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Pyramids and Jordan Tour

Highly recommend Egypt Uncovered. Entire tour was conducted without a hiccup, tour guides were amazing - friendly, highly knowledgeable, courteous and nothing was too much trouble to ensure our trip was of a high standard.

Chook31, 23 Oct 2018

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Pyramids and Jordan OVERVIEW

TOUR SUMMARY

11 days

Cairo to Amman

ON REQUEST

Country(ies): Egypt , Jordan

Tour type: Private

Group size: Min: 1 | Max: Any

Accommodation: 4/5-star hotels and Bedouin camp

Meals:

Transport: A/C minibus & 4x4 jeep

Highlights: Pyramids, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum, Citadel, Coptic & Islamic Cairo; Jerash Roman ruins, Ajloun & Kerak castles, As-Salt, Bethany baptism site, Madaba mosaics, Wadi Rum safari & Bedouin camp, Petra, King's Highway, Dead Sea swim

This tour is ideal if you want to see the pyramids & sphinx and Egyptian Museum in Egypt, but concentrate mainly on Jordan.

The tour starts at a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Old Cairo and two day's of touring, taking in the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum, followed by the Citadel, Coptic Cairo, and a walk through the mazy backstreets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. You then fly to Amman (flight not included) and tour the city and the Roman ruins at Jerash as well as Ajloun Castle and the surrounding Ajloun Forest Reserve.

Our next tour takes in the hillside town of As-Salt with its 'Harmony Trail' celebrating the way different religions live side by side there, plus the Biblical Baptism Site at Bethany beyond the Jordan. We'll then see ancient Roman mosaics at Madaba and drive down the Desert Highway to the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Our night here is spent in a comfortable Bedouin camp set against the cliffs inside the desert reserve. We'll enjoy a short camel ride and a jeep safari in Wadi Rum before we head on to Petra, rightly one of the world's most famous ancient sites. Here the Nabataean people carved their ancestral tombs into the beautifully coloured sandstone cliffs surrounding this inaccessible hidden city. We'll start with a tour of the neighbouring site, Little Petra, and in the evening, there is the chance to experience the Petra by Candlelight tour, when thousands of candles light up the Siq and Treasury. A full day in the main site follows, with a guided tour and plenty of free time to explore.

From Petra, the scenic King's Highway takes us through small rural villages, across deep Wadis to the Dead Sea with stops en-route to visit the crusader castle at Kerak and to admire the views of the Jordan Valley and into Israel from Mt. Nebo. The tour finishes with a night at a spa resort by the Dead Sea where you can swim, or float in the salty waters.

Extensions can be added to include time relaxing or snorkelling in the Red Sea from a resort in Aqaba if you wish, and accommodation levels can also be adjusted to suit your preferences and budget.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 Arrive in Cairo, transfer to hotel

We meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to your luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Old Cairo. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and relax. The mainly pedestrian streets surrounding the hotel are quiet during the day but teem with life in the evenings as local Egyptians come for a stroll and a snack. The Khan-el-Khalili bazaar with its various markets featuring a huge variety of different crafts is only a 15 minute walk away.

OVERNIGHT:

Cairo boutique hotel

MEALS:

None

EXTRAS:

Extra day in Cairo - pre-tour
Single room supplement (EGTMPP)


Day 2 Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum tour

We enjoy a full day tour today to the majestic Pyramids and Sphinx at Gisa, and also to the huge Egyptian Museum, home to the famous Tutankhamun display. Your are accompanied by one of our professional Egyptologist guides who will explain the history of pyramid building, and more about the ancient Egyptian empire and its different Pharaonic dynasties.

OVERNIGHT:

Cairo boutique hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:


Day 3 Cairo, city tour

Our tour of Cairo today includes the Citadel overlooking the city, some important and beautiful mosques, and the tiny streets and churches of Coptic Cairo. We'll then spend the afternoon on an exploratory walking tour, heading out from our hotel through the back streets and markets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar.

