Compare Petra & Dubai by Encounters Travel vs Grand Tour of Egypt, Jordan and Dubai by Memphis Tours

Day 1: Arrive in Amman. Hotel transfers included Once you arrive in Amman, you will be welcomed by our staff before we transfer to your hotel. We'll help you check in and show you where the local shops, cafés and restaurants are before we give you some free time to explore the city before we officially start the tour tomorrow. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: None | EXTRAS: Superior hotel upgrade, Single room supplement (required if no same-sex room share available), Extra day in Amman - pre-tour, As-Salt and Bethany tour Day 2: A city tour of Amman and exploring Jerash We start the day by heading to the nearby ruined city of Jerash. It's hard not to be in awe of this masterpiece of Roman architecture which was once hidden under sand. You'll explore some of the city's ruined highlights, which includes theatres, baths, fountains, winding paved streets and striking hilltop temples. In the afternoon we take a city tour back in Amman, which is known as the 'white city' due to its vast collection of white limestone buildings. Your guide will give you a glimpse into Amman's rich history, pointing out the excavations and renovations made during from the Neolithic period, the Hellenistic period and the late Roman to Arab Islamic Ages. The Citadel is another highlight and you can see the ancient temple of Hercules, the 8th century Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church and the 6,000 seat Roman theatre. This intricate 2nd century theatre is still used today for cultural events. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Amman evening food tasting tour Day 3: King's Highway to Petra with stops at Madaba & Kerak Castle King's Highway to Petra via Madaba and Kerak Another day of exploration awaits, starting with a drive along the picturesque King's Highway to Petra. Although this route takes a bit longer, its alluring views makes it worth going the extra mile. As we drive, we'll pass numerous wadis, olive groves and rural villages. We'll stop in Madaba to visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. Your guide will also show you the famous 6th century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land along with other biblical sites. Next, we'll make our way up Mount Nebo, which offers breath-taking views of the Holy Land. Back on the road, we'll cross more wadis, including the impressive Wadi al-Mujib before we reach Kerak Castle - which is one in a chain of Crusader fortresses lined across Jordan on the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan route. This mammoth fortress was built in 1132 AD by the Crusader King Baldwin and then fell to Saladin in 1188AD. We won't make any more stops until we reach Petra, where we'll help you check into your hotel for the evening. You have some free time to do as you please, but we do suggest going on the Petra by Candlelight tour through the Siq to the Treasury. | OVERNIGHT: Petra hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: Petra by Candlelight (arranged locally) Day 4: Full day exploration of Petra, camping underneath the stars in Wadi Rum Today is all about venturing around the prominent Nabatean site of Petra. Until the Romans took over in 106AD, the historic city was the ancient capital of the Nabatean commercial empire. For a while Petra was forgotten and then rediscovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. Perched on the edge of Wadi Aruba and protected by canyon walls and hills, this city is hard to reach. To enter, you must walk through a small cleft in the rock called the Siq. You will notice that there are very few freestanding structures in the city, as the Nabateans decided to fashion their homes and buildings into the colourful sandstone cliffs. After a 2-3 hour guided tour of this remarkable ancient city, you have plenty of time to amble around and do some discovering. During the guided tour, you will be taken through the Siq, rising 200m above and just 2m wide. There are still the remains of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city along this wall as well as the ancient Nabatean water channel. When you leave the Siq, one of Petra's most impressive landmarks will blow you away - the Khazneh, also known as the Treasury. You'll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheater and Petra's colonnaded streets. We also suggest walking along the narrow gorge past the multi-colored sandstone cliffs to the Monastery. This is Petra's biggest carved monument at 50 metres high and 45 metres wide. From this point, the views of the Wadi Aruba and the Jordan Valley are breathtaking. This afternoon, we leave Petra and drive into the beautiful desert scenery of Wadi Rum, where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to greet us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal. | OVERNIGHT: Wadi Rum Bedouin camp | MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner | EXTRAS: None Day 5: A Jeep safari in Wadi Rum & Dead Sea Swim Wadi Rum jeep safari, Dead Sea swim We spend more time amidst the desert scenery of Wadi Rum today on a jeep safari that passes by more sharp cliffs and intriguing rock formations. This area and its huge rust coloured rocky 'jebels' was made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia, that celebrated TE Lawrence's time here during the Arab revolt of 1917-18. From Wadi Rum, we drive up north to the banks of the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth, at over 400 metres below sea level. The sea receives a variety of incoming rivers including the Jordan River. When the rivers reach the sea, they merge together before evaporating and leaving behind a unique blend of salts and minerals, supplying local industries with high quality products. West of the Dead Sea, you can view the hills of Jerusalem. This area is believed to have been the home of 5 biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). The tour will come to a stop and allow you to splash around in these salty waters. Normal swimming is not possible, so we suggest floating instead. As the water is so salty, avoid getting it in your eyes. Later today, we make our way back to Amman. | OVERNIGHT: Amman hotel | MEALS: Breakfast | EXTRAS: None

