Why book the Jordan & Egypt Explorer tour?
Jordan and Egypt Explorer is a 14-day small-group adventure through two of the Middle East's greatest destinations. In Jordan you visit As-Salt (UNESCO), the baptism site of Jesus at Bethany, the Roman city of Jerash (6,500 years of history), Petra's Siq and Treasury, Wadi Rum's Bedouin desert camp, and float in the Dead Sea at 400m below sea level. In Egypt you see the Pyramids of Giza, travel overnight by train to Aswan, stay in a Nubian guesthouse, sail the Nile on a felucca, and explore Philae, Edfu, Luxor Temple at night, and the Valley of the Kings. Maximum 18 travellers, 4-star hotels plus Bedouin camp and Nubian guesthouse and felucca.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Jordan and Egypt?
Yes. Both countries' most iconic sites are covered in a logical two-country sequence. Having a guide in Petra especially is invaluable: the city is enormous (8km+ of walking on a full visit) and navigation context transforms the experience. The 14-day format gives enough time in each country to breathe rather than rush.
What's the difference between this and Jordan & Egypt Express?
Jordan and Egypt Explorer (14 days) is the comprehensive version covering Jerash, As-Salt, Mount Nebo, Wadi al-Mujib, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea in Jordan, plus Cairo, Nile overnight train, Nubian village, felucca, and Luxor in Egypt. Jordan and Egypt Express (13 days) is a shorter, tighter version. If you want proper depth in both countries, the 14-day Explorer is the right choice.
What's the best time of year to do this tour?
October to April is the ideal window for both Jordan and Egypt. Petra in spring is spectacular. The Dead Sea is pleasant year-round, and Wadi Rum's star-filled nights are extraordinary in the cool season. Egyptian summers are extremely hot in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan). Avoid July-August if heat tolerance is a concern.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, Jordan and Egypt can look manageable independently. What this includes: 13 nights in 4-star hotels plus a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, a Nubian guesthouse, and a felucca on the Nile, 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners, an air-conditioned car and minibus, Bedouin jeep in Wadi Rum, an overnight train to Aswan, a felucca with support, and all listed entrance fees across two countries. Accessing Jordan's Petra and Egypt's Valley of the Kings with a knowledgeable guide is a very different experience from buying a ticket and walking in independently.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: 13 nights accommodation (4-star hotels, Wadi Rum Bedouin camp, Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, felucca with support boat), 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch (local family in As-Salt), 2 dinners, air-conditioned car and minibus, Bedouin jeep in Wadi Rum, overnight sleeper train Cairo-Aswan, felucca from Aswan to Luxor, and all listed entrance fees.
What's NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, travel insurance, the Amman-to-Cairo flight (not included), most meals, personal spending, and tips for guides and drivers are not included. Optional Abu Simbel excursion and sleeper train upgrade are at your own cost. The Jordan Pass (available separately online) covers the Jordan visa and Petra entrance fee and represents excellent value; check current details on the Jordan Pass website. Your guide will brief tipping recommendations at the start.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Reserve with a deposit and pay the balance 8 weeks before departure.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate to fairly demanding. Petra requires 8km+ of walking on a full visit across uneven ancient terrain, including the climb to the Monastery (50m high). Wadi al-Mujib gorge involves a canyon walk in water. The Dead Sea float and Wadi Rum Bedouin camp are relaxed. In Egypt, the Valley of the Kings involves steps and narrow passages inside tombs. Good general fitness and comfortable walking shoes are needed.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Petra is accessible at a gentle pace, though the Monastery climb is steep and optional. Wadi al-Mujib is genuinely strenuous and involves water walking; this can be skipped if needed. In Egypt, the main sites are very walkable. This is a tour where the sites are extraordinary enough that taking a slower pace is always worthwhile.
What if I have mobility issues?
Petra's main route to the Treasury is a flat walk through the Siq, but beyond that the terrain gets more demanding. The Monastery involves a steep climb. The Valley of the Kings tombs have steps and low ceilings. If you have significant mobility limitations, flag them at booking so we can advise honestly on which elements are accessible.
How hot does it get?
Jordan in summer can reach 35-40°C; Petra is high enough (900m altitude) to be slightly more moderate. Egypt's Upper Egypt (Aswan, Luxor) in summer can exceed 40°C. October to April is comfortable for both countries. The Wadi Rum desert is cold at night year-round; bring a warm layer for the Bedouin camp.
Is Jordan safe to visit?
Jordan is one of the most stable and welcoming countries in the Middle East and has been a very safe destination for international tourists for decades. Petra, Amman, and Wadi Rum all have mature tourism infrastructure. Check your government's current travel advisory for up-to-date information.
Is Egypt safe to visit?
Egypt is a well-established international tourist destination, and the Nile Valley and Cairo are very familiar with international visitors. The sites on this tour are all in the well-managed tourist corridor. Check your government's current travel advisory.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Both Jordan and Egypt are manageable for solo female travellers, particularly within a group context. Jordan tends to have fewer street attention issues than Egypt's busiest tourist areas. Modest dress (covered shoulders and knees in both countries outside beach areas) is both respectful and practical. Your guide will advise on context-specific situations.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your guide is your first call. Amman has good private hospitals. Egypt has private medical facilities in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is compulsory.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
At Petra and in Egypt's souvenir markets, vendors can be persistent. Having a local guide provides significant buffer. Your guide will brief you at the start of the tour. A polite firm decline is usually sufficient.