OVERNIGHT:

Cairo boutique hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 4 Fly to Jordan and take a city tour in Amman

We say farewell to Egypt and fly to Jordan today. On arrival we transfer you from the airport to your 5-star hotel in central Amman. In the afternoon we then take a guided tour of the Roman amphitheatre and other sites in the centre of the city. We'll finish the day with a walk through the market streets of the Downtown area getting a first feel for the differences between Amman and Cairo, and between Egypt and Jordan.

The flight from Cairo (CAI) to Amman (AMM) is not included in the tour price, but can either be purchased as an individual single ticket, or included as part of your main international flight ticket if you are flying with Egypt Air or Royal Jordanian. There are several flights available every day and transfers are included at both ends. Further advice on suggested flight times and booking will be provided during the booking process.

OVERNIGHT:

Amman 5-star boutique hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 5 Jerash and Ajloun

We leave Amman after breakfast and drive north to the ancient city of Jerash which is renowned as being one of the best-preserved and largest Greco-Roman cities away from Europe. Our tour will include the Forum, colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis which was built on one of the highest points in the city.

After leaving Jerash, we'll stop for lunch at the Summaga café which offers an authentic taste of the Ajloun region with a menu based on local ingredients produced by a cooperative of organic farms in the Ajloun area.  The cooperative’s products are also on display for sale including organic olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, zaatar, sumac, and dibbes (molasses). Summaga has also created full time jobs for local Ajlouni women and is very proactive in up-cycling and other initiatives which we are keen to support.

After lunch, we'll head to the nearby Aljoun Castle which was built in the 12th century by the Ayyubids and later extended in the 13th century by the Mamluks. It was also the base for Saladin's Arab forces in the 12th century when he defeated the Crusaders. The Ajloun Forest Reserve around the castle is picturesque and green and is popular with walkers, both locals and visitors. A night can be added here to enjoy the warm welcome of a local family at a village homestay in the village of Rasoun on the edge of the reserve. This then allows for an interesting walk through hills covered with scrub and forest to some ancient Bronze Age Dolmens, megalithic tombs formed by placing a huge stone slab atop two or more standing stones. This tour itinerary however returns back to Amman this afternoon.

OVERNIGHT:

Amman 5-star boutique hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Lunch

EXTRAS:

None


Day 6 As Salt hillside town, and the Baptism Site at Bethany

We start the day with a visit to the hilltop town of As-Salt, which once served as a trading link between the Jordan Valley and the Eastern Desert. As-Salt is known for its impressive old Islamic architecture which was built using yellow limestone.

Today, the town serves as an example of the religious and cultural friendship between the local Muslim & Christian population. To learn more about As-Salt, we'll head out on a walking tour of its 'Harmony Trail', which will give you greater insight into the lives of the locals.

We'll have lunch with a local family today, giving you a great taste of traditional Jordanian cuisine.

After lunch, we make our way to the Baptism site at Bethany, which is an excavated site believed to the place where John baptised Jesus Christ. Many churches, caves and pools dating back to Roman & Byzantine periods have been found here. We'll also visit three of its most important sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools and John the Baptist's Church.

Finally we return to our hotel in Amman where we'll spend the night.

OVERNIGHT:

Amman 5-star boutique hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Lunch

EXTRAS:

None


Day 7 Desert Highway to Madaba and then Wadi Rum

Today's first stop is the town of Madaba which is home to some incredibly well preserved and important Roman mosaics. We then continue south along the Desert Highway until we the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum. Here we spend the night at a comfortable Bedouin camp located right inside the desert reserve against some of the towering cliffs. Dinner will be a real treat, normally with a traditional Bedouin barbeque, cooked under the sand. Accommodation is in private en-suite tents with all facilities provided. If you prefer, we could spend this evening at a resort by the Red Sea in Aqaba, giving you a chance for some snorkelling and swimming, and time relaxing by the pool. Extra days in Aqaba could also be slotted in here - please contact us for details.

OVERNIGHT:

Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp

MEALS:

Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:

None


Day 8 Wadi Rum jeep safari & camel ride, then Little Petra

We wake up amidst the incredible desert scenery of Wadi Rum today where we take a jeep safari around the cliffs and rock formations before a short camel ride brings us to our lunch stop with the local Bedouins. In the afternoon we visit 'Little Petra' which forms a great introduction to the main site we'll explore tomorrow.

OVERNIGHT:

Petra 4/5-star hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast, Lunch

EXTRAS:

None


Day 9 Petra, tour & free time

We have a full guided tour of around 3 hours in Petra today, and then also have plenty of free time to explore more of the site, perhaps to walk up to the High Place of Sacrifice and the huge Monastery, carved into the cliffs and overlooking the Jordan valley. In the evening there is an option to revisit the site for the beautiful Petra by Candlelight tour (Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays).

OVERNIGHT:

Petra 4/5-star hotel

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

Petra by night
Petra camel ride


Day 10 Kings Highway, Kerak, Mt. Nebo & the Dead Sea

We leave Petra early today and drive north up the scenic King's Highway, stopping to explore the impressive crusader castle at Kerak en-route. We also stop to admire the huge and colourful valley of Wadi Mujib, and to hopefully enjoy great views towards Jericho and Israel from Mt. Nebo. We finish the day by arriving at our Dead Sea resort in time for a swim and possible mud bath in the Dead Sea.

OVERNIGHT:

Dead Sea 5-star resort

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

None


Day 11 Dead Sea, transfer to airport

Your time is free to relax at your hotel today, and perhaps enjoy some of the spa facilities, before we transfer you to the airport for your departure. Alternatively you can extend your stay at the Dead Sea, or add a visit into Israel to the end of your trip.

OVERNIGHT:

N/A

MEALS:

Breakfast

EXTRAS:

Pella and Umm Qais


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Included:
  • Accommodation as stated in the itinerary 4/5-star hotels
  • One night in comfortable Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum
  • All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all the sightseeing tours in Egypt
  • Services of an English speaking escort driver throughout Jordan
  • Professional guide for the tours in Jerash and Petra (may be extended to the whole time in Jordan)
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Excluded:
  • International flights (available on request)
  • Connecting flight from Amman to Cairo on Day 4
  • Visa fees (see tour notes)
  • Travel Insurance (mandatory, available on request)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees in Egypt (budget approx. US$40)
  • Entrance fees in Jordan (included in the Jordan Pass for JD70 / US$99)
  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tips
  • Hotel Gala Dinners (if charged by the hotels on 24 & 31 Dec, see Tour notes)
  • Any other items not mentioned above
Notes:

Hotel Gala Dinners
Many of Egypt and Jordan's hotels arrange a very special gala dinner with entertainment in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but normally compulsory for all guests of the hotel on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$150 per person. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. We aim to always select hotels that make their Gala Dinners optional, though this is is not always possible. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, but will be added to your booking if they become required. Please budget accordingly. More information is available on request.

Gallery


Dates and Prices

Seasonal prices for this tour are given below. We can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices.

Start Date
End Date
Price (P/P)
Offer price
Note

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.

Le Riad Hotel de Charme

Le Riad Hotel de Charme

Egypt


This lovely small boutique all-suite hotel is situated in the heart of bustling Old Cairo within walking distance of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. All suites are individually designed and decorated and the hotel also features a roof terrace restaurant.

Local rating

Our rating

 Le Riad Hotel de Charme Le Riad Hotel de Charme

Le Riad Hotel de Charme is a small luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Cairo facing the famous Beit el Sehemy with its exceptional old Ottoman houses. The hotel itself has been designed to celebrate and reflect the history and style of Old Cairo.

All 17 suites have individual furnishings with rich warm colours, Fatimid fabrics, antique wooden furniture and paintings from local talented artists. The suites are large and comfortable with spacious marble bathrooms, separate lounge and study areas and a variety of different arts and crafts displayed.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views over the surrounding streets and alleyways of Old Cairo, and a relaxed tea lounge for breakfast and informal dining. No alcohol is served.

Overall we love using this hotel because of the size and character of the suites, and its location which is perfect for second stays in Cairo when you can walk around the surrounding streets and explore Old Cairo on foot.

