road to jordan with cruise · jordan on this 16 day adventure. pyramids, valley of the kings, nile...

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan with Cruise16 days | Cairo to Amman

Road to Jordan with Cruise - 16 days updated on 28-12-2018

www.onthegotours.comUK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] 1300 855 684 [email protected] 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311

This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday.Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to thisitinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirementsare subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours.

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Discover the wonders of Egypt and

Jordan on this 16 day adventure.

Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Nile

cruising & Red Sea relaxation.

Topped off with Jordan, home to

the stunning Rose City of Petra

(voted one of the New 7 Wonders

of the World), the red desert of

Wadi Rum and the buoyant Dead

Sea.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• Petra - discover this spectacular UNESCO-

listed Nabataean city, which is one of theNew Seven Wonders of the World

• Hurghada - relax at the Red Sea, swim andopt to snorkel or scuba dive in the clearcoastal waters

• Cairo - marvel at the legendary Pyramidsof Giza, explore the Necropolis of Saqqaraand see King Tut's treasures at the EgyptianMuseum

• Wadi Rum - explore this vast red desertwith its rolling dunes and dramatic rockformations in a 4x4 and camp under ablanket of stars

• Luxor West Bank - discover exquisite tombsin the Valley of the Kings, the towering

Colossi of Memnon and the beautifulTemple of Queen Hatshepsut

• The Dead Sea - spend a night at the DeadSea, float in the famously buoyant, mineral-rich waters and smother yourself in DeadSea mud

• Luxor - roam around the colossal Templeof Karnak and take an optional tour of thebeautifully illuminated Luxor Temple atnight

• Aswan - take leisurely boat trip to AgilikaIsland to explore the romantic PhilaeTemple and wander around the colourfulsouqs

• Nile cruising - cruise from Aswan to Luxor,spending 3 nights on board a 5 star Nilecruiser

• Kom Ombo - visit the Nile side Temple ofKom Ombo

• Wadi Mujib - go canyoning in the lowestnature reserve in the world (included ontours departing April to October)

• Shobak - visit Shobak Crusader castle,perched dramatically on a hill top

What's Included• Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners• 7 nights 4 - 5 star hotels in Egypt, 3 nights 4

star hotels in Jordan, 1 night deluxe desertcamp (Wadi Rum), 3 nights aboard 5 starNile Cruiser

• 1 overnight train: Cairo - Aswan (Private 2berth sleeper cabin)

• Airport arrival and departure transfers onday 1, day 10 and day 15. Transfers on day16 are offered at 23:00 (day 15), 04:00, 07:00,09:00, 12:00 & 16:00.

• Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, KomOmbo, Luxor, Petra, Wadi Rum & Shobak

• Hurghada - Red Sea - swim, sun and sand• Wadi Rum 4x4 desert safari• 2 days of leisure at the Dead Sea• Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree

qualified in Egyptology and a licensedJordanian guide throughout Jordan

• All relevant transfers and transportation inprivate modern air conditioned vehicles

What's Not Included• Tipping Kitty: USD$80-100, paid in local

currency• Entrance Fees: USD$200-220, paid in local

currency• International flights and visa. Please note

the flight between Hurghada and Ammanis not included and needs to be bookedseparately - see Trip Notes for more info

• Tip for your tour guides in Egypt andJordan. We recommend you allow USD$5- 7 per day, per traveller. Tip for your Nilecruise staff, we recommend you allow $10USD. Tipping your guides and the cruisestaff is an entirely personal gesture

DETAILED ITINERARY

TRIP NOTES

Road to Jordan with Cruise




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Day 1 : CairoFriday. Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairoairport, you will be met by a representativefrom On The Go. The prominent signdepicting our company logo easily identifies ourrepresentative. Cairo International Airport canappear to be a little chaotic to the uninitiated,this is normal. Exiting the airport you will beescorted to our awaiting transportation andtransferred to your hotel. Here, your Egyptianadventure begins!

For those arriving a day or two earlier, one of ourteam will be on hand to advise on where bestto enjoy your extra time in Cairo in advance ofthe tour commencing. Day one is designed to bean arrival day for all passengers, so there are noformal arrangements on this first day.

NOTE: From the 01 Apr 2019, the WelcomeMeeting will be held on day 1 at 7pm. Overnight- Cairo

Day 2 : The Egyptian MuseumToday we visit the Egyptian Museum for aninformative guided tour. The Egyptian Museumholds a mind-boggling array of relics andantiquities from almost every period of ancientEgyptian history are housed in the museum,making it one of the foremost in the world.Arguably the most famous exhibit is the solidgold funerary mask of King Tutankhamun. Madeof solid gold and weighing 11kg, the mask wasfound covering the head of mummy, where itlay inside a series of 3 sarcophagi. You can alsoopt to see also the Royal Mummies for a smalladditional fee, if you wish.

