LUXURY EGYPT
with Jordan/Petra Option
• Egypt - Sept. 29 - Oct. 7, 2026
• Jordan - October 7-14, 2026
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AN EPIC ADVENTURE
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime tour that takes you through the heart of two of the most captivating countries in the world—Egypt and (optional) Jordan! From the majestic pyramids of Giza to the breathtaking landscapes of Petra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), this adventure promises to be filled with rich history, vibrant culture, stunning sights, expert guiding and great company. Read on for additional details!
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cairo: Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of sun-kissed Cairo and marvel at the grandeur of ancient Egypt
- Nile River Cruise: Sail down the iconic Nile, soaking in breathtaking views and rich history
- Explore: Discover the captivating cities of Aswan and Luxor, each brimming with unique stories and sights
- For those continuing their adventure in Jordan, experience the stunning desert landscapes and echoing rock formations of the Wadi Rum
- Discover the magnificent hand-carved facades of the mystical ancient city of Petra
- Wander through the remarkable ruins of the ancient Roman city of Jerash... and much, much more! (Read on for details)
DATES AND START/END INFORMATION
• Egypt Only - Start and end city: Cairo, Egypt.
• Jordan Extension - Start Cairo, Egypt; end in Amman, Jordan (NOTE: The flight between Cairo and Amman is included in this package)
• REGISTRATION DEADLINE AND ORIENTATION - SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2026 (by Zoom) • 9AM-12PM (Pacific)
• GROUP LEADERS: Professional Tour Guides from our partner organization with decades of experience in the region
• Logistics Leaders: Mel Dinkel 714-322-0974; mel@localhope.org, Leslie Baer Dinkel 951-733-2588; leslie@localhope.org
COST
Egypt Only - $4,937 per person double occupancy.
Single supplement +$884
Add Jordan Option - $4,609 per person double occupancy.
Single supplement +$648 (NOTE: Jordan is not available stand-alone)
WHAT'S INCLUDED? Top-rated accommodations, comfortable ground transportation, expert English-speaking tour guides, transportation; entrance to archeological sites, parks and other attractions. A total of 18 meals and many additional activities (see what’s hosted on individual days).
✓ Pre-night accommodation on September 28, 2026.
✓Air conditioned Luxury Bus with English-speaking professional driver for the mentioned program.
✓ A Top-Notch English-speaking professional tour guide.
✓ Overnight stays include breakfast.
✓ Numerous meals! (See "Hosted" items on the daily schedule)
✓ All the attractions, entrance fees, taxes noted as hosted.
✓ 2 bottles of mineral water (total 1 liter) per person daily.
✓ Shuttles and airport welcome by our local partner.
✓ Jordan extension includes airfare between Cairo and Amman.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED: Airfare and post-night stays are not included, except the flight from Cairo to Amman if you choose the Jordan option. Read on for more on pre- and post-night options (if applicable). Personal expenses such as drinks, additional meals, tips, porterage and anything else that is not mentioned as included.
READY TO REGISTER? – Just use the “Register Now” button. Please have an image of your valid passport ready to upload, or an image of your expiring passport to upload as a placeholder. If your passport expires within six months of your return date of this trip, please send a copy of your valid passport once renewed to Liz Deering at liz@localhope.org. You will be required to make a $1,000 deposit upon registering for Egypt alone, or $2,000 deposit for Egypt and Jordan.
QUESTIONS? - Please don’t hesitate to contact Leslie (leslie@localhope.org) or Mel (mel@localhope.org) with questions about this trip. Thank you for joining us on this exceptional historic and cultural adventure which will also further the important work of Local Hope in the Guatemalan Highlands, to empower children and families to be healthy, educated and self-reliant.
DAY 1 - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 - ARRIVAL TO SUNKISSED CAIRO
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. When you arrive at the Cairo airport, meet an Intrepid representative and take an included transfer to your hotel. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe get out and explore the busy streets, find a hole-in-the-wall eatery for a snack like ta’ameya (Egypt’s take on falafel) or relax at your hotel – the pool offers magnificent pyramid views! After your meeting, head out for an included dinner with the group. Your leader will introduce you to Egyptian cuisine, known for being fresh, delicious and unique to the country. Best enjoyed when shared, you’ll tuck into an array of traditional dishes like fatta (a dish made with rice, bread and meat in a garlic and vinegar sauce) and kushari (a delicious mixture of pasta, rice, lentils and fried onions).
