Jordan/Egypt

Wonders of the Middle East: An Exploration of Egypt & Jordan

Program No. 24423RJ
Experience the ancient and modern wonders of Jordan and Egypt on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that leads to the Great Pyramids of Giza, Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert.

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At a Glance

For more than 5,000 years, adventurers and scholars have journeyed to the Middle East to experience the vast wonders of Egypt and Jordan. Now, it’s your turn to embark on the educational adventure of a lifetime as you join local experts for an in-depth immersion into the ancient history, cultures and modern life of these two fascinating countries. Explore the city of Amman and be amazed by the vast beauty of the Dead Sea before spending a night under the stars in the Wadi Rum Desert. Marvel in the ancient complexity of the “Red Rose City” of Petra and be astounded by the sight of the Great Pyramids of Giza. Board a riverboat for a three-night journey along the Nile River, stopping to discover ancient temples and the Valley of the Kings. Your journey concludes in Cairo, where you’ll experience Egyptian life as you explore citadels, synagogues and bustling marketplaces — the true hubs of local culture.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Walking is the best way to get to know a new place. I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move. Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover one of the seven wonders of the modern world, Petra, as you explore this stunning city cut from rose-red rock in Jordan.
  • Delight in a night of “glamping” under the stars in the Martian Dome in Jordan’s Wadi Rum Desert.
  • Spend three nights on the Nile River in a luxury riverboat with an Egyptologist who will show you ancient temples, the Valley of the Kings and more important historical sites.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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15 days
14 nights
37 meals
13 B 11 L 13 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Amman, Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Amman
D
Kempinski Hotel Amman

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. We will have lectures by local experts. This program is staffed with a Study Leader who will provide educational content and lead field trips as well as a Group Leader who will deal primarily with logistics. Transportation will be via motorcoach with the exception of Wadi Rum, where we will use jeeps. Meals will feature traditional foods. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
Jerash, Amman Citadel
Amman
B,L,D
Kempinski Hotel Amman

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles; flat and uneven terrain, slippery stones.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach with our Study Leader for a field trip to Jerash. This modern city in northern Jordan was the site of ancient Gerasa. Although a place of human habitation for thousands of years, it was purportedly founded by Alexander the Great, circa 331 BCE, and flourished during the Greco-Roman era. Tradition says it was here that Jesus exorcised a demon. An earthquake in 749 CE destroyed much of the Roman city. It was covered by desert sands and not rediscovered until 1806. Archaeological excavations have revealed exceptional ruins, prompting comparisons with Pompeii.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Jerash.

Afternoon: Next, we will reboard our motorcoach and ride to the Amman Citadel. This living, open-air museum contains the Jordan Archaeological Museum. Our Study Leader will give us an overview of Jordan’s past and the many civilizations that have held sway here. The museum contains artifacts dating back to prehistoric times. We will learn about Jordan and its capital including Amman’s Roman heritage. We will also walk to the amphitheater, still in use today, then return to the hotel after our field trip.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
4
Mount Nebo, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, About Christianity
The Dead Sea
B,D
Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 45 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking during field trips; generally flat terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out, board a motorcoach, and set out on a field trip to Mt. Nebo. According to the Bible, God allowed Moses to look from here over into the Promised Land but he was not allowed to enter because of former disobedience. He died and God buried him, but no one knows where. We will see what many believe is the actual site of historical events and learn about Moses and biblical history. We will move on to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. From the UNESCO inscription: “Situated in a pristine natural environment the site is believed to be the location where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It features Roman and Byzantine remains including churches and chapels, a monastery, caves that have been used by hermits and pools in which baptisms were celebrated, testifying to the religious character of the place.” After our field trips, we will ride to the hotel for a lecture by a local priest on Christianity in Jordan. We will then check in.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Our hotel is situated on the northern shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the planet. Its salt concentration is eight times that of ocean water. If you wish to “swim” — actually float — take your swimsuit and water shoes. Towels and lockers are available for a small rental fee.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
5
Kerak Castle, Wadi Rum
Wadi Rum
B,L,D
Mazayen Rum Camp

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 250 miles, approximately 5-6 hours total riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles; uneven terrain, steps, no railings. Wear comfortable shoes.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After checking out, we will begin our transfer to Wadi Rum, heading first to Kerak Castle. We will take the scenic route along part of the Dead Sea shores through sandstone cliffs. Kerak was one of the largest Crusader castles in the Middle East, historically used to protect sites in the. Its construction, east of the Dead Sea on the main trade routes from Damascus to Egypt and Mecca, dates from 1142. Due to its strategic position over the centuries, it was an important power base for many rulers, from Raynald (Reginald) of Châtillon and Saladin to modern times. Its structure with 16 towers on top the mountain was a model for many other fortified castles around the world melded with nature. Our Study Leader will illuminate the medieval history of the Middle East.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will we continue our ride on a scenic road down to the one of the best-known desert sites in Jordan, Wadi Rum. Archaeological evidence has shown human habitation for thousands of years. We will check in to our Bedouin-style tented accommodations upon arrival.

