text:
A$5380 (p/p)
A$5380(p/p)
Egypt & Jordan
Ancient Encounters Tour
Ancient Encounters OVERVIEW
Amman to Cairo
Country(ies): Egypt , Jordan
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: 3 to 5-star hotels, sleeper train, felucca sailboat & Bedouin camp
Transport: A/C car/minibus/coach, sleeper train, felucca sailboat, Bedouin jeeps
Highlights: Jordan's desert castles, Jerash Roman ruins, Ajloun & Shobak castles, Dead Sea swim, Dana Nature Reserve, Petra tour, Wadi Rum safari & camp, Pyramids & Sphinx, Philae temple, Felucca cruise, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Red Sea.
With a newly designed Egypt and Jordan tour itinerary, this two-week adventure is packed full of iconic highlights mixed in with some different activities and experiences to bring these fascinating countries to life.
Our Egypt and Jordan tour kicks off in the Jordanian capital of Amman before wehead into the desert to discover some of Jordan's famous Umayyad 'Desert Castles'. We'll explore Downtown Amman on foot, trying local food, walking through the markets and learning some simple Arabic phrases for the tour ahead.
Next, we head north to visit of the best-preserved Roman cities in the region at Jerash, and then seeing the imposing Ajloun castle and taking a short hike through the surrounding hills and forests to some Bronze Age dolmens. A night in a friendly local village homestay follows before we descend to the Dead Sea for a swim and float in its incredibly salty waters.
Another beautiful walk follows as we explore the surroundings of the restored Dana village amidst the hills and canyons of the Dana Nature Reserve on a stop en-route to Jordan's biggest highlight, the hidden city of Petra.
We have a full day to explore the site and then head into the desert sands and towering cliffs of Wadi Rum where we'll camp with the Bedouins and learn about their nomadic desert lifestyle.
We then fly to Egypt to start our exploration of the country's Pharaonic history, Nile valley and beautiful Red Sea coast. - here we'll tour the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and take a boat trip to the beautiful Philae temple in Aswan.
Then we take to the Nile on a traditional felucca sailboat for a relaxing overnight cruise down the river, watching rural Egyptian life pass us by as we chat with the friendly Nubian crew. We'll sleep on the deck of the boat, with a hotel upgrade available for those who want some more comfort.
Next on our adventure is Luxor - home to one of the largest concentrations of ancient monuments in the world. We'll see the huge columned temples and halls at Karnak, delve into the Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, see the imposing temple of Queen Hatchepsut and walk around Luxor temple as it is beautifully lit up at night.
Finally, we head to the Red Sea for some well-earned relaxation and down-time in a five-star resort on the coast - the perfect end to this Egypt and Jordan tour.
Options for snorkelling, scuba-diving and other water sports are available before we return to Cairo to finish the tour with an exploratory guided walking tour through the back lanes of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar and Islamic Cairo.
If you'd like more information on our Ancient Encounters tour or any of our Egypt and Jordan tours, contact us here.
Day 1: Welcome to Amman, airport to hotel transfer included
Once you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, one of our staff members will meet you and transport you to your hotel in Amman. They'll help you settle in, let you know the plan for tomorrow and then you have the rest of the day to rest or explore your new surroundings independently.
Amman hotel
Extra day in Amman - pre-tour
Single room supplement (JOSGAE18)
Day 2: Visiting Jordan's Desert Castles & touring Amman
After breakfast, we officially start our Egypt and Jordan tour and make our way to Jordan's famous 'desert castles' of Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal' at al-Azraq and Quseir Amra. These imposing structures can be found on the old trade routes built during the Umayyad era and remnants of this period can still be seen today in the form of frescoes, bathhouses and wells.
We'll head back to Amman for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying falafel and hummus, before we enjoy a walking tour of Jordan's capital city. We'll visit some of its top tourist attractions such as the Amphitheatre, the Folklore Museum as well as the Citadel. We'll also browse through its busy markets - giving you a chance to taste Knafeh - a tasty sweet treat - all the while being taught some basic Arabic terms to use throughout the rest of our tour through Jordan.
If there's time left, we may visit a few traditional handcraft and art galleries, before we return to our hotel in Amman.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Explore ancient Jerash & hike to Bronze Age dolmens
We'll say goodbye to Amman for now, as we travel north to Jerash - the one of the best examples of a Roman provincial city in the whole of the Middle East. We visit the spectacular Forum, Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum and Artemis Temple.
Also on the agenda today is a visit to the towering Aljoun Castle - which was crafted in the 12th century by the Ayyubids and extended in the 13th century by the Mamluks. The castle also once served as the hub for Saladin's Arab forces, who defeated the Crusaders in the 12th century. The mountains, hills and forests around Aljoun Castle are surprisingly lush and tree covered and are very popular with hikers from Jordan and abroad.
Our next stop on our Jordan tour is a visit to Rasoun village, where we'll meet a Jordanian family - our homestay hosts. After settling into our accommodation for the night, we'll take a walk through the hills to see some Bronze Age Dolmens, which date back around 5000 years. Dolmens are stone burial chambers formed by a huge stone slab atop two or more standing stones.
For dinner, a delicious, home-cooked traditional Arabic meal will be prepared by our host Jordanian family, and we spend the evening chatting with them about life in Jordan.
Rasoun homestay
Day 4: From Ajloun to Madaba, Mount Nebo & the Dead Sea
We reluctantly say goodbye to our hosts in the Rasoun village after a shared breakfast, as we journey south to Madaba to see the amazing Byzantine mosaics excavated from throughout the town. We'll see the 'Madaba Map', the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands before heading to Mount Nebo and wonder at the view where Moses looked across to the Promised Land and later died and was buried.
After lunch, we'll head to the Dead Sea where you have the afternoon to float in the sea, try the invigorating properties of the mud by the beach, and rest by the resort pool. Swimming in the Dead Sea is a strange and wonderful experience and one you'll never forget.
Dead Sea Resort
Day 5: Dana Biosphere Reserve & Shobak Castle en-route to Petra
Today, we'll make our way down the Dead Sea coastline, passing lots of deep canyons and gorges as they meet the sea. After we pass some salt flats at the southern end of the Dead Sea we head up through the mountains towards Petra, stopping for a short walk in the beautiful scenery and hills of the Dana Biosphere Reserve along the way. This is Jordan's largest nature reserve, and there are great views of the valleys and hills on the various trails around the restored Dana village. Spring is a particularly lovely time to visit with the terrain surprisingly green and full of flowers. We'll stop for lunch and take a walk before continuing to the imposing crusader castle at Shobak, finally arriving at Petra late in the evening.
An option is available this evening to get a first taste of Petra on the atmospheric Petra by Night tour, during which the Siq Trail and area outside the Treasury are lit up with hundreds of candles.
Petra hotel
Day 6: A full day in Petra & overnight Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
Today is all about exploring the Nabatean site of Petra. It was once the ancient capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans finally took over in 106AD. For a long period of time, Petra was forgotten - except by the local Bedouins - before it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra can be found at the edge of the Wadi Aruba desert, where canyon walls and towering hills make it virtually impossible to reach, except via a narrow cleft in the rock, known as the Siq. There are very few free-standing buildings in Petra, as the Nabateans chose to carve their dwellings into the multi coloured sandstone cliffs. Petra has become one of Jordan's main tourist attractions and the Jordanian Government is well aware of this. The tourism infrastructure in the adjoining village of Wadi Musa is booming, though, thankfully, once you enter through the Siq, the site is protected, there aren't that many touts or souvenir sellers, and all the building feels miles away.
We have most of the day available today to explore this ancient city (2-3 hour guided tour, then free time to explore independently). We start by making our way through the Siq, which rises to 200 metres above us and narrows to just 2 metres wide in certain sections. Keep an eye out for the ancient Nabatean water channel which is still visible on one wall and there are remnants of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city as well. We'll turn a corner and suddenly - one of the most familiar sights of Petra will be in front of you - The Khazneh (Treasury) comes into view. Our guide will explain how this, and the other buildings here, are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down, and also discuss the spiritual significance of the building style.
From the Treasury, the valley opens out, and you'll see tombs carved into the rock on both sides. You'll get a glimpse of the ruined Roman amphitheatre and colonnaded streets and during your free time, you can walk up a steep and narrow winding gorge to the towering 'Monastery' - which is 50 metres high and 45 metres wide, giving you breath-taking views of the Wadi Aruba desert and the Jordan Valley. Another climb takes you to the High Place of Sacrifice, and Lion Fountain. All in all, this is a full and tiring exercise, but hugely rewarding day touring one of the world's most famous ancient sites.
