Middle East Dream Escape: Iconic Petra & The Great Pyramids
- Trip code: 401X008
- Dauer: 23
- Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Get ready for 23 days of pure adventure through Jordan, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula— where ancient history meets epic landscapes. Kick things off with a warm Jordanian welcome at a local family’s home near Amman, then roam the ancient ruins of Jerash before stepping into the legendary city of Petra. Sleep under a sea of stars in Wadi Rum, float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, and take a thrilling 4x4 ride into the vast desert of Wadi Araba. Then, cross the Gulf of Aqaba to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where you’ll spend free time in Dahab's beach town and hike to the summit of Mount Sinai. The adventure continues with a scenic felucca cruise down the Nile, a visit to the iconic Pyramids, and a home-cooked meal in a Nubian village. Packed with bucket-list experiences and hidden gems, this is the Middle Eastern journey you’ve been waiting for.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Simple hotels (18 nts, twin-share), Desert camp (2 nts), overnight sleeper-train (2 nts)
Checklist
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, Certified Egyptologist as CEO while in Egypt
Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 14
Highlights
Taste As-Salt’s rich culinary heritage on a food tour and enjoy tea in a local home, Hike from Little Petra along the back door trail to its famous neighbour, Savour a traditional Jordanian lunch at the G Adventures-supported Al Safi Kitchen helping build a sustainable future for its community, Soak in the desert vibes of lesser-known Wadi Araba, Hike to the summit of Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the Ten Commandments, Cross the legendary Suez Canal — the vital link between Europe and Asia, Explore Egypt’s ancient temples and pyramids, Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca, Visit a Nubian village and connect with its welcoming community
Introduction
Get ready for 23 days of pure adventure through Jordan, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula— where ancient history meets epic landscapes. Kick things off with a warm Jordanian welcome at a local family’s home near Amman, then roam the ancient ruins of Jerash before stepping into the legendary city of Petra. Sleep under a sea of stars in Wadi Rum, float effortlessly in the Dead Sea, and take a thrilling 4x4 ride into the vast desert of Wadi Araba. Then, cross the Gulf of Aqaba to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, where you’ll spend free time in Dahab's beach town and hike to the summit of Mount Sinai. The adventure continues with a scenic felucca cruise down the Nile, a visit to the iconic Pyramids, and a home-cooked meal in a Nubian village. Packed with bucket-list experiences and hidden gems, this is the Middle Eastern journey you’ve been waiting for
Meals Included
21 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 6 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD385-500 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Aqaba
- Bootsausflug in Aqaba mit Schnorcheln
- Aqaba Beach Club Pass with Lunch
Dahab
- Windsurfing in Dahab
- Beach time in Dahab
Cairo
- Islamisches und koptisches Kairo
- Besuch im Ägyptischen Museum (200EGP pro Person)
- Besuch der Pyramiden (100-400EGP pro Person)
- Saqqara und Memphis
Aswān
- Suk-Besuch (Gratis)
- Ton- und Lichtshow im Philae Tempel (70USD pro Person)
Luxor
- West Bank of Luxor Guided Tour
- King Tutankhamen Tomb (300EGP pro Person)
- Basarbesuch (Gratis)
- Mumifizierungsmuseum (100EGP pro Person)
- Tour der Ost Bank (65USD pro Person)
Start / Finish
Amman nach Cairo
Transport
Private vehicle, 4x4, hydrofoil ferry, walking, train, felucca
What's Included
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Foodie-Moment: As-Salt Food Tour, As Salţ
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Aqaba
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Cairo , Cairo
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Segeltörn zu einem nubischen Dorf und traditionelles Abendessen, Aswān
Dein Discover-Moment: Aswān. Amman Citadel, Mosque and Amphitheatre Visit. Jerash Guided Visit. Little Petra and hike to Petra with guided visit. Sunrise visit to Petra. 4x4 Wadi Rum Desert Trip. Night Walk in Wadi Rum. Dead Sea Visit. Madaba Mosaics. Free time in Madaba, Aqaba, Amman, and Dahab. Wadi Araba Hike. Wadi Araba Camping. Saint Catherine's Monastery Visit. Mount Sinai Sunrise Hike. Guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Orientation walk through Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Free time in Aswan. Felucca Sailing Excursion. Kom Ombo Temple visit. Cycle and Funtasia Project visit. Free time in Luxor. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Minimum Age 18+
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years
Itinerary
Day 1 Amman
Arrive at any time. After a brief welcome meeting at the hotel connect with new friends on an optional group dinner in Amman, or explore on your own before the adventure begins
Day 2 Amman
It’s all about Amman’s culture and food today in an immersive experience of the must-see sites and best food in the city. After breakfast, visit the King Abdullah Mosque, then follow that up with visits to the Citadel and Roman Amphitheater before travelling to the local favorite hillside town of As Salt. Here, embark on a 2-hour food tour where you will experience first-hand typical Jordanian hospitality while sampling, and learning about a smattering of regional dishes earning you a memorable taste of As Salt’s rich culinary traditions. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free in Amman to do as you please
Day 3 Amman/Petra
Leave Amman in the morning and travel to the remarkably well-preserved Roman archaeological site of Jerash. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the site and learn more about the history of this architectural marvel as you walk through the various public squares and plazas. Continue onwards to Petra where you will have free time to get settled in before dinner on your own
Day 4 Petra
Today the group will hike from Little Petra along the ancient backdoor trail to the iconic masterpiece of Petra. The trail comes out near the Monastery where you can enjoy a boxed lunch overlooking the image most people come to Jordan searching for. Drive back to the hotel and have a free rest of the day to explore on your own or relax on the rooftop as the sun goes down past the horizon
Day 5 Petra/Wadi Rum
You’re in for an unforgettable experience on a sunrise visit to Petra to witness this famous archaeological site as the morning light crests over the sandstone cliffs. Travel back to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for the ‘Valley of the Moon’ or more commonly known as Wadi Rum. Upon arrival hop on a 4x4 and ride deep into the natural beauty and unique landscape of red sand dunes to reach your private camp amid the dunes. Take some time to get settled here and have a group dinner at camp before a walking tour for some stargazing in a sky with very little light pollution. An epic day for sure!
