Guide

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Meals

13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 9 dinners

Others

Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx Cairo - Egyptian Museum Luxor - Temple of Karnak Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs) Aswan - Philae Temple Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner Aswan - Felucca Sail Jerash - Roman ruins Alloun - Ajloun Reserve Walk Dana - Village visit Petra - Guided tour Wadi Rum - 4WD jeep safari Petra - Little Petra Dead Sea - visit and swim

Transport

Overnight train,Private Minivan,Flight SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING: Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room. Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room. Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room. While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another. GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this. Hotel (11 nights),Overnight sleeper train (1 night) Desert Camp (1 night),Resort (1 night)

Not included:

Optional

Urban Adventures - Islamic Cairo in Depth Tour - USD60 Urban Adventures - Saqqara and Memphis - USD109 Urban Adventures - Treasures and Tut Tour - USD65 Cairo - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) - EGP200 Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP400 Cairo - The 2nd Pyramid of Khafre (entrance fee) - EGP100 Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) - EGP300 Luxor - Donkey ride (Sep - Apr Only) - EGP40 Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun (entrance fee) - EGP300 Aswan - Abu Simbel Tour (entrance fee, guide & transport, min. 4 people) per person from - USD110 Aswan - Unfinished Obelisk (entrance fee) - EGP80 Amman - City Tour - USD8 Amman - Dinner with a local family (min 6 people) - USD25 Mosaic & sand bottles - USD10 Petra - Petra By Night - JOD17 Petra - Camel milking - USD20 Petra - Goat milking - USD20 Petra - Telescope (30 mins) - USD15 Aqaba - Snorkelling Boat trip - JOD35

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Cairo

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Cairo, an intriguing mix of the modern and ancient. Your family adventure begins at a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight at your hotel. With the formalities out of the way, head out for a meal with your leader and fellow travellers and get to know each other over some local fare. For those who arrive early and have free time there are plenty of things to see and do. You can head out to explore the markets or, if the hustle and bustle of the city is too much, catch the metro into the oldest part of the city, the Coptic Christian sector. The latter is a haven of peace and quiet, with narrow cobbled streets and beautiful old churches.Accommodation: Novotel Cairo El Borg or similar
Day 2 Day 2: Cairo / Overnight Train
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cairo / Overnight Train

Explore the amazing Pyramids of Giza which have stood tall for 4500 years, including the enigmatic Great Sphinx. Afterwards, head to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum and be sure to check out the Mummies Hall (optional) for a close encounter with some of the country’s most important queens and pharaohs. You'll have plenty of time to explore the sites today (approximately 3 hours for the pyramids and 3 hours for the museum). In the evening you will transfer to Giza Railway Station and board an overnight train to the southern city of Luxor (approximately 13 hours).Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Day 3 Day 3: Luxor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Luxor

Upon arrival in Luxor we head over to the Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious building in the world. Building began over 4000 years ago, and construction continued gradually until around BC 30. Enjoy a guided tour of this vast system of pylons, obelisks and chapels including the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. History truly comes alive here, especially with a local guide who is passionate about the stories and legends that shaped it. After a few hours exploring this site, you’ll likely be ready for an afternoon of relaxation at the hotel.Accommodation: Pyramisa Hotel or similar
Day 4 Day 4: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Aswan

Embrace another early morning, cross the Nile and drive to the secluded Valley of the Kings. Sixty-three pharaohs were buried here as part of their journey to the afterlife. In the company of a local guide you will spend a few hours exploring some of the exquisitely decorated tombs. It is here that the burial site of the boy-king, Tutankhamun, was re-discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. If you'd like to organise a visit to King Tut's tomb today, this can be arranged with advance notice – ask your leader for details at the beginning of your trip. After some lunch in Luxor we hit the road to Aswan (4 hours).Accommodation: Basma Hotel or similar
Day 5 Day 5: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Aswan

Today is free for you to explore Aswan, or the surrounding area, at your family’s preferred pace. You might want to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, located near the Sudan border. These two temples – one for Ramses II and another he dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari – were cut into the cliff face in the 13th century and remain impressive in their scope and detail. If you would prefer to stay in Aswan and get a taste of contemporary Egypt there is plenty to do. The relaxed atmosphere makes Aswan a great city to wander and watch the boats cruise the Nile, plus there’s always the hotel pool nearby where you and the kids can cool off. This evening we head to the bazaar to wander around before a group dinner.Accommodation: Basma Hotel or similar
Day 6 Day 6: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Aswan

