Jordan To Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs

Guide

Tour leaders (one leader for Jordan and another for Egypt)

Meals

When not in half-board accommodation, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around US$20-US$30 per person for non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat. In Egypt, meals are often buffets. Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader can tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on the location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all. In Egypt, it is much easier to obtain alcohol.

Others

All listed activities

Flights

2 internal flights included: Amman to Cairo and Luxor to Cairo *** All other flights are not included.

Transport

For most of this trip, we use an air-conditioned bus with local drivers. Occasionally, we may use two vehicles for the group. To reach the Wadi Rum camp, and to explore the surrounding desert, we use basic four-wheel-drive vehicles, owned by the Bedouin family that hosts us. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below the normal vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available, and as we are not travelling by road, we feel they are an adequate means of transport. This trip also includes a sleeper train in Egypt (see accommodation section for more information) and a journey on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat.

Accommodation

We spend two nights in a three-star hotel in Amman, one night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum, two nights in a three-star hotel in Petra, two nights in a four-star hotel in Cairo, one night on a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, one night in a simple lodge at Abu Simbel, one night in a four-star hotel in Aswan, two nights in a four-star hotel in Luxor and a final night in another three-star hotel in Cairo. Star ratings in Jordan and Egypt are generally not comparable to Western classifications, particularly in Cairo where infrastructure is often dated. Tolip, Aswan: Wadi Rum camp: The private camp is for the sole use of Exodus groups and offers an unforgettable experience under desert skies. A traditional dinner, cooked underground is included. The traditional-style tents are equipped with beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water. Hotels in Petra: Accommodation in Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra archaeological site) is limited and demands on infrastructure are high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the hotels are of an older style and more basic in comparison to the rest of Jordan. Hotels we use include Petra Icon Hotel, Petra Plaza, Edom Hotel and La Maison among others. Some hotels are closer to the entrance to Petra than others. When not within walking distance of the Petra entrance, a transfer to/from the entrance is provided (typically a 10-minute drive). Cairo to Aswan sleeper train: The train is a good way to cover a long distance in a time-efficient manner and avoids the need for a domestic flight. Compartments are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet on each carriage. Accommodation in Abu Simbel: We usually stay in a simple Nubian-owned, traditional style lodge in Abu Simbel. This is a great way to get a taste of the Nubian lifestyle and support the people. Mosquito netting is provided, though insect repellent can prove useful. Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, Abu Simbel: Single supplements: Available for this trip; except in Wadi Rum (1 night) and on the sleeper train (1 night).

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas and vaccinations

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.