Best of Egypt & Jordan: From the Pyramids to Petra - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo (Egypt), Explore the Capital at Leisure

Welcome to Cairo, Egypt's lively capital and largest city. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish, so you could stay in the hotel to relax or venture out to explore the city on your own. A good place to start is Khan el-Khalili, a 14th-century bazaar where you'll find everything from handcrafted jewelry and traditional textiles to intricately designed lamps and delicious street food. Wander the labyrinth of narrow alleys, passing ancient mosques, historic coffeehouses, and plenty of vendors.

Try haggling like the locals to get a better price if you see anything you like. Then, take a break from shopping and enjoy a strong cup of Egyptian coffee with baklava (layered pastry with nuts and honey syrup). Once you've refueled, continue to the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, a massive mosque dating back to the Mamluk era. Look up at the towering minarets, then step through the grand entrance to discover the vast courtyard surrounded by four iwans (vaulted halls), each representing one of the major schools of Islamic jurisprudence.

Day 2: Visit the Giza Necropolis, Papyrus Institute & Egyptian Museum

Start your full-day tour with a visit to Egypt's most iconic landmark: the Giza Necropolis, just 30 minutes outside the city. Visit the Great Pyramid of Giza first, the largest of the three at 455 feet high (138 m), and the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Pyramid of Khafre, easily recognized by its original limestone casing still visible at the top. Last is the Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest of the three at 213 feet high (64 m). And be sure to see the nearby Great Sphinx carved out of a single block of limestone to stand guard over the Giza Plateau. 

On the way back to Cairo, visit the Papyrus Institute to learn how paper was made in ancient times. Watch a demonstration of the meticulous process involving stripping, soaking, and weaving papyrus fibers into a sheet of paper before visiting the on-site museum, perfume factory, and jewelry store. Back in the capital, head with your guide to the Egyptian Museum, home to over 120,000 artifacts, like the golden mask of Tutankhamun. A museum highlight is the Royal Mummy Room, where you can view the mummies of some of Egypt's most notable rulers and the Old Kingdom artifacts.

Day 3: Fly to Aswan, Visit Philae Temple & the Aswan High Dam, Felucca Ride

Bid farewell to Cairo this morning as you transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Aswan, your gateway to the Nile River. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to the port to check in for your three-day Nile cruise. Leave your bags in your cabin and switch to a smaller boat to reach Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. As you approach, you'll be greeted by the temple's grand columns and intricately carved reliefs depicting the goddess Isis, whom the temple is dedicated to. Step inside to discover the intricately carved chambers, sanctuaries, and courtyards. 

Then, visit the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel stretching nearly 2.4 miles (4 km) across and 364 feet (111 m) above the riverbed. Stand atop the dam to appreciate its sheer scale and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Nasser on one side and the Nile on the other. Return to the river for a sailing trip on a felucca (traditional wooden sailboat). Glide along the gentle waters around Elephantine Island, home to landmarks like the Temple of Khnum and the Aswan Museum. After the leisurely ride, return to the cruise ship for dinner overlooking the river. 

Day 4: Boat Trip to a Nubian Village, Cruise to the Temple of Kom Ombo

Day 5: Full-Day Tour of Karnak & Luxor Temple

Spend your day exploring Luxor's east bank, starting at Karnak, a vast temple complex of pylons, obelisks, sanctuaries, and kiosks dedicated to the Theban Triad, which includes the chief deity, Amun-ra, and the goddesses Mut and Khonsu. In the heart of the complex, you'll find the Temple of Amun-ra, which showcases colossal statues, imposing obelisks, and beautifully preserved reliefs depicting the gods and pharaohs of Egypt. Wander down what's left of the Avenue of Sphinxes and head to the entrance of Luxor Temple, flanked by massive statues of Ramesses II. 

Continue your journey through the grand halls and courtyards, where you can admire intricately carved reliefs depicting royal ceremonies and divine rituals. There are also plenty of hieroglyphs of elaborate scenes, including the famous Festival of Opet, which celebrated the union of the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Be sure to see the hypostyle hall, featuring 32 towering columns with intricately carved capitals. After exploring both temples, return to the cruise ship for your final night on board.

