Compare Lebanon & Jordan Encounters by Encounters Travel vs Classic Egypt and Jordan by Odynovo

Day 1: Arrival in Beirut, hotel transfer You arrive at Beirut International Airport. After being met by our representative, you are transferred to your hotel. | OVERNIGHT: Beirut hotel | MEALS: Breakfast
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Single Room Supplement (LBSGLE), Extra day in Beirut - pre-tour Day 2: Barouk Cedar Nature Reserve, Deir al Qamar We start off the day with a visit to Barouk Cedar Nature Reserve in the Chouf district. The reserve is found on the slopes of Barouk Mountain. It houses 32 wild mammal species, 500 plant species, and 200 bird species, making it an important eco-tourism region. It is also categorised as an Important Bird Area (IBA). We then drive to the village of Deir al Qamar in the Chouf Mountains. In the 17th century, the village was chosen by Fakhreddin as the capital of Lebanon. It is a charming place and is rich with historical significance. We then visit the gorgeous Beiteddine Palace, which was built in the 19th century over 30 years by Emir Bechir II Chehabi. Constructed around an old Druze hermitage, the palace is one of the greatest remaining Lebanese architectural achievements. Finally return to Beirut to enjoy an evening out in this busy city. | OVERNIGHT: Beirut hotel | MEALS: Breakfast Day 3: Beirut tour, Harissa & Jeita Grotto We start this morning with a tour of Lebanon’s capital city, Beirut. A city of contrasts, Beirut features ancient architecture alongside cotemporary buildings. Highlights of the tour include the downtown area, the corniche, and the Beirut Souks. You also see The Rock of Raouché, a well-known natural formation that rises out of the ocean. After leaving Beirut and heading north towards Byblos, we'll stop for an adventurous visit to the Jeita Grotto, where we can see one of the largest collections of stalactites and stalagmites in the world. We then head to Harissa, where we go to the top of the Basilica by cable car and enjoy great views over the bay below. Finally the tour finishes in Byblos, possibly the oldest continually-inhabited city in the world, significant both historically and archaeologically. | OVERNIGHT: Byblos hotel | MEALS: Breakfast Day 4: Byblos, Baatara Gorge Sinkhole After spending the morning exploring Byblos's harbour and attractions, the spectacular Baatara Gorge Sinkhole is our destination today after we break for a traditional Lebanese lunch. Baatara Gorge consists of an enormous cavern, three levels high, into which a waterfall drops 255 metres during the spring months when the mountain snows are melting, and after periods of heavy rainfall. Formed from Jurassic limestone, the cave is also called the cave of the Three Bridges, as the waterfall cascades over three natural bridges. You can choose to do a small hike, or to explore the nearby Douma Village. Finally today we drive to the scenic Qadisha Valley and spend the night at the Qozhaya Monastery, or a nearby guesthouse. | OVERNIGHT: Qozhaya monastery or guesthouse | MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5: Qadisha Valley, Becharre, The Cedars Ski Resort, If we have been able to spend the night in the Monastery, you will have the opportunity to join the monks for morning prayers. After breakfast we'll take a short hike in the beautiful Qadisha Valley, or Holy Valley. It has steep slopes, springs, and waterfalls, and features many churches and monasteries. It is also a