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Why see Egypt & Jordan together

Not many people think about combining both Egypt and Jordan into one holiday but it really is possible. Especially in the hands of local experts who know exactly what to see, how much time to spend in each and how to travel smoothly and quickly from one country to the other. Go tailor made or on a small group holiday and read more about our Middle Eastern ‘meze’ of recommendations below.

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Why see Egypt & Jordan together

Jordan and Egypt are Middle Eastern marvels both boasting not only a cornucopia of culture but also desert and delta adventures, yet few people think to combine them into one spectacular holiday. However, with a couple of weeks to spare, you can take in Petra and the Pyramids, the Nile and Nubian culture, wadis and other desert wonders on one trip of a lifetime. You can also go for a speedy version and do it in eight days. It is amazing how many flavours you can pack into a Middle Eastern menu.

Although not neighbours – Israel and Palestine lie between – a tour of Egypt and Jordan works really well, especially with easy flights between the capital cities.

Choose between a tailor made trip or a small group tour, a family focused holiday or one that has adventure at its core. Although in our book, both Egypt and Jordan feel like an adventure from the day you arrive, with 80 percent of Jordan made up of desert, and the Nile, with its traditional felucca trips, forming a magnificent natural and cultural artery through Egypt.

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What is the typical route of this double whammy ‘wunder-voyage’?

Most of our Egypt and Jordan holidays start in Cairo and end in Amman, although there are a handful of itineraries that go the other way. All of the holidays involve a flight between the two countries in the middle of your trip, and there are various ways of doing this. If you are starting in Cairo, you will probably head south as far as Luxor and then take either a quick flight back to Cairo and then from there another one to Amman. Or you can take an overnight sleeper train from Luxor back to Cairo and then fly to Jordan after that. Whichever way you choose, your holiday company will organise all transfers between trains, planes and automobiles to make the journey as smooth as possible.

Is combining Jordan and Egypt a bit much for families?

Not at all, in fact we think this is a fantastic holiday to do with families, especially if you opt for a tailor made option, organised by family experts who do this all the time. With them you can discuss all your family’s interests, age ranges and any Middle Eastern promises you think might appeal to your loved ones. These expert family holiday tour operators know how much time to recommend on board a Nile felucca, how long to spend in Petra, how to find the perfect guide to turn the archaeology of the Valley of the Kings into the coolest history lesson ever, and how best to wander in a wadi. They also know that beach, snorkelling and diving time is a must. Red or Dead.

These experts also know the best time to go on a family holiday in Egypt and Jordan and can help you find flights to fit in with school holiday dates. It does get boiling hot in summer and so, for a two week break, the Easter holidays are probably ideal and also October half term if you are lucky enough to have a fortnight of fun granted to you by the powers that be.

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Cultural highlights

The cultural highlights of Egypt and Jordan are some of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. In Egypt there are seven UNESCO sites, and on tours that combine both countries you will most definitely be taking in their top two, namely the Pyramid Fields and Ancient Cairo. Enjoy guided tours around this ancient arcadia which may also include Nubian monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae and of course the Valley of the Kings.

In Jordan the sandstone wonders of Petra are what everyone wants to see, and it is absolutely one of the region’s most spectacular sites, especially if you catch it in the dark when it is lit by 1,500 candles. Take lots of time to explore this ancient city carved out of the rock, roaming not only caves and carved corners but also its Bedouin history. If you have a longer trip, Madaba is another must see in Jordan, an ancient town dating back 3,500 years which is famous for its magnificent mosaics that are scattered around the town. The most famous is the "Map of the Holy Land" or "Map of Jerusalem", a well preserved, 6th century mosaic in the floor of the Basilica of St George.

Adventure seekers

After having fed your culture vulture, there is plenty of time to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in Jordan and Egypt’s living culture, while also scratching that adventure itch. Camping out in Jordan’s immense Wadi Rum with Bedouins is an unforgettable experience, as is careering over the dunes in a 4X4. Explore the Aswan Dam and then spend time in a village of the indigenous Nubian people, feasting on a home cooked dinner with a local family. Another wonderful experience is sleeping under the stars on board a traditional felucca, guided by Nubian experts along the Nile. Or finish off a trip of dusty deserts and a head full of history at Aqaba in Jordan, where the country dips its toes into the Red Sea. This designated marine park has over 20 dive sites and a plethora of marine wildlife including green turtles.

Jordan in January can get wet but don’t expect a drop of anything, other than night time temperatures, in ever-dry Egypt.

Best time to combine Jordan and Egypt

Trips to Jordan and Egypt run throughout the year, but be aware that summers, June, July and August, in both countries can be excessively hot. The best time to go for more comfortable temperatures is from March to May. Winters are a case of blink and you’ll miss it but be prepared for very cold nights from November to February, especially in Jordan; Egypt is not so cold, just pack a couple of extra layers. As the vast majority of Jordan’s rain falls in January this is probably not the best time to go, but don’t let this put you off if you’re happy to pac-a-mac and fancy Petra all to yourself.

Ralph Foulds from our partner, Encounters Travel, shares his advice:

Best time to go

"February to May and September to early November are ideal times to visit both countries. The weather is not extremely hot, and it doesn't get too cold or wet. Travelling in May and September are particularly good months in Egypt as prices are cheaper than high season from October to April."

Get yourself connected

"The countries are very close together and can be visited on the same international flight ticket with, for example Egypt Air or Royal Jordanian. Alternatively, open jaw flights can be purchased into one country and out of the other, via Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways etc, and then a separate single flight purchased from Amman to Cairo."

Cultural comparisons

“There is a wealth of ancient history and culture from different civilisations to discover in both countries, including Pharaonic, Ancient Greek, Roman and Nabatean. At the same time though, they are quite contrasting countries particularly the landscapes. The hills, mountains and deserts in Jordan are a real highlight on their own. Combining Jordan and Egypt in the same trip gives you the benefit of more ancient historical sites, from different civilisations, as well as some really contrasting and spectacular scenery.”

Tips from our travellers

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.

Petra was just as stunning as expected, if not more so.

– Louise Norris

"Petra was just as stunning as expected, if not more so. I also enjoyed the desert experience at the Wadi Rum Space Village Luxury Camp which I would thoroughly recommend. It's the Bedouin version of glamping - nicer than some hotels. Our Egyptian guide was very knowledgeable and we discussed politics frequently - I feel like we learned a lot about the issues facing Egypt currently. The same would be true of our driver in Jordan, Naim. I felt they were both very open about what they were proud of and what concerns both countries faced.” – Louise Norris

"This was the first time we've been with a guide over a 9/10 day holiday and it was made enjoyable as all the logistics, research etc that I would normally do for this sort of trip were taken out. It meant that we did more without having our energy used on the organisational stuff." – Kulbir Natt

"Don't settle for the 'usual' tour, do your research, decide what you want to see and talk to your tour company. The operator helped us create an Egypt & Jordan tour that was perfect for us. You might hear that some tourists are staying away from Egypt because they are concerned about the political instability. But we had a wonderful time and at NO time did we feel unsafe or concerned." - Janie Kuczer

"Visiting Christian Orthodox churches as well as Muslim mosques was an eye opener in terms of how places of worship have evolved. It's an impressive tour! It's not only about seeing other countries but to enhance your knowledge of how communities have survived." - Sam Mahlasela

Visiting Christian Orthodox churches as well as Muslim mosques was an eye opener in terms of how places of worship have evolved. It's an impressive tour!

- Sam Mahlasela