Tour Introduction
A once-in-a-lifetime journey through two of the world’s most extraordinary ancient civilisations — where temples rise from desert sands, rivers carry stories of pharaohs, and rose-red cities glow at sunset. In Egypt, we stand before the mighty Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, sail the timeless Nile from Luxor to Aswan, explore the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, and sleep beneath a canopy of stars in the magical White Desert. From grand museums and bustling bazaars to serene felucca rides and desert safaris, every day brings a new chapter of history to life. In Jordan, we wander Roman Jerash, gaze across the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, and experience the wonder of Petra — walking through the Siq to the Treasury and sharing traditional meals with local women. We venture into the vast landscapes of Wadi Rum before floating effortlessly in the healing waters of the Dead Sea. This is the Middle East through the Sisterhood lens — immersive, awe-inspiring and well paced, blending ancient history, culture and connection in a way that stays with you forever.Highlights
Discover the Ancient Wonders of Egypt and Jordan
Explore the Extraordinary Grand Egyptian Museum
4 Night Luxury Nile River Cruise aboard the Sonesta Sun Goddess
Stay in a Spacious Presidential Suite with a Private Balcony
Discover the Magnificent Temples of Karnak and Luxor
Explore the Valley of the Kings and Queen Nefertari’s Tomb
Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
See the Colossi of Memnon
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu
Explore the Riverside Temple of Kom Ombo
Discover the Beautiful Temple of Philae
Sail around Elephantine Island aboard a Traditional Felucca
Enjoy High Tea at the Historic Old Cataract Hotel
Marvel at the Monumental Temples of Abu Simbel
Journey through Egypt’s Black and White Deserts by 4WD
Camp beneath the Stars in the White Desert
Visit the Golden Mummies Museum
Take Part in a Fun Egyptian Belly Dancing Lesson
Stand before the Legendary Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
Explore the Ancient Necropolis of Saqqara
Discover the Former Egyptian Capital of Memphis
Experience the Pyramids Sound and Light Show
Visit Cairo’s Citadel and Alabaster Mosque
Wander through the Colourful Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Explore Amman’s Citadel, Roman Theatre and Bustling Souk
Discover the Remarkable Roman City of Jerash
Visit Biblical Mount Nebo
See Madaba’s Famous Mosaic Map
Travel along Jordan’s Ancient King’s Highway
Explore the Imposing Crusader Castle of Kerak
Spend Three Nights near the Rose-Red City of Petra
Walk through Petra’s Dramatic Siq to the Treasury
Prepare Traditional Jordanian Dishes at Petra Kitchen
Climb to Petra’s Magnificent Monastery
Discover the Hidden Treasures of Little Petra
Enjoy Dinner at a Traditional Bedouin Camp
Experience a 3 Hour Bedouin Jeep Adventure through Wadi Rum
Spend Two Relaxing Nights beside the Dead Sea
Float in the Mineral-Rich Waters of the Dead Sea
Friends for Company!
Optional Tour:
Enjoy an optional Hot Air Balloon trip - AUD330 per person (pre-booked but paid direct)
Transfer from the cruise vessel by air-conditioned minibus to a motor launch. Cross the Nile to the West Bank and the Balloon launch site. After a safety briefing, the balloon will be fully inflated, and passengers will board for their one-hour balloon flight over Luxor. Enjoy breathtaking views of the temples and tombs, and their relationship to one another. See farmers starting work in their fields before landing and transferring back to the launch site and cruise boat.
Inclusions
Hosted throughout by a Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess, ensuring a smooth, supported and memorable travel experience
Return Economy airfares ex Melbourne inc taxes (other departure cities/upgrades available on request)
Professional English-speaking guides throughout our itinerary
Quality accommodation as specified
All transportation as per the itinerary
4-night Nile cruise on board Sonesta Sun Goddess
Meals as per itinerary - Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
All sightseeing as per the itinerary
Jordanian visa (obtained before departure)
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Zoom Meet and greet before departure (subject to minimum numbers attending)
Notice
Activity Level:
This tour is ideal for travellers with a good level of fitness and stamina who enjoy immersive cultural exploration and active sightseeing. Expect extended walking on most days, prolonged periods on your feet, and a variety of terrain, including uneven archaeological sites, cobblestone streets, desert sand, rocky pathways, temple complexes, and some stairs. You'll travel by coach, Nile cruise ship, felucca, 4WD vehicle, jeep and boat, and should be comfortable boarding and disembarking different forms of transport independently while keeping pace with the group. Many sightseeing days are full and active, particularly while exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt and Jordan, including Petra, the Valley of the Kings and the White Desert.