The rest of the day is at leisure, you may wishto visit the splendid souk of Khan el-Khalili orsimply relax by the hotel pool. Entrance feesand tip kitty will be collected today. Overnight- Cairo (B)

Day 3 : Pyramids & Saqqara

Cairo - Aswan. After a good night's rest, wehave a full day of touring planned for today.You’ll need to have your bags packed as we’llbe travelling down to Aswan in southern Egypttonight. We then visit the famous pyramidsand huge Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivorsfrom the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders ofthe World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldesttourist attraction! Known as Cheops, Chephrenand Mycerinus, the pyramids were already morethan 2,000 years old when Herodotus theGreek historian visited them (5th century BC). Ahighly skilled corps of mathematicians, masons,surveyors and stone cutters carried out thejob of building the pyramids. 100,000 workerswere used to carry out the backbreakingtask of moving and laying the stones ofthe largest pyramid-Cheops. About 2.5 millionlimestone blocks, quarried locally and weighingin excess of 6 million tonnes, were used in theconstruction of Cheops.

Leaving the Pyramids of Giza, we visit agovernment supervised papyrus emporiumwhere you can buy genuine papyrus at quitereasonable prices. Continuing to the necropolisof Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombsand temples at this site and see Zhoser’sstep pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, thepharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC!

Later there will be a chance to have dinner andfreshen up. This evening we board the overnightsleeper train to Aswan. Overnight - SleeperTrain (B)

Day 4 : Aswan & the PhilaeTemple

This morning we arrive into Aswan and enjoy ashort boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple- dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple datesfrom 4th century BC but the Ptolomies and theRomans up to 3rd century AD built most of theexisting structures. Then check-in on board yourNile Cruiser which will be home for the nextthree nights. Later, there is free time to perhapsenjoy some shopping in the colourful souks andmarkets or simply relax in this attractive townwhich straddles the River Nile.

5 STAR NILE CRUISER: You will be providedwith the cruising schedule upon arrival toAswan. Cruise schedules vary. Boarding of thecruise ship will be on day 4 for a period of 3nights, or on day 5 for a period of 3 nights.Facilities on board the Nile cruiser include a bar,lounge, dining room and outdoor recreationarea. The boat deck offers plenty of space forrelaxation and there is a swimming pool. Youroutward facing cabin located on the main orupper deck offers air-conditioning, a privatebathroom and views of the Nile as we sail. In theevening, low–key entertainment is on hand. Allmeals are included, buffet style.

Your cruiser will sail for a total duration of 8- 12 hours covering a distance of 212km (splitbetween 2 of the 3 days you are on board).The remainder of the time the boat is in dockin either Aswan, Luxor or at sightseeing stopsen route. Views will be obstructed whilst thecruiser is in dock as ships dock side by side.You may also need to cross the reception ofother boats the reach your vessel. Free timeis offered during this time to independentlyexplore whilst docked when sight-seeing is notincluded. Overnight - Aswan - Nile Cruiser (B,L, D)

TRIP NOTES





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Day 5 : Nile cruise & optionalAbu Simbel

Aswan – Nile cruise - Kom Ombo. Optional earlymorning excursion to Abu Simbel. Travellingdue south through the vast sandy desertwe arrive at the site. Abu Simbel - thegargantuan rock-cut temple of King Ramses II,the Great Builder is possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with itsmammoth rock-cut façade. Abu Simbel wascreated to revere the mighty pharaonic rulerKing Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to thetemple, the four famous colossal statues ofRamses II sit majestically, staring out across thedesert, seemingly since time began. In a multi-million dollar operation in 1972, the templewas famously re-located further up from theshoreline of Lake Nasser, which had threatenedto erode the foundations of this monolithictemple complex.If you choose not to embark upon this optionalexcursion, there is plenty to do in Aswan, beforethe early afternoon departure on our 5 starNile cruiser. Explore Aswan and its beautifulshoreline and corniche or perhaps do a spot ofshopping.

This afternoon we cruise the River Nile to KomOmbo where we disembark to visit the templewhich is dedicated to the crocodile headed god- Sobek before returning to the cruiser.

Please note: For those who book the optionalexcursion to Abu Simbel, the cruiser remains inport until your return from Abu Simbel. On a rareoccasion the ship may have already set sail fromAswan by the time we return, if this happens youwill be transferred by road to the nearest dock torendezvous with your cruiser. Overnight - NileCruiser (B, L, D)

Day 6 : Nile Cruise to Luxor

Nile Cruise - Luxor. Relax, enjoy a swim in thepool and chill out in the sun on deck thismorning. Let your troubles melt away as wecruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of thelegendary Valley of the Kings and Temple ofKarnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt atits best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon therest of the day is free to explore the city beforewe spend our final night aboard the cruiser.Overnight - Luxor - Nile Cruiser (B, L, D)

Day 7 : Luxor

This morning we disembark and check into our5 star Luxor hotel. The day is free to enjoy thehotel facilities, relax and explore.

Tonight, we have the opportunity to visitLuxor Temple with dinner afterwards. Built byAmenophis III, Luxor Temple looks stunningat night when it's illuminated by hundredsof lights. Book/pay locally at approx USD$25including entrance fees and buffet dinner.Remainder of the evening is at leisure.Overnight - Luxor (B)

Day 8 : Valley of the Kings

Today we cross to the West Bank of the Nilefor the day's touring, an early start allows usto avoid some of the fierce heat as we ventureto the awesome Valley of the Kings. The firstmonument you’ll see on the West Bank is theimposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, whichrepresent the remains of the temple of thehedonistic Amenophis III.