Day 6: Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Fly to Sharm El-Sheikh

Wake up before dawn for what's sure to be a highlight of your trip: a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor. Check out of your hotel and transfer to the launch site, complete a safety briefing, and watch as the balloons slowly inflate. When they're ready, hop in the basket and start your ascent. Soar above the ancient city and watch as the sun slowly rises, casting a golden glow over the temple complexes, winding Nile River, and vast fields. After 40 minutes in the air, touch down and transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight to Sharm El-Sheikh, a coastal gem on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. 

Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could head to one of the many beaches, like Shark's Bay Beach or El Fanar Beach, to soak up the sun. Or, make your way to Old Market, a bustling labyrinth of narrow alleys and lively stalls. Peruse the selection of aromatic spices, traditional Egyptian crafts, hand-woven textiles, and intricate jewelry in search of souvenirs. Then, grab some street food for dinner, such as a grilled kebab with hummus. 

Day 7: Enjoy a Free Morning, Afternoon Adventures in the Sinai Desert

Enjoy a free morning at the hotel in Sharm El-Sheikh, or return to the beach for a refreshing swim. Around 3:00 pm, a driver will meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the Sinai Desert just outside the city. When you arrive, hop on a quad bike to navigate the rugged terrain and have some fun. Next, you'll head to a Bedouin camp to meet the locals and learn how they've lived in the desert for thousands of years. Explore the camp and desert surrounds in style as you mount a camel, offering a higher vantage point of the dunes and dramatic rock formations, and head off with your cameleer guide.

After the leisurely ride, enjoy a specially prepared Bedouin dinner feast and a fire show. Then, when darkness falls, follow an astronomy expert away from the light of camp to observe the starry sky uninterrupted by city lights. Telescopes and photography equipment will be provided so you can get a close-up look at the constellations and planets your guide will highlight. Finally, you'll transfer back to your hotel after an action-packed five hours filled with memorable moments.

Day 8: Free Beach Day, Summit Mount Sinai, Visit Saint Catherine's Monastery

You'll have the day free to relax on the beaches of Sharm El-Sheikh. You can enjoy one of the resort's beachfront spa services, like a massage and treatment with a view of the Red Sea. Alternatively, for the more active-minded, hop on a fun banana boat ride or experience the views of Sharm El-Sheikh from above by parasailing along the coast. Afterward, head out on a glass-bottom boat to see the vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles, dive in yourself to explore the "house reefs" offshore, or join a snorkeling tour to one of the nearby coral reefs a short boat ride away.

At around 9:00 pm, a driver will pick you up and transfer you 2-3 hours to the base of Mount Sinai to start your sunrise hike. You'll arrive at Mount Sinai around midnight, giving you plenty of time to hike to the summit before sunrise. Believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, you'll learn about the mountain's history as you follow your guide up the rugged path. The trek takes 2-4 hours, depending on the route chosen. But the effort will be worth it as you watch the sun slowly rise, transforming the sky into a mesmerizing spectrum of colors. 

Once it's bright enough, you can take in panoramic views of the arid desert below, dotted with Bedouin villages. Trek back down the mountain and visit Saint Catherine's Monastery at the base. Founded in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian, this ancient monastery is one of the world's oldest continuously operating Christian monasteries. Explore the fortified walls and tranquil courtyards before entering to admire the early Christian and Byzantine art. Then, transfer back to your hotel for some much-deserved rest. 

Day 9: Ferry to Aqaba (Jordan), Enjoy a Free Afternoon

Say goodbye to Sharm el-Sheikh and Egypt today as you transfer 1.5 hours to Nuweiba, where you'll board a three-hour ferry to Aqaba, a vibrant coastal city in Jordan. Transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up, then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could head to South Beach or City Beach to unwind in the sun or discover one of the city's historic landmarks, like the 16th-century Aqaba Fort. Wander along the sturdy walls and towers and enjoy sweeping views of the Red Sea from the top. 

Continue to the Aqaba Museum to peruse the artifacts spanning various periods, from the prehistoric era to the Islamic period. You'll encounter ancient pottery, tools, and inscriptions that reveal the daily lives and customs of the people who once inhabited this area. Just before sunset, make your way to a rooftop restaurant like Gusto in the DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba to enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the city.

