April 28-May 15
and October 13-30, 2009
Escorted by Marc Kupper
photo: St. Catherine's Monastery
Join us on this wonderful, comprehensive tour
of Egypt and JordanDay 1: Arrival in Cairo. Met and transfer to Meridian Pyramids Hotel in Giza with an unforgetable view of the Pyramids. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Full day visiting The Great Pyramids - Cheops, Chephren & Mykerions. Cheops is the most colossal ever built. Next is a close-up look at the sphinx - a huge funeral complex guarded by the legendary lion body with the face of king Chephren. Visit the Step pyramid in Sakkara - the 1st pyramid ever built. See the earliest monumental stone tractor in Egypt, a stepped pyramid built for King Zoser (c. 2650 BC). Then visit the cemetery for Memphis, used continuously for 3,000 years. See the earliest monumental stone tractor in Egypt, a stepped pyramid built for King Zoser (c. 2650 BC). (B,L,D)
Day 3: Transfer to the airport (early morning start) for your flight to Abu Simbel to visit the twin temples of Ramses ll and his Queen Nefertari with their facades of colossal statues, .on the shores of Lake Nasser. The smaller of the two was commissioned by Ramses II to honor Hathor goddess of love and dedicated to his beloved wife, Nefertari. In early 1960s, by a prodigious feat of engineering and international cooperation, the entire temple complex was dismantled stone by stone and reassembled 90 feet above its original site in order to save it from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
After finishing our morning tour, fly back to Aswan. (B,D)
Day 4: After breakfast, transfer to our 5-star cruise ship. Visit the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser, the Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple and cruise to Kom Ombo. Our boat departs Aswan at 300pm and sails down the Nile to Edfu. Enroute visit Kom Ombo Temple shared by the two gods Sobek and Haroeris. Ride by felucca to visit the Nubian village.
Overnight aboard the Nile Cruise Ship (B,L,D)
Day 5: Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu and sail to Esna, cross the lock then sail to Luxor. Afternoon visit to the East Bank of the Nile, Karnak and Luxor Temples. Overnight on board cruise ship anchored in Luxor. (B,L,D)
Day 6: After breakfast, cross to the West Bank of the Nile to visit Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
Excursion to the Valley of Kings; visit the tombs of various dynasties, The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon which are two gigantic sitting statues representing Amenopis III facing the Nile. Then visit the Karnak & Luxor Temples. Excursion to the Luxor Temple to see its courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses the Great. Proceed to Karnak, which is a serious of temples, built in different reigns. Starting by the Avenue of Sphinxes visit the Unfinished Propylon, the Hypostyle Hall with it's 134 gigantic columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis III, the temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarbeus of Amenophis III and the Sacred Lake.
Lunch on board. Afternoon independent. Overnight in on cruise ship anchored in Luxor . (B,L,D)
Day 7: Disembarkation. Transfer to the Sheratan hotel. Free day in Luxor for shopping and visiting markets. Optional activities include a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, a visit to the excellent Luxor Museum, strolling in the markets or attending a lovely Sound & Light Show this evening at the Temple of Karnak. (B)
Day 8: Early morning transfer to Luxor Airport for flight to Cairo arriving 8 am. Our tour starts with visiting Islamic Cairo beginning with the 12th century Citadel of Salah El Deen El Ayoubi, built in 1176 A.D. to protect the city against crusaders, and the seat of power for 700 years. Within the walls of this medieval fortress is Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali, one of the landmarks in Cairo whose minaret can be seen from any part of the city. The Mohammed Ali mosque was built in Turkish style, very similar to the Blue Mosque in Turkey. Also on the premises is the Qasr El-Gawahara or Jewel Palace built by Mohamed Ali, on a site which was once occupied by Mameluke and Ottoman palaces. Next you visit the Mosque of lbn Tulan, built in 876 AD, the oldest original mosque in Cairo.
Proceed to Khan El Khalil Bazaar for lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant operated by Oberoi and named after the Egyptian renowned Noble prize novelist who is regarded as the first contemporary Arabic writer and novelist. Here we indulge, tasting Egyptian cuisine in a very authentic Egyptian ambience, time to stroll around the labyrinthine Khan El Khalili bazaar.
