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8 Day Pyramids, Petra and the Dead Sea
Highlights: Cairo, Petra, Dead Sea, Amman
Trip start: Cairo
Trip end: Dead Sea
Price Range 2012 promotion pricing from $2,399 per person *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Experience two of the Seven Wonders of the World, on this 7 day journey through the Pyramids, Petra and the Dead Sea. A private Egyptologist guided tour of Egypt & Jordan, this exotic expedition will take you from the ancient marvels of Cairo to the awe inspiring sites of Petra through to the serene beaches of the Dead Sea. Explore the wonder of the Pyramids, the magnificent Sphinx, the Egyptian National Museum’s brilliant Tutankhamen exhibit and the bustling night bazaars of vibrant Cairo accompanied by your own private Egyptologist. Travel to Jordan and visit Petra, a grand ghost city half as old as time. Carved into the sheer sandstone cliffs, its massive architectural feats and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, this remarkable ancient city of grand buildings evokes wonder to this day. Swim in the Dead Sea, renowned for its rejuvenating and health-giving properties. Discover Jerash, one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside Italy. A travelers dream featuring thousands of year’s worth of magnificent sites, ancient monuments, two of the Seven Wonders of the World, elegant hotels and a reasonable price.

Request a quote or call Kensington to speak to our Middle Eastern Destination Expert to learn more about various extensions and all the different ways of customizing your tour. Some examples are a scenic Nile cruise or an extended stay on the luxurious beaches of Amman’s Red Sea. Remember that all of our tours are available at 3, 4 and 5 star levels according to your preference. Book Now!

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Cairo
  • Cairo: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Airport Assistance and Visa Service
Meridien Pyramids
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 2
Cairo
  • Private - Pyramids, Saqqara, Memphis Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
  • Sunrise/Sunset Desert Trekking (Horse/Camel) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Meridien Pyramids
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 3
Cairo
  • Private - 1/2 d Egyptian Museum Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
  • Continuation of day tour
  • Cairo by Night - Vehicle Driver
Meridien Pyramids
(Alt: ) (B)
Day 4
Petra
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Cairo - Amman [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
  • Amman: Airport Assistance and Visa
  • Transfer - Amman - Amman [Airport ] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Transfer - Amman - Petra [Petra (3hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver
  • Petra: Self-Guided - Little Petra - Vehicle/Driver
  • Petra by Night (1.5hrs) - No Vehicle
Petra Marriott
(Alt: Crowne Plaza Petra) (B)
Day 5
Dead Sea
  • Private - City Tour - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Dead Sea (3 hrs) - Car/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa (B)
Day 6
Dead Sea
  • Dead Sea: Private - Nebo & Madaba Tour 1/2 day - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - Bethany Tour (Al-Maghtas) (1.5-2hrs) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa (B)
Day 7
Amman
  • Private - 1/2 d Jerash - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
  • Amman: Dinner at Kan Zaman Village - Vehicle/Driver
Amman Marriott (B)
Day 8
Dead Sea - Amman
  • Transfer - Dead Sea - Amman [Amman ] - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cairo

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

You will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($15 per person - included in tour cost), escort you through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our representative associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.

Le Meridien Pyramids resort is located twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre, with a spectacular closeness to the Giza Pyramids, one of history’s greatest treasures and one of the Seven Wonders of the world. With 444 rooms, this hotel is the ideal combination of rich foliage blended with sultry sands and timelessness. From dining North American-style over Tex Mex dishes to closing off the night over traditional Arabic shisha, one can attain a true feel for Egypt while still retaining a level of comfort akin to home. Aside from Le Meridien offering resort-style facilities, from outdoor tennis courts kept lit at night to spa treatments, the distance to the city allows the curious traveler to discover the curving streets and bazaars that mark Cairo’s mysterious aura.

Overnight at Meridien Pyramids.