Day 6 Wadi Rum/Aqaba
After breakfast leave the solitude of the desert for a more lively time in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Upon arrival, the day is yours to do as you please. Choose to book a boat ride with lunch and snorkelling in the marine-rich waters of the Dead Sea, or stay on land and peruse the Marina Village, or the Aqaba Local Market. Dinner this evening is on your own
Day 7 Aqaba
Get out there and fully immerse yourself in the fun experiences Aqaba has to offer its visitors. Choose to purchase a full-day beach club pass which includes lunch and will let you be as relaxed as can be on the sand, the whole day belongs to you. You can also visit the sites in town that you didn’t get a chance to check out yesterday. Dinner is wherever you please, but a nearby restaurant with some live music and a fun local crowd sounds like a good idea!
Day 8 Aqaba/Mādabā
Leave Aqaba and the Red Sea behind today and travel to Madaba and the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Along the way make a stop for a traditional Jordanian meal at the G Adventures-supported Al Safi Kitchen working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. Then, it’s the moment many have been waiting for, a soak and float in the healing waters of the sea. Search for salt chunks bobbing nearby and rub the medicinal mud on your skin. Visit St George Church next, where you will see some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Spend a free evening in Madaba before an optional dinner with the group
Day 9 Mādabā
Relax on this full free day in Madaba. Choose to explore other locations you didn't have the chance to yesterday and perhaps choose to sign up for an optional activity to visit the Ma'in Hot Springs. These mineral-rich, naturally heated waters are the perfect way to soothe your muscles before the next leg of your travels. Think an oasis-like destination, steeped in wellness culture, and a prime spot for waterfall swimming, and warm water soaking
Day 10 Madaba to Wadi Araba
Get ready for an adventure into the lesser known desert landscape of Wadi Araba, lying on the border between Jordan and Israel. Feel the wind whip through your hair on a 4x4 ride deeper into the wadi where you’ll stop for tea before hiking to a nearby pond. Enjoy time to float in the water before driving to an unforgettable area for sunset. Then, settle in at your camping spot for a night spent under the stars
Day 11 Wadi Araba to Dahab
Depart the calm and quiet of the desert and travel into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The journey will take the group across the Gulf of Aqaba and onward to Dahab. This hip, beach town is known for its vibrant underwater world, amazing windsurfing conditions, and a unique blend of bohemian relaxed atmosphere and adventure. Dahab’s turquoise waters beckon to visitors from the desert shore. Spend a few free hours to explore and enjoy the beachside accommodations along the Red Sea
Day 12 Dahab
There’s nothing quite like a day in paradise, especially a beach location that is seldom visited by tourists. Spend your time in Dahab as adventurous or leisurely as you’d like. Choose to visit Ain Khudra Oasis, which is special for its Bedouin culture, historical significance, palm trees, and natural beauty. The water source here has been used for thousands of years amid the dry, harsh desert climate. This excursion will take all day, but other options include a beach day or if you’re feeling extra brave, some windsurfing. The choice is yours, and sometimes that makes it all the more sweeter
Day 13 Dahab
Fall further in love with the coastline of the Sinai Peninsula during another free day in paradise. Choose to pull those adventure caps on and book an optional snorkelling excursion to Dahab’s famed Blue Hole. Located in the Abu Galoum Nature Reserve, this submarine sinkhole has a depth of over 300ft and is located just a couple of feet offshore, thus having minimal current. Choose to snorkel amid the stunning biodiversity here and enjoy time in the nature reserve via boat. Your other options for the day include hanging out at the beachfront accommodations or lounging in the sun by the inviting waters of the Red Sea
Day 14 Dahab/Saint Catherine
Take one final look at the Red Sea before travelling away from Dahab. The group will head inland to St. Catherine’s Monastery and visit the oldest continuously inhabited Christina monastery in the world. It is said to have been built near the site of the Burning Bush and where Moses supposedly received the Ten Commandments. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about the herbal gardens grown within the valley, and their different uses. Later, interact with Bedouin local women during a handicrafts exhibition. Sunset will be watched from a scenic location this evening, and an early bed time is encouraged to rest up for tomorrow’s hike up Mount Sinai