Afternoon visit the Egyptian Museum of antiquities. On display is a rare collection of 5000 years of art the largest most precious collection of Egyptian art in the world. Over 250,000 genuine artifacts are presented, including an exhibit dedicated to the Tutankhamen collection of treasures, gold, and jewelry, as it was enclosed in his tomb for over 3,500 years before it was discovered in the 1920s when his tomb was excavated. Next we visit the Tomb of Tutankhamun. NOTE: The only thing that is still inside the Tomb of King Tut is the mummy and the stone sarghouphis. There is no guarantee that the mummy will be there, as some times it is sent for exhibitions.
In the evening you may like to return to the Khan El Khalili Bazaars independently as they are open all night. Shops in this district are legendary for fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, antiques and more! OR: Optional dinner cruise (extra cost approx $60 per person) includes transportation, dinner and Belly Dance Show.
Day 9:
Morning we focus on Coptic Egypt before we start our journey to Sinai. We visit Old Cairo-- Church of Abu-Sergah and St. Berbara, The Hanging Church, and the Coptic Museum which has a large collection of Coptic arts and antiquities dating from 300-1000 B.C. We will also visit the old Ben Ezra Synagogue.Leaving Cairo behind we set off to Sinai desert, crossing under the Suez Canal through A.H tunnel, the only traffic vein serves to link 2 continents, Africa & Asia, and driving past Moses Springs on the Gulf of Suez where Moses hit the rock and water came forth for the 12 Israeli tribes. Proceed to Wadi Firan ( Biblical Raphideem ) which was visited and passed over by the children of Israel during the Exodus. Continue to St. Catherine’s Monastery. Our hotel located right in the plain where the Israelites set encampment ( Wadi Raha, plain of rest ) (B,D)
Day 10: Depart your hotel by 100 am to start the climb by 200 am up the mountain either on foot or by camels for about 7 km holding flashlights, to reach the peak before sunrise. To the mountain peak, is about 2200 m above sea level. It is approximately a 3 hr walk to the top at a gradual incline. At the top there are 700 steps built by the monks which can be difficult for some people to climb but it is spectacular when you reach the top. All ages have been seen climbing it. You can take your time and go as far as you like, or not at all. All along the path up the mountain there are rest stops which are run by the bedoiun. They offer hot drinks and water. We will also supply water bottles to carry with you.
It was on this mountain that Moses received the Ten Commandments. It lies south of St. Catherine’s Monastery and rises to a height of 7.497 feet. Once on top, witness the most beautiful and spectacular sunrise you have ever seen. Descend the Mountain about 7 am, arriving back at the hotel for breakfast at 900 am.
Return to hotel for breakfast and some rest ime. Afternoon, visit to Selima’s workshop. Selima is charismatic Bedouin young woman who runs a workshop creating Bedouin handicraft, tools & artifacts. The mission of the workshop is to develop a better social status, financial security and independence for women. About 300 girls are involved and supported. This very remarkable and unprecedented project is worthy to visit. (B, L, D).
Day 11: Aqaba Jordan
Morning visit the Monastery of St. Catherine, which sits at an altitude of 5,150 feet on the reputed site of the Burning Bush. The monastery was built between the years 527 & 565 and is named for St. Catherine, an Alexandrian martyr who died in 307. The Monastery houses some of the oldest and most precious icons ever known in iconography in addition to over 7000 valuable old manuscripts.Drive to Taba (approx 3 hrs) and cross the border at Arava to Elate (about 15 min drive). Here our partner will meet us to facilitate entry into the border town with Israel. We will be able to have the visa stamp not be inside your passport for those who request. Upon arrival at Aqaba, our representative will assist you with all formalities and customs as well as obtaining a free collective entry visa (provided group is no less than 5 & we have received passport details one month prior to your trip departure). Rest of afternoon/evening free. Dinner at the resort. (B,D)
Day 12: Free morning at the hotel beach. Afternoon exploration of the magnificent desert moonscapes of Wadi Rum. We will descend to the breathtaking pink Nature Reserve of Rum (no not Rum the drink!). Enjoy free time in the village of Wadi Rum, while interacting with the locals and visiting the Bedouin Police station. Explore this awesome desert on 4x4 jeeps driven by your Bedouin guide. This 3 hour experience will introduce you to the real Bedouin life in Jordan. The tour ends at a special spot where you will admire the beauty of the sun reflecting off the Sandstone Mountains of the desert while enjoying some refreshment of local Arak (Jordanian alcoholic drink) & soft drinks served specially for you in the middle of nowhere.