This morning travel by water taxi to the Temple of Isis from Philae. Dedicated to the multifaceted Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom, this structure was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile in the 1960s and relocated to its current location on Agilkia Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings which one of the real gems of upper Egypt. Your afternoon is free, so why not cool off with a swim in the pool. In the early evening, travel across the river to a Nubian village, where you will enjoy dinner with a local family. This is a great way to immerse your family in a different culture and learn about another way of life.Accommodation: Basma Hotel or similar
Day 7 Day 7: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cairo

Rise and shine for a sunrise felucca ride along the Nile. Any residual grumpiness from being up so early is bound to fade away when you see the sunlight reflecting off the Saharan sand dunes. Enjoy breakfast on board, then return to your hotel for some free time. The flight for Cairo leaves in the mid-afternoon and you should arrive before night falls. After you’ve settled into your hotel, perhaps head out for an optional dinner with your fellow family travellers.Accommodation: Novotel Cairo El Borg or similar
Day 8 Day 8: Cairo To Amman
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Cairo To Amman

Today you will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo and transferred to the airport for your flight to Jordan. Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. You will be meet upon arrival in Amman and transferred to your hotel, which is located in the centre of Amman on the edge of the old downtown and within walking distance to the new city centre. Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age (circa 7,000 BC). Today is the joining day and free for you to settle in. If you have time, head to major historical and biblical sites just 10 minutes walk away – the 6,000-seat Roman theatre built in the 2nd century, or the Citadel, which offers up panoramic views over the city from the highest hill in town. Within the Citadel is the museum that contains the Dead Sea Scrolls, and also the excavated ruins of an Umayyad palace. We will have a group meeting at 5pm where you will meet your leader and fellow group members. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. It’s important that you attend, as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family.Accommodation: Toledo Hotel or similar
Day 9 Day 9: Amman - Jerash
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Amman - Jerash

This morning we take a delightful walk through the Ajloun Forest Reserve along the "Soap House Trail". We will hike through thick healthy woodland filled with oak, pistachio and oriental strawberry trees down to the Soap house, where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive soap. We then continue onto Jerash. The ruins of Jerash were re-discovered in 1806 and continue to be one of Jordan's most amazing sites. One of the best examples of a Roman city in the Middle East, the ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2,000 years ago. With a history stretching back at least 2,300 years, Jerash is one of the best preserved examples of a provincial Roman town anywhere in the world. Its hey day came with the arrival of Alexander the Great and the remains include a forum, nymphaeum, hippodrome, two theatres (complete with numbered seats!) and several temples. Along the Colonnaded Street, grooves in the paving stones show where chariot wheels once rolled and remnants of exquisite mosaics still cover some floors. There is time to wander the site and imagine life in ancient times before returning to Amman with time to relax, or the opportunity to visit some of the city's sights, such as the Citadel.Accommodation: Toledo Hotel or similar
Day 10 Day 10: Amman - Madaba - Dana Village - Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Amman - Madaba - Dana Village - Petra

This morning we start our journey towards Petra, taking the Desert Highway south. En route we stop at Madaba. The historical town of Madaba is famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces found within the Church of the Virgin and the Apostles and in the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits such as hunting, fishing and farming. If these interest you, you'll be delighted to know that literally hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes. Just beyond Madaba is another biblical site, Mt Nebo, which overlooks the Jordan Valley. The bible tells us this is the final resting place of Moses; from here he looked out onto the Promised Land. Along the way today you may see the black 'beit ash shar' tents of the hardy Bedouin who still wander throughout the Middle East as they have for centuries. Moving between the few grazing spots which dot the parched landscape, they survive by breeding goats, sheep and camels. Although the traditional nomadic way of life is starting to disappear as some Bedouin succumb to the lure of fixed accommodation, many adhere stolidly to the old way - albeit with the occasional addition of a 4WD vehicle for transport!. Living in such a hostile environment has taught them the importance of a friendly welcome and the ancient code of hospitality to travellers still survives today. We will then take an easy walk around Dana village, a traditional village on a nature reserve allowing us to meet locals and learn about their history and culture as we walk through the terraced gardens ad local craft workshops. the views here are stunning. Then, head onto Petra to spend the night.Accommodation: Seven Wonders Hotel or similar
Day 11 Day 11: Petra
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Petra

