Separated by a two-hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, visiting the enchanting countries of Egypt and Jordan in a single trip is easily done.
(Photo: Europamundo / Courtesy Tourradar)
From the iconic pyramids to the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Egypt and Jordan are a treasure trove of historic marvels. And owing to their geography, it’s simple to travel between the two, making visiting them both in a single adventure an enticing proposition. Here are 5 of the best tours that combine the two countries currently on the market.
Lights of Jordan and Cairo (10 days)
Starting and ending in Amman, this 10-day adventure will see you discover the very best of Egypt and Jordan in the company of like-minded travellers. Over the course of the trip, you’ll visit some of the countries’ most famous landmarks and attractions, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlights include Jordan’s 12th-century Ajlun fortress, the 7th-century Castles of the Desert, the remarkable frescoes of Qusayr Amra, the picturesque town of Dana, and the Egyptian pyramids of Cheops, Kefren and Micerinos. There’ll also be a stop-off in the Israeli beach city of Eilat, as well as a chance for a dip in the Dead Sea. From £1,381 per person.
Egypt & Jordan Discovered By Felucca (15 days)
(Photo: Bookmundi)
Starting in Cairo and ending in Amman, this 15-day tour includes sailing, yachting and motor boating. Travelling through Wadi Rum, Cairo, Amman and five other destinations, you’ll get to witness some of the greatest monuments and cultures of the ancient world. Be sure to bring your camera to pose with the Pyramids, kiss the Sphinx and sail your felucca down the Nile like an ancient Egyptian. Sunbathe by the Read Sea and prepare for the breath-taking vision of the Wadi Rum, a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan, before amazing Petra awaits you. Round off your trip by reclining in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. From £1,154 per person.
From Sharm El Sheikh: Day Tour to Petra by Ferry
If you’re short on time, this one-day trip from Sharm El Sheikh to Petra could be for you. After a red-eye pick-up at around 1.30am, you’ll travel to the border crossing at Taba, before moving on to the port of Aqaba. Here, you’ll board a ferry and sail directly towards the “Rose City”, known worldwide as Petra. Over the ensuing day, you’ll explore the lost city of the Nabataeans, which was carved into the mountains many centuries ago, and choose between walking or riding a camel to the Siq (canyon), where you’ll follow the trail which leads to the city and discover the beautiful carvings of statues, idols, and various structures. Later, you’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before your return journey. From £392 per person.
Petra and Cairo from Eilat (3 days)
(Photo: Booking Tours / Courtesy Tourradar)
Another popular option for those with limited time, this 3-day whistlestop tour lets you visit some of the must-see attractions of the legendary cities of Petra and Cairo as part of an organised group. Starting with a hotel pick-up in Eilat, Israel, you’ll be transported to Petra, where you’ll get to see the famous Treasury, the amphitheatre, and much more. Next up is Cairo, via the Sakkara Valley, to explore the iconic pyramids, the sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and other amazing sites of interest. The tour ends back at the Taba border, 10 kilometres from Eilat. From £537 per person.
Egypt & Jordan Private Tour (14 days)
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, this 14-day private tour invites you to experience Egypt and Jordan as part of a select group of family or friends. Ove the course of two weeks, you’ll be transported by a combination of bus and ferry to a number of world- renowned tourist sites and landmarks. Among them will be the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Philae Temple and High Dam of Aswan, the Blue Hole in Dahab, and the Greco-Roman city of Jerash in Jordan. The tour also includes a magical cruise along the famous Nile. From £2,102 per person.