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Highlights of Egypt & Jordan
Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 828
Overview
Destination:
Egypt,
Jordan,
Start:Amman, Jordan
Finish:Cairo, Egypt
Finish:Cairo, Egypt
Duration:19 days
Type:Group tour (max 20)
Travel Period
May 2025 - May 2025
Discover the iconic age-old wonders and mesmerising history of Egypt and Jordan. Marvel at ancient Roman cities, incredible feats of architectural engineering, natural wonders and fascinating cultures. Cruise the magnificent Nile and explore the truly fascinating temples and tombs of Upper Egypt.
Standard inclusions
Sightseeing
Jewels of Jordan
- Enjoy the sites of Amman including the Citadel
- Visit the beautifully preserved Roman City of Jerash
- Admire the views from the impressive Islamic Ajloun Castle
- Biscuit House cookie and breadmaking workshop in Ajloun
- See the spectacular Byzantine and Umayyed mosaics in Madaba
- Visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St George
- Visit Mt Nebo for fantastic views of the Jordan Valley
- Swim or float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea
- Visit the impressive Shobak Castle
- Discover fascinating Little Petra
- Visit one of the world’s greatest treasures – the Lost City of Petra!
- Explore the unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum with a 4WD tour
- Enjoy an unforgettable night at a desert camp in Wadi Rum
- Take a cooking class in Amman
Unlock the mysteries of Egypt's ancient civilisation
- Discover the Great Pyramids of Giza and the famous Sphinx
- Enjoy lunch with a view at the 9 Pyramids Lounge
- Visit the incredible Step Pyramid of Sakkara
- Tour the Serapeum of Sakkara
- Explore the world-renowned Grand Egyptian Museum
- Visit the Egyptian Museum (to see the Tutankhamun collection)
- Visit the Mohammed Ali Mosque, the Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the centuries-old Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
- Explore Aswan including the High Dam and the beautiful Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
- Relax on a traditional felucca sailboat in Aswan
- Visit the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel
- Unwind on a three-night luxury cruise on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor
- Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo
- Travel to the magnificent Temple of Horus (the Falcon God) in Edfu
- Enjoy a Galabeya party whilst cruising the Nile
- Visit the beautiful Luxor and Karnak Temples
- Explore the West Bank, including the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings (where we enter some of the tombs of the pharaohs) and the massive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Entry into Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to the Middle East. Taxes included
- 3 economy-class flights within the Middle East
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles (excluding 4WD in Wadi Rum)
- 3-night Nile River cruise
Accommodation
- 12 nights in 4-5 star hotels
- 1 night at a Bedouin-style desert camp with private facilities in magnificent Wadi Rum
- 3 nights in an outside cabin on board a 5-star (Egyptian standard) luxury Nile River cruise
Properties include:
- InterContinental, Amman
- Holiday Inn Resort, Dead Sea
- Petra Guest House Hotel, Petra
- Seven Hills Camp, Wadi Rum
- Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino, Cairo
- Mövenpick Resort, Aswan
- Mövenpick Royal Lotus, Nile Cruise
- Steigenberger Nile Palace, Luxor
Hotels & Cruise ship listed are an indication, and are subject to change without notice.
Meals
- 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 11 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based driver and guide in Jordan (English-speaking driver and local specialist guides at Jerash, Ajloun Castle, Mt Nebo & Petra for group sizes below 5 passengers)
- English-speaking, university-qualified Egyptologist guides
Porterage
- Porterage included where available
Some things to note
Please note:
- Ramadan is observed from 28 February to 29 March 2025
- The Grand Egyptian Museum partially opened in October 2024. Your visit will include main galleries currently available to the public. We will also continue to visit the Egyptian Museum, where Tutankhamun’s collection still is displayed, until the GEM’s official opening date. This date will be announced by the Government of Egypt in the near future.
- The luxury Nile cruise is not a private charter and is shared with non Bunnik passengers. Due to the limited space for docking along the Nile, ships bank together when stopped. Therefore, in some cases you may need to walk through as many as six ships to enter and exit our cruise ship. The Nile Cruises featured on all tourist itineraries to Egypt operate between the cities of Luxor and Aswan. These cities lie only 240 kilometres apart which means this distance could easily be covered in only 1 or 2 days without stops. Each cruise itinerary will, however, have an element of day-time cruising allowing us to relax and see life along the river.
