Jordan & Felucca Explorer

Transcription

1 15 days Amman to Cairo Step back in time exploring the incredible archaeological treasures of Jordan and Egypt on this 15 day tour. Discover two Wonders of the World, watch an incredible sunset over the Wadi Rum desert and go felucca sailing down the River Nile. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Petra - explore this spectacular UNESCOlisted Nabataean city, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World 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 Dead Sea - bob around like a cork in the famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters and smother yourself in Dead Sea mud Mt Nebo - take in the incredible panoramic views across the Promised Land Karak - roam around this imposing Crusader castle, perched dramatically on a hill top Amman - visit the ancient hilltop citadel, the fascinating Archaeological Museum and bustling souqs Madaba - wander around this Christian market town, home to Jordan s finest Byzantine mosaics Cairo - marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqara and see King Tut's treasures at the Egyptian Museum Aswan - take a boat ride out to the romantic Philae Temple Nile felucca cruising - sail the River Nile on board a traditional felucca and spend two nights sleeping on deck, under a blanket of stars Kom Ombo - visit the Nile side Temple of Kom Ombo Edfu - explore Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus Luxor - experience the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night (optional) and roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak Luxor's West Bank - discover exquisite tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the towering Colossi of Memnon and the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut What's Included 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners 5 nights 3 star hotels in Jordan and 5 nights 3-4 star hotels in Egypt 1 night - Wadi Rum desert camp 2 nights aboard felucca (open deck) 1 overnight train: Luxor - Cairo (Private 2 berth sleeper cabin) Touring of Amman, Petra, Karak, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Mt Nebo, Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Luxor, Aswan, Edfu & Kom Ombo 4x4 desert safari across the sand dunes of Wadi Rum Excursion to the Dead Sea Escorted by a licensed Jordanian tour guide and an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology English speaking specialist guides at some local sights Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 7 and day 15 All transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: USD$90-100, paid in local currency Entrance Fees: USD$ , paid in local currency International flights and visas. Local payment - GBP 150 (or USD equivalent) paid in cash upon arrival Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow $3-5 USD per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture Local Payment GBP 150 (or USD equivalent) paid in cash upon arrival. ITINERARY - 1 -

2 Day 1 : Amman Sunday. Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel in Amman. At 6pm this evening meet your guide and the rest of the group at a Welcome Meeting. Overnight - Amman Day 2 : Optional Jerash & Aljoun Day 4 : Petra Day 5 : Free time in Petra & 4x4 in Wadi Rum Today is free to independently explore Jordan's capital or join our optional excursion to see the spectacular 2000-year-old ruins in the Graeco- Roman city of Jerash and explore the 12th century Aljoun Castle which sits atop a hill in the Jabal Ajlun district in northwest Jordan. Overnight - Amman (B) Day 3 : Amman City tour & Karak Castle The remarkable rose city of Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and undoubtedly the jewel in Jordan's crown. We spend the whole day exploring this incredible UNESCO-Listed archaeological site, which dates back to 6th century BC and was once the thriving capital of the Nabataean empire. Nestled in a secluded valley surrounded by rugged mountains and a lunar-like rock formations, Petra was left deserted and hidden from the world for hundreds of years before being rediscovered in the 1800s. We access the hidden archaeological treasures of the Rose-Red City on a walk through a narrow siq, where the 200m high rocks finally give way to reveal the spectacular facade of the Kazneh (aka the Treasury). From the Treasury the hidden valley widens to reveal the remains of this ancient city where we'll see tombs, temples, an impressive amphitheatre and a Roman colonnaded street. Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning is free for you to spend at leisure or you can revisit Petra this morning on an optional hike, entering via the Al Madras secret road to see Treasury from above and visit the High Place of Sacrifice on a morning hike. This afternoon we drive to the striking Wadi Rum desert with its rolling red dunes and amazing rock formations. Boarding 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilarating ride across the sand dunes to our desert camp where we spend the night. This evening we enjoy a Jordanian dinner and spend the evening around the camp fire under an incredible blanket of stars before bedding down for the night in permanent tents. Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D) Day 6 : Dead Sea & Mt Nebo Amman - Karak - Petra. Our day starts with a guided tour of Amman, taking in the Citadel, which sits on the highest hill in Amman, and the National Archaeological Museum. From Amman we drive south to Petra, stopping en route to explore the crumbling remnants of the magnificent Crusader castle of Karak. Overnight - Petra (B) After our guided tour there's free time to explore and those that are feeling energetic can climb the hundreds of rock-cut steps to Ad-Deir which is better known as the Monastery. The Monastery has a similar facade to the Treasury, but it's larger and more striking, with incredible views over the Petra Hills. This evening there's the opportunity to walk through back the Siq after dark and revisit The Treasury, illuminated by thousands of candles, on the optional Petra By Night excursion (payable locally). Overnight - Petra (B) Wadi Rum - Dead Sea - Mt Nebo - Madaba. This morning consider waking early to watch an incredible sunrise over the desert. After breakfast at the campsite we bid farewell to Wadi Rum and travel north to the lowest point on the earth's surface - the Dead Sea. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is a hypersaline lake which is famous for its buoyancy. We spend a leisurely few hours at the Dead Sea bobbing around like corks in the therapeutic waters and smothering ourselves in - 2 -