The Valley of the Kings is studded with oftenhighly decorated pharaoh's tombs, some ofwhich you can enter. Some of the tombs areso well preserved; the colours of the incrediblepharaonic friezes are still as vibrant as when theywere first painted. The best known tombs arethose of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and ofcourse, the tomb of King Tutankhamen. Beyondthe Valley of the Kings is Deir al- Bahri, otherwiseknown as the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.Rising out of the desert plain, in a series ofterraces, it is one of Egypt’s finest and mostphotographed monuments.

We return to the east bank around midday,where we have a chance to relax by the hotelpool. Meeting up mid afternoon, we visit thecolossal Temple of Karnak. More than a temple,Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries,pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicatedto the Theban gods and to the greater gloryof Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.Overnight - Luxor (B)

TRIP NOTES





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Days 9-10 : Red Sea R&R

Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor on day 9,we drive east to Hurghada which is part ofthe beautiful Red Sea Riviera! The remainder oftoday and tomorrow offer free time for you toexplore or simply relax. On day 10 there's anoptional day trip to Giftun Island for swimmingand snorkelling, which can be booked locally.

Hurghada is one of the Red Sea's mostpopular resorts and it is easy to see why.Hotels and expanded infrastructure provideholidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilitiesfor sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing,SCUBA diving and snorkelling. Hurghada’scentral location provides a gateway to primeoffshore reefs, which are some of the finest inthe world. The Red Sea resort also has plentyof restaurants and late night bars for eveningentertainment.

Snorkelling Trip – 700 EGP (approx) per personpayable locally. Join a day trip snorkelling andswimming at Giftun Island. You’ll be transferredby motor boat to across the blue water ofthe Red Sea to Giftun Island, the journey isapproximately an hour. The boat will moor upand there is an opportunity to jump into thewarm waters (mask and snorkel provided) toswim and marvel at the amazing marine life.Look out for parrot fish, butterfly fish, trumpetfish and angel fish – some times of the year it isalso possible to see turtles and even dolphins!After snorkelling the boat continues on to theisland for a lunch stop (including soft drink ormineral water). If time allows you can also lazeby the beach catching some rays before headingback to shore. Departs 08:15 returning 16:30approx.

Please note that this is not operated by On TheGo and the arrangements on the day are at thecaptain’s discretion. It is also a shared excursion

so there could well be other people not part ofyour group on the boat. Overnight - Hurghada(B:2)

Day 11 : Fly to Jordan

Hurghada - Cairo - Amman - Petra (Monday).We have an early start this morning as wemake our way to Hurghada airport. From herewe'll fly to Amman via Cairo. Travellers need toindependently book these flights at a personalcost, however, we can assist in booking theseflights should you require. Total flight cost:budget USD$250 - $350.

The flights to be booked are:Tour starts between 01 Jan - 10 Apr 2019 & 07- 19 May 2019Hurghada to Cairo - MS 332 departing at 08:35and arriving to Cairo at 09:40, then MS 707departing Cairo at 12 noon, arriving to Ammanat 14:20. If you book the flights on the one ticketyou will be able to check in all your luggageand collect it in Amman. The total flight cost isapprox. USD$250 - $350.For 22 Mar 2019, 05 Apr 2019 and 17 May 2019departures you are also able to book (thoughless preferred option) is Hurghada to Cairo - MS43 departing at 05:30 and arriving to Cairo at06:30, then MS 707 departing Cairo at 12 noon,arriving to Amman at 14:20 if you prefer. Thoughnote the connection time in Cairo betweenarriving from Hurghada and flying onto Ammanis 5.5 hrs.

For tour departing 05 Apr 2019, if you cannotget either of the above flights, please book: HRG- CAI, MS 332 at 08:35/ arriving CAI at 09:40, thenRJ 504 departing Cairo at 13:15, arriving at 15:30.These flights will be on separate tickets meaningthat you will need to collect your luggage inCairo and re-check-in for your flight from Cairoto Amman.

Tour starts between 11 Apr - 06 May 2019Hurghada to Cairo - MS 43 departing at 05:30and arriving to Cairo at 06:30, then RoyalJordanian Airline - RJ 502 departing Cairo at09:00/ 08:45/ 09:45, arriving to Amman at 11:15/11:00/ 11:45. These flights will need to bebooked on separate tickets, meaning that youwill need to collect your luggage in Cairo,transfer terminals and check-in for your flight toAmman. The window between flights is 2+hrswhich is sufficient. By booking on 2 separateflights this will avoid a 5 hr wait in Cairo shouldwe have booked both flights with Egyptair.

Tour starts between 20 May - 30 Jun 2019Hurghada to Cairo - MS 43 departing at 05:30and arriving to Cairo at 06:30, then MS 707departing Cairo at 12 noon, arriving to Ammanat 14:20. If you book the flights on the one ticketyou will be able to check in all your luggageand collect it in Amman. The connection timein Cairo between arriving from Hurghada andflying onto Amman is 5.5 hrs. It is not at all idealbut the best connection available other thanarriving to Amman late this evening. We suggestyou have a good book available to you or otherto fill the time.