- Women will need a head scarf to enter some mosques and temples, and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Also, it’s a good idea to pack a spare pair of socks in your daypack, as sometimes shoes need to be removed when entering and the ground can be hot. There can be a lack of shade when visiting sights and attractions, so a sturdy hat and sun protection is also an absolute must.
- Travel through the Esna Lock is subject to river traffic and local conditions which means we may pass through the lock during the night or have an extended wait prior to entering the lock.
Optional excursions:
- Timing & practicability of optional excursions are subject to several external factors, such as internal flight timings, weather & traffic conditions. For optional excursions from Cairo, post-tour accommodation is recommended to allow sufficient time. Further optional excursions not listed may be offered by your guide throughout the tour.
- All optional tours are based on a minimum of 2 participants (unless otherwise stated) and are subject to availability. The length of tours advised is an approximate only. Tours can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional tours may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1 - Depart Australia
Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 2 - Arrive Amman
Welcome to Jordan, a country that is home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements. We begin in Amman, Jordan’s bustling and vibrant capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your starting destination by 5.00pm.
We’ll enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up, before meeting our fellow travellers at a group welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3 - Amman – Jerash – Amman
This morning we will travel to Jerash, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. The ancient city was buried in sand before being gradually revealed through a series of excavations, starting in 1925 and continuing to this day. We’ll tour through the colonnaded streets, amphitheatre, churches, temples and the vast Roman Forum.
Later, we’ll take a short drive to the impressive Ajloun Castle or ‘Qalaat Rabadh’ (Arabic for ‘Hilltop Castle’). This Islamic Castle was built in the 12th century and served as a military fort to protect the region from invading Crusader forces.
Special Experience
Take part in a local baking workshop at the Biscuit House, complete with a cup of aromatic tea and scenic views of the nearby Ajloun Forest.
We’ll then return to Amman where the evening is at leisure.
Day 4 - Amman – Madaba – Dead Sea
This morning we begin with a visit to the amazing Amman Citadel that is perched atop the Jabal Al Qal’a, one of the cities highest hills and one of the seven Jabals that originally made up the city. We will walk through this ancient ruin to gain insight into Jordan’s history while also enjoying incredible panoramic views.
Next we’ll stop in Madaba, known as ‘The City of Mosaics’, where underneath almost every house lies a fine Byzantine mosaic. We will visit the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, home to Madaba's main attraction, a wonderfully vivid, 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. We’ll also stop at Mount Nebo, the centre for pilgrimages since the earliest Christian times. Mount Nebo is one of the most sacred holy sites of Jordan as it is said to be the place where Moses was buried.
Next, we venture to the lowest point on Earth - the Dead Sea. As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to the extremely high content of salts and minerals that give its waters its renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities and buoyancy. Because the salt content is four times that of most oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying.
The rest of the day is at leisure. Why not take a dip in the Dead Sea and cover your body in the therapeutic mud, said to have amazing benefits for your skin?
Day 5 - Dead Sea – Petra
Our first stop today is the incredible Shobak Castle, perched atop a hill that was formerly called Mons Realis or 'Royal Mountain'. This imposing castle was built by the crusader King Baldwin I in 1115, and throughout history was the subject of numerous attacks, reflected through the site's weathered architecture.
As we make our way towards Petra, we’ll stop to visit the fascinating 'Little Petra', also known as Siq al-Barid. Little Petra has a history dating back some 9,000 years and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Famous for its ancient buildings sculpted out of solid red sandstone, Little Petra has been a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site since 1985.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant in Petra.
Optional Excursion
Petra by Night - Discover the magic of Petra after dark, as the rock city is lit by more than 1,000 candles. 2 hours – from $43pp US. Cash only.
Day 6 - Petra
Located in Jordan’s southwestern desert, Petra is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
This morning we explore the famous lost city of Petra on a guided tour. Carved into the sheer rockface by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, it was an important junction for the silk and trade routes. Attracting visitors from all over the world, much of Petra’s appeal comes from its breathtaking setting deep inside a narrow desert gorge.
