How to Plan a 2-Week Itinerary in Egypt and Jordan

A trip to Egypt and Jordan is an attractive combo for many travelers, especially for families with teenagers and retired couples. These two countries are neighbors (with flights of about 1½ hours between them) and together offer unique and diverse experiences. To have a memorable journey, we suggest you spend at least 12 days to cover both countries: 7+ days in Egypt and 5+ days in Jordan.

Immerse yourself in ancient Egypt: ride a camel to visit the awe-inspiring Giza pyramid complex and take an impressive Nile cruise to witness the sights along the river. Indulge in the charming aspects of Jordan: explore the incredible rose-red sandstone city of Petra, embark on a desert safari in Wadi Rum, and experience floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea.

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Do I Need a Visa to Visit Egypt and Jordan?

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia, require a visa to visit each of Egypt and Jordan, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. Travelers can obtain e-visas for Egypt and Jordan online to save time — use Egypt's official visa website and Jordan's official visa website to apply.

2-Week Egypt and Jordan Itineraries: The Best 2 Options

Here are two well-designed Egypt–Jordan itineraries that cover the highlights of both countries, catering to the needs of families and couples in separate tour plans.

1) A Classic Route (for Families with Teenagers)

Floating effortlessly on the Dead Sea

This itinerary would be perfect for a family's first time exploration of Egypt and Jordan, with lots of family-friendly activities.

• Experience the awe-inspiring pyramids on camelback and marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx.
• Experience a delicious food tour in Cairo and savor the vibrant flavors of the local cuisine.
• Float effortlessly on the Dead Sea as you experience the healing powers of its mineral-rich waters.
• Embark on a traditional dahabiya Nile cruise and sail through the heart of Egypt's ancient history.
• Discover priceless artifacts within the Egyptian Museum, in particular Tutankhamun's golden mask.
• Uncover the secrets of the Luxor Temple and explore the enthralling Valley of the Kings.
• Traverse Petra's rose-hued canyons, discovering their remarkable sandstone facades and timeless history.
• Explore the mesmerizing expanse of Wadi Rum and find yourself transported to "Mars" right here on Earth.

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Here is the well-selected itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Cairo
• Days 4–7: Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
• Days 8–9: The Dead Sea
• Days 10–12: Petra
• Day 13: Depart from Amman

Days 1–3: Cairo

Giza pyramids in Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is the capital and the city to enter Egypt. Learn about its history by visiting the early pyramids and then the famous pyramids of Giza for contrast. Take a camel ride to explore the pyramids from a different perspective, and discover the Egyptian Museum, which houses ancient treasures, such as the golden mask of Tutankhamun and mummies.

Days 4–7: Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor

Nile cruise

Take a cozy and exquisite dahabiya houseboat we have selected for you to appreciate the scenery and historical sites along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor. We would arrange a private guide to visit the highlights with you when you go ashore and a trip in the world's best-value-for-money hot-air balloon in Luxor.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Family Trip to Egypt >>>

Days 8–9: The Dead Sea

Head to the Dead Sea in Jordan to experience floating effortlessly on the water. Also, you can discover the Roman ruins in Amman and Jerash to witness the ancient history there.

Days 10–12: Petra

Petra in Jordan

Explore the charming rose-red sandstone city of Petra, appreciate the majestic Treasury, and immerse yourself in the beauty of this ancient architectural wonder. For an adventurous experience, take a day trip to Wadi Rum, which has a similar landscape to the surface of the moon, and enjoy an exciting desert safari with your family.

For family trips during Christmas and the New Year, departing before December 20th is beneficial for obtaining cheaper international flight tickets.

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2-Week Egypt and Jordan Family Adventure Tour

2) A Route Perfect for Couples

Petra, Jordan

For couples who want to discover the highlights of Egypt and Jordan and enjoy a romantic time together, this itinerary is designed for you. Some activities suitable for couples are specially included.

