22 Day Egypt, Jordan & Oman

Welcome to the trip of a lifetime! Board your flight to Egypt and prepare to be spellbound by the ancient wonders of the Pharaohs. Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel of your incredible Inspiring Stay overlooking the Great Pyramids of Giza – what a way to start your adventure. You're guide will welcome you as you arrive at your hotel.

Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

This morning, meet your guide for an introductory briefing before heading out to see some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Explore these structures that have stood tall for some 4,500 years and learn about the ancient history of the monuments. The oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact, the pyramids are a sight to behold.

Afterwards, you will visit the Grand Egyptian Museum.  Rising beside the Giza Pyramids, the breathtaking Grand Egyptian Museum is a monumental tribute to ancient Egypt. This ultra-modern masterpiece unveils over 100,000 treasures, including Tutankhamun’s full collection, in dazzling galleries filled with light, glass, and history. It’s the world’s largest museum of a single civilisation.

Following your visit you will return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, enjoy a free day at leisure.

Later this afternoon you'll be transferred to the airport to board your included flight to Luxor.

Special Information

Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group.  

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then we'll explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak was built over some 200 years and was once known as the 'Chosen of Places'. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun.

Then it’s time to embark on your luxury Nile cruise that will be home for the next 4 nights. You’ll cruise between Luxor and Aswan on this elegant ship, with all the comforts you would expect from a 5-star floating hotel.

Please note that since the sailing distance between Luxor and Aswan is approximately 200kms, that it is typical for all cruises operated along the Nile to be docked for majority of the time to conduct sightseeing, with the sailing to occur of an evening. The vessel will be docked either in Luxor or Aswan. Depending on the time of year and number of vessels operating at the same time, you will also find that all vessels are docked beside one another, which is beyond our control.

To ensure that our customers have appropriate expectations prior to their journey, it is important not to compare this experience to that of a European River Cruise, which tend to cover a greater distance and on larger vessels. Instead, you will experience a Deluxe stay on-board your vessel, offering a great chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the banks of the Nile while you sit back and relax. Your cruise schedule will be provided once on-board.

Today we'll discover some of the many wonders of ancient Thebes. Our first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade.

Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are the tombs of more than 60 pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Explore this sprawling and spectacular place with your guide, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BCE) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where archaeological discoveries are still being made. Your guide will explain the history of and legends surrounding these remarkable people, their funerary rites, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well-preserved in the deepest tombs.

After paying a visit to three of the most interesting royal tombs we'll continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning colonnaded building of sharp lines that contrasts beautifully against the craggy high cliffs behind it, creating a spectacular natural amphitheatre. One of Egypt’s greatest queens, this temple was built to prove her importance among the ancestors.

Enjoy lunch upon your return to the boat. There is time to relax on deck, or in your cabin, before we set sail for Edfu. Generally the journey from Luxor to Edfu takes place between 1pm an 11 pm, though the departure time may vary, depending on river traffic. En route to Edfu we pass through the Esna Lock and head upstream.

Special Information

Please note: Entry to the Tomb of King Tutankhamun is not included in today’s scheduled activities. Tickets cost approximately USD $20 and can be purchased on-site with assistance from your trip leader. Be aware that there may be long queues, so plan accordingly to allow enough time for your visit.

Today we will moor near Edfu – home to ancient settlements and temples, as well as a bustling town centre and a bazaar.

Later we'll return to the boat where we’ll continue travelling upriver, with plenty of free time for relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – from fishermen casting nets and farmers working their land to the desert hills that frame the lush riverbanks.

This afternoon we'll arrive at Kom Ombo Temple. Set dramatically on the bank of the Nile, 47 kilometres north of Aswan and 168 kilometres south of Luxor, the soaring, chunky columns of the double temple are a magnificent sight to behold as you arrive from the river.

Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, the temple's finely carved reliefs give a sense of this area's prominence as capital over the surrounding region during the Ptolemaic era. Today, Kom Ombo may be a sleepy agricultural backwater surrounded by sugar cane fields, but its prime position along the Nile meant it was once one of Upper Egypt's most important centres. Wander through the temple's colonnades, gazing up at scenes of kingly propaganda, and you'll get a sense of this rich history for yourself.