Walking distances today are an absolute minimum of 3km through the Siq to the Treasury and back and to see a few tombs, 8km to take the trail on as far as the main basin, plus an additional few km to the Monastery and back (over 800 steps up and down). For those with less mobility or who are worried about the distance, horse carriages are available for around 20JD (USD 28) to take you on the 1.2km journey through the Siq to the Treasury and back again at an agreed time. They will also take you further in through the site for an extra fee. We do not recommend riding the horses that are available. Donkeys are available for the steps up to the Monastery - if you want to use them, we'd reommend doing this on the way up, not on the way down.
Later in the afternoon, we leave Petra and drive into the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum where friendly Bedouin hosts are ready to greet us at a comfortable camp beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We spend the evening and night relaxing at the camp, watching the stars and enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal.
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
Day 7: A jeep safari and Bedouin experience in Wadi Rum, travel to Amman
Today we head out on a jeep safari through the sandy terrain of Wadi Rum, beneath the towering 'jebels' - stopping every now and then to marvel at its sand dunes, strange rock formations and rock bridges.
We'll also participate in a few activities derived from Bedouin traditions such as walking with a local shepherd with their sheep and goats to a Bedouin tent, where we'll help make lunch. You can also choose to do other activities such as shearing sheep and goat's hair, grinding and roasting coffee beans and making bread.
Afterwards, we'll head back to camp before driving north on the Desert Highway back to Amman. Tonight, we'll head to the local coffee shops and cafes near our hotel, where you can try a sheesha or a game of backgammon as we enjoy our last night in Jordan.
Day 8: Fly to Cairo, free time
We transfer you to Amman airport today to board your flight to Egypt's busy capital of Cairo (not included). Once you arrive in Cairo, one of our staff will be there to meet you before taking you to your hotel. We'll have some time to settle in before being introduced to the local area and we'll also arrange tomorrow's collection time.
You have the rest of the day to explore Cairo independently. Options are also available to head out on an evening dinner cruise on the Nile River or enjoy a mesmerising sound and light show at the pyramids (both available to book locally on arrival).
Note: the Amman-Cairo flight is left out of the set tour price as it is often more cost effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. We are happy to book all your international flights, just this Amman-Cairo flight, or none of them at all, whichever works best for you. Direct flights are available with both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines. To help keep the group together we recommend Egypt Air MS720 which departs Amman between 09.30-10.30. However, you can also fly at other times during the day - all transfers in Amman and Cairo are included.
Cairo 5-star hotel
Request a quote for Amman to Cairo flight
Day 9: Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum tour
Our tour of Egypt begins with a drive to Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to visit the Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt. One of our local Egyptologist guides will be accompanying you on this and all of your other sightseeing tours, and you'll find them a wealth of knowledge and full of enthusiasm about Egyptian history, and their country in general. At 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is an awesome man-made structure constructed of giant stone blocks with a hard limestone casing. The casing has, over the years, been stripped away to leave exposed the inner block structure. Together with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the majestic sight of these enormous structures rising out of the desert is a breathtaking spectacle. You will have the opportunity to climb down right inside the pyramids if you wish, though your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). Following on from the Pyramids we then head to the Egyptian Museum. Home to the fantastic Tutankhamun exhibit the museum hosts a huge number of other ancient Egyptian artefacts.
This evening we transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approx. 12 hours). You'll enjoy dinner on board in your private twin-berth compartments before the steward sets your beds up for the night.
Sleeper train
Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade
Day 10: Aswan, Nubian Village and Philae Temple
This morning we arrive in Aswan and transfer to our hotel overlooking the Nile which is at its most picturesque here, with lush green islands, and feluccas sailing to and fro. Aswan itself is a melting pot of African and Middle Eastern cultures, most easily experienced by wandering through the busy markets. It's also part of the ancient region of Nubia, which comprised parts of present day southern Egypt and northern Sudan around the Nile rivers. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live here and we'll visit a local Nubian village to see their colourful houses, simple way of life and to enjoy a traditional lunch.
We continue our tour this afternoon with a visit the Temple of Philae, a beautiful island complex dedicated to Isis and reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which we reach by a scenic boat ride. The evening is then free to look around Aswan's spice and general markets, and to walk up and down the popular Corniche, on the banks of the Nile. An option is also available to take a camel ride through the sands on the far bank of the Nile to St. Simeon's monastery. If you've chosen the Abu Simbel option then head to bed early this evening to be ready for a very early start tomorrow morning.
Aswan 5 star hotel
Day 11: Abu Simbel option. Nile Felucca Cruise
An option is available this morning to visit the temples built by Ramses II at the amazing UNESCO world heritage site of Abu Simbel. We depart very early with the aim of seeing the rising sun over the temples. Transfers, guiding, and entrance fees are included. If you don't visit Abu Simbel, then this morning is free.
We board our traditional Nile felucca at lunchtime to enjoy an afternoon sailing down the Nile. Floating down the Nile on a felucca is one of Egypt's most enjoyable activities and you'll be able to watch local rural Egyptian life pass you by on the banks of the river as you drift past. Our Nubian crew will sail the boat and entertain you on the way, as well as preparing meals for you. Our separate facilities boat will join with us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night. This boat has a welcome toilet and showers on board as well as a hygienic kitchen. You sleep on the deck of the boat tonight (mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets provided). This is a fun, but basic experience, and we offer an optional upgrade to spend this night back in the Aswan hotel instead of sleeping on the felucca for those wishing some more comfort. You then rejoin the rest of the group the next morning.
On board felucca
Abu Simbel overland
Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan
Day 12: Edfu temple, Luxor temple at night
After breakfast on-board we bid farewell to our felucca crew and visit the nearby temple at Edfu before continuing on north to Luxor. The town of Luxor is built on and around the ancient site of Thebes, and boasts the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. To the west of the Nile lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, whilst to the east lie the Temples of Luxor and Karnak.
We check into a luxury 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile and have time to relax and enjoy time by the pool this afternoon.
Later this evening we'll take a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple which is right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night.
Luxor 5-star hotel
Day 13: Luxor, West bank tour, Karnak temple
We cross the Nile early this morning to begin our tour of Luxor's West Bank. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the dusty tombs in this ancient burial site are still revealing their secrets today and so it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Our tour includes several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir El-Medina (Valley of the Artisans), and the huge Colossi of Memnon.
A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).
After lunch we'll tour the huge temple complex at Karnak , once the religious centre of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was linked to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and the whole complex was in turn linked to the Nile via a canal through which moved the sacred boats of the god Amun. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, built by Ramesses II, you come to the immense pylon entrance. Inside the huge Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall has 134 towering columns, each carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn the walls.
Hot air balloon in Luxor
Day 14: Luxor to the Red Sea at Hurghada
After a lazy morning we leave the Nile Valley and drive to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada where we check into a 5-star resort. Your stay here is on a 'soft all inclusive' basis, with all meals, soft drinks and snacks included but not alcoholic beverages.
Hurghada - 5-star resort
Day 15: Red Sea at Hurghada, free day
Your day is free today to relax and enjoy your time by the Red Sea. Hurghada is world famous for its scuba diving and snorkelling and the rich Red Sea marine life here attracts divers from all over the world. Other adventurous activities available include wind surfing and kite surfing, glass bottomed submarines, quad biking, camel rides and sea fishing trips. Our local rep based in Hurghada will be on hand to help make any arrangements. Hurghada itself has an interesting marina and old town to explore.
If you wish, we can book extra nights in the resort in Hurghada for you to extend your time here - please contact us for details and prices.
Note: Please note that when adding extra nights in Hurghada you will leave the group here and miss the remaining activities in Cairo. You can either finish the tour in Hurghada or return later to Cairo. Please contact us for more information and customised pricing.
Hurghada 5-star resort
Day 16: Drive to Cairo, Old Cairo & Khan-el-Khalili bazzar tour
We drive back to Cairo this morning (approx.. 5hrs) and check into a city centre hotel. An upgrade to an internal flight is also available on request. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in Old Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some mint tea and a shisha pipe and this is a great final opportunity to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Egypt.
Hurghada to Cairo flight upgrade
Day 17: Cairo, free time, departure airport transfer
Today is our last day on our Egypt and Jordan tour with the day being yours free to do some last-minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an afternoon or evening flight departure, then a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel is available today, or you could take another half-day tour to learn more about the evolution of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis. tours are also available today. Alternatively, you can add extra nights to your time in Cairo which would allow you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
Alexandria day trip
Cairo city tour
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - post-tour
5 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels in Jordan
Jordan village homestay in Rasoun, and Bedouin desert camp in Wadi Rum
6 nights in 5-star hotels in Egypt
1 night on sleeper train in private twin-berth cabins (flight/hotel upgrade available)
1 night on Nile felucca sailboat with accompanying support boat (hotel upgrade available)
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles (plus Bedouin jeeps in Wadi Rum)
Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
Services of an English speaking tour leader and local guides in Jordan
Services of a local Egyptologist guide in Egypt
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Amman to Cairo flight (available on request or bookable with your international flight ticket)
Jordan Visa fees (free visa available with your Jordan Pass - see tour notes)
Egypt Visa fees (available on arrival for US$25 for most nationalities)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Entrance fees in Jordan (included in your Jordan Pass, approx. US$99 - see tour notes)
Entrance fees in Egypt (allow approx. US$110)
Tipping kitty in Egypt (allow US$60) plus tour guide tips
Tips in Jordan
Hotel gala dinners (see Tour notes)
Hotel Gala Dinners:
Many of Egypt's hotels and Nile cruise boats arrange a very special gala dinner with entertainment in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but normally compulsory on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$180 per person in 5-star hotels. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. We aim to always select hotels that make their Gala Dinners optional, though this is not always possible, especially for New Year's Eve. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, but will be added to your booking if they become required. Please budget accordingly. More information is available on request.