World Heritage Site. We'll then proceed to The Cedars Ski Resort, set at an altitude of 2000m. Found nearby is the Cedars of God, one of the last remnants of the cedar forests that used to cover these mountains. We also visit the village of Becharre, which was the birthplace of Khalil Gibran, the legendary poet and artist. His museum contains many of his manuscripts, paintings, and personal effects. The tour then crosses the Col des Cedres at an altitude of 2581m and then descends on a sharply winding road into the Bekaa Valley. This high plateau sits between the Anti Lebanon, and Mt. Lebanon mountain ranges and has been the heart of Lebanon's wine growing industry for centuries. | OVERNIGHT: Zahle guesthouse | MEALS: Breakfast Day 6: Baalbek, Anjar, Ksara Caves Today we head to Baalbek, undoubtedly one of the highlights of any visit to Lebanon. Called “Heliopolis” or “City of the Sun” by the Romans and Greeks, it features the most well-preserved temple complex in the Middle East. It is still largely intact after earthquakes, wars, and ravages. The Greeks and Romans dedicated the temple to the god of the sun, Jupiter. They dedicated two more to Jupiter’s partners, Venus and Mercury, to complete the triad of god. We then visit the only significant Umayyad site in Lebanon, Anjar. This was founded in the 8th century by Caliph Walid. Its mosques, palaces, and baths provide evidence that it was an imperial residence; it also features 600 shops, indicating that it was also an important commercial centre. Next we visit Ksara Caves, which are dated from the Roman era. We go on a guided tour of the caves, and also visit the winery where a tasting is included. If you wish, you can also purchase some of the finest wines in Lebanon. | OVERNIGHT: Beirut hotel | MEALS: Breakfast Day 7: Tyre, Sidon Today’s itinerary consists of a full-day tour of South Lebanon. We start in the city of Tyre, a Word Heritage Site located 85km from Beirut. Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city and is home to a number of important historical sites. Its golden age was during the reign of King Hiram, the most legendary Tyrian king. He fostered close ties with the Hebrew kings David and Solomon, and contributed to the construction of the Temple of Solomon by sending skilled workers and cedar wood. We then drive to Sidon, also known as Saida, another important ancient Phoenician city. The city grew wealthy due to the trade of murex, a type of shellfish from which an expensive purple dye used to be produced, as well as glass. Today, Saida is an important administrative and commercial centre of South Lebanon. You will visit the Great Mosque, the Crusader Sea Castle, Khan el Franj, and other interesting sites. You can also enjoy browsing through the old souks. | OVERNIGHT: Beirut hotel | MEALS: Breakfast Day 8: Transfer to Jordan Your time is free today until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Amman in Jordan to start the next leg of your tour. The Beirut (BEY) to Amman (AMM) flight is not included in the price of the tour, but can either be built into your main international flight ticket or purchased separately as a single ticket. Direct flights are available with Middle Eastern Airlines and Royal Jordanian. On arrival into Amman you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the centre of Amman. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: Breakfast
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Flight from Beirut to Amman