Dinner: At the camp. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
6
Wadi Rum, Petra
Petra
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort Petra

Activity note: Getting in/out of locally-owned off-road vehicles, no A/C; driving about about 100 miles, approximately 3 hours total riding time; bumpy roads. Walking about 1/2 mile; sandy, uneven, difficult terrain. Participants with mobility restrictions and/or back and neck conditions advised not to participate in this field trip and to notify the Group Leader.

Breakfast: Glamping (modern upscale camping) breakfast.

Morning: We will take off-road vehicles for our expert-led field trip into Wadi Rum, the largest wadi in Jordan, covering nearly 300 square miles of harsh landscape with high mountains, deep valleys, canyons, caves, and sand. Over millennia, residents and travelers have left their mark in ancient petroglyphs, inscriptions, and in the ruins of temples. The Bedouin people who continue to live here are descendants of those who fought with T.E. Lawrence — “Lawrence of Arabia.” As a nationally protected area, there is an intensive conservation program in place to protect the unique landscape. During our ride, we will learn about what has happened in this desolate terrain.

Lunch: Under a Bedouin tent at Wadi Rum.

Afternoon: We will board the motorcoach and ride to Petra via the Desert Highway. We expect to arrive late afternoon when we will check in with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Petra
Petra
B,L,D
Movenpick Resort Petra

Activity note: Strenuous walking, about 5 miles in/out of Petra; sloping path, natural and slippery surfaces, two benches along the way; high temperatures, little to no shade. Wear comfortable shoes. Horse rides from entrance of Petra to entrance of the Sikh available and included in program cost. Horse-drawn carriages not included in the program cost. The charge for these carriages is approximately $35 U.S., payable at the time by those who choose. The Group Leader can assist with coordination.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will set out on a walking field trip to explore the monuments and settlements of one of the most extraordinary places on earth: Petra. The name derives from Latin, “petrae,” meaning rock. Numerous archaeological excavations have taken place since its “discovery” in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Hidden in a great rift valley east of Wadi ‘Araba, 80 kilometers south of the Dead Sea, Petra was the principle city of ancient Nabetaea, though subsequently ruled by several other empires including the Roman, Byzantine, and Persian.

Lunch: At a Petra restaurant.

Afternoon: The hotel is situated at the entrance to the Petra site. We will have time for self-directed, independent exploration of Petra and its wonders at our own pace, returning when we like.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation by a local Bedouin on Bedouin life and culture in Jordan. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and flight to Cairo in the morning.

DAY
8
Madaba, Fly to Cairo
Giza
B,L,D
Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours riding time. Walking about 1/2 hour; sandy terrain. International flight from Amman to Cairo, approximately 1.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out, board a motorcoach, and be on our way to Madaba in central Jordan. This ancient city has been inhabited for nearly 3,500 years. It contains the most impressive surviving work of art of the mid-6th century: a mosaic map of Palestine, located within St. George’s Church. We will enter, see the mosaic map, an learn about Madaba as the center of Byzantine mosaics and its importance in economy and trade.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Madaba.

Afternoon: We will take an excursion to Mt. Nebo, where according to Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was buried by God in an unknown valley location. Drive towards airport in Amman, Queen Alia International Airport for our flight to Cairo. Say goodbye to your Group Leader and instructor and board an international flight to Egypt.

Dinner: Snack during flight.

Evening: Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be greeted by our new Egypt Group Leader and transfer to our hotel.

DAY
9
Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
Giza
B,L,D
Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately1 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; rough, uneven terrain, standing up to 1/2 hour at different locations; hot conditions, sun with no shade 150 to 200 steps for those who wish to ascend smaller pyramids.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Led by our Study Leader, we will set out by motorcoach on a field trip to explore the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The astonishing monuments of the Giza Plateau are marvels of ancient architectural prowess. The three largest pyramids are the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Kafhre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Each is a tomb dedicated to these king of Egypt. As we walk, we will take in the extraordinary sight of these ancient monuments, learn about great Egyptian dynasties, and why they were constructed. We will then descend the plateau to view the Great Sphinx and marvel at the presence of the guardian of this vast necropolis. An imaginary creature that shows the strength of the lion and the intelligence of a human, it was carved from a single gigantic block of limestone more than 4,600 years ago — though the actual date is a matter of scholarly debate. The Great Sphinx has been known as the “Father of Fear”. A wise man once said: “Everything fears time, yet time fears the Pyramids.” We will return to the hotel after our field trip.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: We will have some “down” time, then gather with a scholar from Cairo University Giza for a lecture on Egypt and the Nile.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and early transfer in the morning.

DAY
10
Fly to Aswan, Embark Ship
Aswan
B,L,D
MS Blue Shadow

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Flight from Cairo to Aswan, approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off another motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile and standing during field trips; rough, uneven terrain, hot conditions, sun with no shade.

