notes:
The Sun Temple and Colossi of Ramses II are located on a sandy cliff overlooking Lake Nasser. To approach this monument site you walk along a rocky and uneven sandy path. Anyone who has walking difficulties should be advised that handicapped facilities are not available at this archaeological site.

This afternoon sail along the Nile with the opportunity to see the fertile banks, and timeless farming practices. The opportunity to relax on board or to revisit the Kom Ombo Temple or local village. Overnight in Esna.

This morning sail to Luxor. Visit the East Bank to view the temples of Karnak and Luxor. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. MS 67 departing at 3pm, arrive in Cairo at 4.10pm. Transfer to central Cairo your base for the next two nights.

Optional Foodie tour this evening.  

Own arrangements dinner perhaps dine at the hotel or sample a local restaurant.

Today discover an often forgotten side of Egyptian heritage as you explore Old Cairo with its Coptic Christian Churches and synagogues. The Coptic Museum houses many beautiful artefacts and artworks that celebrate the Egyptian contribution to Christianity and the influence of the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman cultures.

Nearby is a cemetery where New Zealanders lay buried from WWI and WW II, along with other nationalities who lost their lives. Continue to the Textile Museum, the only one of its kind in the Middle East. This interesting museum features textiles from ancient Egypt and the Roman, Coptic, and Islamic eras.

Optional: Continue to experience a more contemporary slice of Egyptian life with a visit to the 14th century Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where bargains abound. Drop off at the bazaar and the coach will return later to collect you. Return to your hotel for a farewell dinner

Reflect on your amazing journey through the centuries as you are transferred to Cairo International Airport for your onwards flight, connect with your international flight to Amman.
Welcome to Jordan. On arrival at Amman Airport, you will be met inside immigration by our local representative and receive your group visa on arrival. Transfer to the Ambassador where you are reserved for two nights. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

After breakfast prepare to be intrigued This afternoon, drive north to the best-preserved example of Roman civilization, the city of Jerash; Jerash, part of the Decapolis (the ten big Roman cities of the East) which has been called the Pompeii of the East for its unique state of preservation. The city features theatres, churches, temples (Zeus and Artemis), a Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets. This afternoon we explore Amman, capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, known in ancient times as Rabbath – Ammon and Philadelphia in recent times. Most of Amman’s historical sites are in downtown area where the introduction into history will start with the visit of the Roman Amphitheatre; a deep-sided bowel caved into the hill and still used for cultural events and will continue to the nearby Archaeological Museum. Atop of the hills providing a strategic view is the ancient Citadel, which treasures impressive remnants of Amman’s many lives: the regal columns of a Roman temple, the elegant capitals of a Byzantine church and the unique carvings in the Umayyad Palace. The King Abdullah impressive blue towered mosque is also included in the tour.

Return to your hotel to freshen up, before departing to one of the best ranked cooking schools in the Middle East, at Beit Sitti Restaurant, located in an historic home.

Established in 2010 Beit Sitti came about by sisters Maria, Dina, and Tania to keep their grandmother’s legacy alive. Beit Sitti offers a wonderful local cook and dine rooftop experience, where you learn how to prepare a traditional Arabic meal using seasonal vegetables locally picked, with the help of local chefs, then later sample the delicious cuisine that you have helped to prepare for dinner.   (Non-alcoholic local venue).

Or option to dine at the hotel this evening if you do not wish to participate in the cooking school.

This morning depart Amman and travel south to Petra on one of the oldest highways on earth, the Kings Highway. This fascinating road into history will include highlights of Madaba where you can view the oldest known map of the “Holy Land’ inlaid in mosaics, Mt Nebo where Moses looked out over the ‘Promised Land’ and Kerak Crusader Castle before arriving at Petra. This evening savour a dinner at the Cave Bar Restaurant in Petra. You will be based at the Petra Guest House Hotel or similar for 3 nights.

Optional Petra by Night tour.