If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Encounters Travel, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
Jordan Encounters
8 Days Map
10 Days Map
Nabateans & Nubians
Small-group departure dates are listed below. The tour is also available as a customisable private departure on any other dates. Please contact us for more information and prices for your preferred date and number of travellers.
A$5380.00
End: 27th of February 2023
Price: A$5380
Pay later / Reserve seat Tour price: A$5,380
11th of Mar 2023
Start: 11th of March 2023
End: 27th of March 2023
8th of Apr 2023
24th of Apr 2023
Start: 8th of April 2023
End: 24th of April 2023
Pay later / Reserve seat Deposit: A$600 Tour price: A$5,505
6th of May 2023
22nd of May 2023
Start: 6th of May 2023
End: 22nd of May 2023
3rd of Jun 2023
19th of Jun 2023
Start: 3rd of June 2023
End: 19th of June 2023
1st of Jul 2023
17th of Jul 2023
Start: 1st of July 2023
End: 17th of July 2023
Start: 29th of July 2023
11th of Sep 2023
End: 11th of September 2023
23rd of Sep 2023
9th of Oct 2023
Start: 23rd of September 2023
End: 9th of October 2023
21st of Oct 2023
6th of Nov 2023
Start: 21st of October 2023
End: 6th of November 2023
4th of Dec 2023
Start: 18th of November 2023
End: 4th of December 2023
16th of Dec 2023
1st of Jan 2024
Start: 16th of December 2023
End: 1st of January 2024
21st of Dec 2023
6th of Jan 2024
Start: 21st of December 2023
End: 6th of January 2024
Show More Tour Dates
Show All Tour Dates
Al Qasr Metropole
The hotel offers guests comfortable and well-appointed rooms which feature flat-screen TV's, en-suite facilities, free WiFi and some rooms also feature a balcony with city views. In addition to spacious, modern rooms, the hotel has a choice of 4-restaurants to choose from and a cocktail bar.
Rasoun
This is a friendly local homestay in Rasoun village, near to Ajloun Castle and the RSCN's Ajloun Forest Reserve. Accommodation is in shared rooms holding up to 4 people. There are a number of homes in the village that will accommodate guests, so depending on our final group size we may split across several houses. We will all eat together in one house with the hosts. All beds and bedding are provided. Bathrooms are separate and shared but quite basic. Overall you can expect a simple but comfortable, and very welcoming experience with good food and interesting insights into local village life in rural Jordan. The RSCN's Soap House is also nearby and worth a visit. Here local women use a variety of local natural ingredients, including lavender, geranium, mint and pomegranate, to create high-quality handmade natural olive oil soaps.
Dead Sea Spa Resort
The Dead Sea Spa hotel is a comfortable resort style hotel located on the banks of the Red Sea, around 1 hour's drive from Amman and Amman airport. There are several pools, and the hotel has great direct access into the Dead Sea itself, with the famous Dead Sea mud available on the beach to lather yourself with before swimming (if you wish!). Various treatments are also available in the hotel spa. Meals are generally buffet style with a good selection of different options including several vegetarian options. There are more luxurious 5-star resorts on the Dead Sea, but we feel the Dead Sea Spa hotel provides an very good mid-range option, ideal for short stays.
Petra Elite Hotel
The 4-star Petra Elite hotel offers rooms featuring private bathroom, safety deposit box, TV and many rooms offer city views of Wadi Musa. The hotel also features an onsite restaurant, bar and indoor swimming pool.
Rahayeb Camp
This Wadi Rum desert camp has a fantastic location and setting on the desert sands right up against the cliffs within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. We like it for its spectacular and remote location well away from the main road, and for the excellent food and friendly welcome the Bedouin hosts always provide.
Accommodation is in permanent traditional goat hair tents with proper beds and all bedding provided. We book the standard tents with shared bathrooms, though some en-suite tents are also available and subject to availability you can upgrade to these locally if you wish. You can also bring a sleeping bag if you wish, and find a sheltered spot on the rocks on the edge of the camp and sleep under the stars.
WiFi is available throughout the camp. Meals are traditionally cooked, with a delicious underground 'BBQ' prepared nearly every night. Alcohol is not available.
Sunrise and sunset camel rides are available to book locally (around US$30).
Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel
Steigenberger Cairo Pyramids Hotel is a 5-star establishment located on the doorstep of one of the most famous landmarks in the world: the Great Pyramids of Giza. Modern yet classic, the hotel is set amongst leafy gardens. It has been recently taken over and upgraded by Steigenberger, and now offers improved service and standards. Free WiFi is offered throughout the hotel, and there are two swimming pools. Several bars and restaurants are situated on site, serving a variety of flavours from around the world, as well as offering a taste of local cuisine. A wellness centre features modern fitness equipment and machines, while the spa offers a variety of treatments to help you relax after a day of touring.
Accommodation is offered in the form of classic rooms, as well as family suites. The classic rooms are available with either double or twin beds, and look out onto the gardens. The family rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. Amenities in all rooms include en-suite bathrooms, TVs, minibars, safes, and air-conditioning. There are also several bungalow-style rooms set within the gardens.
The hotel's location is ideal, just 3km from the Pyramids and the Sphinx and directly opposite the New Egyptian Grand Museum. Two international airports are within driving distance, and a shuttle service is available on request. Choose from a variety of landmarks and sites to visit in the surrounding regions.
Cairo, Luxor & Aswan
On the sleeper train you have a private twin-berthed cabin, which features two large seats; fold down beds with mattress, sheets, pillow, blanket; storage locker and wash basin. An airline style evening meal and breakfast are included. The carriage steward will make up and put away your beds in the evening and morning. All transfers between your hotel and the station are also included (these may well be separate to the main group if train times are very different on your dates). Single cabin supplements apply.
Note: We can arrange an internal flight upgrade for anyone not wishing to use the sleeper train.
Tolip Aswan Hotel
The Tolip Aswan Hotel (formerly the Helnan) is located in downtown Aswan, on the banks of the Nile River. It comprises 195 air-conditioned rooms, each featuring en-suite bathrooms, satellite TVs, minibars, and furnished balconies with river views. In-room WiFi access is also available. An array of facilities is on offer, including a pool, bar, gym, sauna, massage treatments, children's playground, and 24-hour front desk. The hotel is within close driving distance of several tourist sites including Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Museum, and is also a short drive from Aswan International Airport.
Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel
Note: The following information is provided from our own visits & research, the hotel itself, and our clients' experience of using the hotel.
This hotel, formerly Le Meridien Luxor, is a modern hotel built in 2001. It is ideally situated right on the banks of the Nile and is within easy reach of all the major sites of Luxor. The hotel has views of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings on the opposite bank. The outdoor pool, restaurants, cafes and shops are all located in a central courtyard area.
The location and the high standards within the hotel make this one of our first choice hotels for stays in Luxor on our small-group tours, and for private & tailor-made trips (together with the Sonesta St. George hotel).
The hotel is centrally located next to the Nile in the heart of the tourist area of Luxor with shops and bazaars within a short walk. It is just 1.5 kilometres from the train station and 10 kilometres/15 minutes from Luxor International airport.
The hotel offers excellent standards of accommodation and the rooms are spacious and modern. The 302 rooms and suites are located on 6 floors built around the courtyard. The standard rooms overlook Luxor or the courtyard area and upgrades to Nile view rooms are available on request for a small supplement. There are also disabled and non-smoking rooms available.
All rooms have deluxe en-suite bathroom, private balcony, air-conditioning, Satellite TV, mini-bar, safety deposit box, telephone, hairdryer and electrical sockets.
Bars & Restaurants:
The hotel has a number of bars and restaurants to choose from. The main hotel restaurant is the Nubia which is open from 6.00-10.00 am for breakfast and then 6.00-10.00pm for dinner, serving local and international dishes. There are two other restaurants within the hotel which are open for both lunch and dinner. These are the Casa de Napoli Italian restaurant serving pizza and pasta and El Tarboush serving Lebanese dishes.