Activity Factors:
✔ Regular extended walking most days
✔ Full and active sightseeing days
✔ Uneven archaeological sites and ancient temple complexes
✔ Cobblestone streets and historic pathways
✔ Walking through Petra, including the Siq and extensive ancient city exploration
✔ Desert sand and uneven natural terrain in the White Desert and Wadi Rum
✔ Some hills, stairs and rocky pathways
✔ Nile cruise, felucca ride, coach, 4WD, jeep and boat travel
✔ Overnight desert camping experience
✔ Extended periods on your feet at major historical attractions
✔ Independent luggage handling when required
✘ No compulsory hiking or trekking
✘ No technical climbing
✘ No high-altitude trekking
Additional Meal Allowance:
Allow approximately USD 600 per person for lunches (not included), dinners, drinks, coffees, and incidental snacks throughout the tour. While Egypt and Jordan are generally very good value, meals at hotels and tourist sites can be more expensive than local restaurants, particularly in Cairo, Petra and the Dead Sea region. Allowing a little extra also covers refreshments during sightseeing days.
Tipping:
Tipping is customary throughout Egypt and Jordan and forms an important part of how local guides, drivers and many service staff earn their income. We understand that expected tipping amounts can sometimes feel unfamiliar or higher than at home. To make things simple and stress-free, Sisterhood Womens Travel operates a group tipping kitty. At the beginning of the tour, each traveller contributes to the kitty, which is managed by your Sisterhood Tour Hostess. Tips are then distributed throughout the journey to local guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters, cruise staff and other service providers on your behalf. This means you won't need to worry about carrying cash or deciding when and how much to tip, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy your holiday. The estimated contribution to the Sisterhood tipping kitty for this tour is USD 160 per person for Egypt and JOD 92 per person for Jordan. The final amounts will be confirmed in your final travel documentation.
Visa Information and Travel Advice:
An Egyptian visa must be obtained before travel. CLICK HERE for the Egyptian E-Visa Portal. We will be arranging your Jordanian visa on your behalf.
Please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au for travel and health advice for Egypt and Jordan.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday 6 November 2027
Melbourne – Cairo
Today our incredible Egyptian and Jordanian adventure begins as we meet our Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport. We board our international flight to Cairo, ready to discover ancient wonders, extraordinary landscapes, and the fascinating cultures of Egypt and Jordan.
Day 2 – Sunday 7 November 2027
Welcome to Cairo (D)
Upon arrival in Cairo, we are welcomed by our local representative and assisted with airport and visa formalities. We then transfer to our hotel overlooking the Nile and settle in for our first night in Egypt.
Later, we meet our local Tour Leader for an introduction to the adventure ahead. The remainder of the day is ours to relax after the journey before enjoying a welcome dinner together at the hotel.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo
Day 3 – Monday 8 November 2027
Cairo – Luxor – Karnak and Luxor Temples (B, L, D)
Early this morning, we transfer to Cairo Airport for our flight to Luxor, once the magnificent ancient city of Thebes.
Upon arrival, we visit the extraordinary Karnak Temple Complex. Built and expanded over more than 2,000 years, Karnak is one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed and was dedicated primarily to the powerful ram-headed god Amun.
We then board the elegant Sonesta Sun Goddess for our four-night Nile cruise. After lunch on board, we visit historic Luxor Temple, beautifully positioned beside the Nile and dedicated to Amun, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu.
Our ship remains moored in Luxor overnight.
Overnight: Sonesta Sun Goddess (or similar)
Day 4 – Tuesday 9 November 2027
Nile Cruise – Luxor West Bank – Esna – Edfu
Following breakfast, we cross to Luxor’s legendary West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings. Here, hidden within the desert mountains, lie the elaborately decorated tombs of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs.
We continue to the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before visiting the spectacular tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens. Renowned for its vivid colours and exquisite artwork, it is considered one of Egypt’s most beautifully decorated tombs.
Our sightseeing concludes at the towering Colossi of Memnon, followed by a visit to an alabaster workshop for a demonstration of traditional stone craftsmanship.
We return to the ship for lunch and sail through the Esna Lock towards Edfu.
An optional early-morning hot-air balloon flight over Luxor may be available at an additional cost.
Overnight: Sonesta Sun Goddess (or similar)
Day 5 – Wednesday 10 November 2027
Nile Cruise – Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan
This morning, we visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Dating back more than 2,000 years, this immense temple was dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed son of Osiris.
Returning to our ship, we continue sailing towards Kom Ombo. This afternoon, we visit the unusual riverside Temple of Kom Ombo, a fascinating dual temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god.
We then sail onwards to Aswan, where our ship is moored overnight.
Overnight: Sonesta Sun Goddess (or similar)
Day 6 – Thursday 11 November 2027
Nile Cruise – Aswan and Philae Temple (B, L, D)
Today we visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of love, healing and motherhood. Set on an island and surrounded by the waters of the Nile, it is one of Egypt’s most picturesque temple complexes.