The House Boutique Suites

The House Boutique Suites

Amman


The House Boutique Suites is rightly one one of the most popular hotels in Amman with a good location close to the centre, a boutique feel, large clean suites and good service standards. It is our preferred property for private tours in Amman.

Local rating

Our rating

 The House Boutique Suites The House Boutique Suites

The House Boutique Suites is rightly one one of the most popular hotels in Amman. It has an excellent location (unlike many Amman hotels) within 500m walk of Rainbow Street with its wealth of shops, cafes and restaurants. You can also walk to Downtown from here.

The hotel has a boutique feel with excellent service and friendly staff. Entry level Studio Suites are large and comfortable at 45 sq m, with kitchen facilities and a fridge as well as a working desk, safety deposit box, free WiFi, and en-suite bathrooms. Upgrades are also available to Superior Suites (75 sq m), Grand Suites (82 sq m), plus larger 2 bedroom suites at both levels.

The hotel itself has an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Overall this is our preferred property for private tours in Amman.

textLocated in Amman, In front of Amman Chamber of Industry, The House Boutique Suites boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has an outdoor pool and fitness center, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. The rooms have a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have a seating area for your convenience. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room has a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find slippers and a hairdryer. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Rainbow Street is 550 yards from The House Boutique Suites, while The Jordan Museum is 0.7 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Queen Alia International Airport, 16.2 miles from The House Boutique Suites

Rahayeb Camp

Rahayeb Camp

Wadi Rum, Jordan


This Wadi Rum desert camp has a fantastic location on the desert sands against the cliffs in the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Accommodation is in permanent goat hair tents with proper beds and all bedding provided. The food is generally excellent.

Local rating

Our rating

 Rahayeb Camp Rahayeb Camp

This Wadi Rum desert camp has a fantastic location and setting on the desert sands right up against the cliffs within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. We like it for its spectacular and remote location well away from the main road, and for the excellent food and friendly welcome the Bedouin hosts always provide.

Accommodation is in permanent traditional goat hair tents with proper beds and all bedding provided. We book the standard tents with shared bathrooms, though some en-suite tents are also available and subject to availability you can upgrade to these locally if you wish. You can also bring a sleeping bag if you wish, and find a sheltered spot on the rocks on the edge of the camp and sleep under the stars.

WiFi is available throughout the camp. Meals are traditionally cooked, with a delicious underground 'BBQ' prepared nearly every night.

Sunrise and sunset camel rides are available to book locally (around US$30).

Old Village Resort

Old Village Resort

Petra


This newly renovated 5-star property is located just outside of Wadi Musa, 2km from Petra. It has a traditional design, and fully-equipped rooms with modern amenities. It has an indoor pool, sauna, several relaxation areas, and free shuttle service.

Local rating

Our rating

 Old Village Resort Old Village Resort

This 5-star resort boasts a highly convenient location just outside of Wadi Musa, and 2km from the famous World Heritage site of Petra. It has been recently renovated, and has an old-style traditional feel with rooms spread about a village style area. Rooms are fully-equipped, with amenities including Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning, tea and coffee facilities, TVs, minibars, and safes. Complimentary toiletries are offered as well. Facilities include an indoor pool and sauna. There are several areas to relax in and enjoy the views, including a sun deck, terrace, garden, and spacious grounds. The resort offers a free shuttle service to Petra, and transfers are included on our tours as well.

Overall we feel this is a really nice resort with lots of character but can be considered a good 4-star level rather than full 5-star standard.

Movenpick Resort & Spa

Movenpick Resort & Spa

Dead Sea


The Movenpick Dead Sea is a 5-star Resort and Spa with panoramic views of the Dead Sea. The resort offers a luxurious setting with private access to the northern shore of the Dead Sea. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

Local rating

Our rating

 Movenpick Resort & Spa Movenpick Resort & Spa

The Movenpick Dead Sea is a 5-star Resort and Spa with panoramic views of the Dead Sea. The resort offers a luxurious setting with private access to the northern shore of the Dead Sea. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

The rooms at the Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea are well-decorated and feature air conditioning and satellite TVs. All of the luxuriously decorated rooms have a view over the sea, pool, or garden.

