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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 Pyramid 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 Pyramid 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 3 miles a day over uneven terrain with no shade.
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.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • 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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Raed Saleem
Raed Saleem is a licensed group leader with over two decades of experience working in Jordan. Originally from Kuwait, Raed received his degree in English literature from Kuwait University in 1987 and later chose to pursue a certification in group leading in Jordan in 1995. During his time in the travel industry, Raed has worked passionately in eco and agro tourism, wishing to assure that tourism is developed in an environmentally sustainable way. In his free time, Raed enjoys spending time with his spouse and four children.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Raed Saleem
Raed Saleem View biography
Raed Saleem is a licensed group leader with over two decades of experience working in Jordan. Originally from Kuwait, Raed received his degree in English literature from Kuwait University in 1987 and later chose to pursue a certification in group leading in Jordan in 1995. During his time in the travel industry, Raed has worked passionately in eco and agro tourism, wishing to assure that tourism is developed in an environmentally sustainable way. In his free time, Raed enjoys spending time with his spouse and four children.
Profile Image of Bassem Samir
Bassem Samir View biography
Bassem Samir lives in Cairo and graduated from the University of Tourism and Hotels in 1995. Since 1997, he has been leading American groups. He is fluent in Arabic and English, and possesses some conversational skills in Italian. His passion for history, rooted in it being his favorite university subject, led him to become a group leader. He loves bringing the stories of ancient Egyptian pharaohs to life.
Profile Image of Hesham Haddad
Hesham Haddad View biography
Hesham has been an English-speaking guide since 1997. He has toured all around Egypt with groups from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and other English-speaking countries. He studied English Literature and discovered his passion for Ancient Egypt, which led him to study Egyptology & history as well, which gained him his license as tourist guide. In addition, he studied health & safety from “Osha Academy, USA”, to guarantee the wellbeing of his groups.
Profile Image of Oria Shabsough
Oria Shabsough View biography
Oria Omar Shabsough is a Jordanian group leader with nearly two decades of experience leading English-speaking travelers through Jordan’s rich history and landscapes. She holds both B.A. and M.A. degrees in archeology from the University of Jordan and has participated in excavation projects. As one of only 50 female group leaders in Jordan, she is dedicated to sharing the country’s heritage. Before guiding, she worked in marketing. Outside of travel, she enjoys cultural exploration and historical research.
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