3 some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give our skin an invigorating boost. After our Dead Sea dalliance we travel on to Madaba, stopping en route at Mt Nebo, which is the site where Moses saw the Promised Land. From this wonderful vantage point, we can take in the amazing panorama which includes the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and the spires and domes of the Mt. of Olives and Bethlehem on the Judean hills just across the wide valley. We spend the final night of our tour in the ancient market town of Madaba which is renowned for its beautiful Byzantineera mosaics, the most famous of which is the map of the Holy Land in St George's Church. Overnight - Madaba (B) Day 7 : Amman to Cairo Amman - Cairo. Today our Jordanian adventure comes to an end and our Egyptian escapade begins. Transfer to Amman's Queen Ali Airport for your included flight to Cairo in Egypt. Upon arrival our Egypt team will be there to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight - Cairo (B) Day 8 : Pyramids of Giza After breakfast we travel to the Giza Plateau to visit the legendary Pyramids of Giza, the sole survivors of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Known as Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus the great pyramids were built over 4500 years ago to protect the mummies of the pharaohs and the treasures they took with them to the afterlife. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks, Cheops is the largest of the great pyramids and it is thought to have taken 100,000 workers more than 20 years to construct. For a real Arabian experience, you can opt to hire a camel for a ride across the sands of Giza. After exploring the pyramids and the iconic Sphinx we travel on to the necropolis of Saqqara to see Zhoser s step pyramid - which was constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh s chief architect, in 2700 BC and became the template for all future pyramid construction. Overnight - Cairo (B) Day 9 : Egyptian Museum & Khan el-khalili Cairo - Luxor. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the famous Egyptian Museum, which is home to an incredible array of Egyptian relics and antiquities including the treasures of King Tutankhamun and his famous solid gold funerary mask. Then we stop for a spot of souvenir shopping at the bustling Khan el-khalili bazaar before boarding our coach for the long journey south to Luxor. Overnight - Luxor (B) Day 10 : Valley of the Kings Luxor - Aswan. We venture to the incredible tomb strewn Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank this morning where we re greeted by the towering 18m Colossi of Memnon - an iconic pair of statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III facing the River Nile. We then make our way to explore the beautiful colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which rises out of the desert plain in a series of terraces and the Valley of the Kings which is studded with beautifully decorated tombs that were carved into the desert rocks to house the regal sarcophagi enclosed mummies of the mighty pharaohs awaiting passage into the after-life, including the famous tomb of King Tutankhamen. Our afternoon finds us heading south to Aswan, Egypt s sunniest southern city where we have an evening to relax and walk along the beautiful river Nile. Overnight - Aswan (B) Day 11 : Optional Abu Simbel, Philae Temple & Felucca sailing Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. This morning there is an optional excursion to the rock-cut temple of Abu Simbel today. before a short boat ride to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the Philae Temple a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis and the last classical Egyptian style temple. Our afternoon finds us boarding our Nile felucca which will be our home for the next two nights as we embark on a voyage down the River Nile. Feluccas are simple sailboats based on a unique design and have plied the Nile since ancient times. Relax by day and spend two nights sleeping under a blanket of stars on the felucca deck which is fitted with mattresses and a mosquito net. Although there are no facilities on board, there are toilets and a shower on the private support boat which travels alongside our felucca. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B, L, D) Day 12 : Felucca sailing Nile Felucca Sailing - Kom Ombo. We continue to spend the day taking in the scenery as we sail down the Nile until we port in Kom Ombo, - 3 -

