Highlights of Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Amman, Petra & the Dead Sea - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo's airport, you'll be met by your guide who will assist you through customs and arrange a transfer to your hotel. Get settled in and rest up for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.

Day 2: Visit the Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Saqqara

This morning you'll hit the ground running, meeting your Egyptologist guide and setting off for a tour of some of Egypt's most iconic sites. Begin at the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza to visit the pyramid of Cheops, the only survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built as a tomb, its shape was intended to help the spirit of the dead pharaoh rise to heaven. Nearby you'll find Chephren, the best-preserved of the main Giza pyramids, and Mykerinos, the smallest of the three.

After seeing the magnificent Sphinx up close, it's time to head to the ancient ruins of Memphis, the first unified capital of the ancient world. Continue to the necropolis of Saqqara, explore its stepped pyramid and 4,350-year-old tombs, and see the ancient hieroglyphics engraved on its walls.

 In the afternoon you'll be driven back to the city, where you can enjoy the rest of the evening in Cairo at your leisure.

Day 3: Tour the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Start this morning at the Egyptian Museum, home to the finest collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Containing pharaohs' treasures dating back more than 5,000 years, the building's large rotunda on the ground floor contains massive exhibits, including colossal statues of Ramses II (get the best views by looking down from the upper galleries). The gold and alabaster trappings from the tomb of Tutankhamun (Tut) always draw crowds, too. Many of the Tutankhamun tomb treasures have been on display in museums around the world—including the golden mask—yet this one exhibit has always remained in Cairo.

 

Afterward, you'll embark on a tour of Islamic Cairo's historic city streets, starting at the massive medieval Salah El-din Citadel and its enclosed Mohamed Ali alabaster mosque, once a stronghold against the Crusaders. The brilliant domed ceilings, suspended lights, and views of the city from this ancient fortress are sure to captivate. Keep going to the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, built during the Mamluk period of the 12th century, and then hunt for treasures in the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a bustling souk in the historic center where you can find lamps, rugs, jewelry, and more.  

Day 4: Fly to Amman, Jordan

Bid Cairo farewell this morning, as a transfer takes you to the airport to catch a quick flight to the Jordanian capital of Amman. Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights, which you'll explore tomorrow on a full-day tour.

Day 5: Archaeological Wonders of Amman & Jerash

After breakfast, discover more of the capital with a city tour of Amman. Visits include the magnificent Amman Citadel (Jabal al Qal'a) and the 2nd-century Roman Theater, two of the most famous archaeological sites in the country. After a stop at the Folklore Museum, take a stroll through the busy downtown and admire some of the modern city neighborhoods.

 

In the afternoon, you'll transfer north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend time wandering the extensive site and be sure to check out the well-preserved remains of two amphitheaters, the north-south Colonnaded Street, and the Hippodrome (the site of ancient chariot races). 

Day 6: Transfer to Petra, Explore the Rose City

Today you'll transfer 3.5 hours south to explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure: the lost city of Petra. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained.

Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs that leads to Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets.  At the end of the Siq stands Petra's most elaborate ruin, Al Khazneh (popularly known as "the Treasury"). Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabatean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship.

After a guided tour and plenty of time to see the many wonders of Petra, you'll transfer to your nearby hotel for the evening.

Day 7: Wadi Rum Desert Excursion, Transfer to the Dead Sea

Transfer into the wilderness of Wadi Rum this morning, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. Here you'll meet your Bedouin hosts to begin a two-hour Jeep excursion into this UNESCO-protected site. You'll travel through valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs as well as majestic views. Spend a little time at each stop to hike, scramble, and explore at your own pace.

 

Then you'll get back on the road and make your way north to the Dead Sea, one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world. It is the lowest body of water on earth, the lowest point on earth, and the world's richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years. 

After a scenic transfer through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel, where you can spend your final day in Jordan at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun.

Day 8: Transfer to Amman & Departure

After an unforgettable sunrise over the Dead Sea, it's time to say your goodbyes to Jordan and transfer back to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Egypt & Jordan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Egypt and Jordan? Check out these other Egypt and Jordan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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