Make your way to Petra, squeezing through the long stretch of stonewall that eventually spills out into the breath-taking ‘rose city’ – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Though the origins are mysterious, it’s thought this rock carved city was the ancient capital of the Nabatean people back in 600BC. Nobody in the West knew about it until 1812, when a Swiss explorer dressed up like a local, snuck in and then told the world. Your first glimpse of the iconic, intricate Treasury will be truly memorable, and you’ll find that the site is surprisingly big. You can explore the old Roman road, temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. If you have the legs, walk one-hour up to the Monastery and up the clifftop path overlooking the Treasury. When you’ve finished exploring, head back to the hotel to rest up and prepare for a unique cooking experience. At the nearby fully equipped, modern Al Qantara Kitchen, you’ll taste Jordanian food, cook with a Jordanian chef, and have fun learning all about Arabic culture and cuisine. In a 2-hour class, prepare appetisers like baba ghanoush and hummus, then typical Jordanian mains like Maglouba, Kabsah or Mjadra, learning the secrets of these amazing Arabic tastes. Then enjoy it all with a big meal together, taking a copy of the recipes to impress everyone back home. Notes: A lot of walking is required to see Petra. A basic level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment. When entering Petra as a group, a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point down to the Siq. Intrepid doesn't recommend that passengers take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved.Accommodation: Seven Wonders Hotel or similar
Day 12 Day 12: Wadi Rum
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Wadi Rum

This morning before we leave we will visit Little Petra, have tea with a local Bedouin family. We will then drive to Wadi Rum, which offers some of the most extraordinary desert scenery anywhere and recently starred in the film "The Martian" Wadi Rum is full of weird and beautiful lunar-like rock formations. Traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. We will enjoy a 4WD desert discovery, stopping to enter a narrow siq where many inscriptions can be seen. Passing Thamud nomads from Saudi Arabia and the Nabataean people have all left their mark on the surrounding rocks. Nature provides a number of rock bridges that offer some stunning views. Sleep in a simple desert camp where you'll have the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. A mattress and blankets are provided. Please be aware that while the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night and warm clothes and a sleeping bag is highly recommended when travelling outside of the summer months. A dinner cooked in a local earthen oven is included. Western-style toilet facilities are available. Conditions are basic at our desert camp, but the company of our Bedouin hosts is warm and you'll treasure the memory of sleeping beneath the twinkling desert night sky.Accommodation: Desert camp
Day 13 Day 13: Aqaba
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Aqaba

Today you’ll drive from the desert to the coast (approximately 1 hour), for some fun, sun and relaxation. Aqaba is landlocked Jordan’s only town on the sea, and this Red Sea beach resort is yours to explore for the rest of the day. Just south of town, the warm and relatively shallow waters of the Red Sea support a series of stunning untouched coral reefs practically unsurpassed outside Australia's Great Barrier Reef. They make for some of the best snorkelling you can find – the kids can grab a mask and some flippers and do their best mermaid impression. You might also take a boat trip if you don’t want to get wet, take a long walk along the shoreline, or simply kick back by the pool. If you want to get historical then there’s the 14th century Ottoman Fort to check out. This is where the T.E Lawrence (of ‘of Arabia’ fame) rode to Cairo with big news about a revolt. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to help you enjoy the local cuisine.Accommodation: My Luxury Hotel or similar
Day 14 Day 14: Dead Sea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Dead Sea

Leaving Aqaba, travel along the King's Highway, a winding road that follows the contours of the rocky hills, occasionally passing nomadic shepherds as they tend their flocks in the few areas where there’s water. Descend lower and lower until you eventually arrive on the shores of the Dead Sea (approximately 3 hours). This isn’t actually a sea but a super-salty lake (seven times saltier than the ocean and 'dead' because of the lack of life in it), which lies at the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level). The density of the water means that when you take a dip, it’s more of a float than a swim, making for great photos. Maybe grab a handful of the shoreline’s mud and slop it over your body on the way back in – it’s full of nutrient-rich natural minerals that are meant to have healing properties, and will leave your skin feeling great. You’ll stop at a private beach with pools and a gentle slope to the water. Towels are available for hire. Don't forget to pack your swimwear for today! This evening you can meet up with the rest of the group for a final meal together, and reflect on your adventures in this fascinating country.Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar
Day 15 Day 15: Dead Sea
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Dead Sea

After breakfast, this amazing adventure through Jordan comes to an end at your resort in the Dead Sea. Amman's Queen Alia International Airport is approximately one hour's drive from the Dead Sea.

+12

15 days tour

Egypt And Jordan Family Holiday

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Egypt And Jordan Family Holiday

Day 1: Cairo

Day 2: Cairo / Overnight Train

Day 3: Luxor

Day 4: Aswan

Day 5: Aswan

Day 6: Aswan

Day 7: Cairo

Day 8: Cairo To Amman

Day 9: Amman - Jerash

Day 10: Amman - Madaba - Dana Village - Petra

Day 11: Petra

Day 12: Wadi Rum

Day 13: Aqaba

Day 14: Dead Sea

Day 15: Dead Sea

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