Name: Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.8 (9 reviews)

Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Destination: Egypt, Jordan
Programmes: Culture
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
14 Days: Land Only
Ages: 16+
Trip Code: AJD

Trip Overview

Visit Petra, the Pyramids of Giza and more on this highlight-filled adventure of a lifetime

Two historic lands, two world wonders (one new, one old) and countless adventures along the way – this trip across Jordan and Egypt explores the best of these fascinating countries. We’ll take in the cliff-carved Nabatean ruins at Petra, the wild desert of Wadi Rum, the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the Valley of the Kings and the iconic Giza pyramids. Along the way we’ll sail the Nile in a traditional felucca, sample local cuisine and pause at a few less visited spots that most travellers pass right by.

At a Glance

10 nights in three-star hotels, one night in a desert camp, one night in a simple lodge and one night on a sleeper train
Travel by air-conditioned buses, sleeper train, felucca (traditional sailing boat), four-wheel drives and two flights (Amman to Cairo and Luxor to Cairo)
Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Highlights

Unlock the secrets of Petra, the Nabatean city hewn out of rose-red rock
Gaze at the pyramids and Sphinx in Giza
Stay in a desert camp and take a 4x4 tour in Wadi Rum
Sail down the Nile on a traditional felucca
Discover the temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel
Marvel at mosaics and more in Madaba and Umm Ar Rasas
Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea
Explore the ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor

Is This Trip for You?

This trip has been graded Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

It is suitable for everyone with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. However, please note:

Some days involve early starts (especially in Egypt) but this allows us to get the most from our time and avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. To do the optional 850 steps up to the Monastery, you should have a reasonable level of fitness.
Both countries can be hot, especially during summer, which can cause discomfort while travelling. Care should be taken to keep hydrated. The hottest months tend to be June to September when temperatures can reach 40C (104F) in the south of Egypt.

Egypt is a poorer country than Jordan, and you will notice considerable differences between the two. Cairo in particular is chaotic and infrastructure is generally in poor condition. Persistent sellers are likely to be encountered in Egypt to a much greater extent than in Jordan, your tour leader can give advice on how to deal with this.

Accommodation: The hotels we use on this trip are of a mid-level standard, providing reasonable comfort. The night on the sleeper train is in compartments with shared bathroom facilities. See the accommodation section for more detail.

Sites: Please note, the new Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open during 2023 but this is subject to change.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Amman
End City: Cairo

Flight Inclusive

Start City: London
End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins.

Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

We have our welcome briefing this morning with our Jordanian tour leader. We leave the hotel and head on foot to the Roman amphitheatre. Constructed in the second century, when the city was called Philadelphia, the steep-sided structure is built into a hillside and is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

We then continue by minibus to the ruins of Amman Citadel, which sits atop the highest hill in the city. The site has been occupied by various civilisations from the Bronze Age and there are Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad structures visible today.

Next, we drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, with time to bob in the salty waters. Finally, we return to Amman for the evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Amman this morning and head to Madaba where we visit St George’s Church, where we admire the mosaic floor, considered the oldest map of Palestine in existence. We then make the short drive to Mount Nebo; from this 2,295ft (700m) high viewpoint overlooking the Dead Sea to Palestine and Israel beyond, Moses is said to have first seen the Promised Land.

We continue south along the King’s Highway to the archaeological site of Umm Ar Rasas. This little-visited Unesco World Heritage site was initially developed as a Roman military camp and grew into a town from the fifth century. It is unexcavated and has remains from the Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim periods. The ruins contain several churches and the impressive mosaic floor in the Church of St Stephen is a highlight.

From Umm Ar Rasas, we reach the Desert Highway and continue our journey south to Wadi Rum. Sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and where sections of the 1962 epic film Lawrence of Arabia were shot.

After checking into our Exodus camp, we have time to sample Bedouin tea, and then watch the sunset. In our camp, we have a traditional zarb dinner, which is cooked underground.

Accommodation: Exodus Bedouin Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we have a four-hour 4×4 tour of some of the highlights of the Wadi Rum protected area.

We then leave for Petra, about two hours’ drive away.

One of the New Wonders of the World, it was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BCE. It’s now one of the most recognisable monuments on the planet, built down a series of chasms and carved directly into red-yellow sandstone that glows in the sunlight.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included: Breakfast

To enter Petra, we begin by walking down a narrow chasm known as the Siq – unveiled at the end is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breath-taking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the city centre, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens who once lived here and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. An optional walk can then be done up 850 steps to El Deir, the Monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn.

Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, we take a guided tour through Little Petra. The purpose of this site is not clear; however, archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the Silk Road may have stayed.

We leave Little Petra behind and head for the Desert Highway and onwards to Amman airport. The drive takes about three hours. At the airport, we say a fond farewell to our Jordanian leader and take an evening flight to Cairo.

In the capital of Egypt, the ancient and modern worlds collide – sometimes chaotically! We meet our Egyptian leader at the airport and drive to our hotel in Zamalek, an island on the Nile.

Accommodation: Flamenco El Zamalek Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We begin our day with a visit to Giza, where the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaurestand testament to the ingenuity of the ancient world. The largest of the three structures – known as the Great Pyramid of Giza – is Khufu’s and remains the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that still stands.

It is possible to enter the Great Pyramid (ticket bought locally, not included); however, this is not for everyone, it is a confined space and usually crowded and hot.

There is also an opportunity for a short camel ride, costing about US$10 for those who wish to do it (payable locally).

We next visit either the Grand Egyptian Museum (scheduled to open in late 2023, subject to change) or the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Both unlock the extraordinary history of the country through fabulous relics and treasures and deepen our understanding of the ancient world.

Meals included: Breakfast

We visit Old Cairo today, taking in important Christian, Muslim and Jewish sites. We start with the Hanging Church, a Coptic Christian church dating to the third century, which sits above a gatehouse of the Roman-built Babylon Fortress. We continue to Amr Ibn Elas mosque, an important centre of Islamic learning for more than 600 years. Next is Ben Ezra synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo. Local legend says this is where baby Moses was found.

We continue the day with a walk in El Moez and Khaymeya streets, sampling typical food and drink as we go.

Finally, we’re taken to the train station for our overnight sleeper to Aswan (approximately 13-14 hours). Please see the accommodation section for more information on what to expect.

Accommodation: Sleeper train

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

We arrive into Aswan station this morning and then head straight to Abu Simbel by road through the Nubian Desert. The drive takes about four hours. Upon arrival, we have a little time at our accommodation to refresh ourselves.

It’s then onto Abu Simbel. Built by Ramses II, the two temples – where four great seated statues of the pharaoh stare east towards the rising sun – are undoubtedly among the most spectacular in Egypt.

Most tours visit Abu Simbel on a daytrip from Aswan starting very early in the morning. By visiting later in the day and staying overnight, we avoid the busiest times.

Accommodation: Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Abu Simbel this morning and head back towards Aswan.

This is a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre.

First, we visit the Aswan High Dam, one of the largest embankment dams in the world. Built in the 1960s, it has had a huge impact on Egypt – generating hydroelectricity and giving control over water levels and flooding downstream. However, more than 100,000 people had to relocate and archaeological sites were either moved or submerged.

Philae Temple is our next stop. In the 1970s, it was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident the original site would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering.

In the afternoon, we visit Animalia, a small museum exploring Nubian culture, flora and fauna. There is a small gift shop with handmade goods.

Accommodation: Tolip Aswan Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Aswan in style this morning, boarding a traditional Egyptian sailing boat known as a felucca for a five-hour journey down the Nile. Rather than take a big cruise ship or drive straight past (as many trips do) we have time to gently navigate one of the world’s great rivers with lunch on board. On the journey, we are accompanied by a tug, which may assist us depending on the wind.

Reaching Kom Ombo, we disembark and visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. Unusually, this is a double temple, with rooms and courts duplicated. One half is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and the other to the falcon god, Haroeris.

From Kom Ombu, we continue by road to Esna where we visit the temple dedicated to Khnum, the ram-headed god of creation. Finally, we drive to Luxor where we stay the next two nights.

Accommodation: Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We begin with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. The site contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet hillside entrance takes us underground; a series of corridors and antechambers leads down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs – a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as some of the most impressive tombs; however, if you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended (extra cost). Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb costs approximately US$12, payable locally. In terms of size and decoration, it is not as impressive as many of the other tombs but is, of course, historically fascinating. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks.

Next stop is Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple – a masterpiece of ancient architecture. The temple bears resemblance to classic Greek design yet is 1,000 years older. We have a tour of the site and then proceed to Carter House, a mud brick construction where Howard Carter was based while leading the team who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. The house is now a museum and contains maps, books and other items from Carter’s time there. Finally, we return to our hotel in Luxor for the night.

Accommodation: Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over more than 1,500 years, Karnak is a mixture of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) high. Time permitting, we have the option to walk along the Avenue of the Sphinxes/Road of the Rams, which connects the Karnak and Luxor temples.