Day 9: Visiting Jordan’s imposing Desert Castles
After a tasty breakfast, we start the day with a trip to Jordan's ancient desert castles of Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal’at al-Azraq and Qseirr Amra which can be found along the old trade routes which were frequently used during the Umayyad era. There are still reminders left behind of this time period, such as frescoes, wells and bathhouses - visiting it will give you great insight into learning how these ancient structures were built. We make our way back to Amman at lunchtime, where we'll have falafel and hummus at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we'll head out on a sightseeing tour of Amman - visiting its popular attractions such as the Citadel, the Amphitheatre and the Jordan Folklore Museum. We'll also have some time to visit Amman's markets, giving us the chance to taste some of its unique sweet treats such as Knafeh - before we are taught some basic Arabic phrases which will come in handy throughout our Jordan tour.
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Amman hotel
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Breakfast, Lunch Day 10: Exploring the ancient city of Jerash & Aljoun Castle
After spending a few days in Amman, we'll make our way to the city of Jerash, which is often known as the "Pompeii of the East". Its known for being one of the largest and well-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside of Europe. We'll explore some of Jerash's top sites, which includes the Forum, its Roman colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis - built on one of the highest points in the city. From Jerash, we'll visit the Aljoun Castle, which served as the base for Saladin’s Arab forces when he defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century. Its also a great destination for a hike, with its surrounding mountains, hills and forests boasting a variety of trails. After exploring the Aljoun Castle, we head to the Rasoun village, where we'll meet our homestay hosts for the evening, who will help us settle into their home. We'll then make our way to the hills around the village to witness the Bronze Age Dolmens - megalithic tombs created with massive stone slab atop two or more standing stones. We'll head back to the village, where we'll enjoy a traditional Arabic meal made by our hosts, as we spend the rest of the night chatting and gaining insight into their daily lifestyle in Jordan.
| OVERNIGHT:
Rasoun homestay
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Breakfast, Dinner Day 11: Travel from Ajloun to Madaba, Mount Nebo & the Dead Sea
After a shared breakfast this morning, we'll say our final goodbyes to the Jordanian family as we make our way to Madaba, visiting the impressive Madaba Map - the oldest preserved map of the Holy Land as well as its beautiful Byzantine mosaics. After visiting Madaba, we'll head to Mount Nebo - the location where Moses cast his eyes over the Promised Land and it's also his final resting place. We'll have some lunch before we travel to the Dead Sea, giving you the perfect opportunity to float in its salty waters or relax poolside at a Spa Resort.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dead Sea Spa Resort
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Breakfast Day 12: Exploring Dana Biosphere Reserve and Shobak Castle en-route to Petra
Today, we'll make our way down the Dead Sea coastline, passing lots of deep canyons and gorges as they meet the sea. After we pass some salt flats at the southern end of the Dead Sea we head up through the mountains towards Petra, stopping for a short walk in the beautiful scenery and hills of the Dana Biosphere Reserve along the way. This is Jordan's largest nature reserve, and there are great views of the valleys and hills on the various trails around the restored Dana village. Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit with the terrain surprisingly green and full of flowers. We'll stop for lunch and take a walk before continuing to the imposing crusader castle at Shobak, finally arriving at Petra in the evening. An option is available this evening to get a first taste of Petra on the atmospheric Petra by Night tour, during which the Siq Trail and area outside the Treasury are lit up with hundreds of candles.
| OVERNIGHT:
Petra hotel
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Breakfast
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Petra by night Day 13: The rose-red city of Petra and a Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
We start the day with a visit to one of the modern 7 Wonders of the World - the ancient city of Petra. We'll make our way through the winding Siq, until we reach the impressive Treasury. Our Jordan tour guide will educate us on its history, as we learn how this magnificent site was built by the Nabatean people, who carved caves and tombs into the sandstone cliffs which surrounds you. We'll have some free time to hike up to the imposing Monastery with great views overlooking the Jordan Valley or to walk up to the High Place of Sacrifice. Later in the day, we'll head to the Wadi Rum desert, as we'll spend the night camping underneath the starry skies with the Bedouins. You can sleep in a traditional goat hair tent, with a proper bed and all bedding provided, or take a sleeping bag and find a secluded location to sleep outside under the stars.
| OVERNIGHT:
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
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Breakfast, Dinner Day 14: A jeep safari and Bedouin experience in Wadi Rum. Travel to Amman
We'll enjoy breakfast with the Bedouins, before we head out on a jeep safari, over the sands of the Wadi Rum desert, stopping every now and then to marvel at its towering sand dunes and rock bridges. Afterwards, we'll take part in a few activities inspired by Bedouin traditions, such as assisting a local shepherd with his cattle until we reach a Bedouin tent, where we'll help make lunch. Other activities which you can participate in include shearing the sheep & goats hair, milking, grinding grains, and roasting coffee until our lunch is ready. After lunch, we head back out in our jeep as we make our way back to camp, before we journey down the Desert Highway, back to Amman. Tonight, we'll explore the town, visiting a coffee shop or café near our hotel in Downtown Amman to enjoy a shisha, a game of backgammon and to reminisce on our Jordan tour.
| OVERNIGHT:
Antika hotel
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Breakfast, Lunch Day 15: Free time in Amman. Hotel to airport transfer included
You have the day free to do some final shopping and sightseeing in Amman before we collect you at our hotel and transfer you to the airport to board your flight home. Further sightseeing tours are available today if you have a late afternoon or evening flight, including a trip to the Baptism Site at Bethany on the Jordan River. This tour also connects well with several of Encounters Travel's Egypt and Jordan tours; please contact us for ideas and help with connections.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Amman - post-tour, Aqaba extension

