How to Plan A Trip to Egypt and Jordan

Planning a trip to Egypt and Jordan? This complete travel guide covers everything from must-see spots and sample itineraries to visa info and the best time to go, perfect for first-timers dreaming of an epic Middle East adventure.

How to Plan A Trip to Egypt and Jordan

Can I see both Egypt and Jordan in one trip? People who are planning their first trip to the Middle East may come up with this question very often. And the answer is definitely "YES". Look at the map, Egypt and Jordan share a land border across the Gulf of Aqaba, making a combined trip quite feasible.

Egypt & Jordan Location Map

Now, next question coming: how to plan a trip to Egypt and Jordan? Read on, we'll show you all the things you need to know.

How Many Days Do You Need?

When it comes to this kind of question, the answer may sound repetitive, but it's true: it depends. The ideal trip length really varies based on your interests, budget, and travel style.

If you ask me, "I only have one week. Can I explore both Egypt and Jordan in one trip?" My answer would be yes, it is possible. But it'll be a fast-paced journey. You will need to rush from one city to another, and focus only on the most iconic sights. For example, you could spend 3 days in Cairo exploring the Pyramids of Giza, the museum, and the city, then fly to Luxor for 2 days to take in ancient temples, and finally head to Petra in Jordan for a 2-day exploration.

For a relatively relaxed tour, I recommend spending at least 10 days exploring both Egypt and Jordan. Thus, you can take a 4-day Nile cruise tour between Aswan and Luxor after exploring Cairo, before flying to Jordan.

If you'd like to include a beach holiday at the Red Sea or Dead Sea, or taking an adventure to Wadi Rum plan for 14 days or more. And if you're traveling with kids, consider adding 2 or 3 extra days to your itinerary for a more flexible pace and time to rest each day.

Where to Visit in Egypt and Jordan?

Must-Visit Places in Egypt

Cairo

Cairo is your natural starting point in Egypt. Why is it a must-visit? Of course, the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Nothing quite prepares you for seeing them in person.

Don't skip the new Grand Egyptian Museum either. It's near to the Giza Pyramids and is home to thousands of pharaonic treasures. In Old Cairo, the Hanging Church and the bustling Khan el-Khalili market will tell you the history and culture of this city.

Nile River

A Nile cruise is a classic Egyptian experience, and one of the most relaxing ways to explore the temples between Luxor and Aswan. Depending on your cruise type, you can spend 3 to 4 nights drifting along the river, stopping at famous spots like Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Philae Temple. The scenery is beautiful, the pace is slow, and the historical sites are simply spectacular.

Luxor

Often called the world's greatest open-air museum, Luxor is unmissable. It's where you'll find the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were buried, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and the grand Karnak Temple complex. The city itself is fairly small, but its importance is huge. Plan at least two full days here if you want to dive deep into Egypt's ancient past.

The Red Sea

If you want to mix some beach time with your cultural exploration, the Red Sea coast is the place to be. Head to Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh for snorkeling, diving, or just soaking up the sun. The water is crystal clear, the coral reefs are vibrant, and there are plenty of resorts for every style, whether you're on a honeymoon or a family trip. It's highly recommended to add 2-3 days here if your time allows.

Must-Visit Places in Jordan

Amman

Jordan's capital is often overlooked, but it offers a great blend of ancient ruins and modern city life. Explore the Roman Theater, wander through the Amman Citadel, and don't miss Jerash, just a short drive north. Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Its colonnaded streets, amphitheaters, and temples are incredibly impressive.

Petra

This is the crown jewel of Jordan. Carved into rose-red cliffs by the Nabataeans, Petra is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and totally deserves the title.

You can have a full day to explore, but two days gives you time to see beyond the famous Treasury and hike up to spots like the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice. Don't forget to bring good walking shoes!

Wadi Rum

If you've ever wanted to feel like you've landed on another planet, Wadi Rum is the place. Known as the Valley of the Moon, this desert landscape is filled with towering sandstone formations, red sand dunes, and ancient petroglyphs.

You can take a 4x4 desert tour, ride camels at sunset, or even stay overnight in a Bedouin-style camp under the stars. It's a magical experience and a perfect addition after Petra.

Dead Sea

After all the exploring, the Dead Sea is the perfect place to wind down. Floating effortlessly in its salty waters is a one-of-a-kind experience. You'll find plenty of resorts along the shore where you can enjoy a mud spa treatment or just soak up the views. One or two nights here is perfect before you wrap up your Jordan adventure.

How Should You Organize Your Itinerary?

I've already shared some suggestions on how much time to spend in each destination, but let's pull everything together for a clearer picture.

Suggested 10-Day Egypt & Jordan Itinerary

If you've got around 10 days to explore Egypt and Jordan, here's a sample itinerary to help you make the most of it:

Egypt & Jordan Classic Tour Route Map

Egypt (7 Days )

Cairo - 3 Days: Kick off your adventure in Egypt's dynamic capital. After arriving and unwinding, dive into ancient wonders with a visit to the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, followed by a tour of the Egyptian Museum. Explore the spiritual and cultural heart of Old Cairo, from historic churches and synagogues to lively bazaars.