Hosted: Group transfer to hotel, Welcome Dinner
Optional activities (prices subject to change):
• Islamic Art Museum $6
• Islamic Cairo in Depth Tour $125
• Saqqara and Memphis $115
• Downtown Cairo Tour $76
Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel (Standard room) or similar
DAY 2 - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 - DESTINATION CAIRO
This morning, tour the Sphinx and mighty Pyramids of Giza (one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World) with your expert leader, who is a trained Egyptologist. Seeing these ancient and iconic structures up close is a memory that will stay with you long after your time in Egypt is over. After some time for lunch, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artifacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Your leader will take you through some of Egypt’s dynastic history and you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own – home to almost 100,000 artefacts, there’s a whole ancient world to uncover!
Hosted: Breakfast, The Great Pyramid of Cheops, Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Entrance. The Grand Egyptian Museum‑ Including Tut Treasure (If it’s not open you will visit the Egyptian Museum)
Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel (Standard Room) or similar
DAY 3 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026 - ASWAN
Catch a short flight this morning from Cairo to Aswan, explore Philae temple upon arrival, then check in to your hotel. Explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) that was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings - one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. Access to the temple is by small motorboats. You will experience modern Nubian culture firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner and get an insight into the daily life of the local people. Here you will have the chance to see a different side of Egyptian life, try out some wonderful Nubian dishes and swap stories with your welcoming hosts. Enjoy the warm hospitality (and cuisine) of these locals. You will also be treated to some Nubian dancing, and may even have the chance to try some moves yourself.
Hosted: Breakfast, Dinner, Aswan - Philae Temple and Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner.
Accommodation: Sonesta Nouba Resort Aswan (Standard room) or similar
Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 4 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 - ASWAN NILE RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, you may like to take a stroll around Aswan or join an optional tour of Abu Simbel – a temple complex that was dismantled and moved to make way for the Aswan High Dam. Board a Nile riverboat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three nights! Travelling by riverboat allows you to get to the heart of each destination while ensuring the journeys in between are every bit as interesting. In the afternoon, board a traditional felucca sailing boat where you can sit back and relax with some drinks as the sun sets over your beautiful surroundings. Return to your riverboat for dinner.
Hosted: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Aswan - Sunset Drinks on a Felucca
Optional Activities:
• Abu Simbel excursion by car (includes transfer, guide and entry) $243
Accommodation: MS Nile Premium (Standard Cabin) or similar
DAY 5 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 - NILE CRUISE - EDFU
Enjoy a peaceful morning on board your riverboat, then set out in the afternoon along the river, relaxing in the sun on deck and taking in the desert hills forming a backdrop over the lush riverbanks. Arrive at Kom Ombo Temple, sitting spectacularly on the river’s edge. Your leader will let you in on the secrets of this ancient temple. Built in approximately 181 BC, Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods – Horus (god of protection) and Sobek (god of fertility, linked to the Nile’s water). Each god has a dedicated section – north or south – and there have been recent discoveries of mummified crocodiles in the Sobek section. After, return to your riverboat and continue to Edfu where you’ll dock for the evening.
Hosted: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Edfu Temple transport, entrance guide, Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple
Accommodation: MS Nile Premium (Standard Cabin) or similar
DAY 6 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2026 - NILE CRUISE - LUXOR
This morning, you’ll be moored near Edfu and may have the option to venture independently into town to see the nearby temple. Sail towards Luxor passing through the Esna Locks. You may have to queue to proceed through the locks, but this is a great opportunity to sit back with a drink in hand and observe life on the Nile. Arrive at the open- air museum of Luxor – from the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. Today you'll explore the Karnak Temple. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun.
Hosted: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Luxor - Karnak Temple.
Accommodation: MS Nile Premium (Standard Cabin) or similar.
