Discounted

Jordan and Egypt - Petra to the Pyramids

Egypt, Jordan - Trip code PP Discovery
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632Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

This action-packed journey combining Jordan and Egypt through the Sinai Peninsula takes in some of the world's most significant archaeological sites, including the Pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, as well as the ancient Nabatean city of Petra. Packed full of highlights, we will sleep like a Bedouin in Wadi Rum, float in the Dead Sea, snorkel in the Red Sea, explore the Valley of the Kings, have the option to climb Mt Sinai for sunrise and experience the buzz of Cairo and Amman.

Why we love this trip
  • Petra - Witness the ancient Rose Red City of Petra by day and by night, exploring the stone-cut tombs and temples.
  • Cairo - Visit the pyramids, temples and sacred structures of Giza, including the Great Pyramid and Great Sphinx and the new Grand Egyptian Museum.
  • Red Sea coast - Relax and snorkel in the laid back Red Sea resort of Dahab.
  • Nile River - Sail in a traditional felucca boat to experience the full scale of this famous waterway, the lifeblood of Egypt.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 14

    Lunch: 4

    Dinner: 5

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Camp Crew

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

    Ferry

    Train

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    Accommodation

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Egypt

Climate

Egypt's climate is hot and dry, typical of a desert environment. In summer it can be very hot and remains hot overnight whereas winter days are milder by comparison and temperatures can drop considerably at night. The mildest area is along the Mediterranean coast with temperatures ranging from 23-31°C in summer and 10-17°C in winter. In the desert region temperatures fluctuate in summer dropping as low as 7°C at night and up to 40°C during the day and in winter it can vary from 0°C at night to 18°C in the day. Aswan is one of the hottest cities with Cairo and Alexandria generally slightly cooler. Egypt receives very little rainfall annually and rainfall in summer is very rare.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islamic, Christian

Language

Arabic

Jordan

Climate

During April to November days are generally sunny and hot without rain with temperatures around 32°C. In spring and autumn evenings can be cool and night temperatures can drop suddenly especially in the desert. Expect cold nights in winter (December to February) when temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees. Some rain should also be expected at this time of year.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Dead Sea
Day 3: Dead Sea mud bath JD3.00 pp, Towel rental JD2.00 pp

Petra
Day 4: Petra by night JD17.00 pp
Day 4: Ottoman bath JD25.00 pp

Cairo
Day 11: Saqqara and Unas Pyramids $30 USD per person including transportation.
Day 11: Half day Islamic Cairo, the tour includes the Citadel, Sultan Hannan mosque and Khan El Khalili bazaar. $40 USD per person including transportation.

Luxor
Day 13: Entry to Tutankhamun's Tomb at Valley of the Kings 700LE per person (entrance ticket only)
Day 13: Entry to Tomb of Seti I (KV17) in the Valley of the Kings 2000LE per person (entrance ticket only)
Day 13 or 14: Karnak Sound and Light Show $20 USD per person (entrance ticket only, transport not included)
Day 13 or 14: Luxor Museum 475LE per person, Luxor Mummification Museum 220LE per person
Day 14: Hot Air Balloon $ 120.00 USD per person (all year long). Cameras are prohibited in the basket but phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee. This balloon excursion does not form part of your included Explore holiday package. We recommend you ask your tour leader to request a representative of the company come to the hotel so you can book and pay directly with them.

Please note that all optional prices in Egypt are in either US Dollars or in a small number of cases, LE Egyptian Pounds.

Please note prices are subject to change. Payments can be made by card in some cased or by cash.

Clothing

In Jordan and Egypt lightweight clothing is essential in mid- summer, with a sun-hat and neck protection, though a sweater and light jacket are advisable for Wadi Rum and St Catherine's. Early mornings can be very cold when camping in the desert. Winters in Egypt and Jordan can be cold, so please bring suitable warm clothing. We recommend a waterproof jacket in winter.

Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Moslem towns - loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.

Footwear

If you are looking to undertake the Mount Sinai trek it is essential to bring lightweight walking boots with ankle support and make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. We also recommend brining trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear.

We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a day sack. Hotel porters are generally available, however don't overload yourself. Please note you will only carry what you need to the camp in Wadi Rum and main luggage will be stored.

Equipment

Important information - camera lens over 50mm and drones are prohibited in the Sinai on security grounds.

We recommend the following packing
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Head Torch / Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
Camera (camera lens over 50mm are prohibited in the Sinai)
Walking poles if you wish to do the trek to the top of Mt Sinai (if you usually use them)
Personal toiletries (including anti-bacterial hand sanitiser and/or wash)
Insect repellent
Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore

In Wadi Rum, blankets and mattresses are provided, but you can bring your own sleeping sheet if you wish.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip.

As this trip operates in two countries please tip each leader separately, you will change tour leaders on day 6. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend around £20 in Jordan and £40 in Egypt as a guideline.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a standard part of service in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of services provided. To make things easier for you, your leader might organize a group kitty to cover tips throughout the trip.

As there are two different tour leaders on this trip we will operate a tips kitty for each country. In Jordan this will go towards staff at hotels, the Bedouins who welcome you in Wadi Rum and included activities and meals and the driver. Accordingly, you should allow JD20.00 (Jordanian Dinar) per person to contribute to the kitty. In Egypt we recommend £30, which goes to local guides and staff used on the trip.

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.