In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport and fly to Cairo and then travel to our hotel for our final night. The hotel in Cairo is basic but is convenient for the airport.

Accommodation: Golden Carven Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

The adventure ends in Cairo. If you’d like more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels, camp, lodge and sleeper train

We spend two nights in a three-star hotel in Amman, one night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum, two nights in a three-star hotel in Petra, two nights in a four-star hotel in Cairo, one night on a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, one night in a simple lodge at Abu Simbel, one night in a four-star hotel in Aswan, two nights in a four-star hotel in Luxor and a final night in another three-star hotel in Cairo.

Star ratings in Jordan and Egypt are generally not comparable to Western classifications, particularly in Cairo where infrastructure is often dated.

Tolip, Aswan:

Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs

Wadi Rum camp: The private camp is for the sole use of Exodus groups and offers an unforgettable experience under desert skies. A traditional dinner, cooked underground is included. The traditional-style tents are equipped with beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water.

Hotels in Petra: Accommodation in Wadi Musa (the town adjacent to Petra archaeological site) is limited and demands on infrastructure are high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the hotels are of an older style and more basic in comparison to the rest of Jordan. Hotels we use include Petra Icon Hotel, Petra Plaza, Edom Hotel and La Maison among others. Some hotels are closer to the entrance to Petra than others. When not within walking distance of the Petra entrance, a transfer to/from the entrance is provided (typically a 10-minute drive).

Cairo to Aswan sleeper train: The train is a good way to cover a long distance in a time-efficient manner and avoids the need for a domestic flight. Compartments are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet on each carriage.

Accommodation in Abu Simbel: We usually stay in a simple Nubian-owned, traditional style lodge in Abu Simbel. This is a great way to get a taste of the Nubian lifestyle and support the people. Mosquito netting is provided, though insect repellent can prove useful.

Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, Abu Simbel:

Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs

Single supplements: Available for this trip; except in Wadi Rum (1 night) and on the sleeper train (1 night).

Single supplement from 696 €

Food & Drink

When not in half-board accommodation, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around US$20-US$30 per person for non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat. In Egypt, meals are often buffets.

Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader can tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on the location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all. In Egypt, it is much easier to obtain alcohol.

Transport

For most of this trip, we use an air-conditioned bus with local drivers. Occasionally, we may use two vehicles for the group. To reach the Wadi Rum camp, and to explore the surrounding desert, we use basic four-wheel-drive vehicles, owned by the Bedouin family that hosts us. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below the normal vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available, and as we are not travelling by road, we feel they are an adequate means of transport. This trip also includes a sleeper train in Egypt (see accommodation section for more information) and a journey on a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat.

Weather & Seasonality

Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F) in the day and 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely, but protracted bad weather is unlikely. During summer, it is hot and dry, but not unpleasant. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (89F) in Madaba.

Wadi Rum in summer is around 30C (86F) on average, though it can hit 40C (104F). It is usually cooler at night. In winter, it is much cooler and can dip to 10C (50F) during the day. In the evening, it can hit freezing point. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety.

As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Khan Khediwe, Quraysh Street, Amman. Jordan
Recommended arrival time: Any time. Hotel check-in is from 2pm. There will be a welcome briefing on the morning of Day 2
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport, Amman (AMM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Amman (AMM) airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Cairo International Airport (CAI) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Amman
Location end: Cairo

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Daypack
Shoes that are strong and comfortable for walking around sites with stony ground
Water bottle with a wide top (not plastic) for refills
Sunhat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Swimwear
Insect repellent
Appropriate footwear (eg water shoes) for the Dead Sea, which is rocky underfoot in places

You will encounter a range of temperatures; in spring and autumn, the days are generally quite hot (very hot in July and August), the nights are cool in the desert. Generally, light cotton clothing is suitable for daytime use, but you may need a sweater.

Please note, Jordan and Egypt are Muslim countries and so modest dress is required on this trip when visiting holy sites and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered). This is not necessary in the larger cities and more popular destinations.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

Travel towel
Sleeping bag/liner for extra comfort for the night in the desert (please note, basic bedding, including sheets and blankets, is provided).
Snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts can be bought locally, but you might want to bring some from home
Flip-flops/sandals

Practical Information

Passport

Jordan passport information

It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and additionally, has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.

Visa

Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Jordan
Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.

We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.

You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).

Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.

Egypt
We recommend you obtain your visa in advance, for e-visa eligible nationalities, apply here: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg.

Print two copies of your e visa and take them with you.