Our guide will explain the history of this great city and our tour will include a visit to Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. We will also visit Pharaoh's Castle, the Triumphal Arch, the Amphitheatre situated near the top of a large hill and the stunning Monastery. The view from here is worth the climb!
After our guided tour, enjoy the rest of the day free to explore this delightful city independently.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 7 - Petra – Wadi Rum
If you’re feeling adventurous and like to rise early you could take the option to re-visit Petra this morning.
After a morning at leisure, we’ll head to the breathtaking Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan. Traces of ancient civilisations exist in the many carved inscriptions to be found throughout the Wadi Rum area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabatean and Arabic texts. The most lasting monuments in Wadi Rum, however, are those carved by nature - the natural rock bridges, the towering rose-coloured sand dunes and vast peaks.
In one of the most stunning desertscapes in the world, we’ll take an exciting 4WD tour and spend an unforgettable night in a Bedouin-style desert camp.
Day 8 - Wadi Rum – Amman
Today we make our way back to Amman.
Special Experience
Enjoy a cooking class where we learn about delicious local Middle Eastern cuisine and enjoy our culinary creations for dinner as we bid farewell to Jordan.
Optional Excursion
Camel Ride - Experience an iconic aspect of Bedouin life, taking a camel ride through Wadi Rum. 1 hour – from $25pp US. Cash only.
Day 9 - Amman – Cairo
Today we bid farewell to Jordan and take a short flight to Cairo. Set on the Nile River, Cairo is the capital and largest city of Egypt. Home to many famous Egyptian landmarks, visitors will find it to be a fascinating and often bewildering mixture of old and new.
Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel before a group dinner to welcome us to Egypt.
Day 10 - Cairo – Giza – Cairo
Our touring in Egypt begins at the oldest structures in existence and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the amazing Great Pyramids of Giza. We’ll visit the nearby Great Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the head of a king, often referred to as the national symbol of Egypt.
Special Experience
Take in the incredible views of the Great Pyramids of Giza while enjoying a delicious lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge
At the 9 Pyramids Lounge, we’re treated to delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, but the best bit? The view! This unique restaurant is unlike anything you’ve been to before. Offering panoramic views of the majestic pyramids surrounded by desert, the pictures you’ll take here are guaranteed to be incredible.
We will also visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt's newest museum, and the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing over 100,000 antiquities.
Please note: The Grand Egyptian Museum partially opened in October 2024. Your visit will include main galleries currently available to the public. We will also continue to visit the Egyptian Museum, where Tutankhamun’s collection still is displayed, until the GEM’s official opening date. This date will be announced by the Government of Egypt in the near future.
Day 11 - Cairo
We begin today with an exploration of Sakkara, where we will see the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Designed by Imhotep, the famous vizier of King Djoser, this was the first pyramid ever built!
Special Experience
Tour the historic Serapeum of Sakkara, the burial place of the Apis Bulls
We’ll then visit the 12th century Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mohammed Ali Mosque. Built in classic Turkish style, it resembles the great mosques of Istanbul. Our tour will also take us to visit a weaving workshop, to learn about locally made Egyptian carpet.
Finally, we’ll visit a local jewellery shop, that specialises in customised gold and silver cartouches.
Day 12 - Cairo – Aswan
We’ll transfer to Cairo airport today, for a short flight to Aswan, gateway to the incredible history, temples and monuments of Upper Egypt. On a half day tour we visit the High Dam, the picturesque Philae Temple on Agilkia Island.
This afternoon we’ll relax on a cruise along the Nile on board a traditional felucca sailboat, observing life along the banks of the river as our boat takes advantage of the gentle winds and currents.
Optional Excursion
Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Day 13 - Aswan – Abu Simbel – Nile Cruise
An early start this morning as we cross the desert to Abu Simbel. Our destination is the incredible UNESCO listed twin temples of Abu Simbel. The temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his queen, Nefertari. We will spend a few hours exploring the temples before returning to Aswan to embark the Nile cruise ship. We’ll enjoy lunch on board and the afternoon is at your leisure.