DAY 7 - MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026 - LUXOR
Today visit the West Bank -- Valley of the Kings, Hatsheput temple,Colossi of Memnon. Visit three royal tombs, where you will learn about the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and significance of many paintings and hieroglyphics. Tutankhamen's final resting place is buried under the arid hills among more than 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. Explore this sprawling and spectacular place where discoveries are still being made. They include: the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the most famous queen of Egypt who ruled for 21 years (the longest period a queen ruled); the Colossi of Memnon, 17 meters high statues used to flank the entrance of the funerary temple of king Amenhotep the 3rd the grandfather of Tutankhamen.
Hosted: Breakfast, Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs),Tomb of Tutankhamun, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Queens.
Optional Activities:
• Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens $72
Accommodation: Sonesta St. George Hotel (Standard room) or similar
DAY 8 - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 - CAIRO
Board a flight bound for Cairo this morning. When you arrive, settle into your hotel then head out to the Al-Azhar neighbourhood to visit Khan al-Khalili Bazaar – a sprawling maze of alleyways including the gold market, cloth market, 'perfume street' and the spice market. Continue to the 9th-century Al-Azhar Mosque – one of the oldest and largest in Egypt. Its perfectly proportioned courtyard and distinctive minaret make it a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Stop off in Cairo’s oldest coffee shop for an Arabic coffee or mint tea as you watch the world go by. It’s a known fact that the very best food in Cairo is made inside local homes, but few visitors get the chance to experience this for themselves. This afternoon, you’ll be one of the lucky few as you’re welcomed into the home of a local family. Sit down to a wonderful meal of traditional dishes which you’ll share with your friendly hosts and gain an inside look at modern Egyptian life.
Hosted: Breakfast, Home-Cooked Dinner, Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Al-Azhar Mosque, Coffee/tea in a local café.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo (Standard room) or similar.
Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. The meal in a family home may be lunch or dinner, depending on your flight time.
DAY 9 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026 - DEPARTURE CAIRO
Your trip to Egypt comes to an end today. Transfer to Cairo International Airport for your trip home, or for the extended trip to Jordan/Petra.
Hosted: Breakfast
Departure Transfer: Included on a group basis.
Jordan / Petra Extension
October 7-14, 2026
NOTE: The flight to Amman, Jordan, is included to continue your adventure. English-speaking tour guides throughout.
ACCOMMODATIONS: 6 nights hotel, 1 night camp.
JORDAN FINISH LOCATION: Amman, Jordan
Read on for details of your Jordan adventure!
DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026 - ARRIVAL AMMAN, JORDAN
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. You’ll be met by an Intrepid representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where there will be a welcome meeting with your group and local leader at 6 pm. Prior to the meeting, you can visit a local cafe and pick up a coffee and ara’yes (pita filled with spiced meats), or head to the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre or the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. After your meeting, head to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a huge part of Jordanian culture, and eating out is always a social affair. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, like mansaf (a dish made with lamb, yogurt and rice) and kunafa (a dessert made with pastry and cheese).
Hosted: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Regency Palace or similar
DAY 2 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 AMMAN - JERASH ROMAN RUINS
This morning, leave Amman for a short drive north to Jerash where you’ll find some of the world’s best Greco-Roman ruins. Reaching its peak as a favorite of the emperor Hadrian, Jerash is home to a collection of archways, theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets. Your leader will share the incredible history of the ruins and help you imagine what life once looked like in this glorious Roman city. Grand columns encircle the city's centerpiece of the Oval Plaza – a great place to linger after exploring Jerash's riches. After, return to Amman and head to a cooking school for a look behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine. During this hands-on activity, you will learn how to make some classic dishes like Maqlubeh, Mutabbal and Baba Ghanouj before sitting down as a group to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Hosted: Breakfast, Jerash - Roman Ruins, Amman - Cooking Class and Dinner.
Accommodation: Ambassador Boutique Hotel or similar.
Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 3 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026 - DEAD SEA
Today, you’ll make the journey from Amman to the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the water density makes swimming very difficult, but bobbing on the water's surface is a fun experience. On the way, stop off at Mount Nebo and hear the story of how Moses saw the Promised Land before he died on what is believed to be this very spot, and St Georges Church, best known for its Byzantine mosaic depicting a map of the Holy Land. When you arrive, enjoy some time to float in the waters of the Dead Sea, relax on your hotel’s beachfront or take a dip in one of three swimming pools or jacuzzi.