The Movenpick Resort & Spa offers private beach access and several swimming pools including an infinity pool and a heated winter pool. For children, there is a full-service a kids' club.

ZARA, the Movenpick's onsite spa, offers a wealth of relaxation and wellness treatments in its modern 6000 m² facility. Zara offers steam rooms, tropical scent showers and massages.

Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea's restaurant offers all-day a la carte and buffet dining. Breakfast is served daily.

The resort is less than a 1-hour drive from Queen Alia International Airport.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you‘re visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.

Single room supplement (EGTMPP)

Single room supplement (EGTMPP)

Min numbers: 1 person


This option books a single room in all the accommodation throughout the tour. Room shares are not available on this tour, so if you are single traveller then you will need to add this option to your booking.

Price from
£449
per person

This option books a single room in all the accommodation throughout the tour. Room shares are not available on this tour, so if you are single traveller then you will need to add this option to your booking.

Note: The price shown is a low season price. Slightly higher prices may apply during high and peak seasons - the exact price for your dates will be shown on the online booking form and is always available on request.

Private guide supplement (6 days) - OPJOG6

Private guide supplement (6 days) - OPJOG6

Min numbers: 1 person


The standard tour arrangements cover an English speaking escort driver, with professional guides provided in Jerash and Petra. This option provides a professional guide to accompany you for the whole tour. The price shown is per guide, not per person

Price from
£599
per person

The standard arrangements for this tour are for an English speaking escort driver to accompany you throughout your time with us in Jordan. They will be able to talk to you about Jordan, give you information about modern life in the country, advise you on food & drink and discuss timings, adjustments to your itinerary and places to stop en-route. They are not however professional guides and while they will be able to provide some basic information, they will not be able to accompany you inside many of the sites or give detailed historical facts or background.

We do include a professional guide in Jerash and in Petra on this tour. However, if you would like to be accompanied by a professional guide for the full duration of the tour then please add this option onto your booking.

Prices shown cover the guide joining you for the whole tour apart from your arrival and departure days, and also include the guide's accommodation and meals. The price shown is a total amount, and will only be added to your booking once, regardless of the number of travellers in your party.

 Extra day in Cairo pre-tour - Le Riad

Extra day in Cairo pre-tour - Le Riad

Min numbers:


This option adds an extra day to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport arrival transfer is still included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.

Price from
On Request
per person

This option adds an extra day to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport arrival transfer is still included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.

Note: Single room and peak season supplements apply.

Tour Notes

The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.

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  1. Accommodation

We use good quality hotels at the local 5-star rating on this tour, and aim to use more boutique style hotels with some character, rather than more generic international chain hotels. These hotels can generally be considered to be a good 4-star international level. A night is also spent in a comfortable Bedouin camp inside the Wadi Rum desert reserve. Accommodation here is in en-suite tents with all bedding and facilities provided.

However, as this is a private tour, hotel levels, styles and options can always be adjusted to suit your preferences and budget. Please visit the accommodation tab of this tour for examples of the hotels normally used on the tour. If you have any specific accommodation requests please let us know and we'll be happy to provide you with a customised quotation.


  2. Transport

Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you're really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. In Egypt and Jordan we do not use any public tourist buses or overnight coach journeys as we know that people don't sleep on board and end up very tired for the following few days. All the vehicles we use are air-conditioned and in Egypt many are fitted with speed limiters. All are inspected and checked daily. The jeeps used in Wadi Rum are provided by the local Bedouins we work with, and while suitable for your desert safari, they may fall below the normal safety and quality standards for vehicles we use during the rest of our tours.

The flight from Cairo to Amman on Day 4 of the tour is not included in the tour price. This may be arranged either as an individual one-way ticket, or included as part of your main international flight ticket. Further advice on airlines, quotes and booking will be provided during booking.


  3. Transfers

Our Egypt and Jordan tours include a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Cairo and Amman airports, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.

On arrival in Egypt, our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Cairo airport before you get to passport control. They will assist with visa formalities before helping you collect your luggage and taking you to your hotel.