Day 10: Transfer to Petra, Guided Tour of the UNESCO Site

After breakfast, start the two-hour transfer north to the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. As soon as you walk through the Siq (a narrow gorge), you'll quickly realize how the "Rose City" earned these designations when the Treasury comes into view. This impressive facade stands over 130 feet tall (39 m), making it the second-tallest structure after the Monastery at 152 feet (46 m). Getting to the Monastery requires climbing 800 steps, but if you're not up for a trek, there's plenty to see on the ground.

Follow your guide past rock-cut tombs, temples, churches, and a Roman theater before transferring to your hotel to freshen up for dinner. If you visit on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you could experience Petra by Night. Walk down the Siq again, but this time, it'll be illuminated by thousands of candles. Arriving at the Treasury, the soft candlelight reveals the intricate carvings and grandeur of the facade in a whole new way. Sit back and listen to traditional Bedouin music that adds to the serene ambience to end the night. 

Day 11: Transfer to Wadi Rum, Half-Day Jeep Tour

Trade the rock-cut structures of Petra for the otherworldly landscape of Wadi Rum as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Martian-like desert. Meet your local Bedouin guide and switch to a Jeep to traverse the sand. Head to Al Ramal Red Sand Dune first to climb the shifting, fiery-red dune and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding dunes and rock formations. Then, continue to Raqabat al Wadak, better known as the "Little Bridge" for its bridge-like structure. Your guide will help you clamber up the natural rock formation for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding valley and desert. 

Your next stop is Khazali Canyon, a narrow gorge renowned for its dramatic rock walls and striking colors ranging from deep red to warm oranges. As you navigate the canyon, look for ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions carved into the rocks by early Nabataean inhabitants. Finally, head to the oasis, Lawrence Spring, named after T.E. Lawrence, a British officer known as "Lawrence of Arabia," who used the spring as a crucial water source for his troops during the Arab Revolt. Climb up to the spring, starkly contrasting the surrounding desert and towering cliffs, before heading to your desert camp for the night.

Day 12: Transfer to the Dead Sea, Free Afternoon to Float in the Dead Sea

Wake up in the desert and have breakfast at camp before meeting your driver for a 2.5-3-hour transfer along the scenic Dead Sea Highway to reach the lowest point on Earth. When you arrive, check in at your resort and enjoy a leisurely afternoon floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Apply a full-body mask with the mineral-rich mud, or just soak up the sunshine in the therapeutic water as you enjoy views of the surrounding landscape characterized by stark, desert-like beauty and dramatic salt formations. In the evening, return to your hotel to dry off and enjoy dinner.

Day 13: Transfer to Amman, Enjoy a Free Day in Amman

Your penultimate day in Jordan takes you 1-1.5 hours north to the capital, Amman. You are free to spend the day as you wish, so you could relax at the hotel or explore the city on your own. A good place to start is the second-century Roman Theater, featuring intricately carved stone facades and a central seating area with a capacity of around 6,000. Continue to the nearby Jordan Museum to peruse the extensive collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Islamic period. Highlights include the Dead Sea Scrolls and the royal collection, featuring crowns, portraits, and personal items.

Visit Souk Jara next, an open-air market selling local crafts, artisanal goods, and delicious street food. As you wander the narrow alleys, search for souvenirs to commemorate your trip, like handmade jewelry or traditional textiles. Finally, end the night along Rainbow Street, a pedestrian-only avenue lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. Continue shopping for souvenirs or visit a local restaurant for a traditional Jordanian meal, like mansaf (lamb cooked in a fermented yogurt sauce served over rice) with a refreshing mint lemonade. 

Day 14: Depart Amman

After two weeks exploring Egypt and Jordan, it's time to fly home today. If you have a later flight, you can explore a bit of the capital on your own. You could head to the Amman Citadel, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Explore the ruins of ancient structures, like the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and Roman Theater. Then, head to the Jordan Museum to learn more about the country's rich history through diverse exhibits, including artifacts from the Dead Sea Scrolls. When it's time, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!