Middle East Dream Escape: Iconic Petra & The Great Pyramids

Arrive at any time. After a brief welcome meeting at the hotel connect with new friends on an optional group dinner in Amman, or explore on your own before the adventure begins.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. 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.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

It’s all about Amman’s culture and food today in an immersive experience of the must-see sites and best food in the city. After breakfast, visit the King Abdullah Mosque, then follow that up with visits to the Citadel and Roman Amphitheater before travelling to the local favorite hillside town of As Salt. Here, embark on a 2-hour food tour where you will experience first-hand typical Jordanian hospitality while sampling, and learning about a smattering of regional dishes earning you a memorable taste of As Salt’s rich culinary traditions. The remainder of the afternoon and evening will be free in Amman to do as you please.

ACTIVITY: The first stop on today's journey is the Visit King Abdullah Mosque, capped by a blue mosaic dome. Then, head to the Citadel, an archaeological site best known for the Roman Temple of Hercules and used by numerous civilizations since the Bronze Age. Then jump in a private vehicle for a ten minute drive to the Roman Amphitheatre to view the grounds from the outside. The theatre could once seat up to 6,000 people in its steep stairs.

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

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a 2-hour food tour in As-Salt, Jordan for an immersive culinary experience. Begin at a local eatery and sample some traditional Jordanian appetizers like hummus, falafel, and labneh. Then, head somewhere else for the country's national dish, Mansaf. There will also be an exploration of the local markets and spice shops. Finish the tour up with dessert before a refreshing cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. The experience provides the perfect overview of As-Salt's rich culinary traditions.

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

FREE TIME: Travel back to Amman for free time in the city.

Leave Amman in the morning and travel to the remarkably well-preserved Roman archaeological site of Jerash. Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the site and learn more about the history of this architectural marvel as you walk through the various public squares and plazas. Continue onwards to Petra where you will have free time to get settled in before dinner on your own.

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

ACTIVITY: Take a step back in time visiting Jerash, one of the most well-preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Wander amid its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, and city walls pierced by towers and gates – all in exceptional condition.

FREE TIME: Wadi Musa is the closest town to Petra. Enjoy free time here on your own to get settled and explore a bit.

Today the group will hike from Little Petra along the ancient backdoor trail to the iconic masterpiece of Petra. The trail comes out near the Monastery where you can enjoy a boxed lunch overlooking the image most people come to Jordan searching for. Drive back to the hotel and have a free rest of the day to explore on your own or relax on the rooftop as the sun goes down past the horizon.

ACTIVITY: Explore the narrow alleyway with tall cliff walls and carved rock of Little Petra, which is similar to its larger namesake. Just 9km (5.6 mi) from Wadi Musa, it's worth the visit.

ACTIVITY: Start today's hike along the back door trail to Petra. You'll visit the often overlooked, but unique and charming Little Petra and then embark along the ancient trail that leads to the back entry into Petra via the Monastery. Sit down for a picnic lunch overlooking the splendor before exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wind through the Siq, a narrow, 1km-long gorge flanked by these soaring sandstone walls standing 80m-high and catch a glimpse of this magnificent creation, the famed treasury of Petra.

Explore in depth with your CEO and get a brief history of the city, one of the greatest attractions in the Middle East. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Visit monuments that include the Pharaoh's Castle, the triumphal arch, the amphitheatre, and the monastery.

FREE TIME: EVENING After a full day of exploring Petra and the surroundings, you will have free time back in Wadi Musa at the hotel. Choose to grab a few drinks at a nearby rooftop and find a local spot for dinner.

You’re in for an unforgettable experience on a sunrise visit to Petra to witness this famous archaeological site as the morning light crests over the sandstone cliffs. Travel back to the hotel for breakfast and then depart for the ‘Valley of the Moon’ or more commonly known as Wadi Rum. Upon arrival hop on a 4x4 and ride deep into the natural beauty and unique landscape of red sand dunes to reach your private camp amid the dunes. Take some time to get settled here and have a group dinner at camp before a walking tour for some stargazing in a sky with very little light pollution. An epic day for sure!

ACTIVITY: Visit Petra one last time for an impressive sight of sunrise above The Treasury. Truly the best time to see Petra in all its glory, you will experience far fewer visitors at this early hour. Sit down, take it all in, and feel how the string of time pulls thinner while the sun lights up the sandstone cliffs in an ethereal glow.

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

ACTIVITY: Head deep into the desert by 4x4 and enjoy the amazing natural beauty and unique landscape on this unforgettable drive. Along the way drive up red sand dunes, view stunning rock formations, and visit ancient sites to view rock art and inscriptions.

ACTIVITY: Walk out into the desert from Wadi Rum and search for stars as the sun goes down and full darkness reveals just how many were there all along.

After breakfast leave the solitude of the desert for a more lively time in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Upon arrival, the day is yours to do as you please. Choose to book a boat ride with lunch and snorkelling in the marine-rich waters of the Dead Sea, or stay on land and peruse the Marina Village, or the Aqaba Local Market. Dinner this evening is on your own, but the nightlife in Aqaba is something to consider trying out.

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

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Upon arrival to Aqaba there will be free time to enjoy all that the Red Sea has to offer. Choose to book a 4-hour boat ride including lunch and snorkelling gear. Or you could visit the local market for some local specialty snacks, and the Marina Village with all of its boutique shops. No matter what, the choice is yours.