After lunch aboard our ship, we enjoy a traditional felucca sailing excursion around Elephantine Island. We then step into the elegance of a bygone era with High Tea at the historic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel, an iconic colonial-era hotel overlooking the Nile.
We return to the ship for our final dinner on board.
Overnight: Sonesta Sun Goddess (or similar)
Day 7 – Friday 12 November 2027
Aswan – Abu Simbel – Cairo (B, L, D)
This morning, we farewell our Nile cruise and transfer to Aswan Airport for our flight to Abu Simbel.
Upon arrival, we explore the monumental temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Carved directly into the mountainside, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the adjoining Temple of Hathor are among Egypt’s most impressive ancient treasures.
The temples were painstakingly dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground during an extraordinary UNESCO operation to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Following our visit, we fly via Aswan to Cairo, where we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo (or similar)
Day 8 – Saturday 13 November 2027
Cairo – Grand Egyptian Museum (B, D)
Today we visit the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s largest museums devoted to a single civilisation.
Located near the Giza Plateau, this remarkable museum houses an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian treasures, including the complete Tutankhamun collection and countless objects displayed together for the first time.
We return to our hotel for dinner this evening.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo (or similar)
Day 9 – Sunday 14 November 2027
Cairo – Bahariya Oasis – White Desert (B, L, D)
We leave Cairo this morning and travel approximately five hours into Egypt’s Western Desert to the Bahariya Oasis.
Here, we transfer into 4WD vehicles and begin our desert safari. We journey through the dramatic Black Desert and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing into the extraordinary White Desert.
Before sunset, we arrive at our desert camp, surrounded by surreal white limestone formations sculpted by centuries of wind and sand. Tonight, we enjoy a barbecue dinner and the unforgettable experience of camping beneath the desert stars.
Overnight: Desert camp in the White Desert
Day 10 – Monday 15 November 2027
White Desert – Bahariya Oasis (B, L, D)
We awaken in the Sahara and enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by the desert's stillness.
Our return journey to Bahariya Oasis takes us past Crystal Mountain, the Desert Roses, the Black Desert and Akabat Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Miracles.
Upon arrival at the oasis, we check into our hotel and enjoy lunch. The remainder of the day provides time to relax and experience the peaceful desert surroundings and natural hot spring.
Overnight: International Hot Spring Hotel, Bahariya Oasis
Day 11 – Tuesday 16 November 2027
Bahariya Oasis – Cairo (B, D)
After breakfast, we visit the Golden Mummies Museum and explore several well-preserved tombs dating from Egypt’s 26th Dynasty.
We then begin our return journey to Cairo, arriving during the evening. After checking into our hotel, we embrace the spirit of Egypt with a fun one-hour belly dancing lesson.
Tonight, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo (or similar)
Day 12 – Wednesday 17 November 2027
Pyramids of Giza – Sphinx – Saqqara – Memphis (B, L, D)
Today is filled with some of Egypt’s greatest ancient treasures, beginning with the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza. These extraordinary monuments are the only surviving wonders of the ancient world.
We also visit the enigmatic Great Sphinx and the nearby Valley Temple. There may be an opportunity to enter one of the pyramids or enjoy a camel ride at an additional cost.
We continue to Saqqara, an extensive ancient necropolis containing the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, recognised as Egypt’s oldest pyramid. We visit some of the beautifully decorated nobles’ tombs and, if open, the Pyramid of King Teti.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we travel to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. Its open-air museum contains an impressive collection of monuments, including the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II and the famous Alabaster Sphinx.
We also visit a papyrus institute to learn how the ancient Egyptians created papyrus. This evening, we attend the memorable Sound and Light Show beside the Pyramids and Sphinx before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo (or similar)
Day 13 – Thursday 18 November 2027
Cairo City Sightseeing (B, L, D)
Today we explore more of Egypt’s fascinating capital. We begin at the Citadel of Saladin, an imposing medieval fortress overlooking Cairo, where we visit the magnificent Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque.
We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in beautiful Al-Azhar Park before visiting the historic Egyptian Museum. Its extensive collection traces thousands of years of Egyptian history through statues, jewellery, funerary objects and countless ancient treasures.
We return to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo (or similar)
Day 14 – Friday 19 November 2027
Cairo – Khan El Khalili (B, D)
This morning, we immerse ourselves in the colour and atmosphere of Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s famous historic bazaar.
We wander through narrow alleyways filled with spices, lanterns, jewellery, textiles, perfumes and traditional handicrafts. There is time to browse for souvenirs, practise our bargaining skills or enjoy mint tea or coffee at one of the market’s atmospheric cafés.
The afternoon is at leisure before dinner at our hotel.