For light meals and snacks during the day there is the Tropicana poolside bar and the Cafe des Delices which is located in the courtyard.
In the evening there is the Nile bar & lounge, which is open until 2.00am, and you can enjoy views of the Nile while trying out the various cocktails on offer.
Pasha's Pub also has views of the Nile and has regular evening entertainment.
Facilities & Services:
The freeform outdoor pool which is heated in winter has views of the River Nile and the Valley of the Kings and is the perfect place to relax after a day spent sightseeing or exploring Luxor. Guests also have free use of the leisure centre and gym within the hotel and other activities such as golf are available nearby. The are various shops within the hotel including gift and souvenir shops, a beauty salon and foreign exchange services.
Other services include:
Babysitting (on request)
24hr Concierge Service
Felucca Sailboat
Felucca Sailboats
Feluccas are simple boats without cabins or electricity and you sleep on deck on mattresses with blankets and cushions provided. Canvas walls, mosquito netting and a roof are erected at night. You may want to bring a sleeping bag or extra blanket during the winter months (November to February) when it can get cold a night. Mosquito repellent is recommended for the evenings and early mornings, and wearing long sleeves at night is a good idea. Life jackets are provided for non-swimmers. Unfortunately, swimming in the Nile is not recommended both for health reasons and due to the strong currents - there are pools to enjoy in your Aswan and Luxor hotels.
Our Nubian crew will man the boat and prepare & cook all your meals on board or on our facilities boat. The food is simple but varied and filling and they will also serve Egyptian tea and Nubian cake. Water, soft drinks and beer can also be purchased. You keep a tally of what you've had and then pay for them at the end of the trip. The crew will also entertain you in the evenings when we may sing songs or just sit and chat around a camp fire.
Feluccas are dependent on the wind, and occasionally if the winds are too light or strong we may need to adjust the itinerary slightly.
Facility Boat
Our new facilities boat makes the whole felucca experience more enjoyable, with a clean toilet and hot showers on board, as well as massage beds and a hygienic kitchen.
The boat doesn't shadow the felucca all the way, as we don't want to spoil the peaceful experience of sailing down the Nile. It will however join up with you as and when required through the day and moor with you at night.
As well as the toilet, showers and kitchen facilities, there is also a sun deck where traditional Nubian massages are available.
The boat also helps us ensure that we do our bit to protect the Nile and its surroundings. Over the years, some areas on the banks of the Nile have been somewhat spoiled by the number of people staying overnight on feluccas and not using proper toilet tents or being respectful to their local environment.
We've had some great feedback from travellers using the boat so far, and we feel it really improves the experience of what is already many people's highlight of their trip to Egypt.
Sunrise Royal Makadi Aqua Resort
The Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort is an excellent Red Sea resort option with a great beachfront location and lots of different activities and facilities available on site. The hotel is located just outside Makadi Bay, around 30km from the resort centre of Hurghada. One of the hotel's main features is an aquapark with five pools to relax beside and a range of 11 different water slides. You can also play tennis, football, table tennis, darts, do aquaerobics or use the on-site gym. The spa facilities include massages, sauna, whirlpool and a range of treatment options. Scuba-diving and snorkelling trips can be arranged through the hotel or through our local representative. A hotel-run kids club operates from November to March. There are eight restaurants and bars to choose from offering a wide variety of different cuisines (gentlemen should wear long trousers for dinner). Rooms are spacious and comfortable with either a large double bed or twin beds, plus an extra bed for children if required. A very limited number of family rooms for up to three adults and two children are also available.
Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino
Sheraton Cairo Hotel and Casino is a 5-star establishment found in the Dokki district of Cairo. A number of attractions are close by, including the Egyptian Museum. Included among the many facilities and amenities are a spa, fitness centre, sauna, library, and indoor and outdoor pools. Rooms are fully-equipped and feature mini bars, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary toiletries. The hotel offers several services, including 24-hour room service, a turndown service, and a paid airport shuttle.
From A$235*
This popular optional tour starts early in the morning so that you experience the sunrise over the Valleys of the Kings & Queens, temples and desert. We endeavour to use the earliest flights of the day as they are timed to fit with the rising sun, this means that times may vary. You get around 1 hour in the air.
Alexandria is about 2.5 hours drive, north of Cairo on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. This ex colonial city is the second largest in Egypt and our visit will include the Roman amphitheatre with its twelve semi-circular marble tiers, the Catacombs of Kom al-Shoqafa which is the largest Roman cemetery in Alexandria, Pompey's Pillar, Fort Qaitbey (from outside), the famous modern library before returning to Cairo. If time allows you can tour inside Fort Qaitbey and we may also visit the Montazah Palace gardens. Lunch at a seafood restaurant is included. As the tour takes a full day you will either need a late evening flight departure on the last day of the tour to accommodated it, or to add an extra day to the start or end of your trip.
Prices are based on a minimum of 2 travellers choosing the option. Solo traveller supplements apply. Entrance fees to sites visited are not included (budget approx. USD 15)
The temples built by Ramses II at Abu Simbel are one of Egypt's highlights, and have a fascinating story behind them to go with their impressive size. When Lake Nasser was flooded, the final water level was going to submerge several temples, the most important of which being Abu Simbel. The temple was therefore dismantled completely and rebuilt further up the hillside where it sits today. The temple stands today as a testament to Ramses II and the great building prowess of the ancient Egyptians, as well as to modern engineering. We depart Aswan very early in the morning (around 4am), with the aim of getting to Abu Simbel to see the temples in the light of the rising sun. We then have a guided tour with one of our Egyptologists and some free time before we drive back to Aswan (approx. 3 1/2 hours drive each way, with around 2 hours at the temples). All transfers, guide, and entrance fees are included. The tour itinerary is designed so you will not miss any other activities if you choose this option.
Note - we choose the overland route to get to Abu Simbel as the flight times there are unreliable and the journey using the flight is much more segmented (you get more rest on the coach), not to mention it is much more expensive to fly.
Entrance fees to the site (approx. US$15, 50% for children) are not included in the option price and should be paid locally. A minimum of 2 people is required to operate this option.
This half day guided tour of Cairo tour begins with Islamic areas including the Citadel of Saladdin, boasting the famous Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Then we head onto the Coptic area of Cairo where the Romans constructed the fortress of Babylon. The church of St. Mary was built over the ruins of two towers of the fortress whilst it is more commonly known as the Hanging Church next stop is St. Sergius which is said to be the resting place of the Holy Family. The tour finishes at the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Entrance fees to sites visited are not included (budget approx. USD 15)
Prices shown are based on a minimum of 2 people travelling. Solo traveller supplements apply.
This option provides an upgrade from the overnight sleeper train to an internal flight with Egypt Air. An extra night in the hotel in Cairo or Aswan is included in place of the train. Flight times vary and are subject to availability. Breakfast is included in the hotel, but you will miss the airline-style dinner provided on the sleeper train. Single room supplements apply.
This flight is a required part of the tour. It is left out of the set tour price as it is often more cost effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. We are happy to book all your flights, just the Amman-Cairo flight, or none of them at all, whichever works best for you. UK residents will need to book their own flights. Direct flights are available with both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines. You can fly at anytime during the day - all transfers in Amman and Cairo are included. If you add this option to your booking, we will get back to you with a quotation for this flight.
This half day guided tour on the outskirts of Cairo tour provides more insight into the history and evolution of pyramid building, and of the Egyptian civilisation. Our tours are based in the area of ancient Memphis, a former capital of Egypt. First we'll visit Saqqara, a huge desert necropolis which was built for the kings and nobles of the Old Kingdom. Here we see Zoser's 'step' pyramid and the adjacent Imhotep museum where we learn more about Memphis and the history of the region. Next we head to Dashour to see one of the next attempts at pyramid building. Dashour's moniker of the 'bent pyramid' shows they still had a bit to learn, but this is a fascinating site and the pyramid still has much of its original limestone cladding. We'll then return you to your hotel.
Prices are based on a minimum of 2 people choosing the option. Entrance fees to the sites visited are not included (budget approx. USD 25). Solo traveller supplements apply.
Although our overnight felucca journey is an amazing experience and often a highlight of the tour, the basic overnight accommodation is not for everyone. This upgrade is designed for those who would like a little more comfort in place of the overnight felucca sailboat trip, where you sleep on the deck of the boat.
You may choose to sail on the felucca for a couple of hours with the main group, and have lunch and dinner on the boat and then get transferred back to your hotel in Aswan in the evening. Or you can remain in Aswan for the whole afternoon to look around the markets and Corniche independently, and not do any sailing at all, as you prefer (no meals are included if you remain in Aswan).
Your night in Aswan will be spent in a 5-star hotel. The next morning we will transfer you to rejoin the group after they leave the felucca, and the rest of your tour will continue as normal from there on. Prices shown are based on travelling in low season (April to September) and staying in a shared twin/double room.