Get out there and fully immerse yourself in the fun experiences Aqaba has to offer its visitors. Choose to purchase a full-day beach club pass which includes lunch and will let you be as relaxed as can be on the sand, the whole day belongs to you. You can also visit the sites in town that you didn’t get a chance to check out yesterday. Dinner is wherever you please, but a nearby restaurant with some live music and a fun local crowd sounds like a good idea!

FREE TIME: FULL DAY The full day is free to do as you choose in the gorgeous seaside town of Aqaba. Options include hanging out by the hotel pool, visiting the market or Marina Village, or you can book the full--day Beach Club Pass with inclusive lunch and really go all out for your final free day in Aqaba.

ACTIVITY: Whether it’s a a local place with live music or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Leave Aqaba and the Red Sea behind today and travel to Madaba and the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Along the way make a stop for a traditional Jordanian meal at the G Adventures-supported Al Safi Kitchen working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. Then, it’s the moment many have been waiting for, a soak and float in the healing waters of the sea. Search for salt chunks bobbing nearby and rub the medicinal mud on your skin. Visit St George Church next, where you will see some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world. Spend a free evening in Madaba before an optional dinner with the group

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be a stop along the way for lunch at a G Adventures-supported initiative.

ACTIVITY: Stop for lunch at Al Safi Kitchen to enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal. Take a tour of the grounds, taste a delicious meal with the freshest ingredients from Safi’s farms, and learn about how this nonprofit is working to create a sustainable future for community members near the Dead Sea. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. They also offer equal job opportunities for all members of the local community.

ACTIVITY: Discover the legendary healing qualities of the Dead Sea, famous for its unique mineral makeup and salinity. Spot salt chunks drifting by like icebergs on the water’s surface. Take a dip yourself and float like a buoy or cover yourself in the mud along the shore, believed to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits. There are showers nearby to wash off after.

ACTIVITY: Explore Madaba’s long history on this guided tour, including its role as the centre of early Christianity. See some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of the Middle East. Tour churches, the Archaeological Park, and the local museum that's housed in several old Madaba residences.

Relax on this full free day in Madaba. Choose to explore other locations you didn't have the chance to yesterday and perhaps choose to sign up for an optional activity to visit the Ma'in Hot Springs. These mineral-rich, naturally heated waters are the perfect way to soothe your muscles before the next leg of your travels. Think an oasis-like destination, steeped in wellness culture, and a prime spot for waterfall swimming, and warm water soaking.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Relax in Madaba on this full free day. Choose to visit the nearby Ma'in Hot Springs for a soothing wellness moment and chance to soak in these mineral-rich, warm springs.

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.

It's a full free day to explore Cairo! Whether you want relax and recharge, visit Memphis and Sakkara, or tour the fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts this city, the choice is yours.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full free day to explore the wonders of Cairo as you please.

Take an orientation tour through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with free time for shopping or people watching from a shisha café. Then enjoy a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

For lunch, why not go local with a couple of falafel sandwiches, or take the chance to find out what kushari tastes like?



In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Additional Information: After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and store our luggage in our vehicle, ready to head to the station to catch tonight's overnight train later in the evening.

ACTIVITY: Head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in downtown Cairo for an orientation walk with the CEO. Learn the best places to buy various things, and opt to enjoy a hookah and a cup of tea in a cafe. Enjoy free time to stroll and shop the narrow pathways.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your CEO has all the facts about these massive structures.

TRANSPORT: Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Free morning to explore Aswan. Opt to wander through the souk at your own pace or visit the famous Philae Temple, it's your choice.



In the afternoon, board a boat and cruise down the Nile. Visit a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with locals.

Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed.

FREE TIME: MORNING Head out and explore this sleepy town.

ACTIVITY: Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.

Spend the day exploring Aswan.

Spend another day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit one of the most fascinating sights in the area, the Temple of Abu Simbel. Or continue exploring the city to learn more about Aswan's local people.

Additional Information: If you have purchased the Temple of Abu Simbel Excursion, you will visit the temple today. Leaving Aswan at around 4am, you travel deep into the desert to the site of these enormous temples, on the shores of Lake Nasser. You can spend around 2 hours at the temples and then return to Aswan by about 12pm. The round trip drive is around 5-6 hrs.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Explore Aswan or go further afield.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.

Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.

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

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

ACTIVITY: Board a felucca (local boat), to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the city. Journey 4 hours on the water to Aswan Bridge. Lunch will be served on board.

Enjoy a full free day to explore Luxor. Opt to set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank of Luxor excursion. Or choose to discover the city at your own pace, by wandering through the local bazaars or visiting a museum—the choice is yours!

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Start exploring Luxor.

After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterwards, cycle back to the waterfront and board the ferry to travel back across the Nile. Spend a free afternoon in Luxor at your leisure, or choose to join the East Bank optional excursion. In the evening board an overnight train back to Cairo.

In the evening, board an overnight train back to Cairo. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

ACTIVITY: Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in an after school programs that teaches art, communication, and social skills.

After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterward cycle back to the waterfront to board the ferry back to the East Bank.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy a free day to explore Luxor and beyond.

TRANSPORT: Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.

Tour ends upon arrival.

Additional Information: Our tour finishes on arrival at Giza train station. Please be aware that delays on overnight trains do quite often occur, so please do not book any onward flights before 2pm today.



If you opt to book the Memphis and Sakkara Excursion, please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.