A Journey of Discovery in Egypt and Jordan
Pyramids to Petra
Overview
From the treasures of the Egyptian pharaohs to Jordan’s fabled “lost city” of Petra, our journey celebrates the wonders of the ancient world. We’ll cruise the Nile River aboard a luxury vessel for five days, exploring spectacular temples and tombs. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy the captivating beauty of the Nile as we pass graceful sailing feluccas and villages inhabited since the time of the pharaohs. At Abu Simbel, we see the colossal statues of Ramses II gazing out over the Nile Valley, and at dazzling Petra, we explore a metropolis carved from red sandstone in the 3rd century BC. Our grand finale finds us in the sheer magnificence of the desert canyon of Wadi Rum, famed haunt of Lawrence of Arabia.
Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
Depart: Amman, Jordan
Highlights
- Visit magnificent temples and tombs on a 5-day Nile journey aboard a luxury vessel
- Explore the Great Pyramids and the inscrutable rock-carved Sphinx
- Make a special visit to the tomb of Tutankhamun, the Boy King
- Experience the phenomenal desert ruins of Petra by candlelight
- Savor the desert silence of Wadi Rum with an overnight at a tented camp
Itinerary
Nothing quite prepares one for the first sight of the pyramids—these breathtaking monuments continue to radiate the magnificence that has awed visitors for millennia. After visiting
the pyramids and Cairo’s amazing new Grand Egyptian Museum, we explore other icons of the Giza necropolis, including the Great Sphinx. With its 16-foot-high face directed toward the rising sun in the east, it symbolizes the return of life each day.
Flying down to Abu Simbel, we visit the colossal statues of Ramses II overlooking the Nile Valley, then cruise along the Nile to Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna. We’ll walk amid the temples, chapels, and pylons of Karnak, built 4,000 years ago, and explore elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the ancient royal necropolis of the pharaohs.
In Jordan, we enjoy lunch with a family near Amman, then explore the well-preserved Roman city of Jerash. Arriving at Petra, we walk through a narrow slot canyon to behold lavish temples and palaces chiseled into solid rock, including the iconic Al-Khazneh (“Treasury”) with its elaborate Greek-style fa?ade. One unforgettable evening, we’ll experience Petra by the light of a thousand candles.
The awe-inspiring landscape of Wadi Rum served as headquarters for Prince Faisal bin Hussein and T. E. Lawrence during World War I and we’ll overnight in a Bedouin-style tented camp here. We end our journey on the shores of the Dead Sea, where we can take a dip in therapeutic waters. Depart on Day 15 via Amman, Jordan.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
The trip is Level 1+, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern civilization. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.
Review Trip Level Details
Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months (Dec-Feb), average daily temperatures are in the upper 60s°F on the Mediterranean coast and in the 80s°F in Aswan. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures can get up to the 90s°F. It can be quite cool in the evening, especially when on the Nile River. From January through March, the temperature is cooler, down to the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, and dropping much lower at night, sometimes into the low 40s°F. Egypt has a very dry climate, which makes a temperature of 80°F feel much cooler than it would in a humid, tropical climate.
Jordan's climate is also very dry, and a bit cooler due to the altitude. In winter, temperatures range in the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, dropping to the 30s°F and 40s°F at night. The fall is warmer, with daytime temperatures in the 80s°F and 90s°F, and nighttime temperatures in the high 50s°F to low 60s°F.
Client Testimonials
"This was my 4th Wilderness trip and it was the most exhilarating. Every day was filled with wonder and awe. The ancient sites were simply amazing, both in Egypt and Jordan. Each day I thought that what I saw couldn't be topped and then the following day, I was even more amazed. Our guide, Mohamed, made it all seem effortless."
Deena M.
San Francisco, CA
"An absolutely first-rate trip to explore the ancient world in Egypt and Jordan."
John G.
Earlysville, VA
"This was a wonderful trip with superb guides and a very well planned itinerary. We enjoyed Egypt, where we knew what we were going to see, but Jordan was a revelation. Petra was so much bigger than we expected and Wadi Rum and the day at the Dead Sea were really memorable."
Julia K.
Bend, OR
"This was a dream trip in all respects, one that exceeded every expectation I had. Can't wait to travel with WT again!"
Kathy G.
San Carlos, CA
"Mohamed was an incredible blend of leader, friend, and participant. His presence was reassuring, his knowledge second to none, and his enthusiasm contagious! He was friendly, open to questions, willing to listen, and had keen insight into the needs of the group. We felt as if we were experiencing two countries that are close to his heart...and his information was pertinent and always interesting. When we reminisce about Egypt and Jordan, it will be his face and his voice that takes us back there!"
Kent P.
Arvada, CO
"The itinerary and operation of the trip was superior. The hotels were excellent, the Nile Adventurer was incredible, the luxury tents at Wadi Rum were great, and the food was inventive and very appetizing."
Mark H.
Wilmette, IL
"Everyone was so thorough and helpful. It was like being whisked around on a magic carpet. Doors opened, every wish fulfilled, amazing service!"
Marney G.
Montgomery, AL
"A trip of a lifetime done in great style."
Suzanne D.
Sebastopol, CA
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.