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
- 5-day Nile journey aboard a luxury vessel
- Explore the Great Pyramids and Abu Simbel, see Petra by candlelight
- Enjoy the desert silence of Wadi Rum with an overnight at a tented camp
- Special visits to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Queen Nefertari, considered the most exquisitely decorated tomb in Egypt's Valley of the Queens
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. Their sheer size and the magnitude of labor that went into their construction in 2600 BC is astounding. After visiting Cairo's amazing new Grand Egyptian Museum, we explore some of the icons of the Giza necropolis, including the Great Sphinx. With its 16-foot-high lion 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 board our vessel to cruise along the Nile to Esna and Luxor. 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 and Queens, the ancient royal necropolis of the pharaohs.
In Jordan, we enjoy lunch with a family near Amman, then explore the ancient 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 façade. One unforgettable evening, we'll experience Petra by the light of a thousand candles.
The landscape of Wadi Rum is one of awe-inspiring rock spires. It served as headquarters for Prince Faisal bin Hussein and T. E. Lawrence during World War I. Our overnight in a Bedouin-style tented camp is perfect for enjoying the desert landscape. We end our journey at a lovely hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea, where we can take a dip in its 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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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.