High season and single room supplements apply.
This option adds an extra day to the end of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport departure transfer is still included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.
Note: Single room and peak season supplements apply.
Extra day in Amman - pre tour
From A$95*
This option adds an extra day to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport arrival transfer is still included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.
From A$1425*
This group tour is based on twin-share accommodation. If you are a single traveller and would like to guarantee yourself a single room throughout the tour, please add this option onto your booking. If you are happy to share a room, please let us know and we will see if we can pair you up with another single traveller of the same sex. If a room share is not available when you pay your balance, then 50% of the single room supplement fee will be payable. If a room share becomes possible after you have paid your balance then your payment rowards the supplement will be refunded. Room shares are arranged in order of booking.
Note: Single supplement prices may vary seasonally.
The hotels used on this tour are rated at the 3 and 4-star level in Jordan, and 5-star level in Egypt. This gradual increase is intentional to improve your comfort as your time away goes on. Local star ratings may vary from international standards but we ensure we use some of the best hotels available at the level stated. Accommodation is based on twin or double en-suite rooms with air conditioning. All couples will have a private double room.
A friendly local homestay is included for one night in Rasoun village. Accommodation here is in shared rooms holding up to 4 people. There are a number of homes in the village that will accommodate guests, so depending on our final group size we may split across several houses. We will all eat together in one house with the hosts, who will also provide a tour of the village. All beds and bedding are provided. Bathrooms are separate and shared but quite basic. Overall you can expect a simple but comfortable, and very welcoming experience with good food and interesting insights into local village life in rural Jordan.
In Wadi Rum we use a Bedouin camp located inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Accommodation is in permanent traditional goat hair tents with proper beds and all bedding provided. Bathrooms are separate, though some en-suite tents are also available and subject to availability you can upgrade to these locally if you wish. You can also bring a sleeping bag if you wish, and find a sheltered spot on the rocks on the edge of the camp and sleep under the stars.
Please see the Felucca note for more information on the overnight Nile felucca cruise.
One night is also included on a sleeper train in Egypt (see Transport).
Please check the Single Room Supplement option for details on room sharing options and charges for solo travellers on this tour.
Gala Dinners
Many of Egypt and Jordan's hotels arrange a very special gala dinner with entertainment in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but may be compulsory on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$150 per person. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. We aim to always select hotels that make their Gala Dinners optional, though this is is not always possible. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, but will be added to your booking if they become required. More information is available on request.
2. Felucca Sailboat
This tour features an overnight felucca cruise. Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and are a fun and relaxing way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and some blankets are provided, but we suggest that you bring a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag during the winter months of November-February). There are no toilet facilities on board, but you will be joined several times each day and at night by our support boat where a toilet and warm showers will be available. Mosquito nets are provided for use while you are sleeping but you should bring mosquito repellent for the evenings and early mornings. Your Nubian boat crew will cook all your meals while on board and entertain you in the evenings.
If you would prefer some more comfort in place of the felucca cruise, then an upgrade to an extra night in the hotel in Amman is available. You then rejoin the group the next morning after they finish on the felucca, and carry on with them to Luxor.
Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you're really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour.
In Jordan we use private AC minivans/minibuses for all the transfers and journeys throughout the tour, depending on the number of travellers in the group. The jeeps used in Wadi Rum are provided by the local Bedouins we work with, and while suitable for your desert safari, they may fall below the normal safety and quality standards for vehicles we use during the rest of our tours.
In Egypt we again use AC minivans/minibuses/coaches, many of which are fitted with speed limiters, and all are inspected and checked daily.
For the overnight train journey from Cairo to Aswan (approx. 12 hrs) this tour uses the overnight sleeper train. This train has private twin berth cabins with large seats and fold-down beds with sheets, pillow & blanket. The lockable cabins also have a washbasin and storage cupboard, and an airline tray-style evening meal and breakfast is included. If you wish you may upgrade this journey to an internal flight.
Amman to Cairo flight
The connecting flight from Amman to Cairo is not included in the price of this tour. It is left out of the set tour price as it is sometimes more cost effective for you to include this flight as part of your main international flight ticket. We are happy to assist with all your flights, just the Amman-Cairo flight, or none of them at all, whichever works best for you. Direct flights are available with both Egypt Air and Royal Jordanian Airlines. To try to keep the group together we recommend Egypt Air flight MS720 which departs Amman between 09.30 and 10.30, though if necessary you can fly at other times too - all transfers in Amman and Cairo are included.
Our Egypt and Jordan tours include a 24-hour airport meet & assist service in Amman and Cairo airports, your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.
On arrival in Jordan our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Amman airport, before passport control. They will assist with visa formalities and then help you with your luggage and take you to your hotel.
On arrival in Egypt, our representative will meet you in the immigration hall of Cairo airport before you get to passport control. They will assist with visa formalities before helping you collect your luggage and taking you to your hotel.
On our Shoestring group tours we do offer optional hotel upgrades in Jordan. This may mean that additional pick-up and drop-offs are required each day. We do endeavour to ensure that all hotels used are close to each other and to streamline and time arrangements to limit any extra driving time as much as possible.
5. Entrance Fees & Jordan Pass
The tour price does not include entrance fees to the sites visited on the tour.
Jordan:
We strongly recommend that you purchase a Jordan Pass prior to your travel to Jordan. This is a special package that has been designed by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for tourists visiting Jordan. As well as including a discounted package of entrance fees covering all the sites in Jordan that you will visit on this tour (plus many others), the Jordan Pass also provides free downloadable digital brochures on each attraction, plus a free tourist visa for entering the country (40JD if obtained on arrival in Jordan). It also allows us to speed up our entry to each site as if everyone has the Jordan Pass we won't need to queue for tickets.
A handful of sites that we visit on our tours are not covered by the Jordan Pass (eg. Mt. Nebo, St. George's Church at Madaba, and the Shawmuri & Azraq Reserves), so to keep things simple for you while you are in Jordan, where these are visited in our itineraries, the entry fees are included in your tour price. If you visit any other sites not covered by the Jordan Pass during your free time or on additional tours you arrange while in Jordan, you will need to pay the entrance fee at the site.
The cost for the Jordan Wanderer Pass which is suitable for all our tours which visit Petra on one day is JD70 (approx. US$99). You should also check if your tour visits the Baptism Site at Bethany and if it does, add on the supplement for this site (an extra JD8, discounted from the JD12 payable at the site). Passes are available by completing a simple online form before you travel, taking care to make sure your passport details are entered correctly as this doubles as your visa application. Your Jordan Pass will then be emailed to you as a pdf document, which you should print out and bring with you. You will then need to show this print out at the immigration desk on arrival in Jordan to obtain your free entry visa, and also at each attraction where it will be scanned to confirm your entry. Obtain your Jordan Pass here
If you do not obtain the Jordan Pass before arriving in Jordan, you will need to pay the entry fees when you arrive at each site and also pay JD40 for your Jordan visa when you enter the country (or arrange your visa in advance).
More information about the Jordan Pass.
Egypt:
In Egypt, the tour price does not include entrance fees to the tourist sites mentioned in the itinerary. Please check the Exclusions section for a guide to the amount you should allow for this tour (a 50% discount for minors or ISIC card holders is often, but not always available and prices are changed from time to time). For your convenience, your guide will be normally collect payment for all the entrance fees in cash at the start of the tour, and pay them for you as you go along.
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There's no point in us providing great guides if you've got to peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, on our small group tours we won't ever put you in a full size coach packed with other people and just one guide. Having a smaller group size also allows us to stay in more interesting accommodation, like the homestay in Rasoun, and to include some activities and experiences that just wouldn't be possible with large numbers.
This tour has a minimum group size of 2, and maximum of 14 for the Jordan section, and 18 in Egypt where we may join with other travellers doing one of our Egypt only tours.
To accompany you on the tour in Jordan we provide an English speaking local tour leader/driver and specialist guides in Jerash, Amman and Petra. Groups of 5 or more will have both a driver and a professional guide throughout the trip. In Egypt a professional Egyptologist guide will accompany you for all the tours in Cairo, and then from Aswan to Luxor. We also have representatives in all the major towns/cities en-route who will look after the practical arrangements for the tour.
At Encounters Travel we only use local Jordanian and Egyptian guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.
We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with varying travel plans, we don't include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very happy to suggest flights to go with the tour. Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we'll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose from.
Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included on the first and last days of the tour.
On tours combining Jordan and Egypt we do not include the connecting flight between the two countries in the tour price (normally between Amman (AMM) and Cairo (CAI) - see the inclusions/exclusions or extension option sections for details). This flight can often be built into your main international flight ticket, or we may be able to book this flight for you separately if you prefer - please contact us and we will advise you on available airlines, times and prices.
