EGYPT AND JORDAN:
HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
It seems no work of Man's creative hand,
By labor wrought as wavering fancy planned;
But from the rock as if by magic grown,
Eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!
Not virgin-white like that old Doric shrine,
Where erst Athena held her rites divine;
Not saintly-grey, like many a minster fane,
That crowns the hill and consecrates the plain;
But rose-red as if the blush of dawn,
That first beheld them were not yet withdrawn;
The hues of youth upon a brow of woe,
Which Man deemed old two thousand years ago.
Match me such marvel save in Eastern clime,
A rose-red city half as old as time.
John William Burgon (1845)
By labor wrought as wavering fancy planned;
But from the rock as if by magic grown,
Eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!
Not virgin-white like that old Doric shrine,
Where erst Athena held her rites divine;
Not saintly-grey, like many a minster fane,
That crowns the hill and consecrates the plain;
But rose-red as if the blush of dawn,
That first beheld them were not yet withdrawn;
The hues of youth upon a brow of woe,
Which Man deemed old two thousand years ago.
Match me such marvel save in Eastern clime,
A rose-red city half as old as time.
John William Burgon (1845)
THE TOUR
This 3-week study tour of Egypt and Jordan provides an introduction to the archaeology and history of Egypt. Our tour begins in Cairo with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza. We fly to Luxor and spend 5 days exploring the wonderful monuments in the area.
Our stay in Luxor begins with a visit to majestic Luxor Temple. We stroll through the Luxor markets looking for bargains and see the Luxor Museum. We visit Deir el Bahri, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, see Howard Carter's House and explore the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. On the west bank of Thebes we visit the village of the workmen known as Deir el Medina, and see the wonderful painted tombs of the nobles. We also explore the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II known as the Ramesseum. We spend a morning at Karnak exploring the fascinating history of the temple.
We join our luxury Nile cruise which will take us south toward Aswan. En route we stop to see the intact Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu, and the ruins of the Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo. In Aswan we take a felucca sailboat round the islands and visit the Monastery of St Simeon. We then see the majestic rock cut temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel and enjoy the spectacular Sound and Light Show. Back in Aswan we see the granite quarries including the remains of an abandoned obelisk, visit the romantic Temple of Isis at Philae and see the Aswan High Dam.
We fly back to Cairo. We see the ruins of Memphis which include the colossus of Ramesses II. At Saqqara we explore the 3rd Dynasty Step Pyramid of Djoser, the pyramid of Tety and the painted mastabas of the 6th Dynasty. Next we see the wonderful collection of artefacts in the Grand Egyptian Museum (or Cairo Museum if not yet open). We also have a day exploring some highlights of the mediaeval Islamic Old City of Cairo. This includes the Mosque of Sultan Hasan, the grandest mosque of the 14th Century.
We then fly to Amman, capital of Jordan. We see the antiquities of the National Museum in Amman and walk around the ruins of the ancient city, including the Roman theatre, Temple of Hercules, and Ummayad palace. We next head north to visit the stunning remains of the Hellenistic and Roman city of Jerash.
We then head south to Petra which will be our base for three nights. We spend 2 days exploring the stunning ruins of Petra, a fascinating Nabataean city carved into the red sandstone cliffs. We also have a day exploring the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum by 4-wheel drive. On our way back to Amman we stop en route to see the dramatic Crusader castles of Shobak and Kerak, and have a swim in the Dead Sea.
The treasury of Petra
ITINERARY*
Day 1: Arrive CairoYour flight should arrive in Cairo. Overnight Cairo.
Day 2: Giza pyramids - fly to Luxor
In the morning we visit Giza where we see the Pyramids of the 4th Dynasty. We explore Khafre's impressive Valley Temple and see the Sphinx. We have lunch near Giza and then we fly to Luxor and check into our hotel. Overnight Luxor.
