3-Week Itineraries to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel for First-Timers

By Rita | Updated Jul. 21, 2023

Egypt, Jordan, and Israel are one of the popular combos among the Middle East trips. Three weeks is great to have if you want to see most of the highlights of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel.

In this article, we aim to help you get inspired with our top two highly-praised 3-week travel itineraries, specifically designed for families and couples.

How to Spend Your 3 Weeks in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

Valley of the KingsTake the hotair bollon over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor

Traveling to these three countries, you're advised to start from either Egypt or Israel to save time on transportation. As for the time allocation, we recommend spending most of your time in Egypt owing to its comparatively vast land area with diverse experiences.

A classic Egypt tour usually covers Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. The pyramids, a Nile cruise, and the grand temples are not to be missed on a first-time visit. Hurghada offers the best beach vacations on the Red Sea. 7 to 12 days are recommended to discover its highlights.

Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea form the basis of Jordan tours. You could go on a quick 5-day essential tour or embark on an 8-day in-depth exploration.

When taking a multi-country trip, many make a short stop in Israel to pilgrimage to Jerusalem for 4 days. If you have any specific interests in Israel, we're always happy to customize a dream-fulfilling trip for you.

3-Week Itinerary for Couples: Romantically Exploring the Best of Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

the Great Sphinxthe Great Sphinx

If you're looking for a romantic getaway with immersive cultural experiences, this itinerary is best for you.

Adding some exclusive experiences would brighten your romantic trip further and create lifetime memories. You and your partner could take a camel ride to discover the iconic pyramids, go for a sunrise balloon ride over Luxor, and join in a candle-lit night experience in Petra.

There are still more romantic experiences in the following handcrafted itinerary with 9 days in Egypt, 8 days in Jordan, and 4 days in Israel. You could also let us know your interests and we would happily tailor-make your dream trip.

Map of Egypt Jordan and Egypt tour

9 Days in Egypt

  • Days 1–4 in Cairo (pyramids, the Great Sphinx, museums, bazaars, and El Tannoura dance show, a day trip to Alexandria)
  • Days 5–6: Nile cruise from Luxor (cruise check-in, Luxor Temple, the Karnak temple complex, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon)
  • Day 7: Nile cruise (the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu)
  • Days 8–9: Nile cruise, disembarking in Aswan (Aswan city tour visiting the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel; cruise check-out)

When traveling in Egypt, your trip is not completed without pyramids. In addition to the most famous Giza complex, we have specially arranged a visit to the more peaceful Saqqara for the Step Pyramid (the oldest pyramid in Egypt). You could also capture sunrise and sunset photos with mesmerizing pyramid views effortlessly from our handpicked boutique hotel.

A Nile cruise is not to be missed for a relaxing romantic escape. To get away from the chaotic groups, you're recommended to take our carefully selected small boats (just for 10–12 people). You'll have more exclusive experiences on board and offshore, offering more intimate hours.

8 Days in Jordan

  • Days 10–11 in Amman (the Citadel, the ancient city of Jerash, Mount Nebo, a foodie tour)
  • Days 12–14 in Petra (sandstone city of Petra, Petra by Night)
  • Days 15–16 in Wadi Rum (Martian landscapes in Wadi Rum, a desert safari, desert camping with stargazing)
  • Day 17 at the Dead Sea in Jordan (Bethany Beyond the Jordan, floating on the Dead Sea)

In Jordan, Petra presents you with a lost civilization that once lived in a significant sandstone city. The impressive Petra by Night would bring a tranquil and romantic occasion to you and your loved one. You can also enjoy the seemingly-magic power of nature when floating without trying on the Dead Sea.

For once-in-a-lifetime moments, you and your beloved could go camping on a desert safari in Wadi Rum with unique bubble-shaped tents, starry nights, and exotic bonfire parties. Contact us to create your own special occasions!

4 Days in Israel

  • Days 18–21 in Jerusalem (the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives)

As the holy land, Israel is a region unlike any other, and Jerusalem is the pearl of Israel. Discover the secrets of Jerusalem's Old City, including the Western Wall in the Jewish Quarter and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter. Contact us to personalize your Israel trip if you would like to visit more biblical sites, for example.

Beach time is not included in this itinerary. If you want some relaxing beach time, we suggest adding 4–7 days in Hurghada, Egypt or Aqaba, Jordan. They offer a superior experience and better value for your money compared with beaches in Israel.