On arrival in Jordan our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Amman airport, before passport control. They will assist with visa formalities and then help you with your luggage and take you to your hotel.

Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary, plus on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.


  4. International Flights

We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with varying travel plans, we don’t include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very provide suggestions for flights to go with your tour. Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we’ll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose from.

Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included on the first and last days of the tour and to/from any airports used for connecting flights during the tour itself.


  5. Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides

As this is a private tour, we can run the itinerary for however many people you happen to be travelling with, starting from 1 upwards. The prices given for this tour are based on a minimum of 2 passengers travelling, so if you have a different number of passengers in your group please contact us for a customised quotation.

In Egypt we provide fully trained, local English-speaking Egyptologists to act as your tour guides for all of the sightseeing tours in Cairo and the Nile Valley. Our local reps in all the towns and cities en-route are also at your service, and will be handling all the practical arrangements for the tour.

In Jordan the standard tour price is based on an English speaking escort driver running the tour for you, plus specialist local guides in Petra and Jerash. A professional escort guide can also be arranged for the full time in Jordan for an additional supplement. We also use local Bedouin staff from your desert camp for your time there.

At Encounters Travel we aim to only use local guides and reps. as we feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.


  6. Entrance Fees & Jordan Pass

The tour price does not include entrance fees to the sites visited on the tour.

Jordan:
We strongly recommend that you purchase a Jordan Pass prior to your travel to Jordan. This is a special package that has been designed by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for tourists visiting Jordan. As well as including a discounted package of entrance fees covering all the sites in Jordan that you will visit on this tour (plus many others), the Jordan Pass also provides free downloadable digital brochures on each attraction, plus a free tourist visa for entering the country (40JD if obtained on arrival in Jordan).
The cost for the Jordan Wanderer Pass suitable for this tour is JD70 (approx. US$99). Passes are available by completing a simple online form before you travel, taking care to make sure your passport details are entered correctly as this doubles as your visa application. Your Jordan Pass will then be emailed to you as a pdf document, which you should print out and bring with you. You will then need to show this print out at the immigration desk on arrival in Jordan to obtain your free entry visa, and also at each attraction where it will be scanned to confirm your entry. Obtain your Jordan Pass here

Egypt:
Please check the Exclusions section above for a guide to the amount you should allow for this tour as these do vary from time to time (a 50% discount for minors or ISIC card holders is also often, but not always available). Your guide will be happy to collect payment for all the entrance fees at the start of the tour, and pay them for you as you go along if you wish.


  7. Tipping

Jordan: Tipping is common practice in Jordan, as a sign of appreciation for services provided. You may therefore wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. US$3-8 per person per day would be appropriate.

Egypt: Tipping is also very much a part of Egyptian culture and customs, and many people you meet along the way will expect and make it clear they are waiting for a tip. To make it easier for you to budget and to remove much of the stress and hassle of tipping lots of people as you go along, we collect a ‘Tipping Kitty’ at the start of your time in Egypt. Your guide will manage this as the tour goes along and ask one or more of the group members to assist and make some of the payments. The kitty provides tips for a wide range of people you’ll meet along the tour including hotel porters, train and station staff, drivers, site guards, local reps etc.  Please check the Excluded section below the tour itinerary for a budget for this tour. Your Egyptologist guide is not included in this kitty and you may tip them at the end of your tour subject to your satisfaction with and appreciation of the service they have provided.  Again you should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. As a guideline, approx. US$3-8 per person per day would be appropriate.


  8. Health and Vaccinations

You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination.  You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:

Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A

Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics.

More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon

Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using ‘black henna’ instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.


  9. Passports and Visas - Egypt

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.

In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport. An online e-visa is available through https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. Our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.

All African and Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.

For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.


  10. Passports and Visas - Jordan

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

To promote tourism to the country, the Jordanian government has designed the Jordan Pass. This provides most nationalities with a free single entry Jordan visa (for stays of 3 nights or more), a discounted package of entrance fees, and free digital brochures for the various sites in Jordan. Please check the Jordan Pass tour note for more information.

