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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15 days
14 nights
37 meals
13B 11L 13D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Jerash, Amman Citadel
Amman
4
Amman / Madaba / Mt Nebo / Dead Sea
The Dead Sea
6
Wadi Rum, Petra
Petra
7
Petra
Petra
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 up to three miles a day over uneven terrain with no shade.
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 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.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Wonders of the Middle East: An Exploration of Egypt & Jordan
Program Number: 24423
When Woman Ruled the World, 6 Queens of Egypt
Celebrated Egyptologist Kara Conney’s narrative explores the lives of six remarkable female pharaohs, from Hatshepsut to Cleopatra, and shines a light on female power, exploring the connections between Woman’s roles as public figures then, and now.
Landscapes of Survival: The Archaeology and Epigraphy of Jordan's North-Eastern Desert and Beyond
Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths
A popular history by the author of A History of God. Armstrong tackles big subjects -- and this book is no exception. It's a comprehensive, concise portrait of the city over the last 5,000 years.
The Jordan Valley and Petra
Petra: The History of Jordan's Rose City
Israel & The West Bank: With Petra
A guide to Jerusalem that includes color photos and helpful planning maps with descriptions.
Islam, A Short History
Armstrong brings authority and experience to this vivid, clear-headed survey of the history and impact of Islam from the birth of Muhammad to present-day challenges. The best short introduction to the subject.
The Archaeology and History of Jerash: 110 Years of Excavations
The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt
Toby Wilkinson, a world rewound Egyptologist, tells the story of Egypt’s great civilization, from its birth as the first nation-state to its absorption into the Roman Empire. Drawing upon forty years of archaeological research, award-winning scholar Toby Wilkinson takes readers inside Egypt’s history once ruled by divine kings who led with all-too-recognizable human emotions.
Apeirogon: A Novel
McCann writes a complex and uplifting story of a Palestinian father and an Israeli Father who form an unexpected bond by the grief of losing a daughter.
Petra, The Rose-Red City
Jam-packed with color illustrations, archival material, maps and site plans, this shirt-pocket encyclopedia is our best-selling book on Petra.
Amman: Gulf Capital, Identity, and Contemporary Megaprojects
How Petra was Built
An analysis of the construction techniques of the Nabataean freestanding buildings and rock-cut monuments in Petra, Jordan
The Rough Guide To Jordan
An in depth expert and comprehensive guide to Jordan. The Rough Guide to Jordan will help readers discover the best places to explore, sleep, eat, drink and shop.
Eyewitness Guide Jerusalem: Israel, Petra & Sinai
This compact, illustrated guide provides a thorough overview of Israel and western Jordan, including Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman.
Eyewitness Guide Egypt
A visually rich guide to the history, culture and monuments of Egypt.
The Nile: A Journey Downriver through Egypt’s Past and Present
Wilkinson takes readers on both a historical and contemporary journey down the Nile, highlighting the small details that intertwine river landmarks with and Egypt’s ancient civilization.
Luxor Illustrated, With Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Nile
The ideal companion to a Nile cruise, Michael Haag introduces all the famous monuments and temples of the Upper Egypt from Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the tomb of Tutankhamun to the marvels of Aswan and Abu Simbel in full color.
In a Desert Land, Photographs of Israel, Egypt and Jordan
A stunning collection of photographs of the desert Middle East, including the Sinai, Petra and Jerusalem.
Northeast Africa and Arabia Map
A folded map of the Northeast region of the continent at a scale of 1:4,000,000.
Meals
37 Meals
13 Breakfasts
11 Lunches
13 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
- Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024
- Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024
2 nights
Amman
Kempinski Hotel Amman is centrally located in the business district of the capital Amman. With only a five minute walk to the city's major attractions guests can experience both leisure and adventure in the vibrant city.
1 night
Amman
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea is located in a traditional village on the northern shores of the Dead Sea. The resort, nestled among many lush gardens, is designed to be an oasis of tranquility and relaxation. The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea features the Zara therapeutic spa with a view of the Dead Sea, and 9 outdoor and indoor restaurants and bars.
Rum Oasis Luxury Camp
1 night
Wadi Rum
Rum Oasis Luxury Camp is a luxury property located in the heart of the desert and so close to old village of Wadi Rum. Its encircled with a wide garden and trees and having a marvelous mountain view and give you an ultimate opportunity to watch the sky and stars in addition to experience the amazing sunset and sun rise. Its surrounded by splendid sandstones and hills all around. Also the camp have a swimming pool. Tents are very luxury furnished with a private bathroom, A/C, Led TV screen, coffee and tea kit, table, seats and all needed amenities. You can ensure your privacy and relaxation while spending your night at the camp.
2 nights
Petra
The Mövenpick Resort Petra is situated right in the historic Jordanian city of Petra. It features a lovely combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood, and Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. The Mövenpick Resort Petra includes a fountain and a rooftop garden ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sunset over Petra.
2 nights
Giza
The Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel is located in the city of Giza, a walk away from the iconic Great Pyramids, and a short drive away from the Grand Egyptian Museum. A great place for both relaxation and sightseeing, guests can enjoy surrounding restaurants, bars, and the sunset from the hotel terrace.
3 nights
Aswan
Steigenberger's MS Minerva is a 5 star ship where guests enjoy a comfortable and luxury cruise on the Nile River.
2 nights
Cairo
The Semiramis InterContinental hotel is located in the heart of the Cairo facing the Nile River. The hotel is nearby to historic landmarks and close to the downtown center. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool and terrace with views of the sunset over the Nile River.
See All Lodging Options
2 nights
Amman
Kempinski Hotel Amman is centrally located in the business district of the capital Amman. With only a five minute walk to the city's major attractions guests can experience both leisure and adventure in the vibrant city.
1 night
Amman
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea is located in a traditional village on the northern shores of the Dead Sea. The resort, nestled among many lush gardens, is designed to be an oasis of tranquility and relaxation. The Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea features the Zara therapeutic spa with a view of the Dead Sea, and 9 outdoor and indoor restaurants and bars.
Rum Oasis Luxury Camp
1 night
Wadi Rum
Rum Oasis Luxury Camp is a luxury property located in the heart of the desert and so close to old village of Wadi Rum. Its encircled with a wide garden and trees and having a marvelous mountain view and give you an ultimate opportunity to watch the sky and stars in addition to experience the amazing sunset and sun rise. Its surrounded by splendid sandstones and hills all around. Also the camp have a swimming pool. Tents are very luxury furnished with a private bathroom, A/C, Led TV screen, coffee and tea kit, table, seats and all needed amenities. You can ensure your privacy and relaxation while spending your night at the camp.
2 nights
Petra
The Mövenpick Resort Petra is situated right in the historic Jordanian city of Petra. It features a lovely combination of natural stone, handcrafted wood, and Middle Eastern fabrics and textures. The Mövenpick Resort Petra includes a fountain and a rooftop garden ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sunset over Petra.
2 nights
Giza
The Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel is located in the city of Giza, a walk away from the iconic Great Pyramids, and a short drive away from the Grand Egyptian Museum. A great place for both relaxation and sightseeing, guests can enjoy surrounding restaurants, bars, and the sunset from the hotel terrace.
3 nights
Aswan
Steigenberger's MS Minerva is a 5 star ship where guests enjoy a comfortable and luxury cruise on the Nile River.
2 nights
Cairo
The Semiramis InterContinental hotel is located in the heart of the Cairo facing the Nile River. The hotel is nearby to historic landmarks and close to the downtown center. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool and terrace with views of the sunset over the Nile River.
See All Lodging Options
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