Flights are best booked via the Egyptair website:www.egyptair.com or Royal Jordanian website:www.rj.com. Here, if you book your flight well inadvance you will have access to the online ‘BestOffer’ fare that is only published on the web andare not available to us locally to book on yourbehalf. The cost of this flight ranges from: $250- $350 per person.

If your tour commences after 30 Jun 2019,please do not book this flight at this point intime.

Upon arrival into Amman we drive south toPetra arriving near sunset. Tonight you maywish to take a candlelight stroll through Petra’sSiq….a romantic preview of things to come on,by joining the 'Petra By Night' excursion (booklocally). Overnight - Petra (B)

TRIP NOTES





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Day 12 : The Rose City ofPetra

This morning you will need to introduce yourselfto our Jordan tour group, who have travellingin the north of Jordan for the past 4 days. Afterdoing so its time to discover the archaeologicaltreasures of Petra! We first take a walk throughthe winding cleft in the rock that is known as theSiq, before reaching the awe-inspiring Treasury.This rose red building actually served as a royaltomb, but got its name from the legend thatpirates hid their treasure there. More amazingNabataean and Roman ruins follow, including ahuge 8000 seat amphitheatre and other Royaltombs and Mausoleums. After the guided tour,you’re free to head off and further explore. Theintrepid can ascend hundreds of rock cut stepsto Ad-Deir (better known as the Monastery)which is simply spectacular.

Today's sightseeing tour of Petra is conductedat a moderate pace covering approximately 12- 15km (including the Monastery). Much of theground will be rocky and uneven and you willneed to have an average level of fitness tocomplete the full tour. There will be short breaksalong the way. Some travellers choose not tocomplete the full tour and skip the climb to theMonastery and should you do this you'll be ableto independently explore and stroll back towardthe siq at a leisurely pace.

Consider opting to book our Petra Kitchen Add-on tonight and learn how to cook deliciousJordanian cuisine. Overnight - Petra (B)

Day 13 : Petra & Wadi RumDesert

Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisitPetra this morning before our afternoon driveto Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancientriverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandydesert and amazing rock formations known asjebels that rise from the desert floor awaits.Boarding 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilaratingdesert safari across the sand dunes, taking in thebreathtaking scenery of Wadi Rum. Tonight, weenjoy a Jordanian dinner at our desert camp.Overnight - Wadi Rum (B, D)

Day 14 : Crusader Castles,Wadi Mujib Canyoning & theDead Sea

Wadi Rum - Shobak – Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea.After breakfast at the campsite, we head northalong the Desert Highway to visit Shobak Castle,which is perched dramatically on a hill top andwas built by the Crusader king Baldwin I in 1115.After exploring the castle we descend some1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest pointon the earth’s surface. More than 400 metersbelow sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is theworld’s original health and beauty spa. Drift outand bob in the waters and slap on some of thefamous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin aninvigorating boost.

For departures between April and October we’llhead up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib.

We’ll embark on a moderate –paced two hourtrek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metresin depth and spanning 4 kilometres across,the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’smost remarkable natural features. This dramaticcanyon features sheer rocky walls and sparklingwaterways that range from puddle height todepths that are perfect for swimming (chestheight or deeper) depending on the rainfall.When the water level is high you shouldbe prepared for having to climb up ladders,clamber across boulders and be happy to wadethrough water. The canyon is just one featureof the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowestnature reserve in the world, home to a surprisingdiversity of wildlife and plant species. After ourtrek we make our way to the Dead Sea. For thosenot interested in taking the full hike, you canwalk part of or wait by the Visitor Centre till thegroup returns. After our trek we make our wayto the Dead Sea.

Note: Lunch and dinner at the Dead Sea are notincluded in our stay. A buffet lunch is offereddaily at a cost of 13 JD and a dinner buffetnightly at a cost of 19 JD per person. There is alsoan a la carte menu and other restaurant choiceavailable onsite. Overnight - Dead Sea (B)

Day 15 : Dead Sea Free Time

The Dead Sea is a natural phenomena and highon most travellers’ bucket lists. Lucky for us wehave a whole day to spend here, whiling awaythe time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyantwaters and lathering up with a detoxifying mudbath. Option to visit the Ma’in hot springs andthe site where it is thought Jesus Christ wasbaptised by John (book locally). Overnight -Dead Sea (B)

TRIP NOTES





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Day 16 : Dead Sea - AmmanAirport

Saturday. Dead Sea - Amman. Today our holidaytogether comes to an end. We offer a departuretransfer to Amman airport at 23:00 (eveningof day 15) and today at 04:00, 07:00, 09:00,12:00 & 16:00. If you would like a departuretransfer at any other time or a transfer with posttour accommodation this can be arranged at anadditional cost.(B)

Optional Add-onsIf you have opted to extend your stay or enhanceyour holiday with one of our Add-ons pleasenote the following:Alexandria day trip - departs approx. 7am andreturns to Cairo at between 5 - 7pm. Entrancefees are payable locally by you, budget approxUSD$18.El Alamein day trip - departs approx. 7am andreturns to Cairo at between 5 - 7pm. No entrancefees are required for this trip.Abu Simbel – Entrance fees are payable locallyby you, please budget approx USD$15.For further information about add-ons,please refer to our website; https://www.onthegotours.com/Egypt/Tour-Bolt-ons

Currency in JordanThe currency of Jordan is the JordanianDinar. Pound Sterling, US DollarsEuro andother major currencies can be exchanged inJordan. Exchange facilities are available atvarious bureau de changes and banks in majortowns have ATMs. Traveller's Cheques are notrecommended.