Return to the cruise boat where you’ll continue travelling upriver towards Aswan.

Please note: the only mode of transport available to visit the Temple of Edfu is by locally managed horses and carriages. As a business that seeks to promote responsible travel, animal welfare is extremely important to us at Inspiring Vacations, and unfortunately, some operators of the horse and carriages have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines. It is for this reason we do not include the visit the Edfu Temple. While we recommend that you do not use the horse and carriage to visit the Temple, the decision is ultimately up to you and your guide can help arrange transport and ensure the best horses are used.

Today you will awake before sunrise for an early morning start. Sit back and relax as you drive to the ancient Abu Simbel temples, near the southern Egyptian border. You will have an early arrival into Abu Simbel to view one of the most incredible sights you will see. The two enormous sandstone structures were built in the 1200s BCE by Ramses II to serve as lasting monuments to himself and his favourite wife Nefertari. The larger temple, dedicated to three major Egyptian deities, features four large statues of Ramses II on its façade, while the smaller temple is dedicated to the goddess of love, Hathor, with statues designed to embody Nefertari.

Set on the banks of the artificial Lake Nasser, the structures were once in danger of being flooded with the construction of the Aswan High Dam but were saved via an extensive project to cut the temples into pieces and move them to higher ground, where they are seen today.

On our return to Aswan the rest of the day is free for you to make your own discoveries.

This afternoon, we'll enjoy a sailboat ride around the Nile River islands in a traditional felucca (a small, traditional Egyptian sailboat).

Today we will leave Aswan and make the short flight back to Cairo. On our return to Cairo enjoy your free time relaxing or doing some last-minute sightseeing.

Special Information

Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group.  

Today, get ready for the next leg of your journey as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Amman, Jordan. Welcome to Jordan, cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. On arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast enjoy a tour of this capital city. Cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in ancient biblical history, Amman is a bit of a chameleon. Most of the city's historical sites are located downtown. Here we'll visit the Citadel, with remains from the Roman to the early Islamic period; the Jordan Archaeological Museum, which houses the oldest Neolithic statues dating from 8000 to 5000 NC, as well as other valuable artifacts; the souq, where we'll get an idea of everyday life; as well as the beautifully restored 2nd-century Roman Theatre.

Next we'll take a short drive (approximately one-hour) north to Jerash. Once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world, Jerash now boasts some of the best Greco-Roman ruins around. Admire this site's striking collection of crumbling archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza, a wonderfully atmospheric place to linger after exploring this ruined city's lasting riches.

Today marks the beginning of our journey towards the fabled site of Petra. En route we'll visit Madaba, an ancient market town that's home to a number of fine Byzantine mosaics, the most outstanding of which lies within Saint George's Greek Orthodox Church. Here, a map of the Holy Land once carpeted the whole floor, said to contain more than two million pieces. Crafted around 560 CE, a large swathe of this mosaic map can still be viewed, providing the oldest map of Palestine in existence.

Next we'll continue to the ancient village at Dana, on the edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where local artisans sell silver jewellery.

Later, we'll drive along the King's Highway, up to Shobak Castle, sometimes known as Montreal. Perched at the top of a hill in the desert, this ancient Crusader castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Muslim sultan Saladin in 1189. Stroll the site and discover a small chapel, original gatehouse, and find out where a long, dark secret passage leads.

Great ready for Petra! A firm fixture on most bucket lists for good reason – the jewel of Jordan is an arresting sight. The so-called Rose City boasts an impressive series of tombs, caves and temples hidden behind ornate façades carved directly into the rock. No one knows the exact date of this desert kingdom's creation, but the lost city of the Nabateans is believed to date as far back as the 2nd century CE. The city has lain empty and unknown for centuries, only rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer.

You'll feel just like Indiana Jones, as you meander through the narrow canyon known as the Siq; at times the path measures only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 metres on either side of you. It's easy to imagine the armies and merchants who made their way here many years ago, and the sense of awe they too must have felt upon reaching this ancient rock-hewn kingdom, surrounded by such a stark landscape. The Siq is the main entranceway to The Treasury – perhaps Petra's most iconic sight, and one of its most elaborate temples.