Optional Excursion
Nubian Village - Travel by motorboat to a local village, visit a Nubian family and enjoy tea in their home. 3 hours – from $75pp US, including camel ride; from $65pp US, without camel ride. Cash only.
Day 14 - Nile Cruise
After breakfast we’ll cruise to the riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. We’ll then cruise onward to Edfu, located on the west bank of the Nile River between Esna and Aswan. It is famous for the Temple of Horus, dedicated to the Falcon God, the main attraction which we will visit this afternoon. This beautiful ancient temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt and the second largest after Karnak Temple. Continuing our journey, we cross the lock at Esna and sail on towards Luxor.
Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Galabeya party on board.
Day 15 - Nile Cruise
We’ll arrive in Luxor after breakfast. Located on the east bank of the Nile River, the city surrounds two huge, surviving ancient monuments.
Our sightseeing begins at the fascinating Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Pharaoh Amun. Approximately 30 pharaohs contributed to the temple’s structure over time, which explains its monumental size! We’ll then visit Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 3-kilometre-long Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple is also home to a 25-metre-tall pink granite obelisk, which was part of a matching pair until the 1830s when one was given to France. It now stands in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. We’ll visit a local gallery to appreciate the ancient artform of papyrus craft, with an opportunity to purchase the artwork to take home.
Optional Excursion
Dendera Temple Complex – Visit one of the best-preserved temples and most important sites of ancient Egypt. 5 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $75pp US. Cash only.
Optional Excursion
Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple at night. 1.5 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Day 16 - Nile Cruise – Luxor
Today we disembark the Nile cruise ship after breakfast and set off to explore the West Bank - the world’s largest open-air museum!
On a half day tour, our first destination is the Valley of the Kings, where we have entry to visit Tutankhamun’s Tomb. Carved deep into the limestone rock, each tomb has a similar pattern of three corridors, an antechamber and a sarcophagus chamber. We’ll be able to descend into the tomb to see examples of the elaborate and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.
Special Experience
Descend underground into Tutankhamun’s Tomb, adorned with intricate corridors, ancient artefacts, and well-preserved hieroglyphic paintings.
Next, we explore the Temple of Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut was one of only a few women to be given the title of pharaoh. We then visit the Colossi of Memnon, a historic landmark consisting of two massive statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
We’ll stop at a nearby alabaster workshop to learn how the locally quarried stone is carved and crafted and can purchase a souvenir piece to take home if so inclined.
The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure.
Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank in the early morning. Includes transport from hotel. 1.5 hours – from $170pp US. Cash only.
Optional Excursion
Deir El Medina & Medinet Habu – Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient settlements in Egypt and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses ll. 3 hours – minimum 4 participants required – from $105pp US, including Nobles Tombs; from $160pp US, including Nefertari’s Tomb (subject to open times). Cash Only
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 17 - Luxor – Cairo
Today we farewell Luxor as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo where we’ll visit the 14th-century Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a major souk in Cairo’s Islamic District. Famous for its handmade crafts, it’s also the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. There are no fixed prices here, so make sure you practice your haggling skills!
Enjoy some free time before a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 18 - Depart Cairo
Today marks the end of our incredible adventure across Egypt and Jordan. Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to Egypt and begin our journey home. We hope you leave with fantastic memories!
Please note, in order to undertake the following optional tours additional post tour accommodation in Cairo may be required. Please check with your Travel Specialist for details.
Optional Excursion
Coptic Cairo - Discover the ancient sites & culture of Coptic Christians throughout Old Cairo. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Optional Excursion
Islamic Cairo - Visit the Gayer Anderson Museum, Ibn Toulon Mosque & El Sultan Hassan Mosque. 3 hours – from $65pp US. Cash only.
Optional Excursion
The Pyramids of Dahshur - Dahshur forms the southernmost area of the Memphis Necropolis & contains a number of pyramid complexes & monuments 3 hours – from $65pp US (cash only).
Optional Excursion
National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – Displaying the civilisation of Egypt from the prehistoric period to the present era. 3 hours – from $80pp US. Cash only.
Day 19 - Arrive Australia
Day 19 - Arrive Australia
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Bunnik Tours
With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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