Grand Tour of Arabia

Tour Egypt , Dubai and Jordan a la Indiana Jones

A Grand 16 day touring of Egypt , Dubai and Jordan , Including Petra

Compare with the 6 day Dubai & Jordan Adventure , the 6 day Dubai only , Egypt / Dubai in 12 Days Add Alexandria in Egypt , or add African Safaris in Kenya .
Prefer to fly between Egypt and Jordan ( skipping Sinai and St. Catherine ) ?
Combine with Palestine and Israel . Return to Dubai Index Page

Indiana Jones himself couldn't squeeze more adventure into this journey: Cairo and the Pyramids, a cruise on the Nile, the fabled temples and tombs of Luxor and Thebes, diving in the Red Sea, the mountains of Sinai, and a trek to the mysterious ruins of Petra in Jordan. And Dubai a true modern rendition of the 1001 Arabian Nights . Tour this Emirate on the Arabian Gulf . A taste of Arabia with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In Dubai you'll find year round sunshine, un-crowded, clean sandy beaches.

DAY 1- CAIRO - Sunday - Weekly Year Round
Our Egypt-based staff greets you in bustling Cairo airport and escorts you to your hotel . Complimentary Egyptian visa fee (valid only for American, Australian , NZ , EU, Korean ( South) , Singaporean & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival). Visa will be issued upon arrival.
As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two , down some stairs , then walk for 2-5 minutes , until you pass the duty free shops, at the end of a wide corridor , you will see the security officers. There you will be met by a local representative, who will be holding a sign with the name you prefer to use for the sign .

Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport as you exit the passport control, into customs area, he will assist you in collecting your luggage and clearing customs . After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel

DAY 2 - CAIRO Monday (BLD)
Your exploration of the ancient world begins today! First stop is the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, precious stones and metals. We'll also stop at the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque, before a walking tour of Khan El Khalili old district. Dinner and fold show on board the Hyatt dinner cruise or similar .

DAY 3 - CAIRO Tuesday (BL) DAHSOUR - HOME HOSTED MEAL
After breakfast, we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. The museum of the Royal Barge of Cheops The museum is built over the rectangular pit that housed the Royal Barge for thousands of years , the wooden boat was readied for the king's daily journey with the sun god, Ra . Discovered in 1954, in a completely dismantled state, the 43-metre (140-foot) cedar boat is a rare window on the Royal boats used by the kings of Ancient Egypt.

Those who are fit and adventurous enough may wish to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King's Chamber your ticket is included with our compliments (or the interior of Kephren Pyramid). Taking a camel ride (Included) is entirely your own choice!

Continue to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structure:

The "Discovery" of Dahshour:
For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru's pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza's Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru's--miraculously--is still in place.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant or at your hotel.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 4 - ASWAN- Nile Cruise - Wednesday (BLD)
After and early breakfast we fly to Aswan , where we settle you into your cabin on your Nile steamer. Welcome drink served upon arrival. A complimentary fruit basket awaits you in your deluxe cabin

We'll visit the world famous Nubian Museum, the enormous dams at Aswan, then board a launch on Lake Nasser to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters. And enjoy A Felucca sailing on the Nile among the Nile rocky islands .

DAY 5 - KOM OMBO Thursday (BLD)
We cruise northward down the Nile today, at a stately pace, disembarking for a visit to Kom Ombo, the twin temple dedicated to the crocodile river god, Sobek. We'll also see Haroeris, the solar disk.

DAY 6 - EDFU and LUXOR Friday (BLD)
Horse-drawn carriages or vans meet us at riverside to take us through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Then we'll continue beside the Nile to take in an array of ancient splendors: the Valley of the Kings; the imposing tomb-temple of Queen Hatshepsut ; and, back in Luxor, the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak.

DAY 7 - Disembark - Fly to SHARM EL SHEIKH - RED SEA Saturday (B)
Now that you've seen the best of the Egypt of the Pharaohs, our guides escort you to the airport. You'll fly over the Sinai Peninsula and land at historic Sharm El Sheik on the Red Sea. You're at the beach and free to swim, or explore under the waters.

DAY 8 - SHARM EL SHEIK Sunday (B)
Relax! Today is set aside as a strategic mid-journey break. Spend some time in the sun, but don't miss your chance to snorkel or dive under Red Sea waters for an array of coral and glittering tropical fish.

DAY 9 - MOUNT SINAI Monday (BL)
Our knowledgeable guides arrange a pre-dawn departure into the still-cool wilderness of Sinai, through which Moses led the Children of Israel to the Promised Land. Our goal is the Monastery of St. Catherine, built of rock at the base of Mount Sinai, at the site of the Burning Bush. We tour the monastery, rich in history, icons and sacred paintings, then return to Sharm El Sheik.