Climate in JordanThe maximum daily temperature in Ammanranges from 12°C in January to 32°C in August.The weather in the Jordan Valley (Petra) andsouth of the country is very hot during thesummer months of April through to September

when daytime temperatures can exceed 38°Cand reach as high as 49°C. The sun can be fierceso it is advised to apply plenty of sunscreen,especially at the Dead Sea.

In winter (December to February) temperaturescan range from 0°C to 12°C. If visiting duringwinter, you will need to pack warm clothes forsightseeing, although the Dead Sea region willstill be quite warm. If your holiday includes a stayin the Wadi Rum desert, winter wear items suchas hat, scarf and gloves are also advised.

Arriving into JordanPlease be advised that visa requirements aresubject to change and that visa procurement isthe responsibility of the traveller and not On TheGo Tours. Please also ensure that your passportis valid for at least 6 months from your planneddate of departure from Jordan.

As a registered holiday operator we are able toobtain Jordan tourist visas free of charge for UK,EU, AUS, NZ, SA, CAN and USA passport holderstravelling with us on a holiday including a stayof more than 2 consecutive nights in Jordan orif arriving via a land border staying more than3 nights. If your holiday complies with theserequirements we will arrange the visa for yourstay/s and present it to you upon arrival.

If we are obtaining a free of charge visa on yourbehalf, our airport representative will meet yourPRIOR to immigration at Amman InternationalAirport and escort you through immigrationpresenting your free visa approval letter toofficials. If you are unable to make contact withour representative prior to immigration pleasedo NOT proceed through immigration (as youwill need to pay the visa cost) but instead call ouremergency contact number.

Please be sure to provide us with your fullpassport details at least 4 weeks prior to yourarrival in order for the free visa to be arranged.

Should you NOT wish to take advantage of afree visa or you are not staying in Jordan formore than 2 consecutive nights, UK, EU, AUS, NZ,CAN and USA passport holders can obtain a visaupon arrival at a cost of 40JD/USD$60/EURO42for single entry. South African passport holderscan obtain a visa upon arrival at no cost.

If you are arranging your visa independently,our airport representative will meet you in theArrivals Hall. (Representatives are not permittedto enter the immigration area to assist clientswho have/will arrange their visa independently).

It is no longer possible to get a multiple entryvisa for Jordan. If planning to leave Jordan andtravel to Egypt or Israel and re-enter Jordan ata later date you will need to arrange a secondvisa. If you are travelling with us and staying inJordan for more than 2 consecutive nights, wewill obtain this second visa for you. Alternatively,you can obtain a second visa at the border at thecost noted above.

On departure (via land or sea), a 10JD departuretax of is applied to all visitors. If departing Jordanby air then the departure tax is included in theairfare.

Jordan Time & VoltageJordan is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime(GMT). From the last Sunday in March to thelast Sunday in October Jordan observes DaylightSaving and is 3 hours ahead of GMT. Standardvoltage is 220 volts. Primary sockets require theEuropean, 2 pronged variety. We recommendthat you pack a universal travel adaptor. You willneed a voltage converter, and plug adaptor inorder to use U.S. appliances.

Wadi Rum Desert CampIn Jordan we include a night in Wadi Rum ata Bedouin desert camp, where camping is thebest way for us to experience the beautifuldesert landscape. You can choose to spend thenight camping under the stars or bedding downin our comfortable permanent tents with twinbeds and linen provided, although you maywant to bring your own sleeping bag liner. Ifvisiting in winter (Nov - Mar) it can be very coldat night in the desert and you may wish tobring your own sleeping bag for warmth. Thereare environmentally friendly shared bathroomfacilities with hot and cold running water, toiletsand showers. Our communal tent furnished withsmall tables and cushioned seating area, is theplace to gather at night where we enjoy a heartyJordanian meal and some traditional Bedouinmusic.

TRIP NOTES





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Petra Park Services ChargeThe cost of the entrance ticket to Petra includesa compulsory Petra Park Services Charge of(7JD) to ride an Arabian Horse inside Petra. Thisgovernment approved directive is in supportof the local Bedouins who own the horses andlive locally. As you have paid this obligatorycharge, you are entitled to ride a horse 800mdown to the entrance gate if you would liketo. IMPORTANTLY - On The Go Tours onlyrecommends that you do so if you are anexperienced rider. Through experience we haveobserved that some of the horses can beuncontrollable and very fiery and if the Bedouinriders race past you, your horse may take flightand follow suit. You’ll also need to tip the horsehandler an extra 2JD.