Breakfast: Boxed breakfasts to go.

Morning: After early morning check-out, we will drive from Giza to the Cairo Airport, board a flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, we will board a motorcoach and ride to the Aswan High Dam. Completed in 1970, it has proven both beneficial and detrimental to Egypt. While the dam’s construction has been integral in generating electricity, a slew of environmental problems including erosion and poor silt deposition have developed. We will ride on to explore the Philae Temple. We’ll then ride to the dock and embark the M/S Blue Shadow for the start of our Nile study cruise.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We will gather for an orientation to the ship and our study cruise. After some time to relax, we will gather with our Study Leader who will give us an introduction to the temples Kom Ombo and Edfu.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will remain in port overnight.

DAY
11
Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples
Luxor
B,L,D
MS Blue Shadow

Activity note: Getting on/off horse-drawn carriages (that may be substituted for bus depending on local conditions at the time of the program); riding about 2 miles, approximately 1/4 hour each way riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day, standing up to 2 hours at a time; uneven terrain, hot conditions, sun with no shade.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Early in the morning, our ship will begin sailing downstream. We will then take carriages to explore the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. Dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haeroris, Kom Ombo was built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty in the second century BCE. Several hundred crocodile mummies were uncovered during initial excavations. The Horus Temple at Edfu, dedicated to the Falcon God Horus, is one of the largest in Egypt.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: As the ship heads towards Luxor, we’ll gather with our Egyptologist for a lecture about the Valley of the Kings. The remainder of the afternoon will be free.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. The ship will reach Luxor port late in the evening and stay in port overnight.

DAY
12
West Bank, Karnak & Luxor Temples
Luxor
B,L,D
MS Blue Shadow

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 2 miles, standing up to an hour at a time; uneven, hilly terrain; up to 150 steps each way at tombs, hot conditions, sun with no shade.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach with our Study Leader for a full day field trip to explore the Nile’s West Bank Valley of the Kings and the tombs of King Tutankhamun, Queen Hatshepsut, and the colossal statue of Memnon. A plethora of tombs were constructed for ancient Egypt’s nobility between the 16th to 11th centuries BCE. Since the end of the 18th century CE, there have been significant archaeological investigations at the Theban Necropolis. Recent excavations, under the direction of the Theban Mapping Project, have unearthed additional tombs as well as providing a more meticulous and cautious approach to excavation.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to the Karnak and Luxor temples and explore with our Study Leader. The temple of Luxor, known in the Egyptian language as “ipet resyt” (the southern harem), was built by King Amenhotep III who reigned 1390-1353 BCE. He dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods, his consort Mut, and their son Khons. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples. After returning to the ship, we will engage in an informal question and answer session with our Egyptologist about modern Egypt, family life, education, and more.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation and early morning transfer.

DAY
13
Fly to Cairo, Citadel of Mohamad Ali, & Khan Al Khalili
Cairo
B,L,D
InterContinental Semiramis Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Flight to Cairo approximately 1 hour. Getting on/off another motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour depending on traffic. Walking about 1.5 milesm, approximately 2 hours, standing up to 2 hours at a time; uneven stone blocks, steps, and slope to climb.

Breakfast: Early aboard ship.

Morning: We will disembark, board a motorcoach, and ride to the Luxor airport for our flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will explore the Citadel of Mohamed Ali which lies at the heart of Cairo, etched into the Mokattam hillside. It was initially constructed by the Ayyubid ruler Salah al-Din between 1176 and 1183 CE to resist Crusaders. Today, it houses several mosques and numerous museums.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Cairo.

Afternoon: With Study Leader, we’ll spend some time exploring the Khan Al Khalili Bazaar. Dating back to 1382, the market is peppered with trinkets ranging from traditional jewelry and clothes to imitation western perfumes. We will then check in to our hotel with some time to freshen up. We’ll then be joined by a scholar from Egypt who is trying to bridge religions and who will give us a presentation on Islam.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
14
Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo
Cairo
B,L,D
InterContinental Semiramis Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 3/4 hour riding time depending on traffic. Walking up to 1.5 miles, standing up to an hour at a time; generally flat terrain, climbing steps, no railings. Dress code inside church and synagogue. Women: conservative dress, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts; skirts or pants must cover to ankles. Men: no hats inside church.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board a motorcoach and ride to the Egyptian Museum where an Egyptologist will give us an introduction. We will then explore the Museum and its many extraordinary wonders.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Cairo.

Afternoon: We will set out on an expert-led walking field trip in Old Cairo. Among the highlights we will see are the Hanging Church and the Ben Izra Synagogue.

Dinner: At the hotel. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
15
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight
B

Activity note: 2:30 a.m. for earliest airport transfers; transfers continuing through the day depending on flight departure times. 10:00 a.m. hotel check-out. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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