Travel Agent Radiokop, Johannesburg

Egypt and Jordan now count as one of my top experiences. The visual impact of the Nile River running through the desert, the size and design of the ancient temples and objects as wells as the laid back atmosphere on a Nile Cruise, all make for one of the best experiences one can have. A few nights in Cairo is all you need to see the Egyptian Museum, the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Escape the bustle of Cairo on a leisurely cruise down the Nile and be surprised around every bend with temples such as Kom Ombo. Enjoy the enchanting traditional dance shows. Arrive in beautiful Aswan and enjoy the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple. Take an early morning bus journey through the desert to view the magnificent Abu Simbel and the Aswan Dam as a half day journey.

Cross the Sinai Desert (after climbing Mount Sinai for a magnificent sunrise) and cross the Red Sea by ferry to arrive in the coastal town of Aqaba In Jordan. Aqaba offer activities such as diving and snorkelling. Move north into Jordan and have tea with the Bedouins at Wadi Rum and spend a few days at Petra, the mysterious rose-red city where your imagination will run wild.

On the way to Amman, swim (or rather float) in the Dead Sea, visit sites such as the Crusader Castle, Karak and the town of Madaba, famous for its mosaics. In Madaba one can view the oldest known map of ancient Palestine. The map sits on the floor of the church of St George and is still in excellent condition.

A few days in the white limestone city of Amman is all you need to visit the various sites as well as Jerash, the remains of the largest provincial Roman City. Enjoy the local food, sweets and tea and smoke a shish pipe. It is easy to fly to Egypt and Jordan with daily flights from Johannesburg on Egypt Air, now a Star Alliance partner.