We do also sometimes advertise flight inclusive packages from selected airports. Where these are shown on our website, prices are correct at the time of quoting, but are subject to continued availability of the fare used. Prices will be reconfirmed at the time of booking, and we will also provide the flight times and airline details before tickets are issued.
Flight inclusive prices are based on the cheapest Economy ticket class available which is generally non-refundable and non-changeable unless the flight is cancelled for reasons such as Covid-19, in which case the airlines are more flexible. More flexible ticket options, as well as Premium Economy and Business Class tickets are available on request for an additional supplement. Any changes made to flight inclusive bookings will be subject to the airline rules on your ticket.
8. Activity level
This tour includes several walks or hikes in Jordan and while you do not need to be super fit by any means, you should bring suitable footwear.
In the Ajloun Forest Reserve we will hike through scrubland and forest for several hours in the afternoon. The guide will vary the route and duration of the walk based on how everyone is feeling and the current weather.
In Dana Biosphere Reserve we'll take a short walk through the hills around the restored Dana village. Trails are generally always dry and a little rocky but we won't be taking one of the longer more challenging hikes here.
In Petra, you will be doing a lot of walking to explore the site. The minimum distance you'll walk, from the entrance to the Siq, through the Siq to the Treasury, through the site to the Theatre and Byzantime church, and then back out again, is around 8km. If you would like to hike up to the Monastery, or High Place of Sacrifice, you should expect to add another 2 or 3km, much of it up or down. You can take everything at your own pace, but do be prepared for a long day. Again comfortable walking shoes and a daypack are required.
There are no walks of similar durations on the Egypt section of the tour. However, access on and off the feluccas is by way of planks and steps, and you do need to be fairly mobile for this part of the trip.
9. Passports and Visas - Jordan
Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
To promote tourism to the country, the Jordanian government has designed the Jordan Pass. This provides adults of most nationalities with a free single entry Jordan visa (for stays of 3 nights or more), a discounted package of entrance fees, and free digital brochures for the various sites in Jordan. Please check the Jordan Pass tour note for more information.
Double or multi entry visas for Jordan are no longer available and you will need to arrange two visas if you are doing a combination tour (eg. with Egypt and/or Israel) that visits Jordan more than once. Exceptions may occur if you are crossing to and from Israel via the King Hussein Bridge - please contact us for details.
If you wish to arrange your visa separately in advance, or if your stay will be shorter than four days/3 nights, then a visa fee of 40JD (approx. USD 57) will be due.
Families with children under 12 are recommended not to purchase the Jordan Pass for the children as entrance fees are not charged in Jordan for children under 12. Instead, the adults should purchase a Jordan Pass and we will arrange a free visa for the children which you will receive when we meet you on arrival into Amman airport.
Other nationalities may require a visa prior to arrival and to obtain this in advance, please contact your local Jordanian embassy or consulate or a visa agency for details. In addition, if you plan to enter Jordan via the southern Wadi Araba crossing (Eilat-Aqaba) or the Allenby Bridge/King Hussein border with Israel in the north, you will need to obtain your Jordan visa in advance as these are not available on arrival at the border.
10. Passports and Visas - Egypt
We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.
In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport. An online e-visa is available through visa2egypt. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. Our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.
All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.
For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.
Sockets are two round pronged and 220 volts (Type C). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don't have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are normally available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already.
12. Health and Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A
Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics.
More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon
Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using 'black henna' instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.
The time in Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon is GMT plus 2 hours and in UAE GMT plus 3 hours. Daylight saving adjustments have historically been applied in some years but not others. At present it appears that there will be no daylight saving changes in Egypt 2016 and beyond, though this may change at short notice (with a resulting impact on flight times and schedules). In Jordan and Israel, daylight saving of one hour is generally applied between the end of March and the end of October, making it GMT plus 3 hours. Exact dates vary from year to year and sometimes the changes may be scrapped altogether.
14. Money - Jordan
The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD). You do not need to arrange to bring any Jordanian Dinar with you to Jordan as exchange facilities are available in the international airports and in most hotels, banks and bureau de changes in major towns. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.
While in Jordan you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Jordanian Dinar, though tips for guides and drivers may be paid in hard currency (GBP, USD, EUR).
It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.
15. Money - Egypt
The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often denoted 'LE'. The Egyptian Pound can vary significantly in value against the British Pound, but sticks fairly close to the value of the US Dollar. You do not need to arrange to bring any Egyptian Pounds with you to Egypt, as change facilities are available in all the hotels, airports and banks. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.
While in Egypt you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Egyptian Pounds. You may also need to pay for the tour Tipping Kitty and site Entrance Fees while you are in Egypt. Payments for these may be made to your tour guide in hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) at the start of your tour. Please see your tour Included/Excluded details for more information and guideline amounts for these.
16. Tipping
Jordan: Tipping is common practice in Jordan, as a sign of appreciation for services provided. You may therefore wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. US$10-15 per person per day would be appropriate.
Egypt: Tipping is also very much a part of Egyptian culture and customs, and many people you meet along the way will expect and make it clear they are waiting for a tip. To make it easier for you to budget and to remove much of the stress and hassle of tipping lots of people as you go along, we collect a 'Tipping Kitty' at the start of your time in Egypt. Your guide will manage this as the tour goes along and ask one or more of the group members to assist and make some of the payments. The kitty provides tips for a wide range of people you'll meet along the tour including hotel porters, train and station staff, drivers, site guards, local reps etc. Please check the Excluded section below the tour itinerary for a budget for this tour. Your Egyptologist guide is not included in this kitty and you may tip them at the end of your tour subject to your satisfaction with and appreciation of the service they have provided. Again you should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. As a guideline, approx. US$10-15 per person per day would be appropriate.
Children under the age of 12 do not need to pay this tipping kitty.
Luggage: Suitcases, rucksacks or fabric holdalls are all fine to bring with you to Egypt and Jordan. You should also bring a small daypack/bag to take out during the day. Your main luggage will normally be left in the hotel during your sightseeing trips - you will not need to carry it far, and there are nearly always hotel porters to assist.
Luggage limits: There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.
Clothing: Most of your time in Egypt will be in a hot weather, while the climate in Jordan varies widely from hot days in the summer to cool and sometimes wet days in the winter months. However, at night, and especially in the deserts, the temperatures can drop quite dramatically. So you must pack for cool conditions. Formal dress (eg. suits & ties) is not required on the cruise boats or in 4 or 5-star hotel restaurants. Long sleeves are recommended to protect from mosquitoes if you are on the felucca. Modesty rates highly in Egypt and Jordan, especially for women, so to respect the local culture & people, please ensure all clothes are loose fitting and not revealing. Shorts (not hot-pants) are OK in tourist sites, as are T-shirts, but these should not show too much bare flesh (we suggest that your shoulders should remain covered). In the centre of Cairo and Amman, and when visiting any mosques, legs and arms should be covered.
Other items: We recommend that you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, small towel, money belt, small torch, camera & charger. If you will be travelling on a felucca sailboat in Egypt then we recommend bringing a light sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner all year round for comfort, and a light sleeping bag in the winter months (November to February). If your tour includes an overnight Bedouin camp in Jordan then bedding (sheets, blankets, pillow) is provided but we recommend bringing a light sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner for comfort all year round (even with the best efforts, sand does find its way pretty much everywhere). In the winter months, or if you think you would like to sleep under the stars instead of in your tent, then we recommend you bring a sleeping bag with you as it can get very cold at night.
Footwear: For tours that are going on board a felucca sailboat, or walking on the Siq Trail in Wadi Mujib, we recommend that you bring some footwear that you don't mind getting completely wet. As there is a fair amount of walking involved on many of our tours in Jordan and Egypt, whether that be just sightseeing or some hiking, we recommend you bring comfortable walking shoes with you. You do not need any smart dress shoes, unless you want to visit some fancy restaurants and to dresss up accordingly.
18. Dates & Prices
We run regular small-group departures on this tour starting on Saturdays throughout the year. All departures are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 18. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and on a separate dates & prices sheet available on request. Please do check our website for special offers on particular dates.
POSTS FROM OUR BLOG Ancient Encounters
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
By: Ralph Foulds 2022-06-28 11:01:02
Everything you need to know about the Jordan Pass
In Jordan
This guide is all about the Jordan Pass, which is a package that you can pre-book and pay for from the Jordanian authorities before you travel to Jordan which provides you with a free entry visa into Jordan, and a discounted package of entry fees to over 40 different sites in the country. It is well worth purchasing as it both saves you money and makes your travel into and around the country smoother and easier. Read on for much more information about exactly what it includes, what it costs, how to get one and more.
By: Jarred Manasse 2017-06-15 16:00:00
Best time to visit Jordan
Undoubtedly one of the jewels in the Middle Eastern crown, Jordan is steeped in history.
