Egypt and Jordan: Historic Highlights and the Dead Sea

Visit the pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum on this tour. Begin at the Giza complex that is home to the three main pyramids, which demonstrate the vision and engineering skills of ancient Egyptians. See the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, proceed to the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, before seeing the gigantic Sphinx. One of Egypt’s most famous landmarks, it features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a royal headdress. Later, drive into downtown Cairo and go past Tahrir Square to reach the Egyptian Museum. It is home to more than 100,000 artifacts ranging from mummies, reliefs and funerary art to ornaments, papyri and mosaics. In the main atrium, you’ll come across granite figures of queens Hatshepsut and Nefertiti, and pharaohs Khufu and Amenhotep IV. On display are objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, including royal sarcophagi, his solid gold mask adorned with precious stones and gold belt. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Please note that admission into the pyramids is not included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Explore Cairo with your private guide on this engaging tour. Drive past Tahrir Square and arrive at the Egyptian Museum. It is home to more than 100,000 artifacts ranging from statues and mummies to jewelry and mosaics. On display are objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun, including his solid gold mask adorned with precious stones and golden belt. You’ll also come across sculptures of Pharaoh Khufu who built the Great Pyramid and Nefertiti, wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Next, head to The Citadel of Saladin, perched atop Mokattam Hill, which contains some of the best examples of Islamic architecture. Walk through the courtyards to view the Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque and Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Take in views of the historic quarter and its minarets, before visiting the centuries-old Khan El Khalili bazaar. Stroll through this bustling, vibrant market replete with stalls selling antiques, handicrafts and spices. Shop for souvenirs such as earrings with intricate designs and hand-painted pottery to wrap up your tour. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: no; Fitness level: easy)

Experience the traditional Nubian way of life with a visit to a village near Aswan. In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the village, one among a cluster of colorful Nubian settlements, on the West Bank of the Nile. Here, you can explore the streets lined with brightly colored houses and structures. Take in the handmade art adorning the buildings as you stroll through the hamlet. Along the way, your guide will share interesting insight into Nubian culture, people and language. Then, sample some authentic local dishes and enjoy a traditional cup of tea. Afterward, rejuvenate yourself with some mud and sand therapy if you like. You could also opt for a boat ride down the Nile and soak in the stunning views before heading back to the hotel. (Duration: half day; Time: 09:00 / 12:00; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Immerse yourself in a captivating sound and light show at Philae Temple. As you enter one of Egypt's most revered archaeological sites, you will see the temple's magnificent architecture that serves as the backdrop for the audio-visual presentation. Be transported to the ancient world of Philae Temple via a seamless blend of sound, light and storytelling. Hear the narrator recount the interesting history and legends associated with the site. Listen to stories about Egyptian gods and goddesses, pharaohs, and ancient rituals, intricately woven together with evocative music. Admire the illuminated temple and take in its beauty as you gain a deeper understanding of its cultural and historical significance before the show ends. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 2000/2100 hrs; Shared activity; Private transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy)

Experience Amman’s nightlife on this guided tour. This experience can be tweaked to suit your interests. You could drive past the ‘Circles of Amman’, a series of eight roundabouts that run along the downtown area. From the Roman Nymphaeum in the historic center, visit the Souk Al-Sukar. Here, you will find numerous shops selling fresh produce, dry fruits, perfumes, gold ornaments and brightly colored garments. Continue onward to Jabal Amman, one of the seven hills that originally made up the metropolis and has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. You may hear the muezzin’s beautiful call to prayer, as you proceed toward Rainbow Street. Explore this bohemian area that is lined with art galleries, cafes and boutiques. Then visit the legendary Hashem Restaurant, an Amman institution. Try classic Jordanian street food specialties including falafel, hummus, ful medames and moutabel before the tour wraps up. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs or later; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: traditional snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this tour can be combined with an afternoon city tour)

Explore Jordan’s archaeological treasures on this day trip. Journey north of Amman to Jerash, a Roman city, also known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Set in the bowl of a valley, the expansive site of Jerash is reached by crossing a bridge over the River Zarqa. Enter through the South Gate and follow your guide over 2,000-year-old cobblestone paths that lead to Hadrian’s Arch, Oval Plaza and South Theater. Vantage points along the way offer bird’s eye-views of the surrounding eucalyptus and olive groves. Visit the temples of Zeus and Artemis, and the Hippodrome that could seat 15,000 spectators. Pause at the Forum, an oval-shaped plaza encircled by 56 unfluted Ionic columns, which served as a marketplace. Next, drive to Ajloun Castle that boasts a strategic hilltop location. A fine example of Islamic military architecture, it was built as a fortification against invading Crusaders. In the warren of chambers and galleries, learn about this iconic landmark’s history through interactive displays, before heading back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch at local restaurant; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Explore the Siq Al-Barid, also known as Little Petra. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at a time of your choosing and take you to Little Petra, which is just 10 minutes north of Petra by road. Start with the classical temple that stands guard outside. Follow the narrow path that extends through the 400 m long Siq while your guide tells you about the tombs, temples and houses that line the way. Continue towards the Painted House. The frescoes of vines, flowers and birds on the underside of the interior arch are rare examples of Nabataean painting. Climb the steps at the end of the Siq for great views of the landscape before returning to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activities & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman or Dead Sea to Wadi Rum or Red Sea)

Venture into the moonscape terrain of the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum on this private tour. Begin your adventure with an off-road jeep drive through the sandstone and granite valley. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the rich history and geology of this protected area. The region is home to pre-historic trails, petroglyphs, and traditional Bedouin settlements. You will pass water holes and dramatic rock formations carved by the elements over millions of years. Take a break to visit with a Bedouin family. Watch as they show you the traditional way in which they make bread, and sample a cup of flavorful local tea. You will also learn interesting facts about Arabic coffee and the rules of drinking the brew. Afterward, you have the option of joining the family to cook a typical Arabic meal. Dine on what you helped prepare, before the tour winds up. (Duration: 3 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman, Petra or Dead Sea to Red Sea (Aqaba) or vice versa)