The Mighty Sphinx
The Mighty Sphinx
Le Meridien Pyramids
Le Meridien Pyramids
Day 2 Cairo

Enjoy this tour which explores the relics of ages past, and includes visits to ancient Memphis, Saqqara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Already millennia old by the birth of Christ, the elaborate statues and astonishing scale of these sites will amaze all who visit. This tour also features the famous Sphinx, whose constructor's still remains unknown, but its sheer beauty and allure has mystified the likes of Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. This tour includes a private vehicle, a driver, and a highly trained Egyptologist, and entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids, as well as the Solar boat. Entrance to the Pyramids come with an additional cost, and be aware that a limited number of people are allowed inside daily, so arrive early so you will not be disappointed.

Enjoy a personalized lunch with your guide at a great local restaurant.

Clients are picked up before sunrise (sunset) from hotel and transferred to the desert where they will meet their guide. The guide will lead you out into the desert on your choice of camel or horse, where you enjoy the sunset with a panoramic view of the Pyramids of Giza. This evening includes stopping for dinner at a bedouin restaurant adjacent to the desert before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Meridien Pyramids.


Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza
Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza
Camel ride
Camel ride
Day 3 Cairo

Delve into the historical background of Egypt on a half day private tour with a trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. This location holds the tomb of the King Tut, Egypt's most famous teenage Kings!

Enjoy a personalized lunch with your guide at a great local restaurant.

During this evening tour, enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner at Naguib Mafouz, located in the heart of the Khan Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Stroll down the newly opened Al Moaz Street and view the largest concentration of medieval architectural treasures from the Islamic world. Also included in this tour is entrance to Beit El Seheimy.  Normally, this location would be closed to the public during the evening, but this exclusive tour allows for entrance inside.  This tour includes a private vehicle, driver and english speaking guide.

Overnight at Meridien Pyramids.


Egyptian Museum, home of King Tut
Egyptian Museum, home of King Tut
Khan Khalili Bazaar
Khan Khalili Bazaar
Day 4 Petra

Petra is famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time". A spectacular and unique sight, its massive buildings are carved directly into the sandstone cliffs. Enclosed by towering rocks and watered by a perennial stream, Petra controlled the ancient commercial routes across the desert to the Persian Gulf. The impressive eastern entrance leads steeply down through a dark and narrow gorge called the Siq (the shaft), a natural geological feature formed from a deep split in the sandstone rocks. It opens directly onto Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh ("the Treasury") hewn directly out of the sandstone cliff. A little farther from the Treasury is a massive theatre, so placed as to bring the greatest number of tombs within view; and at the point where the valley opens out into the plain the site of the city is revealed with striking effect. Almost enclosing it on three sides are rose-coloured mountain walls, divided into groups by deep fissures, and lined with tombs cut from the rock in the form of towers.

Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

Take your flight from Cairo to Amman. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

You will be met by an airport representative who will facilitate the visa process , escort you through customs and immigration, then it is off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our Kensington associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.

Airport meet and assist/transfer in Amman with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.

Avail of a transfer to Petra with a private vehicle and driver.

The Siq Al-Barid (Little Petra) is located to the north of Petra, only a 10 minute drive away. A classical temple stands guard outside the miniature siq which would appear to have been an important suburb of the city of Petra, situated at the point where several ancient caravan routes met, linking Wadi Araba with Gaza, Egypt and the Mediterranean coast. The narrow file, only some 350 m long, is crammed with tombs, temples, triclinia, houses, water channels and cisterns. The surrounding area is picturesque and fun to explore.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Petra by night. By the light of 1,800 candles, this is truly an out-of-this-world experience! Walk through the Siq to the Khazneh following a candle-lit path, to conclude enjoy the entrancing music of the Bedouin region at the Treasury.

Enjoy one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra carved from the rock over a thousand years ago. Embracing traditional hospitality and overlooking Jordan's timeless wonder, the Petra Marriott Hotel offers anticipatory & traditional service designed to exceed all expectations.

Overnight at Petra Marriott.


Petra
Petra
Little Petra
Little Petra
Petra Marriott
Petra Marriott
Day 5 Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is an inland lake lying 400m (1320ft) below sea level in the lower part of the Jordan Valley, which has more minerals and salt than any other body of water in the world and is renowned for its rejuvenating and health-giving properties. Other interesting sights around the Dead Sea include Mount Sodom, a 13km- (8 mile-) long mountain range made up of pure salt which has many caves with extraordinary hanging salt formations, and Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls, written by Essene scribes, were discovered in ancient pottery jars.

