Jordan Itineraries Lasting 12 Days (the Best 4 for First-Timers)

12 days is an excellent length of time for spending a vacation exploring the highlights of Jordan without rushing. It is also very feasible to have a cross-border trip including Jordan's popular neighboring countries within 12 days, i.e. Egypt or/and Israel, allowing you to enjoy a varied experience and make the most of your time.

In this article, we provide four well-designed 12-day Jordan itineraries: a Jordan-only option and three cross-border recommendations.

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1.A 12-Day Jordan Itinerary: Visit the Country in Depth

Roman Theatre in Amman, Jordan

This itinerary is perfect for families or couples who are exploring the best of Jordan for the first time. It offers the opportunity to experience Jordan's rich history, engage in unique activities, and marvel at its breathtaking natural beauty — all at a relaxed pace. 

Here is the suggested itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Amman (well-preserved Roman ruins)
• Days 4–5: the Dead Sea (enjoy effortless floating)
• Days 6–7: Petra (a rose-red sandstone city)
• Days 8–9: Wadi Rum (a lunar-like landscape)
• Days 10–11: Aqaba (relax on the beach and go snorkeling)
• Day 12: departure

You'll explore the best-preserved Roman-style city in the ancient city of Jerash, experience floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea, witness the awe-inspiring rose-red sandstone city of Petra, discover the lunar-like landscape in Wadi Rum, and enjoy some free time in the seaside city of Aqaba. 

For a special experience, we'll arrange some authentic and special activities for you to have a better trip. For example, embark on an adventurous desert safari to explore the epic red canyons in a landscape that's similar to the surface of the moon and stay in a luxury camping tent to enjoy romantic nights under the starry sky.

You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirements. 

2.A 12-Day Jordan and Egypt Itinerary for Families with Teenagers

Floating on the Dead Sea with your kids

This 12-day Jordan and Egypt itinerary offers diverse cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and relaxation. It is a good choice for a family trip, whether it's for celebrating a birthday, a graduation gift, or Christmas and New Year. It allows you and your teenage kids to explore the main highlights in both countries through family-friendly activities, adding more fun to your trip.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Cairo (camel riding and the Giza pyramid complex)
• Days 4–7: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (a high-end houseboat for 10–12 people)
• Days 8–9: the Dead Sea (effortless floating)
• Days 10–11: Petra (a desert safari in Wadi Rum)
• Day 12: depart from Amman

This itinerary provides a blend of character-filled and exciting exploration in Jordan and Egypt, beyond the popular tourist attractions.

Highlights of this itinerary include taking a high-end houseboat (a traditional dahabiya) designed only for 10–12 people, which we've carefully selected for you to enjoy the scenery along the Nile River, floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea in Jordan, and taking an adventurous desert safari to explore the landscape resembling the surface of the moon in Wadi Rum.

In addition, you'll have the opportunity to experience the culture and history of Egypt at a deeper level. For example, first visit the oldest pyramid and then visit the famous Giza pyramid complex to get a more comprehensive understanding of the history of ancient Egypt. When you go ashore during a Nile River cruise to see the sights, we would arrange a private guide to give you an in-depth explanation of the historical attractions rather than being part of a group excursion.

Interested? See the detailed itinerary, which we can modify according to your interests and requirements.  For family trips during Christmas and the New Year, departing before December 20th will obtain a cheaper price for international flight tickets.

2-Week Egypt and Jordan Family Adventure Tour

3.A 12-Day Jordan and Egypt Itinerary for Couples

Take a hot-air balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt

This itinerary is designed for couples to enjoy an anniversary, a big birthday, or any milestone event. The trip would take you through various charming destinations, such as Cairo, Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.