Wadi Mujib GorgeIf travelling between 01 Apr - 31 Oct, you havethe option to take a walk through the canyonsof Wadi Mujib. Starting at the visitor's centrenear the Mujib Bridge we walk/ wade upstreamthrough the gorge nestled deep within thesandstone outcrop to the base of a largewaterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels,the gorge may contain pools deep enough forswimming. It's an ideal walk to take slowly andenjoy the cool water and shade, especially inthe heat of the summer. Despite being relativelyeasy at times, it does have hidden risks. Whenthe water level is high you should be preparedfor having to climb up ladders, clamber acrossboulders and be happy to wade through water.The river bed changes after each winter floodand this can create deep pools and strongcurrents making this walk harder (speak to yourguide about the current conditions). Alwaystake care along the walk, avoid pools andrapids, respect any rope barriers and take care ifscaling up wet rocks using the ropes. Dependingon conditions this would be unsuitable fortravellers that are not confident swimmers.

What you need to bring:Clothes: Should be light and comfortable. T-shirts and long shorts are advisable (to protectlegs). You are advised to wear a bathing suitunder your clothes and bear in mind that allyour clothes will get totally wet so don’t wearanything that you don’t mind getting ruined.Shoes will also get totally wet. Therefore wearsomething that is not slippery and avoid flip

flops or thongs - rugged water shoes are a goodoption. You may wear hiking sandals as well.Sunscreen is important along with caps. (Thebeginning of the hike is under the sun but lateryou are shaded by the mountains). You maywant to bring clothes to change into after thewalk. Prescription eye glasses and sunglassesmay get damaged and are best left behind.

22 March 2019 tourThis departure will not visit nor stay at theDead Sea as the entire area is closed forthe 2019 World Economic Forum. Alternativearrangements have been made and guests willbe accommodated at the Ma'in Hot SpringsResort & Spa, located 30km from the Dead Sea.The hotel uses a natural hot spring which flowsfrom the Dead Sea and offers a full range ofspa packages using Dead Sea products for thosethat are interested. During your stay in Jordanwe will ensure that a stop is made at the DeadSea Panorama, so you will at least be able to seethe Dead Sea from a distance.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

VisasEgyptVisa requirements are subject to change andthat visa procurement is the responsibility of thetraveller and not On The Go Tours. Please alsoensure that your passport is valid for at least 6months from your planned date of departurefrom Egypt.

After booking your holiday, please provide uswith your passport details as soon as possible sothat we can proceed to book trains and flightstickets, if included within your holiday.

Visas are required by all visitors to Egypt.E-Visa. You can obtain an e-Visa for tourismpurposes prior to travel by completing anapplication and making payment online. The e-Visa can be obtained up to 3 months prior totravel and is valid for 30 days from the date ofentry. The e-Visa is available to a long list ofeligible countries and the Government of Egyptis constantly adding to the list. The current cost(Mar 2018) of a single entry e-Visa for tourismpurposes is USD25 or equivalent. The visa costis set to rise to USD60 and this may happen atany time. We recommend you secure an e-Visa

prior to travel as it will speed up and smooth theimmigration process upon your arrival.

Online applications can be completed at:visa2egypt.gov.eg

Visa upon arrival. It still remains possible fornationals of some countries to procure theirtourist visa upon arrival at Cairo InternationalAirport. Please contact your nearest EgyptianEmbassy or Consulate to see if this is availableto you. The current cost of the visa (Mar 2018) isUSD25 and is payable in USD CASH ONLY. Thevisa upon arrival cost is also set to rise to USD60and this could happen without notice. Althoughnot official a visa can near always also be paid inequivalent GBP or Euro CASH ONLY according tothe exchange rate of the day. Please note that inthe event of visa refusal at port of entry, On TheGo Tours cannot be held responsible.

Important: RSA, Chinese and passport holdersfrom a number of other countries cannot obtainan e-Visa or Visa upon arrival. Citizens of thesecountries must obtain an Egyptian Tourist Visaprior to travel. Please contact your nearestEgyptian Embassy or Consulate for furtherdetails.

Note: When filling in an Egyptian visa form, youwill be asked to provide your address in Egypt.For the purposes of this form, please use eitherof the following addresses:

Holiday Inn Cairo Maadi.Corniche El Nil, Maadi, Cairo 11431Tel + 202 25260601

Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids HotelAlexandria Road, Pyramids - Giza, Cairo, EgyptTel +202 33772555

Le Meridien PyramidsEl Remaya Square, Pyramids, Cairo, 12561, EgyptTel: +202 33777070

Mecure Cairo Le Sphinx Hotel1 Alexandria Desert Road, Pyramids, Cairo,12556, EgyptTel: +202 33776444

Oasis Hotel

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Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Pyramids 12556 -Cairo / EgyptTel: +202 38387333 & +202 38387666

JordanFor those travelling onwards to Jordan. A visais required for most nationalities visiting Jordan.If you are travelling with On The Go Tours (aregistered tour company), this is now obtainableupon arrival and free of charge. If you are a UK,EU, AUS, NZ, SA, CAN and USA passport holdersand travelling with us, (on a holiday including astay of more than 2 consecutive nights in Jordanor if arriving via a land border staying more than3 nights) we will arrange the visa for your stay/sand present it to you upon arrival.

Our airport representative will meet your PRIORto immigration at Amman International Airportand escort you through immigration presentingyour free visa approval letter to officials.

Please be sure to provide us with your fullpassport details at least 4 weeks prior to yourarrival in order for the free visa to be arranged.

