Jordan and Egypt small group tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Flying and Transport: The itinerary includes domestic flights within Egypt (Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo). These flights are necessary for logistical reasons, as the tour is designed to maximize the time spent exploring key destinations. For example, the flight from Cairo to Luxor can take as little as an hour, whereas alternative transport options such as driving or rail would require a minimum of 12 hours.

Given the short duration of the tour in Egypt, using domestic flights is the most efficient option to ensure travellers can visit major sites like the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Luxor and Aswan without extending the tour's overall length. Efforts are made to recommend airlines such as Egypt Air, which work towards reducing emissions through the use of sustainable aviation fuel options.

Shared transport, including A/C vehicles and a Nile cruise boat, is utilized for group travel, reducing CO2 emissions per person.

Accommodation: The tour features a variety of accommodations that reflect the character and comfort of each destination. In Wadi Rum, guests stay in a traditional Bedouin camp with permanent goat-hair tents, complete with proper beds and private bathrooms, offering an authentic and sustainable desert experience.

In Egypt, the accommodation includes stays in luxurious 5-star hotels and a 5-star Nile cruise boat from Luxor to Aswan. The cruise not only provides a comfortable base but also serves as an eco-conscious mode of travel along the Nile, reducing the need for overland transport between key destinations.

Human-Powered Transport
Human-powered transport, such as walking, plays an integral role in this tour. Here’s a summary of the activities across the itinerary:
• Day 2: Walking tour of Jerash’s Roman ruins and Amman’s historical landmarks, including the Citadel and Roman Theatre.
• Day 4: A full-day walking tour in Petra, exploring the Siq, the Treasury, the Roman amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and the Monastery.
• Day 7: Walking tours around the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Saqqara in Cairo.
• Day 8: Walking tour of Luxor’s Valley of the Kings and Medinat Habu Temple, with an evening stroll through Luxor Temple.

In total, there are four days (Days 2, 4, 7, and 8) where walking is a central activity, showcasing the tour’s emphasis on human-powered exploration in historically and culturally significant locations.

Customer Guidance on Reducing Carbon Impact: We understand that many travellers rely on flights to reach their holiday destination. To support informed decisions, our travel notes guide customers to resources like Google Flights and Skyscanner, which display airline emissions data. This helps travellers compare airlines and choose options that align with their environmental priorities, promoting more eco-conscious travel choices.

Vegetarian and Vegan Food Availability: Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, offering dishes crafted from ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Popular choices include Egyptian falafel made with fava beans and Jordanian mezze platters brimming with hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh.

These meals not only provide a taste of the region’s authentic flavours but also emphasize sustainability and a connection to the local communities that produce the ingredients.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

Entrance Fees: The tour indirectly supports conservation through entry fees to protected and UNESCO-listed sites such as Petra, the Dead Sea, and the Valley of the Kings. These funds help maintain the natural and historical integrity of these regions. Local guides in Wadi Rum and other areas promote sustainable tourism practices, preserving the environment.

Jordan Pass: The Jordan Pass provides reduced entry fees to numerous attractions across Jordan and includes a complimentary tourist visa for eligible travellers. Revenue from the pass contributes to the preservation of Jordan’s archaeological and cultural landmarks, such as Petra. While it does not directly fund nature recovery initiatives, it supports sustainable tourism by aiding the conservation and maintenance of these iconic sites.

Expert Nature Guides: The tour employs local Bedouin guides in Wadi Rum, whose intimate knowledge of the desert landscape enhances the experience while supporting the local economy. In Egypt, professional Egyptologists accompany travellers, providing insights into both cultural history and the surrounding environment. These guides are highly trained and bring expertise tailored to the tour's destinations.

Customer Education on Reducing Environmental Impacts: In our tour notes, travellers are provided with practical tips to minimize their environmental impact, including:
• Using reusable water bottles to avoid single-use plastics.
• Conserving water and energy at accommodations.
• Respecting local customs and natural environments, particularly in fragile desert and archaeological sites.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Locally Owned Accommodations:
Many of the accommodations used in Jordan and Egypt are locally owned, such as the traditional Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. This camp is run by local Bedouin communities, offering an authentic experience while directly benefiting the local economy.

The hotels in Amman, Petra, and other locations are predominantly regional establishments rather than international chains, further supporting the local hospitality industry.

Maximizing Local Economic Opportunities

Local Guides: The tour exclusively employs local guides, including Bedouin hosts in Wadi Rum and Egyptologists in Cairo and Luxor. This ensures that tourism revenues stay within the community while providing travellers with expert cultural and historical insights.

Market Visits: The itinerary includes stops at local markets, such as those in Luxor and the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, allowing travellers to purchase traditional crafts and support local artisans.

Community Engagement: By staying at the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp, travellers interact directly with the Bedouin community, who also run the jeep safaris in the desert, creating multiple income streams for local families.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Local Employment: Nearly all of the people employed by the tour operator or ground partners in Jordan and Egypt are local residents. This includes licensed guides, Egyptologists, drivers, and Bedouin hosts in Wadi Rum. Many are also from the specific local communities visited, such as the Bedouins running the camp and jeep safaris in Wadi Rum.

Empowering Marginalized Communities and Promoting Diversity: The tour partners with local Bedouin communities in Wadi Rum, creating income opportunities in a remote and economically disadvantaged area. Women are also involved in the hospitality and craft industries, particularly in local markets and small businesses in Jordan and Egypt.

Fair Staff Wages: All our staff and ground partners are paid at least the local minimum wage, with a focus on fair wages that reflect the cost of living in Jordan and Egypt.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: While the destinations visited on this tour are culturally conservative, the tour itself is welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Guides and staff prioritize professionalism and respect, ensuring that all guests feel safe and comfortable throughout the trip.

Accessibility Considerations: Due to the physical nature of activities, including walking tours in Petra, Wadi Rum, and Luxor, and uneven terrain in many locations, this trip is not ideally suited for individuals with significant mobility limitations. However, accommodations can be made in some instances, such as vehicle support for certain segments of the tour.