This itinerary includes several unique activities for couples to engage in, fostering intimacy and creating cherished memories. For example, take a hot-air balloon ride and stay in a luxury tent nestled in a desert camp under the starry sky.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Cairo (view the pyramids from the balcony of the hotel)
• Days 4–7: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor (take a hot-air balloon ride)
• Days 8–9: Petra (watch Petra by Night)
• Day 10: Wadi Rum (stay in a high-class camping tent under the starry night sky)
• Day 11: the Dead Sea
• Day 12: depart from Amman

Start your wonderful journey in Cairo by visiting incredible pyramids and collections from ancient Egypt. Besides riding a camel to see the pyramids up close, we can also arrange for you to stay in a hotel with a balcony overlooking the pyramids, which is also an attractive way to see the pyramids with fewer people.

Experiencing a Nile cruise is the top thing you should not miss in Egypt. We've carefully selected a high-end houseboat (only accommodating 10–12 people) for you to enjoy a more private and intimate atmosphere. We can arrange a private guide for you to give you a lively explanation of historical attractions when you're ashore instead of a group excursion.

Taking a hot-air balloon ride in Luxor is a romantic activity that we highly recommend for couples, providing you with an amazing aerial view of the city in the sunshine.

Fly to Jordan to see the rose-red sandstone city that's carved into the cliffs of Petra. It also offers unique charm at night when candles illuminate the entire area during the Petra by Night event, creating a romantic atmosphere.

Continue your trip to Wadi Rum to explore its landscape, resembling the surface of the moon, by taking an exciting desert safari. Experience a memorable getaway in a high-class camping tent in the desert to enjoy the starry night, which is undoubtedly the best way to spend time together.

Let us help you plan your trip! Contact us and we will create a trip based on your group size, time, budget, interests, and other requirements.

12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands

4.12-Day Best of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt Itinerary: Culture, History, and Nature

Riding a camel in front of the pyramids in Egypt

This itinerary is an ideal option for first-timers who have read about the world-famous historical sites in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt many times since childhood and want to explore the highlights in a limited time. It is especially suitable for families with teenagers.

With this itinerary, you could enjoy many family-friendly activities to explore the best of these three countries' rich histories and cultures, breathtaking scenery, and exciting outdoor activities.

Here is the handpicked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Jerusalem (a holy city in Israel)
• Day 4: the Dead Sea (experience floating effortlessly)
• Days 5–6: Petra (a rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs)
• Days 7–8: Cairo (an ancient city filled with rich history and culture)
• Days 9–11: a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
• Day 12: depart from Cairo

To keep teenagers engaged and interested throughout the trip, we would arrange various adolescent-friendly activities and something for everyone to enjoy.

In Israel, you'd have the opportunity to explore the Western Wall tunnels and see the sound and light show at the Tower of David Museum. If your family wants to visit the historical sites portrayed in the Bible, contact us and our experienced travel consultants would customize the itinerary based on your requests.

In Jordan, experience floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea while holding a newspaper to take a classic photo, and immerse yourself in an adventurous desert safari to discover the lunar-like landscape in Wadi Rum.

In Egypt, take a camel ride to explore the mysterious and incredible Giza pyramid complex, appreciate the scenery along the Nile River by boarding a high-class houseboat that's exclusively for 10–12 people, and get a deeper understanding of the historic sites when you go ashore with a private guide instead of a group excursion. 

If you could add 2–3 days more to your vacation, unwinding by sunbathing on a beach in Hurghada is a great choice for you to enjoy some free time at the end of your trip.

Just let us know your interests and requirements, and we can help make it happen.

15-Day Best of Israel Jordan and Egypt Family Tour

How Much Is a 12-Day Trip to Jordan?

A private trip to Jordan costs about US$250–350 per day per person, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, transportation, tickets for attractions, a private guide, and a private car. 

Therefore, the total cost for 12 days in Jordan is about US$6,000–11,000 per person based on a group of 2–4 people.

If you want to have a cross-border trip to Egypt and Israel, the private tour cost in Egypt is from US$200-300 per day per person, while the cost in Israel starts at about US$500.