Nile River Cruise - 4 Days (Aswan → Luxor): Next, fly to Aswan and board your cruise ship for a laid-back and scenic journey along the Nile.

• Aswan: Tour the High Dam, Philae Temple, and enjoy a felucca ride at sunset.
• Kom Ombo: Visit the fascinating double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
• Edfu: Explore the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved in Egypt.
• Luxor: Marvel at the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and the grand temples of Karnak and Luxor.
• Tip: After the cruise, take a short flight to Amman via Cairo to start your Jordan leg.

Jordan (3 Days)

Amman - 1 Day: Visit the Amman Citadel and Roman Theater, then head out to Jerash, where you'll find some of the best Roman ruins outside of Italy.

Petra - 2 Days: Spend a full day at Petra exploring the Siq, the iconic Treasury, and if you've got the energy, hike up to the Monastery for an epic view.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Egypt and Jordan Explorer 12 DAYS Explore This Tour

For 14-Day+ Vacation

If you've got more than 10 days to spare, you can take your Egypt and Jordan adventure to the next level. Here are a few sample routes to consider:

Option 1: Egypt & Jordan Heritage Exploration

Route: Cairo - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Nile Cruise - Amman - Petra - Dead Sea

Building on the 10-day itinerary, the additional days offer more opportunities to explore the rich heritage of both Egypt and Jordan, from the pyramids of Cairo and the temples of Abu Simbel to the ancient ruins of Jerash and the rose-red city of Petra. To conclude your journey, a dip in the healing waters of the Dead Sea offers the perfect way to relax.

Itinerary Map of Egypt & Jordan Heritage Exploration

Option 2: Classic Egypt & Jordan Tour Plus Red Sea Holiday

Route: Cairo - Aswan - Nile Cruise - Sharm El-Sheikh - Amman - Petra - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea

This is a much more relaxing route than the former one since it adds more time to enjoy the stunning beaches of the Red Sea, while a day excursion to the other-planet-like Wadi Rum.

Classic Egypt & Jordan Tour Plus Red Sea Holiday

Option 3: Ultimate Egypt & Jordan Tour Route

Route: Amman - Petra - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea - Cairo - Alexandria - Aswan - Nile Cruise - Luxor - Hurghada

Beginning in Jordan, this itinerary offers a well-rounded journey through both countries, covering iconic highlights like Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, the Great Pyramids, vibrant Alexandria, a luxury Nile cruise, and a relaxing Red Sea retreat in Hurghada. Due to the extensive coverage, better plan for a trip lasting around 18 to 20 days.

Ultimate Egypt & Jordan Tour Route

Honestly, if you're planning a multi-country tour in the Middle East, whether for seamless connections or added safety, it's best to book with a reliable tour company. If you contact Odynovo, you will have an experienced travel expert to create a personalized itinerary based on your interests and schedule and handle all your reservations and land tour arrangements. That means you can skip the hassle of figuring out the itinerary order yourself.

What's the Best Way to Travel From Egypt to Jordan?

The easiest and most efficient way to travel between Egypt and Jordan is by air. Direct flights operate regularly between Cairo and Amman, and the journey takes just under 1.5 hours. For any Egypt tour ending in Cairo, this route is super convenient. Some travelers also opt to fly from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada to Amman when they enjoy some beach time in the Red Sea before heading to Jordan.

There's also a ferry option from Nuweiba (Egypt) to Aqaba (Jordan), but it's less predictable in terms of schedule and comfort. It might suit more adventurous or slow-paced travelers. But for most people, flying is the way to go: quick, easy, and hassle-free. If you're booking a tour with us, we can take care of all the transfers and flight arrangements for you.

What's the Best Time for Both Egypt and Jordan?

The best time to visit Egypt and Jordan is during the cooler months, between October and April. During this period, the weather is perfect for sightseeing: warm days, mild evenings, and minimal rain. You can explore ancient temples, wander through Petra, or float in the Dead Sea without battling extreme heat.

Just keep in mind that Easter, Christmas, and New Year can be peak times for tourists, so it's a good idea to plan ahead. This makes March and April and October to early November especially ideal. These shoulder seasons strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Do You Need A Visa?

Yes, travelers do need visas for both Egypt and Jordan. But the good news is, it's usually a straightforward process.

• For Egypt:

Most travelers can easily get a visa on arrival at the airport or apply for an e-visa online before their trip. The tourist visa is typically valid for 30 days.

• For Jordan:

Jordan also offers a visa on arrival for many nationalities, valid for 30 days. But here's a tip: if you're planning to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, and other top sights, it's worth looking into the Jordan Pass. It includes visa fee waivers and entry to over 40 attractions, making it a smart and budget-friendly option.

Always double-check visa rules based on your nationality before your trip, as they can change. Or better yet, let your travel expert handle the details.