Petra's greatest surprise, however, is its size. With our guide we'll explore the old Roman road, the amphitheatre and several tombs. We'll also climb up to the beautiful façade of the Monastery, from where you will have a magnificent view of the entire site.

Exploring this truly extraordinary destination is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

We continue to Wadi Rum and browse around the excellent and informative visitor's centre. We'll visit several of Wadi Rum's distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence, towering sandstone mountains and spectacular desert landscapes of this surreal 'Valley of the Moon', where, the wind-sculpted rock formations change in hue throughout the day.

We'll also meet with local Bedouins, who live in scattered camps throughout the area, and ride camels to our traditional Bedouin tent, situated deep within the valley. We'll enjoy an evening with them at one of their camps, savouring the hospitality of these nomadic peoples and the uninterrupted desert panoramas.

Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British army officer TE Lawrence, who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917-18. Much of David Lean's movie on his exploits, Lawrence of Arabia, was actually filmed in this very region.

Please note - While we are sure that this experience will inspire you, please be aware that your stay will differ from that of a traditional hotel. There are no hotels in or near Wadi Rum: the only places to sleep are the numerous bedouin-run camps dotted around the desert. The camps that we use are quoted as being 'luxury' because their locations differ from other styles of camps and your tent will have its own ensuite. Even at the best and more 'luxurious' camps, bathroom facilities within the tents are somewhat rudimentary and the bedding can also be quite basic, however still offering you a comfortable nights' accommodation. While we may not make it sound glamorous, it will be a unique and memorable experience.

After waking up in the unique environment of the luxury camp this morning, we'll enjoy a walk around the area before scaling one of the large dunes to enjoy sensational views of the surrounding area; keen photographers will be delighted. We'll then ride camels back across the Wadi Rum desert.

Later, we'll drive for approximately an hour and a half to reach a radically different landscape – the Dead Sea. We'll spend the afternoon on the shores of this famous body of water, named for the dearth of life in its waters. The saline water has a high density that keeps bathers buoyant and makes getting underneath the surface very difficult. Floating on the surface without any sort of lilo makes for a once in a lifetime experience. Afterwards we'll return to Amman for the evening.

Welcome to Oman! You’ll be met in the arrivals hall at Muscat Airport and taken to your hotel for check in.

The small kingdom of Oman is a gem on the Arabian Peninsula: Desert, beaches, mountains. It’s a land steeped in history and tradition – grand historic forts, dazzling mosques, colourful souqs – and stunning natural attractions like crystal-clear wadis.

You’ll have free time to relax or explore Oman’s laid-back capital, neatly placed between the mountains and the sea. Even with recent development, it’s still managed to retain its character and charm. Perhaps take a stroll along the pleasant waterfront Corniche, where you can admire the traditional whitewashed buildings lining the promenade.

After breakfast, we’ll leave for Sur, with a stop en route at Bimmah Sinkhole. Local legend says that this huge limestone crater filled with blue-green water was created by a meteorite – however, this theory has been dispelled by geologists.

We’ll have a quick visit and the perfect photo stop at Wadi Tiwi, a spectacularly deep and narrow gorge. Clear green pools, towering cliffs, thick plantations – you’ll see why it’s one of Oman’s most famous wadis.

Sur is a port town on the east coast of Oman, where the desert meets the sea. In the past, it was Oman’s main centre of trade with East Africa and was known for its shipyards producing dhows. These Arab sailing vessels are still being built in Sur today using traditional methods.

Enjoy an early dinner before we drive to the renowned Ras Al Jinz Turtle reserve. It’s a magical experience to enjoy the sunset on this beautiful beach and watch green turtles come ashore to nest. The viewing often starts after 8.30pm and lasts for one to two hours, so be prepared for a late night. Photography is strictly forbidden, and torches are allowed if used with caution. Turtle sightings are dependent on their breeding patterns and cannot be guaranteed.

After checking out, we’ll visit a dhow building yard this morning to see these traditional wooden vessels being built using centuries-old techniques.

Then we’ll head for the desert oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, with some time to relax and swim in these emerald pools. It’s a lovely setting, surrounded by date palms and rugged mountains.