Board the jeeps and drive out of the desert (about 1 hour) to the deluxe Movenpick Petra Hotel conveniently located at the entrance to the fabled city of Petra (B,L)
Day 13: After Breakfast, we walk to Petra visitor's center to start a full day tour of The Hidden Nabatean city Petra, that still forms part of the domain of the Bedouin, and you will see them with their horses and camels as you begin your unforgettable trip into this cultural landmark.
After passing tombs outside the city, you come to the Siq, an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone almost one half mile long. This winding fissure separates overhanging cliffs that appear to meet 300 feet overhead. Near the end of the passage, the Siq makes one last turn with great style, and out of the gloom Petra's most impressive monument Al Khazneh (The Treasury) appears in the towering brightness. One of the most elegant remains of antiquity, out of the, Al Khazneh is nearly 140 feet high and was carved from the mountain's solid rock in the First Century B.C. Originally used as a Namataean king's tomb, scholars believe Al Khazneh was later used as Nabataean temple. Film buffs will recognize it from its starring role in the final scenes of the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."
Beyond el Khazneh you are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra's curved and built structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a curved Roman theater (seating 3,000), large and small houses, burial chambers, banquet halls, water channels and reservoirs, bathes, monumental staircases, cultic installations, markets, arched gates public buildings and paved streets. Lunch is at the Basin Restaurant in the heart of Petra surrounded by its glory and mountains. (B,L)
Day 14: This second visit of Petra includes the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice for superb views of the archeological site. Box lunch prepared to take it with you while climbing to Haroon Tomb.
Evening transfer to Baidha, a wonderful Neolithic archeological site, where we will enjoy a BBQ dinner party in the area of Little Petra, with music and delicious catered Jordanian food.and meet with local Bedouin families. This is near the archaeological site just outside of Petra the city. About 20 minute drive. The site is located among the Sandstone Mountains of Petra, where the Nabateans used to greet the great caravan traders while they traverse the region. This Nabataean feast is one of the special events through which you can experience some of the activities that took place in this place during the time of its prosperity. The Nabataeans, are the people who built Petra.
Bedouin tents will be set-up with floor seating- mattresses will be place on the carpeted floor. The tents will be decorated in a traditional fashion and will be lit with candles and lanterns and a bonfire will be set in the middle of the seating area. The dinner is cooked by the Bedouin ladies of Beidah & fully serviced by the Bedouin men especially for the group. During dinner a local Bedouins troop coming from the roots of that area will perform the folkloric dance of the south of Jordan and will invite the guests to share with them this glory dance. (B,L,D)
Day 15: This morning we reluctantly depart Petra and drive via the scenic road of the king's highway to Dana Nature Reserve situated on the edge of time, as the locals say, the most beautiful wildlife scenery in the Middle East. Visit the small village and meet with local people & listen to their stories and the way they live in this area. Lunch will be served at Dana guest house overlooking on the magnificent cliff of the reserved valley.
After lunch the path takes us to Karak passing through the villages en-route; visit Karak Castle,which lies in the biblical land of Moab and was a Moabite stronghold long before the Crusaders built the castle for which it is famous today. Its biblical name is Kir-Haraseth Karak, the most important of the defenses guarding the Latin Kingdom. King Fulk (1131-43) created the lordship of Outrejourdain and in 1142 its lord, Pagan the Butler, transferred his headquarters from Montreal to Karak, the early work dates from this period.
In the late afternoon prepare your self to feel the unworldly sensation of driving to the lowest point on earth to the Dead Sea Basin. Transfer to the wonderful Movenpick Dead Sea Resort. (B,L)
Day 16: Enjoy a morning of relaxation on the shores of the Dead Sea. The experience of floating on the Dead Sea and indulging in a Mineral Salt spa treatment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. Enjoy the facilities of the Resort and the healing water of the Dead Sea.