This morning explore the famous Nabatean rock-cut tombs and temples of Petra. Entry is via a narrow ‘Siq’, reaching hundreds of feet high. Your first sight is of Al Khazneh – the Treasury, carved ornately in the red rock. The Nabataeans were an industrious Arabian people who settled in South Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Other sights include the 3,000-seat theatre (1st C. AD) and the Palace Tomb designed in Roman style. Stop for lunch at the Nabataean Tent Restaurant in Petra, which was founded with the assistance of kiwi born Marguerite van Geldermelsen, who later settled in Petra with her husband Mohammed. There will also be an opportunity to visit the family shop, managed by Marguerite’s family. This afternoon either free time to further explore Petra at your own pace or return to your hotel to relax. We recommend stopping for a drink at the Cave Bar at your hotel, as you exit Petra. Dinner is included this evening at a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views.

Today travel south to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia rode across the desert with his Arab liberation army. Take a 4WD ride through this impressive moon-like landscape, with its dramatic canyons and dunes. Experience the warm hospitality of a local Bedouins over lunch with a family. Later return to Petra. This evening dinner is own arrangements, chose to dine at your hotel, or perhaps at many of the local restaurants, located nearby your hotel. Dinner this evening is own arrangements. Colleen will meet those in the lobby this evening for those who would like to sample a local dining experience.

Today drive north to the Dead Sea. Travel through some spectacular scenic desert hilly terrain. En route stop at a local shop which specialises in therapeutic Dead Sea products. On arrival at the Dead Sea Movenpick Hotel early this afternoon, there will be an opportunity to experience the uniqueness of the ancient waters and float in the Dead Sea, or perhaps sample a spa treatment.

Your accommodation in Dead Sea has been reserved at the Movenpick Dead Sea Hotel overnight. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel

Today relax at the Dead Sea. Optional natural therapeutic spa treatments are available. Dinner is included this evening.

Today you will be transferred to Amman Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Or optional extension to connect to an Ancient Kingdoms/Innovative Travel Israel/Holyland or Turkey tour

• Tour Host Colleen Doyle, ex Cairo to Amman
• Meet and assist inside immigration in Cairo
• Egyptian Visa on arrival for NZ, Australian, US, UK passport holders
• All airport transfers
• Modern coach air-conditioned transfers & transportation
• All sightseeing with a private, licensed Egyptologist
• Welcome tour briefing and dinner in Cairo
• A bottle of water available on board the coach for each touring day
• Economy class Domestic flights : Cairo/ Luxor/Cairo
• First Class and Deluxe historic accommodation
  • 2 nights at the Steigenberger Hotel Cairo, adjacent to the Pyramids
  • 6 night Nile Cruise aboard the 5 star Sonesta St George with French balconies
  • 2 nights at a centrally located First Class Cairo hotel
• Daily buffet breakfasts
• Welcome dinner in Cairo
• Other dinners as specified (D)
• Special visit to the restored home of Howard Carter on the West Bank
• Upgraded West Bank visits to King Tutankhamun and Ramses VI Tombs included
• All meals aboard the Nile Cruise
• Activities & entrance fees as per itinerary
• Farewell dinner in Cairo with welcome drink included
• Economy Flight from Cairo – Amman
• Meet and assist inside immigration at Amman
• Group visa on arrival in Amman
• All transfers on A/C coach
• Licensed Jordanian Tour guide
• 2 nights Amman at the renovated Ambassador Hotel
• 3 nights at Petra in First Class Hotel
• Two nights at the Dead Sea, with time to relax
• Dinner at a roof top restaurant at Petra
• 2 nights at the five-star Movenpick Hotel at Dead Sea
• Farewell dinner at the Movenpick Hotel at the Dead Sea
• All tipping & Porterage for included activities
• Innovative Travel pre tour travel guidelines and tips

• International air flight to Cairo and return from Amman
• Optional Abu Simbel flight/entrance fees and tour
• Other optional tours as specified
• Tipping for non-included group activities
• Mini Bar
• Early check in/late check out
• Pre & Post tours or hotel accommodation
• International airfares to Egypt and return from Jordan
• Visas on arrival for other nationality passport holders – please enquire
• Departure taxes
• Non specified meals

AUD Tour price based on minimum 10 clients travelling, ex Cairo
Share Twin/Double: A$13,390 per person
Solo Traveller A$15,390 per person

For solo travellers wishing to share a twin room, please request at the time of
registration. This is subject to availability.