Egypt's best felucca experience
In Egypt
Want to know what its like to spend the night floating away on the Nile River? If you're planning on booking an Egypt tour with us, you can find out!
au@encounterstravel.com


text:
Phlox pattersonii är en blågullsväxtart som beskrevs av L.A. Prather. Phlox pattersonii ingår i släktet floxar, och familjen blågullsväxter. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Externa länkar

Floxar
pattersonii

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


We move people. It's the core of the Port Authority's mission — "to keep the region moving" — and we do it by rail, through the air, on the waterfront, over rivers and underground. With that comes an incredible responsibility: to protect the traveling public.
That means taking care of, and retaining, the workforce that keeps our facilities running. For years, a critical component of this workforce — workers at our three major airports (Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and JFK), most of whom are employees of airlines, airline contractors and concessionaires — have not earned enough to keep up with region's astronomical cost of living. As a result, the turnover rate has been sky high, more than one-third every year and on the rise.
Constant churn among airport workers is a serious security concern. The lost experience, fewer training opportunities and low morale not only mean abnormal activity doesn't get spotted or that staff don't know what to do in an emergency situation. Many workers who live below the poverty line and rely on food stamps don't even stay in their jobs long enough to be properly trained or vetted.
So we sought to do what so many other airports throughout the U.S. have done for their workers to address this challenge: raise their minimum wage.
The results have been encouraging, demonstrating significant reductions in turnover rates and measurable improvements in safety, security and efficient operations.
On Sept. 27, our Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to follow suit by expanding the Port Authority's minimum wage policy for airport workers at Newark, LaGuardia and JFK to $19 an hour by 2023 — the highest in the country.
Beginning Nov. 1, Newark workers will see a $2 per-hour increase in wages, from $10.45 to $12.45; salaries then will rise to $15.60 by Sept. 1 of 2019, when they will then match those of workers at JFK and LaGuardia — closing the gap that has existed for too long for workers essentially doing the same job.
This policy, which the Daily News advocated for relentlessly, was the product of months of extensive study and public input. We were committed to do right by our passengers' safety, do right by the workers, and to do so in the right fashion following a detailed, data-driven process that would stand up to any scrutiny.
No doubt, this is a worker victory, and one they deserve. But it's also a victory for all those who use our airports. It's a fortunate scenario in which the arguments for economic justice and public safety are in alignment.
As we have seen during emergencies, manmade and natural, people are our greatest asset. We cannot forget this critical fact as we dedicate ourselves to upgrading so much of the region's infrastructure that is well past its prime.
Just last week, we announced a $13 billion plan to transform JFK Airport into a truly 21st-century gateway. Work is rapidly advancing on the $2.7 billion effort to replace Newark Liberty's long-reviled Terminal A with a state-of-the-art new Terminal One. And at LaGuardia, the extraordinary progress of what will be the country's first new airport in 25 years will soon see new gates come online.
We move people. That's what we do. And with increasing the minimum wage for workers our airports, we're proud to be moving them — and our region — in the right direction.
O'Toole is chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Cotton is executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.


text:
Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla: Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause
M. M. Heinricher, C. M. Haws, H. L. Fields
This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that γaminobutyric acid (GABA) is an endogeneous neurotransmitter regulating the activity of a class of putative nociceptive modultory neurons (termed "off-cells" in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) of the barbiturate-anesthetized rat. Off-cells, which are believed to correspond to the RVM output neuron that inhibits nociceptive processing at the level of the spinal cord, exhibit an abrupt pause in firing that begins immediately prior to the occurrence of the tail flick response (TF), a nocifensive reflex evoked by application of noxious heat to the tail. Single-unit recording and iontophoretic techniques were used to examine the ability of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BIC) to antagonize selectively the characteristic off-cell pause. Iontophoretic application of BIC (5-30 nA) blocked the TF-related pause in each of the off-cells tested. This effect of BIC was generally slow in onset, and outlasted the period of application by several minutes. BIC iontophoresis also eliminated the cyclic alternation between active and silent periods that is often displayed by off-cells in lightly anesthetized rats. BIC application did not have a consistent effect on the firing of two other classes of RVM neurons ("on-cells" and "neutral cells" Iontophoretically applied BIC antagonized the inhibitory effect of ionto-phoretically applied GABA, but not that produced by glycine. The glycine receptor antagonist strychnine did not mimic the action of BIC on off-cell activity. These data demonstrate antagonism of a synaptically evoked response using iontophoretic application of BIC, and provide strong evidence that the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA mediates the TF-related off-cell pause. Taken together with behavioral experiments demonstrating that a GABA-mediated inhibitory process within RVM is crucial in permitting execution of the TF response, the present observations point to the significant functional relevance of GABA transmission within RVM in modulation of nociception.
Somatosensory & Motor Research
Antinciception
Bicuculline
Pain modulation
Rostral ventromedital medulla
Sensory Systems
Dive into the research topics of 'Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla: Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
bicuculline methiodide Medicine & Life Sciences 100%
Iontophoresis Medicine & Life Sciences 93%
Nociceptors Medicine & Life Sciences 87%
Bicuculline Medicine & Life Sciences 87%
Neurotransmitter Agents Medicine & Life Sciences 13%
Aminobutyrates Medicine & Life Sciences 11%
Glycine Receptors Medicine & Life Sciences 10%
Heinricher, M. M., Haws, C. M., & Fields, H. L. (1991). Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla: Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause. Somatosensory & Motor Research, 8(3), 215-225. https://doi.org/10.3109/08990229109144745
Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla : Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause. / Heinricher, M. M.; Haws, C. M.; Fields, H. L.
In: Somatosensory & Motor Research, Vol. 8, No. 3, 1991, p. 215-225.
Heinricher, MM, Haws, CM & Fields, HL 1991, 'Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla: Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause', Somatosensory & Motor Research, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 215-225. https://doi.org/10.3109/08990229109144745
Heinricher MM, Haws CM, Fields HL. Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla: Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause. Somatosensory & Motor Research. 1991;8(3):215-225. doi: 10.3109/08990229109144745
Heinricher, M. M. ; Haws, C. M. ; Fields, H. L. / Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla : Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause. In: Somatosensory & Motor Research. 1991 ; Vol. 8, No. 3. pp. 215-225.
@article{1c18db8377dc42f3b4109ba54e367fa8,
title = "Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla: Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause",
abstract = "This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that γaminobutyric acid (GABA) is an endogeneous neurotransmitter regulating the activity of a class of putative nociceptive modultory neurons (termed {"}off-cells{"} in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) of the barbiturate-anesthetized rat. Off-cells, which are believed to correspond to the RVM output neuron that inhibits nociceptive processing at the level of the spinal cord, exhibit an abrupt pause in firing that begins immediately prior to the occurrence of the tail flick response (TF), a nocifensive reflex evoked by application of noxious heat to the tail. Single-unit recording and iontophoretic techniques were used to examine the ability of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BIC) to antagonize selectively the characteristic off-cell pause. Iontophoretic application of BIC (5-30 nA) blocked the TF-related pause in each of the off-cells tested. This effect of BIC was generally slow in onset, and outlasted the period of application by several minutes. BIC iontophoresis also eliminated the cyclic alternation between active and silent periods that is often displayed by off-cells in lightly anesthetized rats. BIC application did not have a consistent effect on the firing of two other classes of RVM neurons ({"}on-cells{"} and {"}neutral cells{"} Iontophoretically applied BIC antagonized the inhibitory effect of ionto-phoretically applied GABA, but not that produced by glycine. The glycine receptor antagonist strychnine did not mimic the action of BIC on off-cell activity. These data demonstrate antagonism of a synaptically evoked response using iontophoretic application of BIC, and provide strong evidence that the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA mediates the TF-related off-cell pause. Taken together with behavioral experiments demonstrating that a GABA-mediated inhibitory process within RVM is crucial in permitting execution of the TF response, the present observations point to the significant functional relevance of GABA transmission within RVM in modulation of nociception.",
keywords = "Antinciception, Bicuculline, GABA, Iontophoresis, Pain modulation, Rostral ventromedital medulla",
author = "Heinricher, {M. M.} and Haws, {C. M.} and Fields, {H. L.}",
note = "Funding Information: This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant Nos. DAO5608 and NS21445. We thank Mike Morgan for helpful criticism, Pat Littlefield for technical assistance, and Beth Budra for artwork.",
journal = "Somatosensory Research",
T1 - Evidence for GABA-mediated control of putative nociceptive modulating neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla
T2 - Iontophoresis of bicuculline eliminates the off-cell pause
AU - Heinricher, M. M.
AU - Haws, C. M.
AU - Fields, H. L.
N1 - Funding Information: This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant Nos. DAO5608 and NS21445. We thank Mike Morgan for helpful criticism, Pat Littlefield for technical assistance, and Beth Budra for artwork.