A 3-week Pilgrimage Trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

With this Bible-based trip, you'd delve into the holy Jerusalem and Galilee in Israel, discover the Jordan River baptismal site, one of the oldest Saint George's Church and Mount Nebo in Jordan, and then explore Coptic Cairo (Christian area) and Mount Sinai in Egypt.

Here is a typical pilgrimage tour itinerary for your reference: 8 days in Egypt, 6 days in Jordan, and 7 days in Israel. Or click Create My Trip and we'll customize your ideal trip based on your preferences.

Map of Egypt Jordan and Egypt tour

7 Days in Israel

  • Days 1–2 in Tel Aviv (the ancient city of Jaffa with a sunset dinner )
  • Days 3–4 in Tiberias (a cruise tour of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth)
  • Days 5–7 in Jerusalem (the Western Wall and its tunnels, the Via Dolorosa, the Mount of Olives, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a spectacular night view, and a day trip to Bethlehem)

Besides the holy Jerusalem, you ll head off the beaten path and explore iconic religious sites, such as Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee in Tiberias.

Sacred sites in Israel may experience variations in their opening hours and accessibility during Fridays and Saturdays, in observance of the Sabbath and other religious holidays. Our travel experts, who are well-informed about the latest updates, will design the optimal itinerary for your needs.

6 Days in Jordan

  • Days 8–9 at the Dead Sea in Jordan (Bethany Beyond the Jordan, floating on the Dead Sea, a day trip to Amman with a food tour and ancient relics)
  • Days 10–11 in Petra (Mount Nebo, Saint George's Church in Madaba, highlights of the sandstone city of Petra, and Petra by Night)
  • Days 12–13 in Wadi Rum (a desert safari and camping)

Your pilgrimage trip will continue to Jordan. You won t want to miss Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, and Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus was baptized.

8 Days in Egypt

  • Days 14–15 in Cairo (the Giza pyramid complex with a camel ride, Coptic Cairo including the Hanging Church, Wadi El Natrun, the Khan el-Khalili market, and the Egyptian Museum)
  • Days 16–17 in Luxor (the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak temple complex, sunrise balloon rides, and sunset felucca sail on the Nile)
  • Days 18–21 in Sharm El Sheikh (Saint Catherine's Monastery and a trek up Mount Sinai, snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach)

You have the opportunity to trace the path of the Holy Family, from the desert monasteries in Wadi El Natrun to the shores of the Red Sea and the sacred summit of Mount Sinai.

Trekking up Mount Sinai is a must for pilgrims. Saint Catherine's, nestled beneath it, is also a place worth visiting. Instead of trekking with the flocking groups at midnight, we ll arrange a day hikefor a more peaceful experience.

What could be more enticing than unwinding on the beach after an exhilarating hike? Sharm El Sheikh is one of the best choices for abundant luxury beachfront resorts and stunning sea views.

How Much Does a 3-Week Egypt, Jordan, and Israel Tour Cost?

float effortlessly on the Dead SeaFloat effortlessly on the Dead Sea

For families or couples traveling in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, a private personalized tour can provide an exclusive and stress-free experience. Your private tour guides would also help you to fully understand their countries' rich histories and religious traditions.

These three countries have different cost levels. If you take a private tour, the costs in Israel are the highest at US$500+ per day per person, while an Egyptian tour costs the lowest at US$150–250 per day per person. A private Jordan tour falls in the range of US$200–300 per day per person.

Therefore, for a 3-week private Egypt, Jordan, and Israel tour, you would usually need to pay approximately US$15,000–21,000 for a couple's trip, excluding the international airfares to and from your home country. You can learn more price details in our popular Middle East tours>>>

To save costs, you could invite your wider family or some friends to share the costs and create a memorable journey together. You could also contact us 3-6 months in advance to get some early-bird booking perks.

Personalizing Your Middle East Trips With Us

You are warmly welcomed to have us customize your own trip based on your group size, interests, and other needs. Sit back and use our Create My Trip service.

In addition to the above itineraries, we also have other itineraries you may be interested in:

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

12-Day Best Egypt Tour with Sharm El Sheikh 12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour with Abu Simbel 15-Day Egypt and Kenya Highlights Tour 16-Day Grand Egypt Tour with White Desert

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

How to Plan a Trip to Egypt and Jordan in 2024/2025 How to Plan a Nile River Cruise in Egypt 2024/2025 How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Egypt and Jordan Best and Worst Times to Visit Egypt and Jordan 2024/2025
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