Double or multi entry visas for Jordan are no longer available and you will need to arrange two visas if you are doing a combination tour (eg. with Egypt and/or Israel) that visits Jordan more than once. Exceptions may occur if you are crossing to and from Israel via the King Hussein Bridge - please contact us for details.

If you wish to arrange your visa separately in advance, or if your stay will be shorter than four days/3 nights, then a visa fee of 40JD (approx. USD 57) will be due.

Other nationalities may require a visa prior to arrival and to obtain this in advance, please contact your local Jordanian embassy or consulate or a visa agency for details. In addition, if you plan to enter Jordan via the southern Wadi Araba crossing (Eilat-Aqaba) or the Allenby Bridge/King Hussein border with Israel in the north, you will need to obtain your Jordan visa in advance as these are not available on arrival at the border.


  11. Time

The time in Egypt, Jordan and Israel is GMT plus 2 hours. Daylight saving adjustments have historically been applied in some years but not others. At present it appears that there will be no daylight saving changes in Egypt 2016 and beyond, though this may change at short notice (with a resulting impact on flight times and schedules). In Jordan and Israel, daylight saving of one hour is generally applied between the end of March and the end of October, making it GMT plus 3 hours. Exact dates vary from year to year and sometimes the changes may be scrapped altogether.


  12. Voltage

Sockets are two round pronged and 220 volts (Type C). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don’t have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are normally available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already.
If you have US appliances (110 volts) you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.


  13. Money - Egypt

The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often denoted ‘LE’. The Egyptian Pound can vary significantly in value against the British Pound, but sticks fairly close to the value of the US Dollar. You do not need to arrange to bring any Egyptian Pounds with you to Egypt, as change facilities are available in all the hotels, airports and banks. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.

While in Egypt you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Egyptian Pounds. You may also need to pay for the tour Tipping Kitty and site Entrance Fees while you are in Egypt. Payments for these may be made to your tour guide in hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) at the start of your tour. Please see your tour Included/Excluded details for more information and guideline amounts for these.

It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.


  14. Money - Jordan

The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). You do not need to arrange to bring any Jordanian Dinar with you to Jordan as exchange facilities are available in the international airports and in most hotels, banks and bureau de changes in major towns. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.

While in Jordan you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Jordanian Dinar, though tips for guides and drivers may be paid in hard currency (GBP, USD, EUR).

It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.


  15. What to take

Luggage: Suitcases, rucksacks or fabric holdalls are all fine to bring with you to Egypt and Jordan. You should also bring a small daypack/bag to take out during the day. Your main luggage will normally be left in the hotel during your sightseeing trips – you will not need to carry it far, and there are nearly always hotel porters to assist.

Luggage limits: There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.

Clothing: Most of your time in Egypt will be in a hot weather, while the climate in Jordan varies widely from hot days in the summer to cool and sometimes wet days in the winter months. However, at night, and especially in the deserts, the temperatures can drop quite dramatically. So you must pack for cool conditions. Formal dress (eg. suits & ties) is not required on the cruise boats or in 4 or 5-star hotel restaurants. Long sleeves are recommended to protect from mosquitoes if you are on the felucca. Modesty rates highly in Egypt and Jordan, especially for women, so to respect the local culture & people, please ensure all clothes are loose fitting and not revealing. Shorts (not hot-pants) are OK in tourist sites, as are T-shirts, but these should not show too much bare flesh (we suggest that your shoulders should remain covered). In the centre of Cairo and Amman, and when visiting any mosques, legs and arms should be covered.

Other items: We recommend that you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, money belt, small torch, camera & charger. If you will be travelling on a felucca sailboat in Egypt then we recommend bringing a light sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner all year round for comfort, and a light sleeping bag in the winter months (November to February). If your tour includes an overnight Bedouin camp in Jordan then bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow) is provided but we recommend bringing a light sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner for comfort all year round (even with the best efforts, sand does find its way pretty much everywhere). In the winter months, or if you think you would like to sleep under the stars instead of in your tent, then we recommend you bring a sleeping bag with you as it can get very cold at night.