Then we’ll head to desert camp, in the beautiful, rugged surrounds of Wahiba Sands. In the evening, enjoy dune driving through this undulating landscape and witness the golden sunset from the dunes, a breathtaking sight. Enjoy dinner and a taste of Bedouin life with an authentic camping experience in this remote, secluded area.

We’ll check out from camp at 8:30am and drive to the picturesque village of Birkat Al Mouz, an ancient settlement that is now largely a cluster of clay ruins. Enjoy a walk through the date plantations that are kept green and lush thanks to the traditional aflaj irrigation system – it’s one of five ancient Omani water channels that make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We’ll proceed to Wadi Al Madeen, where entry permits must be shown. From here a 36km stretch of winding road takes us to Jebel Akhdar, the green jewel of the Al Hajar mountain ranges. At 2,000 metres above sea level with a cooler climate, it’s a truly unique, refreshing spot on the Arabian Peninsula. Al Jabal Al Akhdar is famed for its fruit orchards, typically laid out terrace style along the slopes of the mountains.

We’ll head onto the ancient city of Nizwa.

Today we’ll visit the famous Nizwa Fort, with its distinctive, massive circular tower, built in the early 17th century.

We’ll see Nizwa’s souq, one of the oldest markets in the country. It’s renowned for its traditional Friday cattle auction, intricately hand-carved khanjars (daggers) and traditional Omani handicrafts like pottery and silver crafts. Shop among the locals and try your best to haggle.

Later we’ll visit Jabrin Castle, the finest of Oman’s castles built in the late 17th century, which became a seat of Omani learning. The castle boasts exquisite Omani ceiling paintings and beautiful wood carvings.

After a photo stop at the Bahla Fort, we’ll drive to Wadi Nakhr, located inside Oman’s deepest canyon.

In the Jebel Akhdar range, Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest mountain, offering spectacular views. It’s a steep, rough drive to the peak but the views are incredible.

Later, we’ll proceed to the village of Misfat Al Arbayeen, passing the ruins of an old fort on the way. This old village is a maze of crumbling mud houses sloping down the mountainside.

After breakfast, we’ll head through the dramatic mountainous landscape to reach Bilad Sayt, a very quaint Omani village with old-world appeal. Explore this fairytale village on foot, with its patchwork of terrace farming and traditional houses laid out against the rocky slopes.

We’ll proceed to Al Awabi and take the turn off to Wadi Bani Auf. This is a unique, rugged drive through the sedimentary mountains. For those inclined, there is a wonderful canyon to explore on foot.

Next up, you’ll see the hot springs at Nakhal and the Nakhal Fort perched on a rocky outcrop. The fort is a great window to Omani history and tradition. This imposing structure dates back centuries, but the present form was designed and built in the 17th century – it’s been well restored.

We’ll head to Muscat later.

After breakfast, we’ll check out from the hotel and enjoy one more day of sightseeing in this glorious city. Muscat is a unique blend of old and new – a modern commercial centre that exists in harmony with its traditional culture.

Our tour of the Bait Al Zubair museum gives a brief introduction to Oman’s history and development.

We’ll visit the mammoth Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a lavish modern mosque that can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers. The colourful mosaic work you’ll see throughout is exquisite. In the main prayer hall there is the second-largest single-piece rug in the world – it took 600 women four years to create this hand-loomed beauty.

We’ll drive along the picturesque waterfront Corniche, a lively promenade, visiting the fish market and the colourful Muttrah Souq. This is everything you’d hoped from an Arabian bazaar; you’ll find turbans, frankincense and myrrh, antiques and traditional clothing. Vendors don’t mind haggling – in fact, it’s a long-standing tradition.

We’ll have a photo stop at the magnificent Al Alam Palace, official palace of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and the rest of the Omani royal dynasty. It’s flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali. The palace is closed to the public.

Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.

Please note: The Grand Mosque and Bait Al Zubair Museum are not open on Friday.
Grand Mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 11am only (last entry is 10:30am.) Women must wear modest clothing, which covers the body and the head, including the hair. Arms and legs must be covered to wrists and ankles. One must also take a scarf to cover your head. Men must wear modest clothing befitting the sanctity of the Mosque. Shorts are not allowed. Food, drinks and smoking are strictly prohibited. Slip on shoes are recommended, as guests are to remove the shoes before they enter the Mosque.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!