The pyramids and Petra in one journey: how long to allow, the best route between them, and what to know before you go.
The Pyramids of Giza and the rose-red city of Petra are two of the most extraordinary places on earth, and they are much closer together than many travelers realize. Combining Egypt and Jordan in one trip is easy with good planning. Here's how to do it.
How close are Egypt and Jordan?
Cairo and Amman are only about an hour and a half apart by air, with direct flights between the two capitals. That makes it simple to spend the first part of your trip in Egypt and the second in Jordan, without losing a whole day to travel. There is also an overland and ferry route via the Red Sea, but for most travelers, flying is far quicker and more comfortable.
How many days do you need?
Allow at least ten days for both countries. That gives you about six or seven days in Egypt for Cairo, the pyramids and a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and three or four days in Jordan for Petra, Madaba, Mt. Nebo and the Roman city of Jerash. Egypt & Jordan Discovery follows exactly this plan in ten days.
With two weeks, you can travel at a gentler pace and add more. Two Lands of Wonder spends fourteen days across both countries, adding a night camping in Egypt's White Desert and a relaxing day floating in the Dead Sea.
The best route
Most itineraries start in Egypt and finish in Jordan. You begin in Cairo with the pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, fly south to Aswan to join a Nile cruise, sail to Luxor for Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, then fly back to Cairo for your flight to Amman.
In Jordan, a typical route takes you south from Amman to Madaba, famous for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, and Mt. Nebo, where tradition says Moses looked out over the Promised Land. From there, you continue to Petra, about three hours from Amman by road. The return journey north brings you to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, and to Amman's hilltop Citadel. If you have time, the Dead Sea, about an hour from Amman, is the perfect place to end.
Petra: give it a full day
Petra deserves at least one full day. You enter through the Siq, a narrow canyon over a kilometre long, which opens dramatically onto the Treasury. Beyond it lie royal tombs, a Roman-style theatre, temples and colonnaded streets, and for those with energy, a climb of more than 800 steps to the Monastery. Wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water and start early to enjoy the site before the midday heat and crowds.
Visas and entry
Many nationalities can get a visa for Egypt online or on arrival, and the same is true for Jordan. In Jordan, many visitors buy the Jordan Pass, which covers entry to Petra and many other sites and can waive the visa fee for eligible stays. Rules change and depend on your nationality, so check the current requirements for both countries before you travel.
When to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for a combined trip. Egypt's south is very hot in summer, and Petra can be both hot in summer and cold in winter, with occasional snow. For more detail on Egypt's seasons, read our month-by-month guide.
Adding a third country
If you want to go further, Istanbul is a natural addition. Three Ancient Worlds begins with two days in Istanbul, continues through Egypt and finishes in Jordan, all in fourteen days with the flights between the three countries included.
Plan your Egypt and Jordan trip
Our Egypt and Jordan tours include the flight from Cairo to Amman, expert local guides in each country, and a 5-star Nile cruise. If you would like a different pace or route, tell us your dates and interests and we'll design a tailor-made itinerary for you.