DAY 10- AQABA, PETRA Tuesday (BD)
We'll drive to the port of Nuweiba, where we'll board the Red Sea ferry. Across the water in Aqaba, with Israel and Saudi Arabia in sight, our Jordan-based representative waits to greet you. You'll drive north under a towering ridge of mountains, and arrive at your hotel in Petra for the night. Complimentary Jordanian visa fee (valid only for American , Australian ,NZ , Canadian, EU Citizens, Singaporean & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival). Dinner is included at the hotel

DAY 11 - PETRA - Wednesday (B)
We'll spend the entire day at Petra, the stunning desert city hewn by the Nabateans from solid cliffs of pink and violet sandstone. Petra was known in the bible as Sela, and rediscovered only in 1812. You'll feel like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark as you penetrate into the city through a narrow sandstone gorge, the Siq, and wander among the Temple of the Winged Lion, tombs, Roman theater, and the imposing Treasury.

DAY 12 - DEPARTURE FOR ARABIA -Thursday (B)
DUBAI : WE fly to Dubai as we fly across the Arabian Peninsula to reach this charming Emirate on the Arabian Gulf. ( Click here to read more on Arabia' s early history). A taste of Arabia with a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

In Dubai you'll find year round sunshine, un-crowded, clean sandy beaches.

In this Arabian society you 'll find a very warm & welcoming team & society awaits you in Dubai. While shopping may not be high on your list, yet Dubai’s tax free markets means bargains galore. Attractive traditional Middle Eastern gifts - coffee pots, rugs, silverware, jewelry, brass, and one of the world’s greatest gold trading centers offering unbeatable value. Hong Kong is no longer able to compete with Dubai with the wide selection of low - priced international brand name products - audio equipment, VCRs, cameras, watches, fashions, perfumes and more , do not forget : the award-winning Dubai Duty Free at the airport. Upon arrival , our local rep will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

DAY 13 - DUBAI - Friday (BLD)
Half Day Dubai City Tour :
Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. The Tour begins in Jumeira, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeira Mosque. The next stop is Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of ruling family). The Tour then continues to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to reach the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. All guests board the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek to the spice souk . Before savoring the sights and sounds of the fish, fruit and vegetable market, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai – the Gold souk. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant .

Evening Dhow Cruise Dinner:
For a fabulous relaxing evening join our fully fitted Arabian dhow for an evening’s cruise on the Creek. Enjoy a sumptuous feast of Arabic and Western cuisine while gently gliding past illuminated souks, banks and palaces.

DAY 14 - Desert Safari with dinner in the Arabian Desert - DUBAI - Saturday (BD)
Half  Day  Desert Safari (4 Wheel Drive ):
Morning at leisure , enjoy beach activities. This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination a camel farm. The drive continues across the desert. We stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching our campsite where you have the opportunity to do camel riding . After working up an appetite enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the most famous Arabic Water pipe). We conclude the evening with a true 1001 Arabian Nights tradition and With a belly dancer performing her dance around the campfire before we head back to your hotel in Dubai or Sharja.

DAY 15 - DUBAI - Full day at Leisure on the Beach or Shopping Spree - Sunday (B)
Full day on your own, maybe to explore the souks & Bazaars, or just relax on the beach.

Sat- Thu only : Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home: expected hours : 5:00 -7:30 PM
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town)
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Dubai l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening t with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences. 
Upon arrival you will be served Arabic Coffee " Gahwa " , this is very strong coffee , you will also be served dates upon arrival . After or during the meal , insence " bokhour and perfume will be brought in as usual in the Emirati home .
Dress code : Smart Casual : No short skirts, no bare shoulders., no shorts for ladies or gents

DAY 16 - DUBAI - Departure - Monday (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home. Or, you may choose to add one of our extensions. Bon Voyage

RATES per person in USD

For Easter week , Christmas, New Year's : please note that a 15 % supplement will apply.

Sample First Class four stars hotels in Dubai : Novotel Dubai , Dubai Four point Sheraton, Qamardeen hotel Dubai

Prices include:

• All transfers in all three countries.
  
• One way air fare Amman to Dubai in economy class , tax included.
  
• All domestic flights in Egypt, as per itinerary all in economy class , tax included .
  
• The Red Sea ferry ticket between Egypt & Jordan .
  
• Air-conditioned hotel accommodations with tax and service charges
  
• Nile cruise, with all meals, a welcome fruit basket, complimentary bottle of water for each guest , delivered to your cabin daily while on board the cruise. As well as bottled water and tea or coffee with each meal while on board the cruise
  
• All shore excursions, aboard, your Nile cruise : Sample : First class : M/S Nile Dream , M/S Ruby.
  Sample Deluxe: these luxury Nile cruises : M/S Amarco , Monaco , M/S Royal Lotus M/S Mojito , M/S Queen TiYi , Movenpick Radamis, Sonesta, Queen of Hansa , or the M/S Princess Sara , subject to availability.
  