  16. Dates & Prices

This tour is designed as a sample tailor-made tour itinerary. As such we do not offer set group departure dates that you can join. Rather, the tour is available for you to do privately starting on any date of the year. Guideline seasonal prices are given below, based on 2 people travelling. If you would like to adjust the tour itinerary, or there will be more or less people travelling, please contact us and we will customise a price for you.


  17. Booking & Payment

If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website (via the Dates & Prices tab on the tour page). You can pay your deposit or full balance online, or just hold a reservation if you prefer. We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by debit or credit card (subject to a card processing fee), or by making a bank transfer or posting us a cheque/bank draft. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.


  18. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event). More information...

You may arrange your own insurance, or you can take advantage of a comprehensive policy that we can arrange for you through Endsleigh Insurance which has been designed to be suitable for our tours. The policy is available to travellers of all nationalities and you do not need to live in the UK  to take out the policy. For full details of cover provided, prices and to apply for one of our policies, please complete travel insurance application form.

Note: Any country that borders the Mediterranean is considered as 'Europe' for the purposes of travel insurance (including Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Morocco). If you are doing a tour that visits one country in 'Europe' and one that is 'Worldwide' (for example, an Egypt and Jordan tour), then you need a 'Worldwide' policy. When completing the form you should enter your travel dates including any extra days involved in overnight flights or connecting travel between your home and the tour. Our policies are not able to cover any extra time or activities other than your tour and options booked with us and your travel to & from home.

If you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight locally, or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered (these are covered in our policy). Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.

IMPORTANT:  We must have your travel insurance details (policy number and type of insurance) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the tour.  If you haven't told us already, please let us know the details when you can. You should take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you as you may be asked to show this at the start of the tour.


  19. Financial Security

We are a UK registered company and an ABTA Member (Y4447) and you can be confident when booking with us that your money is safe and protected. Financial failure insurance is provided through Affirma to protect all customers for the land portion of their tour.
Please see our website or booking conditions for more information.


  20. Responsible Tourism

It is impossible not to have an impact on the local environment, cultures and eco-systems when you travel. However, it is very possible to try and ensure that these impacts are as limited, or positive as possible. We are committed to ensuring that we try to leave our host countries in a better state than we found them and encourage and assist our travellers to help us with this.
The following are a few simple tips that require very little effort on your part but which will help ensure that any effect you have on the locations you visit is positive rather than negative.

  • Don’t prejudge: Things in different countries will almost certainly be different. That doesn’t make them worse or inferior, just different.
  • Communicate: Don’t expect locals to speak your language. Take the trouble to learn a few words or phrases of the local language. Don’t worry about sounding silly. Most locals are patient and accommodating and appreciate you making the effort to communicate in their language.
  • Conserve energy: Be careful not to waste valuable resources. Use local resources sparingly. Switch off lights, air-conditioning and fans when you leave the hotel room and don’t waste water. Remove superfluous packaging. Many countries have far less efficient waste disposal systems than ours. Remove packaging from newly acquired items before leaving home.
  • Don’t litter: No matter how untidy or dirty the country you’re travelling in may look to you, avoid littering, as there is no need to add to the environment's stress. Many of the countries we visit have a tough challenge dealing with rubbish and waste. Please consider taking home as much plastic waste as you can (e.g. water bottles).
  • Choose environmentally friendly products: By using environmentally friendly (bio degradable) sun creams, shampoos and detergents you can help reduce pollution.
  • Respect local customs and traditions: As you are a guest in these countries, you should also comply with the local customs. If you are friendly and well mannered, the locals will reciprocate and it will only enhance your experience. It’s important to follow dress and behaviour guidelines especially when visiting religious or sacred sites (your tour leader will advise you how best to do this).
  • If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and Egypt Uncovered shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. No refund will be given for any unused services.

All porters are employed and equipped following guidelines set by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).


  21. Follow Us Online

You can stay in touch with us online by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We post updates on relevant travel news in our destination countries, special offers and discounts and other interesting travel related news and information.
www.facebook.com/EgyptUncovered
www.twitter.com/encounterstravl (yes, without the 'e')


  22. Before you travel

It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.

General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.

You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.

Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.

'Travel Aware' campaign

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