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 as we pass 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
- Experience the phenomenal desert ruins of Petra by candlelight
- Explore the Great Pyramids and the rock-carved Sphinx, visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum
- Savor the desert silence of Wadi Rum with an overnight at a tented camp
- Make a special visit to the tomb of Tutankhamun, the Boy King
Itinerary
Nothing quite prepares one for the first sight of the pyramids, the grand tombs that preserve the remains of the pharaohs. If there’s time, we’ll climb inside the Great Pyramid. We’ll also explore the Giza necropolis and iconic Great Sphinx. In Cairo, we’ll visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world and new home of King Tut’s treasures.
Flying to Abu Simbel, we visit the colossal statues of Ramses II overlooking the Nile Valley, then cruise the Nile to Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna. We’ll walk amid the temples of Karnak, explore elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings, explore the royal necropolis of the pharaohs, then fly to Cairo on Day 8.
In Jordan, we enjoy lunch with a family near Amman, then explore the Roman city of Jerash. Arriving at Petra, we walk through a slot canyon to behold lavish temples and palaces chiseled into solid rock, including the iconic Al-Khazneh (“Treasury”). One 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. We’ll overnight in a Bedouin-style tented camp in the desert majesty here, then end our journey on 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.
Some of our departures may coincide with Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time for Muslims, during which they abstain from food, drink, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Working hours are often shortened so folks can return home in time to break their fast with family and friends. Rest assured that you'll be able to eat and drink during the day at all hotels and restaurants we visit. Alcoholic beverages are generally available to foreigners and non-Muslims at most hotels. During Ramadan, some shops and sites may operate on reduced hours. If this occurs, we adjust our itinerary accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Ramadan is a wonderful time to visit this region, offering engagement with a meaningful aspect of local culture. Throughout the month, hotels and restaurants host special “Iftar” meals (the fast-breaking dinner at sunset) and “Sahoor” (the pre-dawn meal), often accompanied by festive decor. Visitors to Egypt will see streets adorned with colorful lights and decorations, especially in traditional areas such as the Al-Hussein Mosque. Lanterns, known as “fawanees,” hang from doorways and storefronts, a tradition dating back nearly 1,000 years when the lanterns were used to light processions celebrating the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Ramadan. Today, they remain a beloved symbol of the season throughout the Arab world-much like a Christmas tree during the holiday season. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Client Testimonials
"This trip was truly vibrant and diverse, leaving us with unforgettable memories, be it the delightful cuisine or the rich cultural and historical experiences."
Aimee Q.
Seattle, WA
"It was a wonderful trip of a lifetime for me. I have wanted to visit Egypt since I was a child. I feel as if this trip opened up a whole new understanding of the history, culture, people, and present-day society of Egypt and Jordan."
Charlene K.
San Francisco, CA
"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
"Ahmed made the trip exceptional. His commentary of everything we saw, both from a historical perspective and of current events, was eye opening, intellectual, and entertaining."
Jon B.
Villa Grande, CA
"You have the best of the best in Mohammed. His professional skills are exceptional—his depth of knowledge is exceptional, and he communicates a depth of passion for the ancient Egyptian civilization that is infectious! I consider my experience and friendship with him to be a great gift."
Judy L.
Winston Salem, NC
"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
"Yet again, Wilderness Travel has proved to be the greatest-value travel outfitter. You clearly strive to give your clients the greatest bang for their buck. The quality of the accommodations, transportation, etc., was top-notch — but not "over the top." The experience, the opportunities to learn, are truly the best possible. I have traveled to Egypt before with a different outfitter and WT is clearly exceptional in every detail."
Kim F.
Carmel, CA
"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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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.