Egypt & Jordan: A Cultural Family Holiday

Having travelled extensively across the globe, we believe there’s no better compliment to Egypt than Jordan. Both remarkable destinations in their own right, uncover their splendour on this exhilarating twelve-night family adventure. From the last standing Wonder of the Ancient World to the lowest point on Earth, together you’ll unearth ancient secrets, learn age old traditions and explore captivating landscapes. In Egypt, witness Giza’s jaw dropping pyramids, learn the art of hieroglyphic writing and dine with views over the mighty Nile. In Jordan, journey across the red sands of the Wadi Rum desert, visit the majestic city of Petra by candlelight and float upon the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Filled right to the brim with hand-selected fun and fascinating educational encounters, this is one family trip you’ll never forget.

KICK START THINGS IN CAIRO

There’s no better place to begin your epic family adventure than in Egypt’s bustling capital city, Cairo. Check in to the magnificent St Regis hotel where you’ll have the afternoon at leisure to settle in and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Thanks to the property’s position, wake up to views that stretch out over the mighty Nile towards a maze of rooftops and minarets. Ready to embrace this new world, kick start your day with a quick introduction to Egyptian Arabic, where you’ll learn simple words and phrases to take with you on your travels. Test this new found knowledge with a trip to the Khan al Khalili market area, bursting with an array of rich textiles, aromatic perfumes, and glittering jewellery. Then, you’ll round off your day with a special culinary journey through central Cairo, discovering new and exquisite tastes typical of Egypt, including Koshary and Feteer.

Most kids have learnt about the ancient Egyptians at school – and now it’s time to really bring it all to life with a visit to the Giza Plateau. There’s nothing like experiencing the size of these jaw dropping structures first hand. Spend a full day exploring sights including the Great Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Giza alongside your private guide, learning the tales of their fabled history.

ASWAN ADVENTURES

Today, catch your flight south to Aswan, where you’ll enjoy two nights at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract. Delve further into the fascinating layers of Egyptian history and culture aboard your private felucca (traditional wooden sailing boat) to explore the Nubian monuments, a string of ancient archaeological sites located on the shores of Lake Nasser. This idyllic cruise includes a stop at Philae Temple, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Nile’, and Elephantine Island, where you’ll walk amongst the painted houses and visit the Animalia Museum to learn about the lives of the Nubian people. There’ll also be an opportunity to have an intricate henna design drawn on by one of the local women.

LOCAL LIFE IN LUXOR

You’ll continue you journey heading north to Luxor. En route, enjoy a crash course on hieroglyphs – and with over 700 symbols, you won’t be short of subject matter. On arrival, visit one of the largest ancient religious sites in the world, Karnak Temple, gradually built upon by over thirty different pharaohs. After a busy day exploring, tonight you’ll rest your head at Al Moudira, a quirky boutique hotel oozing Ancient Egyptian charm. It’s an early start the following day, joining some locals for breakfast at their home. You’ll have the opportunity to help bake traditional sun bread, and feast on an assortment of local delicacies. Once your bellies are suitably full, you’ll head off to the Valley of the Kings, famous for its magnificent royal tombs. Together with your private guide, you can explore a selection of your choosing – whether it’s King Tutankhamun or Queen Nefertari.

JOURNEY INTO JORDAN

Wave goodbye to Egypt as you embark on part two of your thrilling adventure in Jordan. Flying into Amman, you’ll spend the night at the Ritz-Carlton, located in the very heart of the city. The next day, you’ll take part in a cooking class where you can sample traditional dishes such as Mansaf and Kunafa. What better way to learn about Jordanian cuisine than by creating your own?

Heading south into the vast and unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, your journey continues. This area has been used as a filming location for both The Martian and Star Wars, and is among the world’s best stargazing locations. Perfect for the more adventurous kids (and adults) amongst us, you’ll spend the evening at a Bedouin style desert camp. The next day, embark on a jeep safari across the red terrain to meet with nomadic Arab tribes and learn what it’s like to live in these extreme weather conditions. Depending on the day you may be able to milk the goats, try on traditional local dress or, like Lawrence of Arabia, cross the sands by camel ride.

PETRA BY NIGHT AND DAY

You’ll spend the next two nights at the luxurious Mövenpick Resort, ideally located near the entrance of the historic city of Petra. Your first sight of this majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site comes tonight as you walk by candlelight, retracing the pilgrimage made by so many to this holy city during Nabatean times. Pass through the Al Siq before coming face to face with the famous Greek-style façade known as The Treasury. Return the following day to witness its majesty by daylight. Traverse back through the narrow gorges and canyons to fully appreciate the beauty and scale of this rose red city, before sitting down to enjoy an atmospheric cave-lunch.

EXPERIENCE THE HEAVENLY DEAD SEA

We couldn’t think of a better place to wind down your family adventure than at the Dead Sea. This saltwater lake is the lowest point on earth and contains nearly 10 times more salt than the ocean. Relax, float and cover yourselves in the therapeutic black mud, famed for its rejuvenating properties, before checking into the Kempinski hotel for your final night. It’ll soon be time to head home, but after dipping your toes into these incredible countries, we’re certain you’ll be back for more.