Compare Petra & Dubai by Encounters Travel vs Taste of Egypt 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: Dubai Airport Arrival

On the first day of your 8 Day Dubai Itinerary, you will be met on arrival at Dubai International Airport to get transferred to your hotel in Dubai for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Traditional Dubai Tour - Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Marina

Enjoy your breakfast at your hotel, Pick up Between 09.00Hrs to 09.30Hrs. Your experienced local guide will pick you up in the morning from your hotel and drive you to the heritage area of Bastakiya and 225-year old Fort of Al Fahidi which houses the Dubai Museum. Then enjoy a ride on the traditional abra boat across scenic Dubai Creek.

Afterward, your guide will lead you over to the shopping center you’ve been waiting to see; the Gold & Spice Souks where you can buy anything and everything. After your shopping spree, you continue your Tour to the most beautiful and tourist-loved mosque in Dubai; the Jumeirah Mosque (Photo stop only). then we will take you for a photo stop by Burj Al Arab, the iconic hotel that has established unmatched standards of luxury.

You will be picked up from your hotel to spend a relaxed evening onboard a traditionally decorated wooden dhow as it sails along the Dubai Marina under the moonlight. Savor your favorite beverages and prepare your palate for a mouth-watering feast! The major Dubai landmarks shine through the moonlit sky as the wooden vessel slips silently across the creek.

Experience the city’s unexplored past, with historic buildings and monuments that have stood the test of time. You will cruise by the Heritage Village, Chambers of Commerce, National Bank of Dubai, Dubai Courts, and the glittering Gold and Spice Souks. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner cruise

Day 3: Desert Safari Tour

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, with free time to discover the city yourself; Pick up Between 14.30Hrs to 15.00Hrs. Afternoon time 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.

Here you can experience the thrill of sand-boarding. Then you will be taken on to a Bedouin campsite complete with a local attire and refreshment for your enjoyment. Be adventurous and try a camel ride. Return back to the camp and dine on a delicious barbeque dinner as the stars come out and an enchanting belly dancer and tanoura dancer perform a fascinating routine to Arabian music. Complete the experience with your very own shisha pipe, available in many aromatic flavors before heading to your hotel in Dubai.

Meals: Breakfast, BBQ Dinner

Day 4: Fly from Dubai to Cairo

Enjoy your delicious breakfast at your hotel and then free time before your flight, then you will drive you to Dubai airport for your flight to Cairo which is about 4 hours. Upon arrival at Cairo airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative then transfer to your hotel in Cairo and overnight. Optional tour to enjoy Sound and Light show at Pyramids area or Dinner Cruise on the Nile with belly dance and Tanoura show.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Giza Pyramids & Memphis and Sakkara

Breakfast at your hotel in Cairo, at 08:00 Am met by your personal guide who will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mycerinus - Famous Sphinx and Valley temple facing the great statue. Lunch will be served in a good quality local restaurant, then proceed to Sakkara area to visit Sakkara Complex and first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). Move to Memphis; Old kingdom's capital and famous Necropolis. Back to your hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo

Breakfast at the hotel at 08:00 Am you will be escorted by your private guide to visit: Egyptian Museum where you will see many fascinating artifacts. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Cairo, then move on to visit Saladin Citadel including Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque inside. Continue to Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Continue driving to Islamic Cairo, where you will be able to explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar. Back to hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 7: Optional Tour to Alexandria

Breakfast at your hotel, and today you have the choice of having a free day in Cairo or join our most valuable optional tour to the second capital of Egypt, Alexandria visiting one of the most important defensive strongholds, not only in Egypt, but also along the Mediterranean Sea coast, Qaitbay Citadel, built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay on the spot where Alexandria's ancient lighthouse once stood, then move on to the new and much acclaimed Alexandria Library. Also visit the Roman cemetery cut out of the rock, the Catacombs. Return to your hotel in Cairo.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Final Departure / Fly Back Home

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your flight to home.

Meals: Breakfast.