Egypt & Jordan Caravan

15 days - from $1895

Cairo is a city that pulsates with a daytime population of over 20 million people. We explore the ancient pyramids and Sphinx before heading south into the Nile Valley, where we visit the awesome temples at Abu Simbel before boarding our riverboat for a relaxing cruise to Luxor – a great way to observe everyday life.

Our Nile riverboat has a great on-board atmosphere, with airconditioned cabins – each with their own private shower and toilet. In addition there is a comfortable restaurant, where all meals are served, and a rooftop bar. The spacious top deck is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing, with a large shaded area and refreshing showers.

We then head across the Sinai to Jordan. For anyone wanting to experience the highlights of the Middle East, Jordan is a ‘must’. The people are extremely friendly, the food is excellent, and the monuments are among the best in the region. While Petra is undoubtedly the ‘jewel in the crown’, Jordan also boasts a fine crusader castle at Shobak and an outstanding Roman city at Jerash.

Highlights

• Nile cruise
• Edfu and Komombo temples
• Luxor's open air museum
• Abu Simbel
• Cairo Museum
• Nubean Aswan
• Sunrise on Mt Sinai
• The Valley of the Kings
• Jordan's capital Amman
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cairo
• Wadi Rum's red earth desertscapes
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petra
• Red Sea resort of Aqaba
• 2000 year-old ruins of Jerash

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo-Aswan3: Aswan4: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise5-6: Nile Cruise7: Luxor8: Cairo9: Cairo-Mt. Sinai10: Mt. Sinai-Aqaba11: Aqaba-Wadi Rum-Petra12: Petra13: Petra-Kings Highway-Amman14: Jerash15: Amman

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guides throughout the tour, and professional local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, pyramids, Sphinx and Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren); Komombo; Edfu; ancient village of Dana; crusader castle at Shobak; Greek Orthodox church of St. George at Madaba; and Roman city of Jerash.

• 3 night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Accommodation onboard Gecko’s comfortable vessel and sightseeing stops along the way.

• Visit to Abu Simbel.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the complex at Karnak.

• Donkey ride to explore the Valley of the Kings.

• Jeep safari in the Wadi Rum.

• Full day exploring Petra’s old Roman road, amphitheatre, tombs and the ‘Monastery’.

• Ascent of Mt Sinai.

• Free time to explore Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Aqaba and Amman.

• Overnight sleeper trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo. Accommodation in an air-conditioned carriage with comfortable seats (that recline back at about 45 degrees), with a simple dinner and breakfast served on board.

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.