Day 6: Fly from Amman to Dubai - Transfers included, but flight not included
You will be transferred to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport today to board your flight to the United Arab Emirates. Upon arrival in Dubai, one of our staff members will be there to meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city - which is known for luxury shopping centres, ultramodern architecture and busy nightlife scene. You have the rest of the day free to explore independently, or rest after your journey to the United Arab Emirates. Note: The international flight from Amman to Dubai is not included in the price of the tour. It is normally most cost effective to purchase this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. However if you would like us to arrange a single ticket for you, we will be happy to book this for you. Please contact us for current prices.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 7: A city tour of Dubai and an optional desert safari
Today is all about exploring the beautiful city of Dubai - as we head out on a shared half-day guided city tour starting at Jumeirah Public Beach and Burj Al Arab, whose sail-shaped design and 321 metre height has made it one of the signature sights in Dubai. We'll also drive through the plush district of Jumeirah full of hotels and villas, before heading into the old Al Bastakiya quarter to discover Dubai's past. Here we'll navigate mudbrick courtyards and houses with wind towers to catch the cooling breeze. The tour also visits the 18th century Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in Dubai and home to the Dubai Museum. A boat trip on an abra follows as we cross Dubai Creek to Deira and the bustling and vibrant Spice Souk, full of colourful stalls of herbs, spices and sweets. Finally there is time to explore the nearby Gold Souk before you are dropped back at your hotel. An optional desert safari tour is then available in the afternoon. You'll be collected from your hotel in a 4x4 and make your way to the desert along the Al Awir Road for some fun on the dunes, including dune riding, sunset photography, belly dancing, a fire and Tanura dancing show and lots more before you enjoy a barbecue dinner underneath the starry sky. The tour lasts around 6 hours in total before you are dropped back at your hotel in the evening.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 8: Free time in Dubai. Evening Dhow Dinner Cruise
You have the morning free to sleep in a little later, relax by the pool or explore Dubai independently, perhaps purchasing some gifts from one of the many malls. Later in the afternoon, you'll be picked up from your hotel and make your way to the Dubai Creek for a dhow cruise, where you enjoy dinner and enjoy entertainment such as live music and a Tanura dance show.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Free day in Dubai.
Your day is completely free today to relax or explore Dubai further. There are great beaches to enjoy the sun and swim from, and a wealth of great shopping opportunities available. Alternatively for the more adventurous, there are fascinating day trips available to nearby Abu Dhabi.
| OVERNIGHT:
Dubai hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast Day 10: Free time in Dubai. Hotel to airport transfers included
You have some free time to do some last minute sightseeing or shopping before we collect you and transfer you to the airport to board your flight back home.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Dubai - post-tour

Day 1: Arrival Cairo

Your tour manager will meet and assist you at Cairo International Airport and then he will escort you to the hotel by an air-conditioned coach. At hotel the tour manager will assist with a smooth check-in and review your holiday itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2: Pyramids and Cairo Sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo and then meet your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, famous Sphinx, and Valley temple facing the great statue. Lunch at a good quality local restaurant. Then transfer to enjoy the Egyptian Museum. Continue to explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar. Back to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Day 3: Fly Cairo to Luxor - Nile Cruise Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Check out from hotel in the morning then transfer to Cairo Airport for a flight to Luxor where you will be met and assisted, then taken by an air-conditioned vehicle to board your Egypt Nile cruise to check in. After lunch on board, enjoy a visit to the impressive Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Dinner and overnight on board Nile cruise.

Day 4: Luxor Nile Cruise Excursions

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast on your Nile cruise, take an excursion to the royal cemetery for 62 Pharaohs, Valley of the Kings, then to mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which was built by the architects of the New Kingdom Pharaoh Hatshepsut in the 15th century BC. Head to the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch, you will sail to Edfu enjoying a leisurely dinner on board. Overnight on board Nile Cruise.

Day 5: Edfu and Kom Ombo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast on Nile Cruise, visit the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple dedicated to Horus at Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo to see the unique Temple of Sobek, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. Have your lunch on board. Continue sailing to Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board your Nile Cruise.

Day 6: Aswan Nile Cruise Tours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

After breakfast on Nile cruise, enjoy a day sightseeing in Aswan. Start with the High Dam and the largest known ancient obelisk, located in the northern region of the stone quarries of ancient Egypt, the Unfinished Obelisk. Proceed to the beautiful Temple of Philae, which is devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor.

