16-Nights Signature: Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Wonders - National Geographic Signature from $13,499

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1689589

Signature: Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Wonders
Journey across the ancient world, from the pyramids of Giza to the rose-red city of Petra. Cruise the Nile, explore Roman ruins in Jerash, and sleep under the stars in Wadi Rum. Guided by experts, experience private access to royal stables and temples on an expedition that spans empires, cultures, and millennia.

Highlights
Gain private access to Edfu Temple before public hours, watching the sun rise over the hypostyle hall, Visit Philae Temple saved from the Nile flood and relocated stone by stone to its current island home, Join astronomers in the silent desert to navigate the night sky through powerful telescopes. Meet the trainer of the King’s Arabian horses to learn about the care of this noble breed. Gain a deeper perspective on Petra’s hidden excavations during an exclusive talk with an archaeologist.

Group Leader
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max 22, Avg. 16

Meals Included
16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 15 dinners

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Nawaya Project Visit, Cairo
Your G for Good Moment: Beit Khayrat Souf Cooking Class & Lunch, Jerash Governorate
Your G for Good Moment: Beit Al Jameed Visit, Karak
Your G for Good Moment: Al Safi Community Lunch, Jordan Valley
Your G for Good Moment: Safi Crafts Visit, Wadi Rum
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet
Your Expedition Leader and Group, Cairo
Your Local Living Moment: Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea, Aswan Signature Moment: Visit to the Royal Mummies Museum After-hours, Cairo Signature Moment: Visit the Royal Horse Stable of the King of Jordan, Amman Signature Moment: Wadi Rum Stargazing, Wadi Rum.
Arrival transfer. Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour. Sakkara Visit. Internal flight from Cairo to Aswan. Philae Temple Visit. Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea. 3-night Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Internal flight to/from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Temple of Abu Simbel Visit. Kom Ombo Temple & Museum Visit. Private Opening of Edfu Temple. Habu Temple Visit. Hatshepsut Temple Visit. Karnak Temple Visit. Valley of the Kings Visit. The History & Sites of Old Cairo. Evening Rooftop Experience in Cairo. Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Visit & Lunch. Grand Egyptian Museum Visit. Internal flight between Cairo and Amman. Guided tour of Jerash archaeological site. Private post-closure visit of Amman Citadel and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Visit Karak Castle. Petra by Night visit. Guided tour of Petra. Dinner in a private cave at Little Petra. 4x4 tour of Wadi Rum Desert. Visit the Pink Lake and Salt Beach at the Dead Sea. Bethany archaeological site and Mount Nebo visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. Farewell Dinner. Departure transfer. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader.
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

16 nights from $13,499 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

G Adventures: Signature: Egypt & Jordan's Ancient Wonders

Day 1: Cairo
Welcome to Egypt. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Cairo, a city where the desert winds carry the echoes of five thousand years of history. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take a moment to absorb the energy of the capital — a metropolis of a thousand minarets where modern life buzzes against a backdrop of antiquity. In the evening, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert for a welcome reception and dinner with the group.

Day 2: Cairo
Stand in the colossal shadow of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, feeling the heat radiating from the ancient limestone blocks that have watched over the desert for millennia. Leave the plateau for the fertile countryside to experience the G Adventures-supported Nawaya project. Share a warm, farm-to-table lunch in a verdant garden, prepared by local women reclaiming Egypt’s agricultural heritage. Discuss their vital work empowering women in rural communities before traveling to the necropolis of Saqqarah. Here, explore the step pyramid of Djoser and the intricate, life-like carvings of the Mereruka Tomb, a masterpiece of the Old Kingdom that reveals daily life in ancient Egypt.

Day 3: Cairo/Aswan
Depart early and fly to Aswan. On arrival, board a small ferry to Philae Temple, a sacred complex dedicated to Isis — the goddess of magic, motherhood, healing, and kingship — that was famously relocated to save it from rising waters after the dam was built. After exploring the colonnades, transfer to your elegant ship and settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, board a traditional wooden felucca for a sail to Elephantine Island. Wander through a vibrant village to a local home for tea and authentic interaction with a family, gaining a personal perspective on enduring Nubian culture. Return to the ship to freshen up before a delicious dinner as the lights of Aswan begin to shimmer across the Nile.

Day 4: Aswan/Edfu
Fly to the edge of the Sahara to visit Abu Simbel, a magnificent architectural masterpiece carved into a mountain by Ramses II. Stand before the four giant statues of the Pharaoh himself and learn about the temple’s unique solar alignment. Then, return to Aswan and board your ship to begin sailing toward Kom Ombo. Along the way, attend a fascinating presentation detailing the history of the sites ahead. Upon arrival, explore the dual temple dedicated to Sobek — the ancient Egyptian crocodile god — and Haroeris, then visit the onsite museum to see ancient mummified crocodiles. Return to the ship for dinner as you begin an overnight sail to Edfu.

Day 5: Edfu/Luxor
Experience the temple in near-silence at dawn with a private access pre-opening visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This Ptolemaic masterpiece features a grand pylon and intricate reliefs; wander the hypostyle hall before the crowds arrive to absorb the spiritual atmosphere. Return to the ship for a delicious breakfast as you sail toward Luxor. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on deck watching life along the Nile, spotting birds and more as you sail. Later, attend a presentation allowing for a deeper discussion on the day's discoveries. Enjoy dinner as the ship docks in Luxor.

Day 6: Luxor
Explore Luxor’s West Bank, starting at a G for Good project that empowers local youth through tourism training. Choose to cycle through the village or engage with students at the centre. Then, continue to the magnificent Habu Temple at the foot of the Theban Hills, and the striking Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel built into sheer cliffs. After a light lunch, cross to the East Bank to explore the vast Karnak Temple Complex — a monumental labyrinth of towering columns, sacred lakes, and awe-inspiring temples built by generations of pharaohs over 4,000 years. Check into your hotel and enjoy an optional evening visit to Luxor Temple when the columns are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Dinner is served at your leisure at the hotel.

Day 7: Luxor/Cairo
Return to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings — a UNESCO-listed site recognised for its immense historical and cultural value. Descend into the earth to witness the vibrant colours and preserved hieroglyphics within the royal tombs, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun. After lunch, fly back to Cairo and check into your beautiful hotel overlooking the Nile River. The travel day concludes with an elegant rooftop lounge experience. Enjoy a dinner of sophisticated tapas and drinks as the sun sets over the Nile, providing a panoramic view of the bustling city skyline below — the perfect transition from the quiet southern temples back to the energy of the capital.

Day 8: Cairo
Begin at the Saladin Citadel and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, then descend into Old Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. Wander through the vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar before you enjoy an atmospheric lunch with local music. The evening then features a private, after-hours access to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Here, visit the Royal Mummies gallery for a presentation on the science behind mummification. This intimate encounter provides a powerful perspective on ancient beliefs and practices. The evening is yours to do as you choose with dinner on your own.

Day 9: Cairo
Kick off the day experiencing the sheer scale of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to the world’s largest collection of ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. In the afternoon after lunch, you may choose to remain at the museum or return to the hotel to rest and enjoy free time. Gather with your Expedition Leader in the evening for a celebratory farewell dinner. Set at a venue overlooking the eternal Nile, toast the memories of your Egyptian odyssey and the timeless wonders witnessed with your fellow travellers.

Day 10: Cairo/Amman
Bid farewell to the land of the Pharaohs and fly north to Jordan. Upon arrival in Amman, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital. In the evening, gather to meet new travelers joining the expedition. A reception and presentation set the stage for your exploration of the Nabataean and Roman worlds, followed by a welcome dinner to mark the start of this new chapter.

Day 11: Amman
Step back in time at Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Walk the colonnaded streets and stand in the vast oval plaza, imagining the roar of the crowds. For lunch, visit Beit Khayrat Souf, a G Adventures-supported cafe run by local women. Join a cooking class and share a traditional meal, supporting their financial independence. As the sun dips, ascend to the Amman Citadel for a private, after-hours visit while the city lights flicker on below. Enjoy the cool evening air and tour the Jordan Archaeological Museum after hours, where your expert illuminates the artifacts of Jordan’s storied past.

