Cairo, Egypt is a city where ancient wonders meet modern vibrance, a place where you can stand in the shadow of the Great Pyramid in the morning and sip mint tea in a centuries-old bazaar by afternoon. As Egypt’s capital and largest city, Cairo is often the starting point for exploring the Nile, but it’s also a destination worth savoring on its own. During our first trip to the Middle East, we had a blast visiting sites from Jordan to Egypt, but Cairo was a standout for many reasons… and also one we’re so eager to get back to one day since food poisoning kept us from seeing lots of sites on our bucket list.

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.