Tutankhamen to the Treasury - 14 days
From the Pyramids of Giza, to the hidden city of Petra and onto Amman, this 14 day adventure brims with excitement and adventure. Cruise the River Nile, uncover the secrets of Valley of the Kings, explore the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, rejuvenate in the Dead Sea and relax in the ever warm waters of the Red Sea.
Our Tutankhamen to Treasury tour has regular departures between now and 01 July 2012. If travelling after 01 July, please see our NEW Tutankhamen to Treasury tour with similar touring arrangements.
Saturday. Welcome to the start of your Arabian adventure! Arrive Cairo prior to 08:00, included transfer and hotel check in. At 10:00, we embark on a guided tour of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. The museum is home to an extensive collection of some 120 000 ancient Egyptian antiquities, with a representative amount on display, the remainder in storerooms. Opt to visit the Royal Mummy Room, where 9 royal mummies from the New Kingdom is displayed.
Overnight - Cairo
Cairo - Aswan. This morning we visit the iconic pyramids which were built for the fourth dynasty kings Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, who ruled through 2589 - 2504BC. Continuing we drive to the necropolis at Saqqara to see the oldest pyramid in all of Egypt, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. Built during the third dynasty of the Old Kingdom to protect the body of the King Zhoser who died around 2649BC. The Step Pyramid was the blue print that heralded the short but remarkable age of the gigantic stone pyramids of ancient Egypt.
Later there is time for dinner before travelling on the overnight seater train to Aswan. Upgrade to
sleeper cabin available.
Overnight - Train (B)
Tutankhamen to the Treasury - 14 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. If sailing by felucca is not your style, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our
Nile Cruise Upgrade. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of
Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile down stream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands. If sailing by felucca is not for you, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our
Pharaoh's Pass.
Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor (book and pay locally). Remainder of the evening at leisure to enjoy the facilities of our hotel.
Overnight - Luxor (B)
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning
hot air balloon ride over Luxor. An early start allows us to
avoid some of the fierce heat as we venture to the tomb
strewn Valley of the Kings. Highlights of our visit include
the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand
silent against a backdrop of history, the legendary Valley of
the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
This afternoon after lunch and time to relax, we visit the
Temple of Karnak, a spectacular temple on a gigantic
scale dedicated to the Theban gods. Karnak is ancient
Egypt at its very best. You’ll feel like a star in a
Hollywood epic, as you stroll around. This afternoon, we
travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada.
Overnight - Bus (B)
Dahab. Arrival and hotel check-in. Spend two days at leisure. Scuba diving, snorkelling, sun-worshipping, or shopping - take your pick. On day 9, we offer an optional snorkelling excursion to the Blue Hole. 80 metres deep, the Blue Hole boasts an abundance of colourful coral, fish and marine life. Most of the aquatic species live within the first 5 metres beneath the sea level.
Overnight - Dahab (B:2)
Dahab - Petra (Jordan). Today we transfer to Nuweiba Port to cross the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry and travel onward to Petra. This evening we will meet our Jordanian tour guide and other tour members continuing with us through Jordan. Tonight, it maybe possible to take a candlelit walk through the Siq by attending the 'Petra by Night' excursion.
Overnight - Petra (B)
Taking a walk through the mysterious siq (an ancient passage created thanks to a geological fissure) we are confronted by the spectacle of the breath-taking rose-red facade of the Treasury. Actually serving as a royal tomb, the massive rock cut structure is known as the treasury because according to legend, pirates hid their treasure there. Amazing Nabataean and Roman ruins are on tap here at Petra, including tombs, a Roman road, temples and amphitheatre. The energetic can ascend the many stone carved steps to Ad-Deir, better known as the Monastery. Consider opting for our Petra Kitchen bolt-on tonight.
Overnight - Petra (B)
Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning we can return to the Rose Red city for further exploration. Then drive to Wadi Rum for a 4x4 desert safari before enjoying a traditional Jordanian dinner and a night camping in the desert.
Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D)
Day 13: The Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Karak - Dead Sea - Madaba. This morning we explore the 12th century crusader castle of Karak (or Shobak Castle) before descending to the lowest point on the earth's surface - the Dead Sea. Here, we enjoy lunch and take dip in the mineral-rich waters, which are famously buoyant, due to the high salinity. A short drive leads us to the ancient Christian-Muslim market town of Madaba - famed for its Byzantine mosaics. Here, if time permits you’ll have time to explore before tonight’s dinner in a delightful local restaurant.
Overnight - Madaba (B, L, D)
Friday. Madaba - Amman Airport. Madaba is easily navigated on foot allowing you to further sight see or shop for souvenirs before taking our departure transfer to Amman airport.
Note: Madaba and Amman are equidistant from Queen Alia International Airport. We choose to stay in Madaba rather than Amman as the capital city is widely spread across 7 hills with no particular centralised city centre or CBD. Previous passenger feedback has also highlighted the preference for staying in Madaba. However should you specifically wish to visit Amman you are able to do so by purchasing post tour accommodation and our departure transfer would be offered after the conclusion of your stay. For more information on the options available to you please speak with a member of our reservations team at time of booking. (B)
Perseids Meteor Shower departure - 04 Aug 2012
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Why not combine this tour with the amazing celestial spectacle of the Perseids Meteor shower? The Perseids meteor shower is a spectacular celestial light show, that has mystified and amazed sky watchers for nearly 2000 years. The night sky is lit up by often over 60 meteors per hour! You can witness the incredible meteor shower from our desert camp in Wadi Rum, where you will spend two incredible nights star-gazing, when the meteor shower is at its peak on the 13th and 14th August. Please see the Go Guide for details of the amended itinerary. Supplement applies.
Alternatiely opt for our 18 day Pyramids, Petra Promised Lands tour departing 04 Aug 2012 that also witnesses the amazing display at Wadi Rum.
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Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged for the Egypt section of this trip, thus reducing the cost of the single person supplement.
Our Tutankhamen to Treasury tour has regular departures between now and 01 July 2012. If travelling after 01 July, please see our NEW Tutankhamen to Treasury tour with similar touring arrangements.
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| Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo |
USD $79 |
USD $20 |
Tutankhamen to the Treasury - 14 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
| Abu Simbel by flight. The massive rock-cut temple of Abu Simbel never fails to impress. It's possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan intricately carved facade, created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began. This excursion is offered on all tours visiting Aswan.
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| Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day tour (with lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, souks and relics from a bygone age.
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| An aerial adventure awaits in Luxor! Imagine drifting silently over temples, ancient sites, ruins and villages in the early morning sun. See ancient Thebes from a different angle as you float above the River Nile and wave down at the locals as you drift a few metres from their open rooftops! |
| Upgrade from the included Nile felucca cruise from Aswan to Luxor and cruise in style aboard a luxury Nile cruiser. Our 5 star cruiser has a bar and restaurant, whilst your well–appointed, air-conditioned cabin offers a private bathroom. The boat deck offers plenty of space for relaxation and a swimming pool. Sightseeing stops are made en-route. All meals included, buffet style during your onboard stay.
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| On our Jewel of the Nile, Family tours and many tailor-made itineraries we include the Sleeper Cabin Train as part of your journey. On all other tours (taking the Nefertiti Seater Train) we offer the option to upgrade to a sleeper cabin on the Sleeper train. Cabins are lockable, equipped with 2 bunk beds, linen, washbasin and towel, allowing passengers to relax and stretch out.