Overnight: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile Hotel, Cairo (or similar)
Day 15 – Saturday 20 November 2027
Cairo – Amman (B, D)
This morning, we transfer to Cairo Airport and farewell Egypt as we board our flight to Amman.
Upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, we are welcomed and assisted through customs and immigration. We then transfer to our hotel for a two-night stay.
The remainder of the day is at leisure before dinner together at the hotel.
Overnight: Sulaf Hotel, Amman (or similar)
Day 16 – Sunday 21 November 2027
Amman – Jerash – Amman (B, D)
Our exploration of Jordan begins with a guided tour of Amman, a thriving modern capital with a history stretching back thousands of years.
We visit the hilltop Citadel, the Archaeological Museum and the bustling downtown souk before seeing the impressive 6,000-seat Roman Theatre. We also visit the Jordan Museum, home to some of the country’s most important archaeological discoveries, including portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
We then travel north to Jerash, considered one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the Middle East. We explore its spectacular oval forum, colonnaded streets, temples, theatres and monumental fountains.
Returning to Amman, we enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Sulaf Hotel, Amman (or similar)
Day 17 – Monday 22 November 2027
Amman – Mount Nebo – Madaba – Kerak – Petra (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we travel to Mount Nebo, traditionally believed to be where Moses first saw the Promised Land. We visit the historic monastery and take in sweeping views across the Jordan Valley.
We continue to Madaba to see the celebrated sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land inside St George’s Church.
Our journey then follows the ancient King’s Highway, with a stop overlooking the dramatic Wadi Al Mujib. In Kerak, we explore the imposing Crusader castle constructed during the 12th century.
We continue to Petra for a three-night stay and enjoy dinner at Al Qantarah Restaurant.
Overnight: The Old Village Hotel & Resort, Petra (or similar)
Day 18 – Tuesday 23 November 2027
The Rose-Red City of Petra (B, D)
Today we discover Petra, Jordan’s greatest archaeological treasure and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Established by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, Petra became an important trading centre hidden among the mountains of southern Jordan.
Our adventure begins with an included short horse ride towards the entrance of the Siq, although walking is also possible. We then continue on foot through the narrow canyon until the breathtaking Treasury appears before us. Accompanied by our local guide, we explore Petra’s remarkable monuments, including the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs and other structures carved directly into the rose-red sandstone.
This evening, we take part in a traditional Jordanian cooking experience at Petra Kitchen. Working alongside local women and a chef, we prepare a delicious meal of soup, mezze, salads and a traditional main course before sitting down to enjoy our creations together.
Overnight: The Old Village Hotel & Resort, Petra (or similar)
Day 19 – Wednesday 24 November 2027
Petra Monastery and Little Petra (B, D)
We return to Petra for another day of exploration. Those who wish may undertake the rewarding climb of approximately 800 steps to the Monastery, one of Petra’s largest and most impressive rock-carved monuments.
Later, we visit Little Petra, also known as Siq Al-Barid. We follow its narrow gorge into a fascinating landscape filled with carved tombs, chambers and ancient Nabataean structures.
Tonight, we enjoy a special dinner at a local Bedouin camp in Little Petra before returning to our hotel.
Overnight: The Old Village Hotel & Resort, Petra (or similar)
Day 20 – Thursday 25 November 2027
Petra – Wadi Rum – Dead Sea (B, D)
After breakfast, we travel south into the spectacular desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, a landscape of towering sandstone mountains, vast valleys and sweeping red sand dunes.
We embark on a three-hour 4WD adventure with a local Bedouin driver, exploring the dunes, natural rock formations and ancient Nabataean inscriptions. If time permits, we also stop at the historic Hejaz Railway.
We then travel north to the Dead Sea for a relaxing two-night stay.
Overnight: Dead Sea Spa Resort, Dead Sea (or similar)
Day 21 - Friday 26 November 2027
Dead Sea at Leisure (B, D)
Today is ours to relax and enjoy the facilities of our resort beside the Dead Sea.
Situated approximately 400 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and one of the world’s great natural spas. Its mineral-rich waters are famously buoyant, giving us the opportunity to experience the extraordinary sensation of effortlessly floating.
We can also indulge in a spa treatment, relax beside the pool or simply enjoy a peaceful day overlooking this remarkable natural wonder.
Overnight: Dead Sea Spa Resort, Dead Sea (or similar)
Day 22 – Saturday 27 November 2027
Dead Sea – Amman – Australia (B)
After breakfast, the morning is at leisure until it is time to check out.
We transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for our return flight to Australia, taking with us unforgettable memories of the ancient wonders, desert landscapes and warm hospitality of Egypt and Jordan.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines as we head towards home.
Day 23 – Sunday 28 November 2027
Welcome Home
Welcome home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure.