Jordan to Egypt: The Sinai Peninsula & The Shimmering Red Sea

Arrive at any time and welcome to the “City of Mosaics”. Madaba is known for its rich collection of artistic treasures. After meeting your CEO and fellow group members see for yourself and choose to attend an optional dinner.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Get ready for an adventure into the lesser known desert landscape of Wadi Araba, lying on the border between Jordan and Israel. Feel the wind whip through your hair on a 4x4 ride deeper into the wadi where you’ll stop for tea before hiking to a nearby pond. Enjoy time to float in the water before driving to an unforgettable area for sunset. Then, settle in at your camping spot for a night spent under the stars.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Hike through the stunning and untouched landscape of Wadi Araba in the Jordan Rift Valley. Think vast desert scenery, rolling dunes, and rugged mountains, making it truly the perfect adventurous hiking spot on the border between Jordan and Israel. The group will finish the hike at a nearby pond and can spend some time swimming before heading to the sunset spot.

ACTIVITY: Camp under a vast sky of stars in Wadi Araba, Jordan's lesser-visited desert landscape. Gain more of an understanding of Bedouin culture and experience a spot that is a hiker and nature's lover's paradise, plus is far less crowded than Jordan's other well known attractions. Sip tea as you watch the horizon change colours and star gaze until you can barely keep your eyes open.

Depart the calm and quiet of the desert and travel into Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The journey will take the group across the Gulf of Aqaba and onward to Dahab. This hip, beach town is known for its vibrant underwater world, amazing windsurfing conditions, and a unique blend of bohemian relaxed atmosphere and adventure. Dahab’s turquoise waters beckon to visitors from the desert shore. Spend a few free hours to explore and enjoy the beachside accommodations along the Red Sea.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and enjoy the views along the water as the group rides a Hydrofoil between Aqaba and Taba on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

FREE TIME: Rest up after a day of travel. Swim in the hotel pool, walk along the beach, or even choose to book a relaxing visit to the spa.

There’s nothing quite like a day in paradise, especially a beach location that is seldom visited by tourists. Spend your time in Dahab as adventurous or leisurely as you’d like. Choose to visit Ain Khudra Oasis, which is special for its Bedouin culture, historical significance, palm trees, and natural beauty. The water source here has been used for thousands of years amid the dry, harsh desert climate. This excursion will take all day, but other options include a beach day or if you’re feeling extra brave, some windsurfing. The choice is yours, and sometimes that makes it all the more sweeter.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Take advantage of this full free day in Dahab and soak up the laid back bohemian vibes. Lounge in the sand along the soothing waters of the Red Sea. Choose to visit a historical oasis in the desert, or try your hand at windsurfing as means to get further out onto the water.

Fall further in love with the coastline of the Sinai Peninsula during another free day in paradise. Choose to pull those adventure caps on and book an optional snorkelling excursion to Dahab’s famed Blue Hole. Located in the Abu Galum Nature Reserve, this submarine sinkhole has a depth of over 300ft and is located just a couple of feet offshore, thus having minimal current. Choose to snorkel amid the stunning biodiversity here and enjoy time in the nature reserve via boat. Your other options for the day include hanging out at the beachfront accommodations or lounging in the sun by the inviting waters of the Red Sea.

FREE TIME: Indulge your adventure fantasies with an optional snorkelling excursion to Dahab's famous Blue Hole, or choose to remain at the hotel property and take advantage of the amenities available to you there. Picture the relaxation of another beach day full of floating in the Red Sea, lying in the sun, and enjoying each other's company.

Take one final look at the Red Sea before travelling away from Dahab. The group will head inland to St. Catherine’s Monastery and visit the oldest continuously inhabited Christina monastery in the world. It is said to have been built near the site of the Burning Bush and where Moses supposedly received the Ten Commandments. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about the herbal gardens grown within the valley, and their different uses. Later, interact with Bedouin local women during a handicrafts exhibition. Sunset will be watched from a scenic location this evening, and an early bed time is encouraged to rest up for tomorrow’s hike up Mount Sinai.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to Saint Catherine's Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Learn more about the history of this place and how important its location is to the teachings of the Christian Bible. Expect to explore ancient architecture, a rich collection of manuscripts and religious icons, and beautiful views of Mount Sinai.

It’s said in the Bible that God made the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Today marks a week on your Sinai Peninsula adventure and today’s experience, while rewarding, is certainly not relaxing. Begin the sunrise hike to the stop of Mount Sinai in the very early hours of the morning. Arrive in time to catch a memorial sunrise of Egypt’s most religious landscape and stand on the site that is considered to be the place where God appeared to Moses and revealed the Ten Commandments. Hike back down to St. Catherine and enjoy some food and time to freshen up before your day of travel back to Cairo. The route will cross the Suez Canal. Arrive in Cairo by the afternoon and get settled. Tonight’s activity is a Big Night Out with the group to a favorite local spot.

ACTIVITY: Hike to the summit of spiritual Mount Sinai, which holds religious significant in the Torah, Bible, and Quran. This is where Moses is said to have climbed to speak directly with his God for 40 days and 40 nights. Then, he received the Ten Commandments from God. Start in the early hours when it's still dark and be prepared for a memorable sunrise hike. Peer out at an endless landscape of jagged mountains and vast desert as far as you can see, and feel the magic of the soft morning life as it touches the peak. The walk will be steep in places, but the trail is in good condition and there are plenty of beautiful spots to stop for a drink. There are two paths that leave from St. Catherine's Monastery, one is much steeper and the other is a more straightforward track as camels used to walk up this way. Both trails will meet up for the final 750 steps to the top.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between St. Catherine and Cairo. The drive will take the group across the Suez Canal.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a Big Night Out in Cairo. Your CEO will lead the way and take the group to a fabulous local spot for some fun. Reminisce about the trip, interact with residents of Cairo, and have a memorable evening among friends old and new.

Today is departure day, but do not fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Hug your new friends, exchange social medias, and depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.