Day 12: Amman/Petra
Rise early for an exclusive visit to the Royal Stables of the King of Jordan. Meet the trainer and witness the grace of the King’s Arabian horses, learning about the lineage of this magnificent breed over tea in the gardens. Travel to the G Adventures-supported, women-owned and managed social enterprise of Beit Al Jameed to meet the women making jameed (dried yogurt), and learn to craft a delicious local dessert. Explore the massive Crusader fortress of Karak before arriving in Petra. The evening culminates with Petra by Night. Walk the Siq in silence, guided by the light of 1,500 candles, until the Treasury emerges from the darkness to the sound of Bedouin flutes.

Day 13: Petra
Dedicate the day to the rose-red city of Petra. Walk the narrow Siq until the sun hits the Treasury facade — a cinematic reveal of Nabataean artistry. Your expert provides deep context before you explore the royal tombs and temples carved into the rock cliffs. Enjoy lunch at The Basin Restaurant inside the site. In the evening, travel to nearby Little Petra for an intimate dinner served inside a centuries-old carved cave. Surrounded by history and candlelight, connect with the spirit of the ancient inhabitants who once called these canyons home.

Day 14: Petra/Wadi Rum
Continue into the vast, silent sands of Wadi Rum, where sandstone mountains rise like cathedrals from the desert floor. Board 4x4 Land Cruisers to navigate the dunes, stopping for tea in the shadow of the rocks. As the heat fades, gather for a sunset dinner in the desert, enjoying authentic Bedouin music. As night falls, join expert astronomers for a deeper look into the night sky. Through powerful telescopes, explore the constellations and learn how the Bedouin used the stars to navigate this wilderness — a perspective that connects you to the cosmos and the history of desert travel.

Day 15: Wadi Rum/Dead Sea
Leave the desert for the lowest point on Earth. Stop at Safi Kitchen, a G Adventures-supported project helping local women gain financial independence. Enjoy lunch and try your hand at natural dyeing, connecting with the community. Witness the surreal landscapes of the Pink Lake and the blinding white formations of the Salt Beach before arriving at your Dead Sea resort. Settle in with a sunset cocktail, listening as your expert explains the unique geology of this salt-rich sea while the sun disappears behind the mountains of the West Bank.

Day 16: Dead Sea
Explore the spiritual history of the region, visiting Bethany Beyond the Jordan, believed to be the site of Jesus’ baptism. Ascend Mount Nebo to stand where Moses viewed the Promised Land, taking in panoramic views of the Jordan Valley. Return to your hotel for an afternoon of rejuvenation. Cover yourself in therapeutic mud or float weightlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. Conclude your expedition with a farewell dinner at an elegant restaurant, celebrating the diversity of history and nature you have experienced.

Day 17: Dead Sea
Your expedition to Jordan concludes today. After breakfast, individual transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.

Featured Destinations

Nile River Cruising

Dead Sea, Jordan

Straddling the border between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea is the lowest spot on the Earth's surface. If you head there from Amman, don't nod off: The view as you descend from the hills toward the sea is quite striking. The mineral content of this 45-mi-/75-km-long and 6-mi-/10-km-wide saltwater lake tops out at 33%.

The Dead Sea should be seen (and stepped into) at least once in every person's life—it's impossible to sink—but some mild words of caution are in order: Don't shave shortly before swimming (the high salt content will leave you with an excruciatingly painful experience), and take some eyedrops along (getting even a tiny drop of the thick water in your eye is painful). Also try to make sure there are shower facilities or a freshwater stream in which to rinse off nearby—otherwise, the sea's minerals will leave an uncomfortable crust on your skin.

Near the northern end of the Dead Sea are several spa and beach resorts, including the lovely Movenpick Resort and the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishatar, which was inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Visitors who are not guests of the resort can generally take advantage of the health and beauty treatments at the spas if they purchase a day membership. For centuries, people have traveled to the Dead Sea to enjoy its beauty as well as its healing properties. Many people go there for relief from chronic ailments such as dermatological problems, asthma, arthritis, circulatory issues and hypertension. The composition of the Dead Sea contains contains high levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium, making it rich in life-enhancing minerals.

A bit inland from the sea, in a beautiful oasis, are thermal springs (including a waterfall) at Hammamat Ma'in.