What's the accommodation actually like?
4-star hotels throughout Jordan and Egypt plus three distinctive stays: the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp (traditional tents, campfire, extraordinary stargazing), the DoroKa Nubian guesthouse in Aswan (traditional painted Nubian-style rooms), and a felucca with support boat on the Nile (traditional sailing boat, hot showers and cooking on the support vessel). The combination of comfort and authenticity is one of this tour's strengths.
What's the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp like?
The Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum sits among the dramatic red sandstone mountains of one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes. Tents are traditional Bedouin-style, bedding is provided, and facilities are basic but functional. After a jeep tour through the landscape, dinner is cooked over fire and the night sky is among the clearest and most star-filled you'll ever experience. It's genuinely unforgettable.
What's the felucca experience like?
The felucca is a traditional wooden Nile sailing boat. The support boat carries hot showers, a cook, and bedding. You sail by day with the breeze and the river, and the support vessel provides the practicalities. It's the most atmospheric way to travel the Nile between Aswan and Luxor.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
4-star hotels in Amman, Petra, and Cairo have reliable Wi-Fi. The Bedouin camp, Nubian guesthouse, and felucca have none. Enjoy the disconnect: these are among the most atmospheric stays on the entire tour.
Can I upgrade?
A sleeper train upgrade (from seater to cabin) on the Cairo-Aswan overnight train is available as an optional extra. Speak to us at booking.
What kind of food will we eat?
Jordanian food is exceptional: Amman street food (kunefa pastry and fresh falafel), mansaf (Jordan's national dish of lamb in yogurt sauce), and a family lunch in As-Salt give authentic context. Wadi Rum's Bedouin dinner is slow-cooked in a sand oven. In Egypt, Koshary in Cairo and Nubian cooking in Aswan are highlights.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water?
Drink bottled water throughout Jordan and Egypt. The felucca support boat provides safe drinking water.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Very much so. The 14-day format across two countries creates strong group bonds quickly, and the shared experiences of Petra and Wadi Rum are natural social highlights. Solo travellers make up a good proportion of most departures.
Do I have to share a room?
A single supplement is available for hotel nights. On the felucca and the Bedouin camp, sleeping arrangements are more communal; confirm specifics at booking.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Minimum 2, maximum 18 travellers. Groups are typically a mix of solo travellers, couples, and friends from a range of countries, unified by a passion for ancient history and cultural travel.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Private departures are available for couples, families, or groups wanting exclusive use of guide and vehicle.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Older children and teenagers who enjoy history and adventure will get a great deal from this tour: Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Pyramids are all extraordinary for young people. The Wadi al-Mujib gorge walk and some tomb visits require active participation. Check minimum age at booking.
Do I need visas for Jordan and Egypt?
For Jordan: the Jordan Pass (available online before travel) covers both the visa and the Petra entrance fee; it's strongly recommended. Check current details on the official Jordan Pass website. For Egypt: e-visa available online or visa on arrival at Cairo airport. Check current fees on Egypt's official e-visa portal.
What should I pack?
Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) throughout Jordan and Egypt except at beach areas. Comfortable walking boots for Petra, Wadi al-Mujib, and Valley of the Kings. A warm layer for Wadi Rum nights. Sunscreen and a sun hat are essential. Egyptian and Jordanian currency (local ATMs available).
Are any vaccinations required?
Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid are recommended for both Jordan and Egypt. Tetanus is particularly important. Consult your GP or travel health clinic at least 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. The tour starts in Amman and ends in Cairo. Fly into Amman Queen Alia International Airport. The Amman-to-Cairo flight mid-tour is not included and must be booked independently. Depart from Cairo International Airport. Confirm flight timing with us before booking.
What about tipping?
Tipping is important and expected across both Jordan and Egypt. Your guide will brief the group on current recommended amounts. Wadi Rum Bedouin hosts and felucca crew are customarily tipped.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. Abu Simbel, Ramses II's UNESCO-listed rock temples relocated from Lake Nasser, is available as an optional day trip from Aswan. An early 4am departure is required for the overland trip.
Can I upgrade the sleeper train to a cabin?
Yes. A private cabin upgrade on the overnight Cairo-Aswan sleeper train is available. More comfortable than the standard seater option for the 12-hour journey.
Can I extend with more time in Egypt?
Yes. The Ancient Encounters tour (17 days) adds 8 days of Jordan before Egypt as an even more comprehensive regional itinerary. Ask us about combining or extending.
How far ahead should I book?
Book 2-3 months ahead for most departures; earlier for October-April peak season. The small group cap of 18 means popular dates fill.
How does booking work?
Reserve online with a deposit for instant confirmation. The balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation and repatriation is compulsory. World Nomads is a reliable option.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding-scale cancellation policy applies with charges increasing closer to departure. Full terms are in the booking conditions. UK-registered and protected by Trust My Travel.
What if my dates are sold out?
Join the waitlist or check Jordan and Egypt Express (13 days) for availability. Private departures on alternative dates can also be arranged.