Day 3: Luxor Temple - markets - Luxor Museum
In the morning we visit Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the modern city. We explore this very photogenic monument including Ramesses II's dramatic scenes of the Battle of Kadesh on the front pylons. In the afternoon there is free time to relax or explore the markets of Luxor. In the evening we visit the Luxor Museum to see the superb collection of statues and other artefacts. Overnight Luxor.
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The pyramids of Giza |
The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri |
Day 4: Deir el-Bahri - Carter's House - Valley of the Kings
In the morning visit the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, including an opportunity to view the newly reconstructed Third Terrace. We have lunch in a local cafe before visiting Howard Carter's House. Now a memorial to Carter's life, we see the fascinating replica of Tutankhamun's tomb. We head to the Valley of the Kings where we see three of the royal tombs of the New Kingdom (the real Tomb of Tutankhamun is an optional extra). Overnight Luxor.
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The sacred lake of Karnak |
The village of the workmen at Deir el Medina |
Day 5: Deir el-Medina - Tombs of the Nobles - Ramesseum
In the morning we visit Deir el-Medina, the ancient village of the workmen who cut the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. We explore the village and the superb painted tombs of Senejdem and Inherkau. We then see a number of the other painted tombs in the so-called 'Valley of the Nobles' including the 18th Dynasty tomb of Ramose. The afternoon is spent at the impressive mortuary temple of Ramesses II, known today as the Ramesseum. We check into our luxury Nile cruise boat.
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The splendour of the Ramesseum |
The avenue of sphinxes at Luxor Temple |
Day 6: Karnak Temple
The morning is set aside to explore the ruins of the Temple of Karnak. We visit the forecourt and Hypostyle Hall, before wandering around the impressive shrine. We explore see the festival hall of Tuthmosis III, and the small Temple of Ptah. After lunch we begin our cruise on the Nile, enjoying the passing scenery on the way to the Esna Barrage. Overnight Nile cruise boat.
Day 7: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
In the morning we see the remarkable Ptolemaic Temple of Horus at Edfu. Completed in the period of Cleopatra, Edfu temple is richly decorated with scenes and inscriptions. From here we continue our cruise to Kom Ombo, where the ruins of the Ptolemaic Temple of Sobek are dramatically set beside the River Nile. Overnight Nile cruise boat.
Day 8: Aswan - Felucca sailboat ride - Monastery of St Simeon
We spend the day on a felucca sailboat exploring the beautiful islands of Aswan. This includes a visit to the painted tombs of the nobles, and a stop to visit the Botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. We also ride a camel (or take a short walk) to the 10th Century Monastery of St Simeon located in the desert west of Aswan. Overnight Nile Cruise boat.
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The Temple of Horus at Edfu |
Luxury cruise down the Nile |
Day 9: Abu Simbel - Sound and Light Show
This morning we drive across the desert (3 hours) to Abu Simbel where we explore the stunning rock cut temples of Ramesses II. Carved into the Nubian sandstone, the two temples were moved in the 1960s with the construction of the Aswan High Dam. In the afternoon there is some free time to relax before we see the beautiful Sound and Light Show at Abu Simbel in the evening. Overnight Abu Simbel.
Day 10: Granite Quarries - The Island of Philae - Aswan High Dam
In the morning we return to Aswan where we visit the fascinating granite quarries of Aswan and see the remarkable unfinished obelisk which is still embedded in the bedrock. We then take a small motor boat to the beautiful ruins of Philae, cult place of Isis. After lunch we see the Aswan High Dam, built in the 1960's and 70's to control the flooding of the Nile. We then fly to Cairo. Overnight Cairo.
Day 11: Memphis - Saqqara Pyramids and tombs
In the morning we visit the ruins of Memphis, ancient capital of Egypt, where we see the colossal statue of Ramesses the Great. We then explore the ancient necropolis of Saqqara. We see the remarkable 3rd Dynasty Step Pyramid of King Djoser. We also explore the well preserved Old Kingdom mastaba tombs of Mereruka and Kagemni, and the 6th Dynasty Pyramid of King Tety. Overnight Cairo.