Also nearby is Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which archaeologists believe to be the site where John the Baptist lived and preached, and where he baptized Jesus. The ruins of a Byzantine church were built on what early Christians identified as the spot where Jesus left his robes. Elsewhere, you can visit the Baptist's Spring, which may have been John's cave where he sheltered, and several other churches and baptism pools. Nearby is Jebal Mar Elias, a small hill referred to in the Bible as Hermon, where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire.

About midway along the sea's shore is the Mujib Reserve. This protected area encompassing a gorge, mountains and valleys boasts an impressive biodiversity of both plants and wildlife. It also has two marked hiking trails and a campsite. At the southern end of the sea, not far south of Wadi Mujib, is the site identified as Lot's Cave, where the biblical figure was said to have taken refuge after escaping from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. A Byzantine church built over the cave entrance has been excavated and is open to the public. A shell-shaped museum has been built 984 ft/300 m from the entrance to Lot's Cave. North of Lot's Cave are the sites of what are believed to be the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which show signs that they were indeed destroyed by fire.

Try to see the sunset at the Dead Sea at least once—it's worth it. The Dead Sea is 25 mi/40 km southwest of Amman.

Wadi Rum

Petra

Amman

Luxor

Edfu

Aswan

Cairo

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

01/13/2027 - 01/29/2027

from $13,499 per person

02/03/2027 - 02/19/2027

from $13,999 per person

03/10/2027 - 03/26/2027

from $14,899 per person

03/17/2027 - 04/02/2027

from $14,899 per person

03/31/2027 - 04/16/2027

from $14,899 per person

04/07/2027 - 04/23/2027

from $14,899 per person

04/14/2027 - 04/30/2027

from $14,899 per person

04/28/2027 - 05/14/2027

from $14,899 per person

05/05/2027 - 05/21/2027

from $13,499 per person

05/12/2027 - 05/28/2027

from $13,499 per person

09/15/2027 - 10/01/2027

from $13,999 per person

09/22/2027 - 10/08/2027

from $14,899 per person

09/29/2027 - 10/15/2027

from $14,899 per person

10/06/2027 - 10/22/2027

from $14,899 per person

10/13/2027 - 10/29/2027

from $14,899 per person

10/27/2027 - 11/12/2027

from $14,899 per person

11/03/2027 - 11/19/2027

from $14,899 per person

11/10/2027 - 11/26/2027

from $13,999 per person

11/17/2027 - 12/03/2027

from $13,999 per person

12/08/2027 - 12/24/2027

from $13,999 per person

01/19/2028 - 02/04/2028

from $13,499 per person

02/02/2028 - 02/18/2028

from $13,999 per person

02/16/2028 - 03/03/2028

from $13,999 per person

03/08/2028 - 03/24/2028

from $14,899 per person

03/15/2028 - 03/31/2028

from $14,899 per person

03/22/2028 - 04/07/2028

from $14,899 per person

03/29/2028 - 04/14/2028

from $14,899 per person

04/05/2028 - 04/21/2028

from $14,899 per person

04/12/2028 - 04/28/2028

from $14,899 per person

04/19/2028 - 05/05/2028

from $14,899 per person

04/26/2028 - 05/12/2028

from $14,899 per person

05/03/2028 - 05/19/2028

from $13,499 per person

05/10/2028 - 05/26/2028

from $13,499 per person

09/13/2028 - 09/29/2028

from $13,999 per person

09/20/2028 - 10/06/2028

from $14,899 per person

09/27/2028 - 10/13/2028

from $14,899 per person

10/04/2028 - 10/20/2028

from $14,899 per person

10/11/2028 - 10/27/2028

from $14,899 per person

10/18/2028 - 11/03/2028

from $14,899 per person

10/25/2028 - 11/10/2028

from $14,899 per person

11/01/2028 - 11/17/2028

from $14,899 per person

11/08/2028 - 11/24/2028

from $13,999 per person

11/15/2028 - 12/01/2028

from $13,999 per person

11/22/2028 - 12/08/2028

from $13,999 per person

12/06/2028 - 12/22/2028

from $13,999 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $13,499 per person

Length

16 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Moderate

Remarks

Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change. Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Domestic carriers for internal flights in Egypt will be Egypt Air or Nile Air. Flight information will not be available until a couple of days prior to the tour departure.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1689589

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