N2 - This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that γaminobutyric acid (GABA) is an endogeneous neurotransmitter regulating the activity of a class of putative nociceptive modultory neurons (termed "off-cells" in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) of the barbiturate-anesthetized rat. Off-cells, which are believed to correspond to the RVM output neuron that inhibits nociceptive processing at the level of the spinal cord, exhibit an abrupt pause in firing that begins immediately prior to the occurrence of the tail flick response (TF), a nocifensive reflex evoked by application of noxious heat to the tail. Single-unit recording and iontophoretic techniques were used to examine the ability of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BIC) to antagonize selectively the characteristic off-cell pause. Iontophoretic application of BIC (5-30 nA) blocked the TF-related pause in each of the off-cells tested. This effect of BIC was generally slow in onset, and outlasted the period of application by several minutes. BIC iontophoresis also eliminated the cyclic alternation between active and silent periods that is often displayed by off-cells in lightly anesthetized rats. BIC application did not have a consistent effect on the firing of two other classes of RVM neurons ("on-cells" and "neutral cells" Iontophoretically applied BIC antagonized the inhibitory effect of ionto-phoretically applied GABA, but not that produced by glycine. The glycine receptor antagonist strychnine did not mimic the action of BIC on off-cell activity. These data demonstrate antagonism of a synaptically evoked response using iontophoretic application of BIC, and provide strong evidence that the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA mediates the TF-related off-cell pause. Taken together with behavioral experiments demonstrating that a GABA-mediated inhibitory process within RVM is crucial in permitting execution of the TF response, the present observations point to the significant functional relevance of GABA transmission within RVM in modulation of nociception.
AB - This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that γaminobutyric acid (GABA) is an endogeneous neurotransmitter regulating the activity of a class of putative nociceptive modultory neurons (termed "off-cells" in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) of the barbiturate-anesthetized rat. Off-cells, which are believed to correspond to the RVM output neuron that inhibits nociceptive processing at the level of the spinal cord, exhibit an abrupt pause in firing that begins immediately prior to the occurrence of the tail flick response (TF), a nocifensive reflex evoked by application of noxious heat to the tail. Single-unit recording and iontophoretic techniques were used to examine the ability of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline methiodide (BIC) to antagonize selectively the characteristic off-cell pause. Iontophoretic application of BIC (5-30 nA) blocked the TF-related pause in each of the off-cells tested. This effect of BIC was generally slow in onset, and outlasted the period of application by several minutes. BIC iontophoresis also eliminated the cyclic alternation between active and silent periods that is often displayed by off-cells in lightly anesthetized rats. BIC application did not have a consistent effect on the firing of two other classes of RVM neurons ("on-cells" and "neutral cells" Iontophoretically applied BIC antagonized the inhibitory effect of ionto-phoretically applied GABA, but not that produced by glycine. The glycine receptor antagonist strychnine did not mimic the action of BIC on off-cell activity. These data demonstrate antagonism of a synaptically evoked response using iontophoretic application of BIC, and provide strong evidence that the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA mediates the TF-related off-cell pause. Taken together with behavioral experiments demonstrating that a GABA-mediated inhibitory process within RVM is crucial in permitting execution of the TF response, the present observations point to the significant functional relevance of GABA transmission within RVM in modulation of nociception.
KW - Antinciception
KW - Bicuculline
KW - GABA
KW - Iontophoresis
KW - Pain modulation
KW - Rostral ventromedital medulla
JO - Somatosensory Research
JF - Somatosensory Research

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The first of the two Ultima spin-offs for PC in fantastic condition (except the left spine being sun-bleached) and complete with manuals and map. It's the European box and — strangely — Mobygames doesn't have box scans of it either. The game's not that rare, is it?


Echo of Tupelo was born January 3, 2007.
Tiara was born on December 27, 2003.
She currently has a heifer calf, SE Princess, born on December 19, 2018.
Molly was born on 2/26/09.
She's a gentle, easy keeper.
She currently exposed to Altas EOT.
Magic was born on March 8, 2002.
Heidi was born on February 1, 2009 .
She is one great looking heifer.
She is currently exposed to Atlas EOT.
Uptown Girl is growing those twisty horns.
Little Star was born December 12, 2007.
She's got a pretty lacy face and a lot of horn.
Ruby was born on September 1, 2002.
She is exposed to Atlas EOT.
Victory was born on December 10, 2006.
She is expose to Atlas EOT.
Kathleen was born on April 13, 2004.
Sue Standing was born May 8, 2014.
She is currently bred to Atlas EOT for a summer calf.
Sittin Drink is out of the great Sittin Bull.
She was born a twin.
She is producing some outstanding heifers.
Frenkles was born June 23, 2005.
This girl is colored up plenty.
Sahara Sue was born on April 2, 2012.
She is colored up good and her pedigree speaks for itself.
Miss Star is a beautiful, speckled up cow.
She is currently bred to Atlas EOT 5/14 for a winter calf.
Sittin Still is growing to be an awesome cow.


5 MIN TALK: Unique Insights with Jon Steinberg, Founder & CEO, Cheddar Inc.
Jon Steinberg is the former COO and President of Buzzfeed, the former CEO of Daily Mail North America, and currently the founder and CEO of Cheddar, a video-based media company launched in 2016 that caters to millennials. Fast Company named Cheddar one of "The World's Most Innovative Companies" in spring 2017, around the same time the booming video brand received a valuation of $85 million. Having led or worked with many of the major brands shaping millennial content consumption, Steinberg is the content and trends expert to turn to when it comes to understanding the next generation of consumers. Steinberg discusses the challenges facing modern businesses, what it takes to retain a competitive edge, how to spot trends before they happen, and how to grow exponentially by accessing the millennial consumer. Now in the early stages of developing Cheddar, Steinberg is able to relate to audiences that are both established in and new to the digital space.
Known for his sharp business sense and ability to predict consumer and technological trends first, Steinberg joined Buzzfeed as COO and President in 2010 when the company only had 15 employees. Under his stewardship, Buzzfeed grew from $0 to $60 million in annual revenue and to a staff of roughly 500 at the time of his departure. Steinberg was responsible for Buzzfeed's business management, company operations, finance, and social advertising, and helped the company to become a global social advertising business working with over half of the world's top 100 brands. Named to AdAge's 2015 "40 Under 40" list as well as their 2012 "Media Mavens" list, Steinberg also sits on the board of Bustle and is an advisor to TheSkimm and Taboola. Always evolving and unrelenting in his pursuit of the next big thing, Steinberg is a fantastic choice for companies looking to push the boundaries of what is possible when it comes to marketing, content creation, native advertising, partnerships, and corporate culture.
In addition to his storied career at Buzzfeed, Steinberg served as CEO of Daily Mail North America, where he grew U.S. revenue by 45% and doubled direct advertising revenue. Steinberg played a leading role in building the company's digital media assets in the U.S., including Daily Mail's acquisition of Elite Daily and the launch of TrufflePig, a joint venture with Snapchat and WPP. Steinberg also previously served as a strategic partner development manager on Google's small medium business partnerships team, an executive in residence at Polaris Venture Partners, and founded iBuilding, a commercial real estate software company. As a high schooler, he was an intern in Walt Disney Imagineering's research and development group.
Jon Steinberg is a graduate of Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and holds an MBA from Columbia University. He is a member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and the Paley Center Media Council.
To book entrepreneur and innovation speaker Jon Steinberg, contact Executive Speakers Bureau at 901.754.9404.
Jon Steinberg knows what it takes to get a movement off the ground. After assuming the role of President and CEO of Buzzfeed in 2010, when it was just a team of 15 employees, Steinberg's vision helped grow the company to the media powerhouse it is today, pushing Buzzfeed from the edge of the internet to its epicenter. Steinberg's leadership helped generate $60 million in revenue, hiring over 500 new recruits in the process.
With this high-energy and refreshingly irreverent speech, he addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution and the disruptions to the advertising, media, and marketing worlds that have unfolded over the last decade. Touching upon the issues facing modern businesses, what it takes to retain a competitive edge, how to spot trends before they happen, and how to grow exponentially by accessing the millennial consumer, Steinberg is a great fit for small and large companies alike looking to shake up corporate culture, partnerships, marketing, content creation, and product placement with fresh ideas.
Jon Steinberg offers a highly-customizable look at the major disruptions plaguing your industry plus how to tap into the next 'big thing' to get ahead and stay there. Jon looks at how and why businesses in New York often hold on to old models and hope new models fail, while Silicon Valley executives buy new models out before they become threats. He shares insights on the early days of Buzzfeed and how his team grew it, how Cheddar is dialing into an "appointment only" mindset to speed past incumbent groups, and why the next big thing "always looks like a toy at first." Mixing hard data around changing consumer trends and industries with witty anecdotes to bring his points to life, Steinberg provides a rare look at how an innovator's mind works as they seek out holes in the market and make big business bets on them.