Egypt

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£6
Dinner price
£8
Beer price
£1.7
Water price
£0.75
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Egyptian Pound
Recommended Currency For Exchange
We recommend that you bring your money in cash, £GBP, US$ or Euros which are readily changeable.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your tour leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
You may also bring an ATM card, as these are available in main towns. Please contact your bank prior to travelling to determine if your card will work in Egypt.
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are rarely accepted. Please contact you bank prior to travelling to determine if your card will work in Egypt.

Jordan

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Jordanian Dinar
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling and US$ are widely exchangeable though exchange rates tend to favour the US$. It is worth taking some money in cash. You may be able to order Dinars from your bank although the rate will usually be lower than purchasing currency in country.
Where To Exchange
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but do not always work.
Credit Card Acceptance
In hotels and some larger shops/restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD, Ferry, Train

Accommodation notes


During our tour of Jordan and Egypt, we stay in comfortable and premium hotels with one night on a comfortable overnight train and one night in a comfortable camp. Comfortable-grade hotels are usually three-star with good amenities such as air-conditioning, WiFi and en-suite rooms. Please see your final documentation for your departure's confirmed accommodation.

Jordan's tourism infrastructure is well-developed and standards are generally good. However, due to the recent rise in tourism in Jordan, hotels are experiencing very high demand, particularly in and around Petra. This high demand can lead to lower levels of service and quality, as well as occurrences of overbookings, which are often notified to us at a late stage. For this reason, we would like to emphasise that hotel accommodation, including the standard of, is subject to change.

Petra: Depending on your chosen departure date, your hotel location in the Petra area may vary. All of the hotels we use are three-star and are either located on the main road very close to the main Petra gates or are a 25-minute walk away in the small town of Wadi Musa. For groups based in Wadi Musa, transport will be provided to and from the site on day four, and on day five you can either walk or take a local taxi for around £2-£4 each way. From the hotel in Wadi Musa, you can enjoy excellent views of the sprawling town and archaeological site below.

Wadi Rum: Our chosen desert camp in Wadi Rum has a stunning location in a little visited part of the Wadi. We camp in individual Bedouin tents and all bedding is provided. Facilities are shared, privacy is thus limited but more than compensated for by the location.

Red Sea: The four-star Swiss Inn is located on the Red Sea in the sleepy town of Dahab with direct beach access to relax and soak the sunshine. The hotel has a choice of four in-house restaurants and a large swimming pool. The board basis is half-board, so breakfast and dinner are included. The hotel also offers a host of water sports activities, snorkelling and an extensive health club.

Cairo: The four-star Novotel Cairo El Borg has a fantastic position in the heart of Cairo located on Zamalek, an island in the Nile River. There are numerous cafes and restaurants within close walking distance and the hotel boasts a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views over Cairo and the Nile. The Cairo Opera House is just 200 meters/656 feet from the hotel and the original Egyptian Museum is just a 15-minute walk away. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, satellite TV, a restaurant, a rooftop cafe, a gym and a hot tub. Free WiFi is available for hotel guests.

Luxor: Situated on the East bank of the Nile, our four-star hotel is located in the heart of Luxor with easy access to all the main sights. The hotel has a swimming pool as well as extensive facilities including a fitness centre and free WiFi. The Nile promenade is just outside the hotel entrance.

Sleeper train: On the overnight train, we use individual compartments, each containing a bench seat which converts into bunk beds. The carriage steward sets this up and provides bed linen, blankets and pillows. Each cabin is lockable and has a night light and cupboard with a small sink, shelf, mirror, towel and power socket, plus there is a tabletop that folds into the wall. Dinner and breakfast are delivered directly to you by the carriage steward. Two Western-style toilets are located at the end of each carriage and there is a communal lounge carriage with a bar serving soft drinks.

Egypt

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Jordan

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Jordan: Visa fees are waivered for tourists of British, American, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationalities on arrival at an international Jordanian airport. There are however, certain conditions that each tourist of these nationalities must meet in order to gain the free visa. Most of these are already met by Explore trips; however flight information, passport details and arrival date into Jordan all have an effect on qualifying for the free visa. Please see below for the category that is applicable to your flight arrangements:

The following information relates to the above nationalities travelling on flights to Jordan either arranged by Explore or for customers who are booking their own flights and are arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, the above nationalities must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process, this is already arranged by Explore as part of the transfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour.

The following information relates to the above nationalities arriving in Jordan prior or after the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, tourists of the above nationalities must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process. To qualify for the free visa, you must contact Explore at least 16 days prior to your departure date to arrange and purchase a private transfer. We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements.

Please Note: For all tourists of the above nationalities that do not advise their passport details and for all above nationalities that arrange their own travel arrangements and do not advise their flight details to Explore within the above specified timelines, the Jordanian visa fee of JD40.00 (approximately £45) will be applicable. This must be paid on arrival at an international Jordanian airport in order for individuals to gain a visa to enter the country.

All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate to determine if they are applicable for the above free visa on arrival or must gain a visa prior to departure.

Egypt: An entry visa is required by all nationalities. UK citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Taba port for the current cost of 25USD.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We have had reports of zoom cameras, camera lenses over 50mm and binoculars being confiscated by the immigration officials in Taba and Cairo. Drones are also prohibited. Please make sure you are fully aware of what equipment is permissible to be brought into Egypt. Please also ensure you read the FCO advice if you are travelling with prescribed medication.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

2285

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Egypt

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas in which we travel. Please note that all travellers aged over 9 months old will be required to supply a yellow fever certificate if you have travelled from or have transited via a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Jordan

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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