We will rejoin Kings Highway and visit Mount Nebo, from which Moses viewed the Promised Land. The memorial of Moses was the last station in Moses trip after he left Egypt with the Israelites using the Kings Highway passing by Wadi Musa (Petra) where he stroked the rock and the natural spring was created. Mt. Nebo is the second place where Moses struck the rock for the second time though he was told by God he could only use his stick once. Moses viewed the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo but was unable to cross it. It is also believed that Moses is buried in this area.
Next we drive to the Mosaic city Madaba to visit the famous Byzantine Mosaic map, which makes up a small portion of the floor in the Greek Orthodox Church. The map gives a brief introduction to the history of the Holy Land. Stroll around in this small town ending at Haret Jedoudnah-- one of the oldest houses in Madaba city newly turned into a handicraft center and restaurant where we enjoy lunch.
Late afternoon we arrive in the lovely Jordanian capital of Amman for a two night stay at Hotel Intercontinental. (B,L)
Day 17: After breakfast, proceed to the north of Amman for a 45 minute drive to the best preserved example of Roman civilization, the city of Jerash. Jerash, part of the Decapolis (the ten big Roman cities of the East) has been called the Pompeii of the East for its unique state of preservation. The city features theaters, churches, temples (Zeus and Artemis), a Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets.
Lunch will be served at one of the local restaurants in Jerash.
After lunch, we proceed to the Saracen castle at Ajlun. This 12th Century castle was built by Saladin in his successful campaign to drive the Crusaders from Jordan in 1189 and is an outstanding example of Arab/Islamic military architecture. After that proceed to Umm Qais, this spectacular point located in the far end of north of the Kingdome, and capture a magnificent view on the Lake Tiberius & the Golan highest.
Next, we drive back to Amman for a city tour of the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom. The tour will take you to the museums, the Citadel, the amphitheater, the souks and the modern part of town.
We will return to the hotel for rest before a drive to Kan Zaman Village for a gala farewell dinner. Kan Zaman village is 20 minutes drive from the hotel; the visit of the village will include the tour in the village souk (market) and handicraft center & shops, then buffet dinner of typical Jordanian dishes will be served at Sahtain restaurant the village's main restaurant with live entertainment show of local duo (Oude & drums). (B,L,D)
Day 18: Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight back home. Our staff will meet you at the entrance gate of the departure terminal to assist you with all departure formalities and bid you farwell! (B)
Prices: based on min 12 people April: $5690; single supplement: $1250 / Oct: $5860, single room $1265 Prices subject to change as this is an early announcement. Hotel upgrades possible based on availability.
Includes:
- accommodations: Five Star Hotels
- Flight Tickets: Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan-Luxor/Cairo
- daily breakfast and other meals as indicated in the itinerary
- water: 2 litre bottles per person per day on the bus
- jeep tour/transfer between Aqaba and Petra, including full-day tour through Wadi Rum
- all other transfers by a/c touring coach with toilets
- Professional local guides in Egypt and Jordan
- all entry/user fees for sightseeing program as outlined
- porterage at airports, ports, train stations
- horseback entry to Petra, first visit only, donkey or horse or camel excursion to Jabal Harun in Petra
- BBQ party in Baidha, gala farewell dinner in Amman at Fakhr al-Din Restaurant.
- Marc Kupper, accompanying escort with minimum 5 people/supplement fee applies. For less than 5 people, the tour will be run as private tour using professional local guides or travelers may opt to pay supplement fee to retain Marc, if all group members are in agreement.
Does not include: visa fees, tips, other meals, drinks, personal extras, Egypt and Jordan departure taxes (usually included with international ticket but not always).
Visas for both Egypt and Jordan can be obtained upon arrival in both countries. The price is in the range of only $15-20 per person per visa when issued upon arrival which is less than if obtained in the US in advance.
Marc Kupper, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in French, began his illustrious travel career with a circumnavigation on the M/V Yankee Trader in 1976-77 and hasn't stopped wandering the four corners of the world ever since. Marc is fluent in French, Swahili and Thai and has shared his love of travel with thousands of clients for the past twenty-five years. His areas of expertise are Asia, Africa and the Middle East - though he has also travelled widely in central Europe and South America. He has been to Egypt and Jordan roughly twenty-five times.
Hotels listed based on availability
(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941all text & photos © 1997-current, Barbara Sansone