Overnight on board deluxe Nile Cruise.

Day 7: Fly Aswan to Cairo

Meals: Breakfast.

Disembark from your Nile cruise after breakfast,with free time at leisure in Aswan with optional excursion to the Romantic temple of Queen Nefertari and Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Finally, you will be transferred to Aswan Airport for your return to Cairo where you will be met and assisted at the airport then taken to your hotel.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 8: Fly Cairo to Amman - Hello Jordan

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for a flight to Amman. Upon arrival at Queen Alia Airport, our representative will meet and assist you with the customs and immigration procedures. Transfer to the hotel in Amman for overnight.

Day 9: Jerash and Dead Sea Tour

Meals: Breakfast.

After your breakfast, you will be driven towards north to Jerash, situated in the foothills of the mountain of Gilead, the ancient city is reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Being one of the largest and well-preserved sites of Roman Architecture outside of Italy its grandeur can be seen in the colonnaded street, Oval Plaza the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. After this, we will drive towards the Dead Sea. Being the lowest point on earth and filled with a variety of minerals with medicinal properties, the site has developed into a health spa-like hotspot. The mineral concentration in the mud is used for therapeutic and beauty treatments. Queen Cleopatra and Sheba both were said to have known the value of the site and used it. Due to too high salinity, the water supports no form of life hence the name the Dead Sea and floating is very easy. Be sure to prepare to swim and relax in the mud before heading back to Amman for Overnight.

Day 10: Petra Tour

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive about 2.5 hours to the Rose-Red City of Petra, Jordan’s largest attraction. First started in the 6th century B.C. by Nabataean Arabs, the city boasts beautiful facades carved directly into the walls of the mountainsides. Arriving at the visitor’s center, it’s a 700-meter walk to the Siq entrance, which is an impressive 1200 meter long gorge of a kaleidoscope of colors. The towers are more than 80 meters above you and they will lead you to the wonderful treasury. As you exit the chasm, you’re instantly transfixed by the beauty of Petra, chosen as one of the New World Wonders, the place speaks for itself. After your time at Petra, you make your way back through the Siq before returning to Amman for overnight.

Day 11: Flight from Amman to Dubai

Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast, transfer to Amman Airport for your flight to Dubai where you will be met and then transferred to your hotel in Dubai for check in at your hotel with free time at leisure and overnight stay in Dubai.

Day 12: Traditional Dubai City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner cruise

After leisurely breakfast, your local guide will take you to Bastakiya, the historic district of Dubai, and The Fort of Al Fahidi which houses the Dubai Museum. Enjoy a ride on the traditional Abra boat across scenic Dubai Creek and the Gold and Spice Souks. Head to Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Al Arab for amazing photo stops. Finally, you will visit to Saga World, a modern Arabian-style standalone mall that features traditional art work and furnishing stores to fashion boutiques. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

You will be picked up from your hotel to spend a relaxed evening onboard a traditionally decorated wooden Dhow cruise to sail along the Dubai Marina under the moonlight with tasty foods. The major Dubai landmarks shine through the moonlit sky, as the wooden vessel slips silently across the creek. Discover the city’s unexplored past, with historic buildings and monuments. The past and present architecture of the area is brought to its full beauty during this time of the day. Transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day 13: Abu Dhabi Day Tour with Louver Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel in Dubai, start an amazing tour to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the fourth biggest mosque in the world which accommodates some 40,000 worshipers inside its walls. The mosque showcases the cultural diversity of the Islamic world. The tour continues into the heart of the city, Union Square, before a drive down to the Corniche. Next, you will pass by Emirates Palace. From there, you will move onto Heritage Village and finally you will enjoy the Louver Museum. After a long yet adventurous day, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day 14: Sand Dune Dinner Safari

Meals: Breakfast, BBQ Dinner.

Breakfast at your hotel in Dubai at leisure. In the afternoon, you will be picked up to drive across the mystic sands of dubai desert. The thrill begins as your driver takes you up and down the golden sands of Arabia before stopping on the highest sand dune, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful view. You can experience the thrill of sand-boarding and move onto the Bedouin campsite. With a local attire and refreshment for your enjoyment, proceed your tour with camel ride on the Arabian Desert of Dubai. Then, have a delicious barbeque dinner and enjoy tanoura dancer perform a fascinating routine to Arabian music. Head to your hotel in Dubai.

Overnight in Dubai.

Day 15: Final Departure/Flight Back Home

Meals: Breakfast.

After breakfast at your hotel in Dubai, you may enjoy some free time at leisure at your hotel. Then, you will be transferred to Dubai Airport for flight back home.