Day 15 Saint Catherine/Cairo
It’s said in the Bible that God made the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Today marks a week on your Sinai Peninsula adventure and today’s experience, while rewarding, is certainly not relaxing. Begin the sunrise hike to the stop of Mount Sinai in the very early hours of the morning. Arrive in time to catch a memorial sunrise of Egypt’s most religious landscape and stand on the site that is considered to be the place where God appeared to Moses and revealed the Ten Commandments. Hike back down to St. Catherine and enjoy some food and time to freshen up before your day of travel back to Cairo. The route will cross the Suez Canal. Arrive in Cairo by the afternoon and get settled. Tonight’s activity is a Big Night Out with the group to a favorite local spot
Day 16 Cairo
It's a full free day to explore Cairo! Whether you want relax and recharge, partake in the optional Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour to see the fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts this city, the choice is yours
Day 17 Kairo/Assuan
Nach einem Orientierungs-Spaziergang durch die schmalen Gassen des Khan el-Khalili-Basars hast du Zeit zum Einkaufen oder um in einem Shisha Café das bunte Treiben zu beobachten. Geführte Führung der Pyramiden von Gizeh und Sphinx. Nachtzug nach Assuan
Day 18 Assuan
Vormittag zur freien Verfügung, um Assuan zu erkunden. Optional kannst du auf eigene Faust den Suq erkunden, eine geführte Stadttour machen oder den berühmten Tempel von Philae besuchen.
Am Nachmittag geht es an Bord einer Felucke für die Fahrt auf dem Nil. Besuche ein Nubisches Dorf und genieße ein selbst zubereitetes Abendessen mit den Einheimischen
Day 19 Assuan
Verbringe den Tag in Assuan
Day 20 Assuan/Kom Ombo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties
Day 21 Luxor
Enjoy a full free day to explore Luxor. Opt to set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank of Luxor excursion. Or choose to discover the city at your own pace, by wandering through the local bazaars or visiting a museum—the choice is yours!
Day 22 Luxor/Kairo
After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterwards, cycle back to the waterfront and board the ferry to travel back across the Nile. Spend a free afternoon in Luxor at your leisure, or choose to join the East Bank optional excursion. In the evening board an overnight train back to Cairo
Day 23 Kairo
Der Trip endet mit der Ankunft
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Amman
Day 2 Amman
Day 3 Amman/Petra
Day 4 Petra
Day 5 Petra/Wadi Rum
Day 6 Wadi Rum/Aqaba
Day 7 Aqaba
Day 8 Aqaba/Mādabā
Day 9 Mādabā
Day 10 Madaba to Wadi Araba
Day 11 Wadi Araba to Dahab
Day 12 Dahab
Day 13 Dahab
Day 14 Dahab/Saint Catherine
Day 15 Saint Catherine/Cairo
Day 16 Cairo
Day 17 Kairo/Assuan
Zum Mittagessen kannst du ein paar für die Region typische Falafel-Sandwiches probieren oder herausfinden, wie das Gericht Kuschari schmeckt. Nach dem Frühstück checken wir aus unserem Hotel aus und bringen unser Gepäck in unserem Fahrzeug unter, bereit für die Fahrt zum Bahnhof, wo wir heute Abend in den Nachtzug steigen
Day 18 Assuan
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Unser Zug soll Assuan in den frühen Morgenstunden erreichen, aber wie immer sollten wir uns hier nach „Ägyptischer Zeit“ richten!
Day 19 Assuan
Spend another day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit one of the most fascinating sights in the area, the Temple of Abu Simbel. Or continue exploring the city to learn more about Aswan's local people. In the evening choose to book the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show. Wenn du den „Tempel von Abu Simbel Excursion“ gebucht hast, besuchst du den Tempel heute. Du verlässt Assuan gegen 04:00 morgens und reist tief in die Wüste zur Stätte dieser riesigen Tempel an den Ufern des Nassersees. Du verbringst etwa 2 Stunden bei den Tempeln und kehrst dann gegen 12:00 Uhr nach Assuan zurück. Der Round-Trip dauert etwa 5-6 Stunden
Day 20 Assuan/Kom Ombo
Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.
Day 21 Luxor
Day 22 Luxor/Kairo
In the evening, board an overnight train back to Cairo. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.
Day 23 Kairo
Unsere Tour endet bei der Ankunft am Bahnhof von Kairo. Bitte beachte, dass Nachtzüge oft Verspätung haben, buche daher bitte keine Anschlussflüge vor heute Nachmittag.
Wir können zusätzliche Übernachtungen nach Ende des Trips für dich organisieren, falls du deinen Aufenthalt um ein paar Tage verlängern möchtest. Bitte frage bei der Buchung danach