When obtaining your e-visa, ensure you have a scan of your passport ready. The file size should be very small and saved as a JPEG or PDF otherwise you might not be able to load it on the visa application.

You will need to provide your host’s information on the application – please use the following details:

5A, El Nasr Road
Tower(1) Building (2), 4^th Floor, Office (401)
Nasr city – Cairo, Egypt
https://www.yougo2egypt.com/
+2 02 2349 3187 / +2 02 2349 3077
info@yougo2egypt.com

Please note, Egyptian officials require tourists to carry a copy of their passport with them while in the country. Please also note, some prescribed medicines are controlled substances in Egypt.

Vaccinations and Health

Jordan

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm all requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.

Egypt

There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.

You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Jordan's time zone: Asia/Amman (UTC +03:00)

Egypt's time zone: Africa/Cairo (UTC +03:00)

Electricity

Jordan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins), F (two round pins), G (three rectangular pins, UK standard), and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Egypt's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Money

Jordan's currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)

Egypt's currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), though US dollars are also widely accepted

ATM Availability

You can either change your money in advance or on arrival at Amman and Cairo airports. Here you will find both ATMs and money exchanges. There are also ATMs in the major towns and cities, such as Amman, Petra, Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. However, some ATMs do not accept every card, so please bring some cash to change if possible. Your leader can advise on changing money and ATMs. Larger shops in the cities may take credit cards, but do not rely on this.

We suggest taking some money in cash (British pounds, euros or US dollars) with a mix of denominations. We do not recommend travellers cheques. Small denomination cash dollars are useful for times when you want to change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid fairly for their work. However, tipping is part of the culture in Jordan and Egypt. We therefore recommend a tipping kitty to cover your driver, hotel staff and other local staff. Tipping should be done separately for each country. Your leaders can advise on the amount.

For Jordan, expect the tipping kitty to be US$40 per person. For Egypt, expect US$40 per person. The kitty can be managed by one of the group members with the leader advising where it is appropriate to tip. If preferred, however, the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to ease confusion and embarrassment by not knowing how much or how little to tip.

Most clients also wish to tip their Tour Leaders. As a guide, we suggest US$40 per person for the Jordanian leader and $40 per person for the Egypt leader. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leaders in an envelope. Tip amounts are at your discretion and our suggestions to be used as a guideline only.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

In Jordan, we are very proud to work with a local partner who are Travelife certified. Travelife is a certification system dedicated to achieving sustainable practices in the global tourism industry. To receive the award, our Jordanian partner had to comply with more than 100 criteria related to corporate social responsibility. The Travelife standard is formally recognised for full compliance with the UN Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

This trip brings income and opportunity to the destinations through the inclusion of locally owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food, and support of other local enterprises.
The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
This trip stays one night in the Wadi Rum desert at the Exodus Private camp, which is owned and managed by a local Bedouin family. This not only provides a source of income for the family but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions.
In Wadi Rum, we take a jeep safari, which provides another source of income for local people.
At Abu Simbel, we stay at a Nubian-run lodge, which helps get money directly to local people.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We visit nature reserves and heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income used to upkeep and develop these important monuments and nature parks.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
In Petra, we do not recommend that guests ride horses or mules as we are not convinced their treatment is in line with industry-leading animal welfare guidelines.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for reusable bottles.
It is standard practice in Jordan to distribute leftover restaurant food to people in need.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
The Exodus Private camp in Wadi Rum uses solar power.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect:
- Some Jordanians, especially women and elderly people, object to being photographed, so please ask first. In Egypt, photography is particularly sensitive, ask your Tour Leader for guidance on what is and is not permitted. Photography of children is illegal in Egypt and photography of adults requires written consent.
- Jordanians and Egyptians are very proud of their country and can be offended if you take pictures of anything ‘negative’ or suggestive of poverty. Photography in military zones and strategic areas like public buildings is prohibited.
- Handshaking is only between members of the same sex.
- It’s polite to use only your right hand when eating without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- It is common practice to remove shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home and you should tuck them under if sitting on the floor. It is respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Please note, many mosques are not open for tourist visits.
- Generally, clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
- During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. Even chewing gum is considered haram (forbidden). Although foreigners are not expected to follow these practices, it is respectful to be discrete and not eat, drink or smoke in general public.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Binoculars and drones

We do not recommend taking binoculars or monoculars into Egypt as on occasion these have been confiscated either on arrival or within the country. Drones are also forbidden.

It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required for the free Jordanian visa (see below for eligibility details) and, additionally, has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.

Important Information

Your safe participation

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

How to Book

Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.