Petra is the treasure of the ancient world, and the rock-carved rose-red city is full of mysterious charm. Indeed, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it". Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, this remarkable city of grand buildings carved into massive cliffs evokes wonder to this day. Enjoy being shown the wonders of the city in the company of your Driver-Guide.

Enjoy a private transfer from Petra to the Dead Sea. The transfer time is approximately 3hrs in duration.

The Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Jordan's hospitality ambassador of life's healing grounds is surrounded by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in color as the day unfolds. This is where the spirit of Jordan fills the air and the pulse of history resonates in culture with an endless celebration of life and traditions. The Resort offers anticipatory and warm service that revives the soul, as well as a self contained blend of modern décor and generous space. Service is unparalleled, anticipating every need and the culinary delights are a pleasure to enjoy. The "Spa" is an integral part of the resort. It offers a retreat for guests to unwind, relax and rejuvenate and is designed to offer guests a unique experience and to help rebalance the body, mind and spirit. The treatments are specially prepared to invigorate the body and soul. In addition, the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is proud to be the first hotel in the Middle East to switch to solar panel energy for hot water.

Overnight at Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa.


Dead Sea Sunset
Dead Sea Sunset
 Al Khazneh or The Treasury
Al Khazneh or The Treasury
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Day 6 Dead Sea

According to Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried on this mountain by God himself, and his final resting place is unknown. Scholars continue to dispute whether the mountain currently known as Nebo is the same as the mountain referred to in the Torah. Madaba’s most famous site is the Mosaic map in the 19th century Greek Orthodox St George’s Church. Unearthed 1864, the mosaic was once a clear map with 157 captions (in Greek) of all major biblical sites from Lebanon to Egypt. The mosaic was constructed AD 560 & once contained more than 2 million pieces; only 1/3 of the whole now survives.

Drive to Dead Sea area to visit the site of John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized, has long been known from the Bible (John 1:28 and 10:40) and from the Byzantine and medieval texts. The site has now been identified on the east bank of the Jordan River, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and is being systematically surveyed, excavated, restored, and prepared to receive pilgrims and visitors. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is located an hour by car from the Jordanian capital Amman and 15 minutes from the Dead Sea hotels area.

Overnight at Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa.


Top of Mount Nebo, burial spot of Moses
Top of Mount Nebo, burial spot of Moses
John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany
John the Baptist's settlement at Bethany
Day 7 Amman

Amman's history dates from the bronze age and features grand Roman ruins and some of the region's finest mosques. The old city is centered on the Souk (a colorful traditional market) and the King Hussein Mosque. Since Amman resembles Rome, as it is situated on seven hills, the city was a favorite place for Roman soldiers and officials. Behind the Roman forum stands a Roman theatre—the largest theatre in Jordan—with room for 6,000 spectators. Amman is also home to some of the grandest mosques in the Middle East. The enormous King Abdullah I Mosque is capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome beneath which 3,000 Muslims may offer prayer. The most unusual mosque in Amman is the Abu Darweesh Mosque covered with an extraordinary black and white checkered pattern and is unique to Jordan.

The city of Jerash is nestled in a quiet valley among the mountains of Gilead, rivals the grandeur of Imperial Rome being one of the largest and most well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. To this day, its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. Enjoy visiting the sites in the company of your Driver-Guide.

A private car and driver will transfer you to the Kan Zaman Village for dinner, your driver will return you to your hotel after.

Recently renovated, the Amman Marriott Hotel offers comfort and convenience to those visiting Amman. The city center hotel is close to the business district and tourist attractions, just steps away from the allure of this modern yet ancient city. The location of the Amman Mariott ensures that you don't miss anything, with area attractions such as the Citadel and Jerash only minutes away. The hotel also offers delicious dining options, as well as a health club for maximum well being in the middle of the city.

Overnight at Amman Marriott.


Amman
Amman
Jerash
Jerash
Amman Marriott Hotel
Amman Marriott Hotel
Day 8 Dead Sea - Amman

Avail of a private transfer between the Dead Sea and Amman.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.