Day 1: Arrival - Cairo

Overnight: Cairo

Welcome to Egypt, once the mighty land of pharaohs!

Upon touchdown, you will be met by our airport representative and then transferred to your hotel with a private vehicle. Check-in and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2: Cairo

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Cairo

Begin your exploration from Memphis, the ancient Egyptian capital of the Old Kingdom. It is now an open-air museum sheltering the 10-meter-long statue of Rameses II. Your next stop, the Step Pyramid of Djoser in the Saqqara Necropoleis, is widely regarded as the oldest pyramid in the world. Finally, visit the most iconic pyramids complex at Giza and the Great Sphinx.

Day 3: Cairo

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Cairo

Step into the Egyptian Museum for a comprehensive understanding of Egyptian history from

the Predynastic Period to the Greco-Roman Era. Later, proceed to the medieval Citadel of Saladin in Old Cairo. The inside Mohammed Ali Mosque, which dominates the eastern skyline of Cairo, is the symbol of the citadel. Afterward, spend some time browsing and shopping in the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar before returning to the hotel.

Day 4: Cairo - Aswan - Nile River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On Board

Take a morning flight to Aswan.

Upon arrival, go straight to your Nile cruise ship to check in. Your shore excursion in Aswan includes the High Dam and the Temple of Philae. Late in the afternoon, take the chance to sail on the Nile with a traditional Egyptian Felucca and explore the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener Island.

Day 5: Nile River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On Board

Cruise on, and when the ship arrives in Kom Ombo, go ashore to see the unusual double Temple of Kom Ombo with one side dedicated to the god Haroesis and the other to Sobek. Return to the ship and continue your journey to Edfu for the Temple of Horus. Also known as the Temple of Edfu, it is the second-largest temple in Egypt after Karnak Temple.

Day 6: Nile River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On Board

Once the ship arrives in Luxor in the morning, disembark to explore the west bank of Luxor. Step into three tombs of the ancient Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings to learn about ancient Egyptian beliefs and burial practices. Following it is the renovated Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, an impressive terraced sandstone complex built into mountain cliffs. During the tour, you can also take pictures with the massive Colossi of Memnon, who guard the ruined Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III for thousands of years.

Day 7: Luxor - Cairo

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Cairo

Disembark the cruise and continue to explore the east bank of Luxor. You will find two of Egypt's most important sites, the Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple. They were linked by a long avenue of Sphinxes, part of which is still visible today. You will gain more about Egyptian history through the massive columns with intricate carvings, great statues of quite impressive sizes, obelisks, and so on.

After the tour, transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to Cairo. On arrival, be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8: Cairo - Amman - Jerash - Amman

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Amman

Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Amman, the beating heart of Jordan. On arrival, our representative will welcome you and introduce you to your English-speaking

chauffeur for a private tour of the Roman ruins of Jerash. With a knowledgeable local guide, you will visit the spectacular forum, street, temple, and theater in this ancient Roman city. Afterward, return to Amman for quick sightseeing in the capital city with your chauffeur to see the citadel on its highest hill, the Roman theater, and the Archeological & Folklore Museums.

Day 9: Amman - Petra

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Petra

Leave Amman behind and move forward to Petra hidden in a basin surrounded by mountains in southern Jordan. There are three stops on the way, with the first at Mt. Nebo for a view of the Promised Land and the beautiful mosaics in the Moses Memorial Church. The second is the Greek Orthodox St. George's Church in Madaba for you to marvel at the mosaic map that depicts the holy land – Palestine of the 6th century, and the last is the crusader castle of Kerak sitting strikingly 900 meters above sea level.

Day 10: Petra

Meal: Breakfast

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: On Board

Take your time to explore Petra. In the first two hours, with a professional tour guide, you will click off the must-sees in the lost city and learn about the history and exotic life of ancient Nabataean, a branch of nomadic Arabs who built Petra into a prosperous trading hub in its time. The rest of the day is yours to discover more in the rosy city at your pace.

Day 11: Petra - Amman

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Amman

After breakfast and a relaxing morning, you will begin your journey back north to Amman, which will take about 3.5 hours on the way. For the rest time, you may explore the leafy residential districts, modern malls, and art galleries in the western part of the city.

Day 12: Amman - Departure

Meal: Breakfast

Free time until being transferred to Queen Alia Airport via a private vehicle for your departure flight to your next destination.