• Experience quality time away from the routine, learn together, and cherish romantic moments under the starry sky of Wadi Rum.
• Sail along the majestic Nile River on a dahabiya, immersing yourselves in the timeless beauty of this historic waterway.
• Float effortlessly on the Dead Sea as you experience the healing powers of its mineral-rich waters.
• Experience a delicious food tour in Cairo and savor the vibrant flavors of the local cuisine.
• Discover priceless artifacts within the Egyptian Museum, in particular Tutankhamun's golden mask.
• Uncover the secrets of Hatshepsut's Temple and explore the enthralling Valley of the Kings.
• Traverse Petra's rose-hued canyons, discovering their remarkable sandstone facades and timeless history.
• Traverse the awe-inspiring Giza pyramid complex atop a camel, allowing their grandeur to envelop your senses.

Here is the hand-picked itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Cairo
• Days 4–7: Nile cruise
• Days 8–9: Petra
• Day 10: Wadi Rum
• Day 11: The Dead Sea
• Day 12: Depart from Amman

Days 1–3: Cairo

Camel riding in front of the pyramids

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is an ancient marvel with a rich history. Explore the impressive Giza pyramid complex and be amazed by the ancient civilization, meander around the local bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar to buy a characteristic souvenir, and immerse yourself in the Egyptian Museum to see the treasures that have been preserved from ancient times.

Days 4–7: Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor

Enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Luxor

Immerse yourself in a unique perspective of Egypt by staying aboard a romantic and intimate ship — a dahabiya that we have hand-selected for you. We would arrange a private guide to visit the highlights with you when you go ashore and a trip in the world's best value for money hot-air balloon in Luxor.

Days 8–9: Petra

Petra at night

Be surprised by the rose-red sandstone city carved into the cliffs. Wander through the narrow Siq and view the Monastery to appreciate the incredible beauty of this old city, enjoy the captivating atmosphere of Petra by Night, and visit the well-preserved Roman ruins in Amman and Jerash.

Day 10: Wadi Rum

Camping on Wadi Rum

Enjoy a starry night with your partner at a desert tent hotel in Wadi Rum where the landscape resembles the surface of the moon. During the daytime, embark on an adventure desert safari to explore the vast desert together. As night falls, enjoy camping for an intimate and unforgettable experience in the desert.

Day 11: The Dead Sea

Take a day tour to the Dead Sea to experience floating effortlessly on this unique salt lake.

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

How Much Does 2 Weeks in Egypt and Jordan Cost?

A 2-week Egypt and Jordan trip costs about US$5,500–7,500 per person based on a group of 2–4 people.

A private tour in Egypt costs about US$200–250 per day per person, and the cost in Jordan is about US$200–300 per day per person, including 4-star hotels, a full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, a private car, and a private guide.

Travel costs in peak seasons can double, such as at Christmas and New Year. We suggest you plan ahead and make a reservation at least 6 months in advance.

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Best Times to Visit Egypt and Jordan

Cairo, Egypt

Both Egypt and Jordan do not have a significant rainy season. When planning the best times to visit these countries, the most important factors to consider are the temperatures and prices. The best times to visit both Egypt and Jordan are in March, April, October, and November when the temperatures are mild and most comfortable.

If the above months do not match your vacation dates, we suggest you give priority to May, September, December, January, and February. May and September are hot in both countries, but not quite as hot as in the mid-summer months. Daily high temperatures in Egypt average from 28 to 39°C (82–102°F) and in Jordan 27 to 36°C (81–97°F).

December to February is a pleasant time in Egypt with temperatures of about 18–26°C (64–79°F). The temperature in Jordan is about 12–22°C (54–72°F) and the Dead Sea still has a swimming-pool temperature, so you can also experience floating on the water in winter.

June, July, and August are not recommended because it's too hot for many in Egypt's Desert (Aswan and Luxor) and around the Dead Sea, with daily high temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F).

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