• Sightseeing with professional guide and entrance fees as indicated
  
• Meals as indicated, with pre-set menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  
• Lonely Planet guidebook to Jordan and Egypt
  
• Jordanian and Egyptian visa fee (valid only for American, Australian, NZ EU, Canadian , Mexican , Singaporean & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival).
  
• Jordanian departure tax.
  
• Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Complimentary welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Large bottle of water ( per person ) delivered to you cabin daily while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
  
Tea or coffee and bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.

Amman	Sheraton Al-Nabil Hotel, Hyatt Amman or similar	Upgrade in Dubai
Dubai	Hilton Dubai JUmeirah , Sheraton Jumeirah , Le Meridien Mina Seyahi , JW Marriott or similar	For The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah Royal Mirage - The Arabian Court Hotel: Please add : $ 650 Per person in double
Petra	Movenpick Petra Hotel , Marriott Petra Hotel , or similar	For Burj Al Arab Hotel : Please add $3555 per person in double SUITE Including Rolls-Royce round-trip airport transfers in Dubai

Not included:

Personal expenses and beverages

Gratuities

Additional meals and services

Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see the insurance brochure).

International air fares from /to your home country

More choices :

• Turkey and Arabia in 11 Days.
  
• Helicopter Flight over Dubai and the Emirates .
  
• Suggested restaurants and dinning in Dubai and the Emirates .
  
• Sample hotels in Dubai and the Emirates .

• Syria index main page
  
• Quick Tour of Dubai : 5 -Days
  
• Arabia in a Week : A 7-day Dubai and Jordan version

• Grand 12 days Tour of Arabia : Egypt & Dubai
  
• Grand Arabian Tour Dubai and Jordan in 12 days , Including Petra .Add Alexandria
  
• Return to Dubai Main Index Page
  
• Compare with the 1001 Arabian Nights Tour of Egypt & Jordan a la Indiana Jones in 17 days
  
• Add Abu Simbel Temples in Nubia Egypt
  
• Consider adding The Sultanate of Oman ? The Forgotten Jewels of Arabia
  
• Add Syria and Morocco, in a Grand North African Crossing
  
• Add African Safaris in Kenya
  
• Add a camp stay in Wadi Rum in Jordan
  
• Arabian Nile Adventure : A grand 21 -day tour of the Near East : Egypt , Israel , Palestine and Jordan
  
  
• Arabia Dubai and The Near East : Egypt , Palestine and Israel .

Nile Cruise Dining Room Reservations: Meet other passengers :
YOU will not require any, our dining rooms do accommodate all our guests in one seating, one less thing to worry about while you are on the Nile. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere with several different languages being heard at dinner.

Do we get sea sickness while sailing the Nile ?
This is river sailing, so do not expect any waves , no rough seas ! Your Nile cruises is actually a floating hotel that moves from place to place along the Nile. Actual cruising times are short and pleasant.

Sample Deluxe Hotels in Dubai - United Arab Emirates :

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

Kempinski Hotels, Europe's oldest collection of luxury hotels, comes to Dubai with a truly unique and exciting five star deluxe hotel.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is Kempinski’s first hotel in Dubai, located on the most prestigious address on Sheikh Zayed Road at 'MAF (Majid al Futtaim) Investments’ “Mall of the Emirates”

Acquiring its first property in 1897, Kempinski Hotels guarantees superior standards of service combined with distinctive style reflecting its old heritage and tradition in fine hospitality across Europe.

Together with the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre and Ski Dubai Alpine themed indoor snow resort, the hotel is a central attraction in Dubai, offering tourists and local visitors an unmatched formula of fine hospitality, exciting shopping, and innovative entertainment & sporting facilities. This vision fits very well with Kempinski’s philosophy in general and for this region in particular.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Services
The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates hotel offers 5-star deluxe services and facilities including a choice of restaurants such as 24Seven restaurant the all day dinner which is the only restaurant that opens 24 hours daily in the surrounding area, Aspen Café in the hotel lobby, 1897 Lounge Bar, Mosaic Pool Bar and Vitamins Juice Bar.

Other facilities include health and beauty Spa, hairdresser, fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis court, as well as a wide range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities in addition to state of the art business centre with wireless hi speed internet connection and business support facilities to add to the fully loaded conference and meetings facilities available.

Around the clock services available are: Concierge, personal butler, baby sitting, valet parking, room service, laundry and dry-cleaning, shoe shine, on call Doctor, multi-lingual staff, security, limousine and currency exchange, in addition to shopping butler service, tour desk and shuttle bus service to name a few.

Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates Location

At the forefront of Mall of the Emirates mega complex, Kempinski Hotel takes pride of its prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, 4th Interchange, Al Barsha, at the heart of newly developed modern Dubai, few minutes from Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the Jumeirah beach stretch, and just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and downtown.

Virtual Tour