Should you NOT wish to take advantage of afree visa or you are not staying in Jordan formore than 2 consecutive nights, UK, EU, AUS, NZ,CAN and USA passport holders can obtain a visaupon arrival at a cost of 40JD/USD$57/Euro42for single entry. South African passport holderscan obtain a visa upon arrival at no cost.

On departure (via land or sea), a 5 - 10JDdeparture tax of is applied to all visitors. Ifdeparting Jordan by air then the departure taxis included in the airfare.

IsraelFor those travelling onwards to Israel. British,South African, Australian, New Zealand, USA andCanadian passport holders do not require a visato enter Israel. For all other nationalities pleasevisit the Israeli embassy website.

Please be advised visa requirements are subjectto change, therefore it is essential that you checkcurrent visa requirements with the embassybefore travel.

TroubleshootingThese things will most likely never happen, butit’s good to be prepared if they ever do. Here area few tips to keep your trip hassle-free. Egypt isno worse than anywhere else when it comes tocrime. Minimise your chances of being robbedwith these tips:• Leave valuables in the hotel safe deposit or

better still, at home• Keep bags locked at all times with a

combination/padlock. Bags should also belocked when being transferred in vehicles,onboard the train, felucca or when taking aflight.

• Carry your passport on your person• Carry spare passport photos & a photocopy

of your passport• Carry your bag close to your person rather

than over your shoulder• Travel in a group or pair, especially if you are

femalePlease note On The Go Tours will not be heldliable for loss or damage to personal propertyunder any circumstances.

It's not like homeTravel to far - flung corners of the earth involveslifestyles and conditions that are sometimesvery different from what you are used toback home. You must come prepared to copewith unusual situations, local inadequacies andunpredictable events as and when they occur.Foreign travel is definitely not suitable forpeople who expect or demand everything togo exactly as planned. With the greatest respectand in the interest of your ultimate enjoymentyou must understand this. Things can and dochange in foreign countries.

Entrance Fees & LPEntry fees to sites of antiquity are not included,although reasonably priced. In Egypt, we collectentrance fees on Day 2 of the tour (the amountis noted under exclusions). A breakdown ofthe entrance fee total is provided upon arrival.Entrance fees and optional excursions thatyou may wish to undertake are payable inlocal currency - Egyptian Pounds (EGP). A localPayment of cash GBP150 (or USD equivalentas per the Egyptian bank rate of the day), ifapplicable to your tour and noted under theexclusions is also payable on day 2.

On tours that also travel to Jordan, entrancefees there are payable in Jordanian Dinar (JD).In Israel (on our Pyramids Petra Promised Landtour) entrance fees are included.

Tip KittyAt the start of your tour we will collect a tip kitty(the amount is noted under exclusions) from alltour participants to cover tips throughout yourholiday. This saves you the hassle of knowingwhen and how much to tip bellhops, luggageluggers, bus drivers, antiquity guards, trainconductors and other support staff throughoutthe tour.

This amount does not include a tip for your tourguide. For a job well done, we would suggestUSD$3 - 5 per day for your tour guide. Tippingyour guide and crew is an entirely personalgesture and ultimately the amount is up to you.

Your tip kitty in Egypt is collected in EgyptianPounds (EGP). If you are travelling to Jordan, thetip kitty for this part of your holiday is collectedin Jordanian Dinar (JD).

In Israel we do not collect a tipping kitty. As aguideline we recommend that you budget USD$4-6 per day per traveller for your guide andUSD$2-3 per day per traveller for your driver(payable in Israeli New Shekel ILS) in Israel.

CurrencyThe currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound.

Pound Sterling, US Dollars, Euro and othermajor currencies can be exchanged in Egypt.Exchange facilities are available at most hotelsand all major towns have ATMs. It's advisableto request notes in smaller denominations, as itcan sometimes be hard to get change from largenotes and smaller notes are handy for smallerpurchases and gratuities. Traveller's Chequesare not recommended as they're often difficultto exchange.

Health RequirementsYou should seek medical advice beforetravelling to Egypt from your local healthpractitioner and ensure that you receive allof the appropriate vaccinations. As a guideTetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A andRabies are strongly recommended. As tap water

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is not safe to drink in Egypt, only drink bottledmineral water which is readily available inhotels, shops and restaurants.

ClimateTemperatures in Egypt are generally high (25- 30 degrees) and even hotter in the summermonths from May to September, when the suncan be fierce and temperatures soar, so packlight comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a hat.

In Cairo and the Nile Delta region, winter(October to February) can be cooler - so takea jacket, long-sleeved tops and trousers forthe cooler evenings. The south remains warmduring this time but again, temperatures dodrop in the evenings. Rainfall is negligible withthe most falling along Egypt’s Mediterraneancoastline.

Time & VoltageEgypt is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). Standard voltage is 220 volts. Primarysockets require the European, 2 pronged variety.We recommend that you pack a universal traveladaptor. You will need a voltage converter, andplug adaptor in order to use U.S. appliances.