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Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
| Get your adrenaline pumping with our selection of off road adventures. Take an exciting 4x4 ride across the red desert of Wadi Rum in Jordan or the Western Desert in Egypt, or perhaps test out your Quad biking skills by the coast in Morocco. |
| One of the highlights of our Egypt group tours, is felucca sailing on the mighty River Nile. Feluccas are simple, traditional sailboats, with broad sails, that have plied the mighty Nile since ancient times. Sail during the day, taking in the colourful sights of the Nile village life en-route, soak up the sun, relax, jump in for a swim and let the peaceful routine of life aboard allow, you to escape the stress of everyday life! At night sleep ondeck under a blanket of stars! What better way to experience the great outdoors! |
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| The Rose City of Petra is the jewel in Jordan’s glittering archaeological crown, and is now one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Accessed on a walk through a narrow, deep and winding cleft in the rock that is known as the Siq, the end prize is the hidden valley where the Rose City of Petra lies. And the first sight to behold is the façade of Al-Kazneh – aka the Treasury of Petra. This rose red building actually served as a royal tomb, but got its name from the legend that pirates hid their treasure there. With a backstory like that and its amazing appearance its no surprise to learn that it was this building that served as the Holy Grail’s resting place In Indiana Jones and the last crusade.
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Petra is full of ancient tombs, temples and ruins ripe for modern-day discoverers like us! |
Highlights & Inclusions
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
- Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
- Nile felucca cruising - islands en route
- Edfu - Temple of Horus
- Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
- Rose City of Petra, Jordan
- Al Karak - 12th century crusader castle
- Madaba - Christian market town, the Church of St George, Jordan’s finest Byzantine mosaics
| - Aswan - High Dam, Philae Temple, River Nile
- Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo
- Luxor - Temple of Karnak
- Dahab - Red Sea coast - swim, relax, opt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clear coastal waters
- Wadi Rum desert and safari
- The Dead Sea
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What's Included
- Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- 1 overnight train: Cairo - Aswan (seater train), 1 night bus: Luxor - Dahab
- Airport arrival and departure transfer day 1 and day 14
- Swimming in the Dead Sea
- Escorted by Egyptian tour leader/guide qualified in Egyptology and licensed Jordanian tour guide throughout Jordan
| - 5 nights 4 - 5 star hotels - Egypt, 3 nights 3 star hotels - Jordan, 1 night deluxe desert camp (Wadi Rum) and 2 nights felucca (open deck)
- Ferry crossing: Nuweiba - Aqaba
- Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu, Luxor, Dahab, Petra, Wadi Rum, Karak, Dead Sea and Madaba
- 4x4 desert safari through Wadi Rum
- All additional transfers and transportation in A/C vehicles
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What's Not Included
- International flights and visas
- Entrance Fees: $200-210 USD
| - Tip for your tour guide in Egypt & Jordan. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller. Tip for your Felucca Crew/ Nile Cruise staff, we recommend you allow $10 USD. Tipping your guides and crew is an entirely personal gesture
- Tipping Kitty: $75-85 USD

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Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
Hi Bronwyn
Am in Brisbane at the moment but just wanted to let you know that my holiday to Egypt was the best holiday of my entire life and I did not want to leave. I fell madly and deeply in love with Egypt, it's beautiful people, and the wonderful sites and scenery. The knowledge, enthusiasm and passion of our tour guide Sam was unbelievable. I was really at a loss about how to thank him properly for making this trip so memorable. He was amazing and I let OTG know in my feedback form that I think he should be declared a national treasure. I had not one single issue, I did not get sick or even a headache, my birthday was absolutely fantastic thanks to Sam, the balloon trip was breathtaking as was Abu Simbel, snorkelling in the blue hole in Dahab was fantastic. I was so happy and excited by everything I saw and heard I kept bursting into tears (much to the amusement of the balloon tour operator !!). If I could have prolonged my visit I would have. Even as write this I cannot help smiling and remembering some of the happiest times of my life spent in Egypt.
I will definitely be looking at OTG for my next trip and will talk to you later when I get back.
Cheers and thanks for recommending this trip.
Ms Belinda Robyn Patey, Jan 2011