Day 12: The Grand Egyptian Museum / Cairo Museum
The day is set aside for a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza (if open, otherwise we see the Cairo Museum downtown). We see the statues and reliefs from the Old Kingdom through to the Ramesside Period including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Lunch takes place in a nearby café. In the afternoon there is free time for exploring other parts of the museum's enormous collection. Overnight Cairo.
Day 13: Islamic Cairo - fly to Amman
In the morning we tour the Old City of Cairo and see the awe inspiring buildings of the medieval Islamic Period. Highlights include the monumental 19th Century Mosque of Mohamed Ali in the Citadel of Saladin and the impressive 14th Century Mosque of Sultan Hassan. In the afternoon we fly to Amman and check into our hotel. Overnight Amman.
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The Temple of Isis on Philae Island |
The Roman ruins of Jerash |
Day 14: Amman Citadel / Roman theatre - Archaeology Museum
In the morning visit the Amman citadel and walk around the Umayyad Palace, see the remains of the Temple of Hercules, and explore the well preserved Roman theatre. After lunch we visit the National Archaeological Museum of Jordan in Amman. This contains a fascinating collection of artefacts from Jordanian history. Artefacts include Neolithic plastered skulls, Bronze Age pottery, Hellenistic and Roman artefacts, and Nabataean art and pottery. Overnight Amman.
Day 15: Jerash
In the morning we head north of Amman by bus to the magnificent Roman ruins at Jerash. One of the wealthiest cities of the so-called Decapolis (Land of Ten Cities), Jerash thrived on overland trade and acquired impressive Roman buildings including two theatres, temples and colonnaded streets. A highlight is the impressive circular forum. Overnight Amman.
Day 16: Petra Day 1 - 'Treasury', High Place and Royal Tombs
In the morning we head south to Petra - this day is dedicated to exploring the scenic wonders of the magnificent Nabataean city. Carved into the dramatic red sandstone of the Wadi Arabah, the city is famous for its magnificent mortuary chapels. We walk down the famous siq where we catch our first glimpse of the 'Treasury', a superb example of Nabataean architecture. We see the rock-cut theatre and climb up to the High Place for a magnificent view over the site. Overnight Petra.
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The 'Monastery' of Petra |
Exploring the Wadi Rum |
Day 17: Petra Day 2 - the Central City and Ed-Deir
In the morning we continue our exploration of the magnificent site of Petra. We investigate the central part of the site including the Great Temple and the churches. Those who are energetic and adventurous can accompany the guide by walking (or riding a mule) to the top of the plateau to explore Ed-Deir, 'the Monastery', a spectacular Nabataean funerary temple carved out of the native rock. The views over the Wadi Arabah are magnificent and the temple is one of the most impressive sites in the Near East. Overnight Petra.
Day 18: Wadi Rum - drive to Petra
In the morning we have a day excursion to explore the splendid natural wonders of the Wadi Rum, a stark desert landscape made famous in the movie 'Lawrence of Arabia'. We travel by 4-wheel drive down the Wadi stopping to see magnificent isolated oases and natural springs and explore an ancient Nabataean temple. In the afternoon we return to Petra. Overnight Petra.
Day 19: Shobak Castle - Kerak Castle - Dead Sea
In the morning we leave Petra and head north through the uplands of Jordan. We stop at the site of Shobak where we see the remains of the crusader period castle. Built on an isolated hill, the castle is famous for its deep water tunnel. After lunch we explore the impressive remains of Kerak Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 12th Century to dominate the region. We continue north and stop for a swim in the Dead Sea. Overnight Amman.
Day 20: Depart Amman
We head to Amman International Airport for our flight to Australia.
* Please note that the Company reserves the right to make alterations to the itinerary in the period up to 60 days prior to a tour departure. The itinerary may also be subject to minor re-arrangement due to the scheduling of the operators and availability of access. If this occurs, the Company will endeavour to provide a comparable alternative.