Essential Packing• Towel for the felucca (if applicable to your

chosen tour)• Lightweight cotton garments• Comfortable walking shoes for the Pyramids

and Valley of the Kings. Pack flip flops/thongs/jandals to wear aboard the Nilefelucca or Nile Cruiser

• DEET based mosquito repellant &antihistamine cream

• 2 pin, European electrical adaptor• A small daypack for your day-to-day needs• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, swim costume

and torch• Sleep sheet or sleeping bag if travelling with

us on the felucca or onward to Jordan.Felucca: We suggest hiring locally a freshlylaundered winter warmth blanket for USD$15(total) for the 2 night stay.Wadi Rum camp: All bedding (which is freshlylaundered) is provided at Wadi Rum andtherefore bringing a sleeping bag is not anecessity but your own personal choice.

If doing a felucca cruise or travelling betweenNovember and March, pack warm clothes (i.e. –fleece, jacket, trousers, jeans, hat and scarf) astemperatures plummet at night.

Arrival TransfersA complimentary airport arrival transfer isincluded in your tour. Upon arrival at CairoAirport you will be met by a representativefrom On The Go Tours PRIOR to immigration.The prominent sign depicting our companylogo easily identifies our representative whowill fast track you through the immigrationqueue. Please have your tour voucher handyand make it available to our representative. Ourrepresentative will assist you with your luggageand escort you to our vehicle, where you willwave goodbye and be transferred to your hotel.

If, for any reason you have trouble locating ourrepresentative (after waiting 20 minutes in thearrival hall) or your flight to Egypt is delayed,please call or send a text message (standard textmessage, not messenger or what's app) to theemergency contact number as stated on yourtour voucher.

Travelling By Overnight TrainFor journeys between Cairo and Aswan and/or Luxor on our Signature tours, and fromLuxor to Cairo on our Budget tours, we utilisethe overnight 1st class sleeper train service(excluding Treasures of the Nile). On the trainthe two berth cabins are lockable, equippedwith bunk beds, linen, washbasin and towel,allowing passengers to relax and stretch out.A simple dinner and breakfast is included onthe service. Dinner, served within an hour ofyour boarding is of a very average standardand we recommend that you eat dinner priorto boarding the train. A basis breakfast isserved in the morning and tea and coffee isoffered complimentary. There is a bar carriagelocated toward the centre of the train wherehot and cold beverages can be purchased,and sometimes alcohol. The sleeper train isthe highest class of rail travel available inEgypt, though by western standards it would beconsidered of a moderate standard.

We always request our cabins to be side byside in the same carriage, though ultimately the

location of our cabins, and whether they aretogether rests with the rail authority.

If you are a solo traveller and have opted toshare a room for your tour and not pay thesingle supplement you will be sharing a cabinwith another On The Go traveller, or if this isn'tpossible, a member of the public (of the samesex).

EtiquetteDespite the inevitable ups and downs oftravelling abroad, you will generally be showngreat hospitality in Egypt. In return, pleasedemonstrate sensitivity and respect for the localcustoms. Egypt is a Muslim country; so careshould be taken to dress respectfully in largecities and towns, for example, when at marketsand in public places.• Ladies should avoid wearing ‘clingy, tight or

suggestive’ attire, and stick to cool, flowing,cottons in busy city areas and markets

• Take care to dress conservatively and ensurethat limbs are covered and remove footwearprior to entering a mosque

• Ex-military style clothing should not be worn• Ask permission before taking photographs

of people• The standard form of greeting is a

handshake. Men and women do not kiss atany time as a form of greeting

RamadanThe majority of the Egyptian population isMuslim (approx 86%), with a small minorityof Jews and Christians. Ramadan is a monthof fasting observed by Muslims in Egyptand throughout the world and adherents ofthe Muslim faith fast during daylight hoursand break their fast with lavish meals andlively celebrations in the evening. Ramadanculminates a month later in a 3 day celebrationcalled Eid al - Fitr. Many shops (excluding thosewhich cater mainly to tourists) and attractionsclose earlier during Ramadan. As such we willstart our tour earlier during this period to makethe best use of time and itineraries will beslightly altered to ensure we visit all attractions,leisure time will be offered in the late afternoon.Non-Muslims are not expected to fast overRamadan, but it is considered impolite to eatfood or drink on the street.

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Note: Traffic is exceptionally heavy duringRamadan, especially toward the time ofbreaking the fast. Forthcoming Ramadan datesare as follows, (approximate) -

05 May – 04 June 201924 April – 23 May 2020

ShoppingEgypt is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. While Cairo'sKhan al-Khalili bazaar is cavernous and fullof unusual and everyday objects, smallersouqs and bazaars abound in other towns,too. Top buys include - perfume concentrate,carpets and rugs in innumerable hand-loomeddesigns, backgammon boards, hand-craftedshisha pipes, Pharaonic objects fashioned inmarble and alabaster, Egyptian cotton clothingand of course - authentic papyrus.

IMPORTANT: Set your budget and don’t beswayed, remember the caveat – ‘Let the buyerbeware’. Any purchases made whilst on holidaywith us, irrespective of whether the store isrecommended by us or other, are at yourown discretion. Please make sure that you arecompletely happy with the product you arepurchasing and the delivery arrangements (wewould recommend you take away with youany purchases rather than rely on shippingservices). On The Go cannot be held responsibleor accountable for items bought in country orshipping arrangements. Proceed with caution.

road to jordan with cruise · jordan on this 16 day adventure. pyramids, valley of the kings, nile...

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