13-Day Jordan and Egypt Itinerary: Ancient Wonders, Desert Adventures & Nile Cruising
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through that link, I will make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your continued support!
Have you ever dreamed of wandering through ancient cities, floating in the Dead Sea, or sailing down the Nile? This 13-day Jordan and Egypt itinerary combines the best of both countries from Petra to the Pyramids to the Red Sea and more for the ultimate Middle East adventure.
From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, this itinerary is packed with bucket-list experiences for culture lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers alike.
Why Visit Jordan and Egypt Together?
Both countries are steeped in history and offer some of the world’s most iconic sights. Petra and the Pyramids. The Dead Sea and the Nile. Bedouin camps and Red Sea resorts. Combining Jordan and Egypt in one trip allows you to experience the diversity and magic of the Middle East, all in under two weeks.
Initially, we considered Turkey. It was on our list for so long. Its blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty had us both excited. But after the tragic Istanbul airport bombing in 2016, we knew it wasn’t the right time for us to take on that leg of the journey just yet. Instead, we set our sights on Jordan.
Jordan felt like the perfect alternative. We were still getting a taste of the Middle East, and with its ancient wonders like Petra and a once-in-a-lifetime dip into the Dead Sea, we knew we were in for an unforgettable adventure. So, we packed our bags, put our worries aside, and started booking the trip of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Jordan
Explore Amman’s Roman ruins and vibrant downtown. Highlights include:
The Roman Theatre
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Stay overnight in Amman and enjoy your first taste of Jordanian cuisine.
Day 2: Dead Sea Day Trip
Drive to the Dead Sea for a day of floating and relaxing. Stay at a spa resort like the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa. Don’t forget to try the mineral-rich mud! It’s nature’s ultimate skin treatment.
Day 3: Castles & Petra
En route to Petra, stop at:
Karak Castle and Shobak Castle
Arrive at Petra by late afternoon
Overnight at Seven Wonders Luxury Camp, a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum for stargazing and traditional tea
Day 4: Petra at Sunrise + Travel to Egypt
Visit Petra at sunrise for quiet views of the Treasury
Cross into Egypt and fly to Sharm El-Sheikh
Prepare for your Mount Sinai sunrise hike the next day
Day 5: Sunrise Hike & Red Sea Relaxation
Spend the afternoon relaxing along the Red Sea
Day 6: Travel to Cairo
Fly to Cairo and check into a hotel near the Pyramids
Visit the Egyptian Museum (unfortunately for me, I was recovering from food poisoning, so we missed out on this!)
Day 7: Explore the Pyramids of Giza
Ride camels and hire a local guide for the best experience
Day 8: Fly to Luxor + Nile Sunset Sail
Short flight to Luxor
Day 9: Valley of the Kings
Board your luxury nile cruise
Visit tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Optional stops: Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, Colossi of Memnon
Day 10: Hot Air Balloon & Karnak Temple
Early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor
Explore Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes in the world
Day 11: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
Sail to Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus
Visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods
Day 12: Abu Simbel Temples
Early morning flight or drive to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Return to Aswan for the night
Day 13: Aswan & Departure
Visit the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple
Return flight to Cairo and prepare for international departure
Is Jordan and Egypt Safe to Visit?
We visited in 2017 and had a smooth, unforgettable trip. While travel advisories can fluctuate, guided tours, local insight, and situational awareness go a long way. Jordan felt extremely safe throughout. In Egypt, we were cautious and stayed informed but never felt unsafe.
Tips for Planning a Jordan & Egypt Trip:
Book a guided tour for Egypt’s temples and pyramids
Stay at Dead Sea resorts for the best beach access
Travel between countries via regional flights
Check visa requirements for both Jordan and Egypt
Start in Jordan for a slower-paced intro to the region
Ready to Plan Your Middle East Itinerary?
Whether you want to recreate our journey or customize your own, this 13-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, history, and relaxation. Book your flights, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the wonders of Jordan and Egypt.
Need help planning your trip? As a travel advisor, I can help you design a personalized itinerary with guided tours, trusted accommodations, and exclusive tips.
Reach out today to get started on your own Middle East adventure!