4 a sleepy agricultural town surrounded by sugar cane fields. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B, L, D) Day 13 : Kom Ombo, Edfu & Luxor Temple Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. This morning we leave our felucca behind to explore the temple dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before we continue our journey to the monumental Temple of Horus, the ancient god of light. Upon arriving back to Luxor, the evening offers free time or your can opt to join us for a guided tour of the Luxor temple which is best seen at night when it s illuminated by hundreds of lights. Overnight - Luxor (B) Day 14 : Karnak Temple Luxor - Cairo. This morning we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak which was at the heart of religious life in ancient Egypt. Karnak is an incredible complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt s Middle and New Kingdom rulers. This afternoon is free to relax, enjoy a swim and soak up the sun at the hotel pool. Tonight, we travel on board an overnight sleeper train back to Cairo. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B) Day 15 : Cairo Sunday. Arrive back into Cairo this morning and transfer to our start hotel, where our adventure ends. Today is free time for you to further explore Cairo before an included departure transfer to the airport. Flights departing Cairo should not be booked before 2pm. Should you wish to stay a few more days, post tour accommodation is available, should you require.(b) 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 when necessary. Rojina Hotel Conveniently located in the heart of Amman, Rojina Hotel offers a comfortable and relaxing stay. Each of the guestrooms feature air conditioning, a TV, private bathroom and the addition of a seating area. Traditional Arabic and international dishes can be enjoyed in the hotel s two restaurants and the hotel is fully equipped when it comes to leisure facilities. Alongside a gym, Jacuzzi and indoor pool, a new swimming pool has been opened on the rooftop - offering you a refreshing dip as you soak up views of the capital. Edom Hotel Just a short distance from the entrance to Petra, the Edom Hotel features a roof terrace overlooking the Bedouin village of Wadi Musa. You ll find the air-conditioned guestrooms to be fully equipped with modern amenities, including a satellite TV, minibar and private bathroom. The hotel also offers a traditional hammam, or Turkish bath, and massage facilities, so you can unwind after a day out in the desert. But this hotel s most unusual feature is its restaurant. Offering a range of cuisine, the cave-like restaurant is carved from stone keeping the atmosphere of ancient Petra alive. Beyond Wadi Rum Camp This eco-friendly camp is set in the very heart of the desert in the Wadi Rum natural reserve. Offering a real Bedouin experience, the accommodation is arranged in a group of private tents equipped with comfortable bedding and shared shower facilities. In the evenings, guests are invited to help the staff prepare a traditional meal. The camp boasts a great location for watching the sunset over the landscape and you can spend your night sharing stories with your fellow travellers around a roaring campfire. Mosaic City Hotel Cosy and modern, two words to describe the Mosaic City Hotel in Jordan's vibrant Madaba. Guest rooms are comfortable and simply furnished and the hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi to all guests. The restaurant serves a range of dishes on request. The hotel is located in the very heart of Madaba, within short walking distance from the Church of St. George which houses the famous mosaic map of the Holy Land. Oasis Hotel Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Oasis Hotel is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer. Well located in Giza on the Cairo- Alexandria Road. The pyramids and Sphinx are all close by

5 Eatabe Hotel Offering a prime location in the centre of Luxor, this 4-star hotel is close to top attractions including the Luxor Museum and Luxor Temple. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the contemporary-style guestrooms are wellequipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a balcony overlooking the garden or River Nile. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast, lunch and dinner in the sun-lit restaurant or outdoors by the pool. There you ll also find a poolside bar and sun deck, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two as you soak up the rays. Helnan 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. The hotel has an excellent location on the Corniche in the heart of Aswan, just a few minutes from the Nile. Felucca Cruise Feluccas are simple, traditional Egyptian sailboats that have plied the Nile since ancient times. Feluccas carry between 8-12 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 or wash. It is also where your meals are prepared and eaten. You'll need to bring a sleeping bag/sheet and a towel with you. The crew, as well as being experienced sailors, are responsible for the preparation of the included meals. Sleeper Train When taking the train in Egypt, the most comfortable way to go is in a sleeper carriage. Cabins are equipped with 2 beds (one above the other), a sink, electric points and air conditioning. Each carriage has toilets at each end and there is a club car as well. In the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your beds for you. Cabins also come with interconnecting doors so perfect for families and groups of 4. PRICES / DATES INFO Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement. PRICES / DATES 2018 Date Twin Share Single 16 Sep EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Oct EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Oct EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Nov EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Dec EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Dec EUR 1,645 EUR 2,055 PRICES / DATES 2019 Date Twin Share Single 06 Jan EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Feb EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Feb EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Mar EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Apr EUR 1,645 EUR 2, Apr EUR 1,545 EUR 1, May EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Jun EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Jul EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Aug EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Sep EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Sep EUR 1,545 EUR 1, Oct EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Oct EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Nov EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Nov EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Dec EUR 1,595 EUR 1, Dec EUR 1,645 EUR 2,