Hosted: Breakfast/Dinner, Madaba - St Georges Church, Mt Nebo - Site Visit.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar.
Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
DAY 4 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026 - PETRA
Depart the Dead Sea and drive to the ancient Crusader castle at Shobak – your leader will explain how this ancient castle was originally built to protect the eastern flank of the Latin Kingdom and its trade routes to the sea before it fell to Saladin in 1189. Enjoy superb scenery and stop off at the viewpoint overlooking the Dana Nature Reserve before arriving in the late afternoon to your Petra accommodation. Petra dates back to the sixth century BC and is considered the crown jewel of Jordan, featuring an impressive series of tombs and dwellings carved directly into the rock. When you arrive, there will be time to check out the town that has grown around the site and to relax, ready for a big day of exploring Petra tomorrow.
Hosted: Breakfast/Dinner, Shobak - Shobak Castle
Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar.
Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 5 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2027 - PETRA
Today will be spent uncovering the secrets of Petra with the knowledgeable guidance of your leader. The iconic view of the Treasury's glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq, is perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region. The Siq leads through the rock and is at points only a few metres wide, with walls soaring up to 180 m on either side. Explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several ancient tombs. You’ll also have time to climb to the Monastery if you wish, providing a magnificent view of the entire site. There is a cafeteria on the site, where you can enjoy your own light lunch. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, maybe take the chance to witness Petra by night – seeing the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.
Hosted: Breakfast/Dinner, Leader-led Tour of Petra
Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
DAY 6 - MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2026 - WADI RUM
For another glimpse at Petra, you can rise very early for an unguided morning visit. Then, drive to Wadi Rum – a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Enjoy some lunch in the small village of Rum and browse the informative visitor’s center. After, jump into a local jeep and journey into Wadi Rum with your Bedouin hosts. Visit several of the area’s distinctive rock formations and appreciate the silent desert landscapes, home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. Gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set deep in the desert. Tonight’s Feature Stay accommodation is a camp that offers a base among remote and wild surroundings. Spacious tents are fitted out with creature comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms, with decor inspired by Bedouin culture. Fall asleep in your tent after witnessing a magnificent canopy of stars outside, and wake up to a sunrise over the red-hued landscape.
Hosted: Breakfast/Dinner, Petra - Petra Second Day Visit (unguided), Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour, Wadi Rum - Zarb Local Dinner.
Optional Activities: Petra by Night $24
Accommodation: Mazayen Rum Camp or similar Special Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. In Wadi Rum, you’ll stay in permanent Bedouin style tents with modern ensuite bathroom facilities. Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power.
DAY 7 - OCTOBER 13, 2024 - WADI RUM / AMMAN
After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, take a walk around the area before scaling one of the large dunes for panoramic views of your surroundings. After, return to Amman for the evening. Tonight, you might like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – speak to your leader about the best restaurants in the city that are popular with the locals.
Hosted: Breakfast, Desert and Dunes Walk
Accommodation: Regency Palace or similar
Important Information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
DAY 8 - OCTOBER 14, 2024 - DEPARTURE - AMMAN
Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Amman, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organize additional accommodation.
Hosted: Breakfast
Departure Transfer: Included on a group basis.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Accommodations: Hotels (6 nights), Desert camp (1 night).
NOT INCLUDED Return home airfare and tips.
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
Important Notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included.
3. Should you choose the Jordan add-on, the flight between Cairo and Amman is included. The luggage allowance is (50lbs.) for check in luggage and (15lbs) for carry on.
4. When registering, please provide your full name exactly as per your passport (including any middle names) for transport and entrance tickets to avoid change fees or new tickets. Thank you for your help!
You’ll take with you memories and new friendships sure to last a lifetime!
Additional Questions?
Give us a call or send us an email: Mel Dinkel 714-322-0974; mel@localhope.org, Leslie Baer Dinkel 951-733-2588; leslie@localhope.org
We look forward to welcoming you!
Is This Trip Right For You?
Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.
• The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
• At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.
• The Middle East can get hot, but this is normally a dry heat and for most visitors, easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible we try and visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.
• The Nile Cruise includes three nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.
• In Wadi Rum we stay in a permanent tented camp with shared bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cold at night and warm layers are highly recommended when traveling outside of the summer months.
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