Why book the Petra and the Nile tour?
Petra and the Nile is our ambitious 13-day small-group journey connecting Jordan and Egypt, running from Amman to Cairo. You cover Jordan's highlights (food tasting in Amman, Jerash Roman ruins, Wild Jordan Centre, Kings Highway, Petra full day, Wadi Rum Bedouin camp, Dead Sea), then fly to Egypt for 3 nights in 5-star Cairo hotels (Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara Step Pyramid, Grand Egyptian Museum with Tutankhamun's gold mask), then join a 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak, Luxor Temple by night, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and Aswan High Dam). Groups run 2-18 people.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Jordan and Egypt?
Ideal for first-timers who want both countries in one trip. The logistics of combining Jordan and Egypt are complex to arrange independently, and having a specialist guide in each country transforms what you see and understand.
What is the difference between this and your other Jordan and Egypt tours?
Petra and the Nile is 13 days and includes a 5-star Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Jordan Express (6 days) covers Jordan only. Egyptian Legacy (8 days) covers Egypt only. Nabateans and Nubians (16 days) is a longer version. If you want both countries with a luxury Nile cruise, this 13-day itinerary is the definitive choice.
What is the best time of year to do this tour?
September to November is peak season: comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and exceptional light at Petra and on the Nile. Spring (March-May) is equally pleasant. Summer (June-August) is very hot in both Jordan and Egypt (35-40°C+). The tour runs year-round.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
This tour includes 4 nights in 4-star Jordan hotels, 1 night in a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp, 3 nights in 5-star Cairo hotels, and 4 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise boat (Luxor to Aswan). Both domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo) are included. With two countries, 5-star accommodation throughout Egypt, and fully guided sightseeing in both, this represents outstanding value for what is delivered.
What is actually included in the price?
Included: all accommodation (4-star Jordan hotels, 1 night Bedouin camp Wadi Rum, 5-star Cairo hotels, 5-star Nile cruise Luxor-Aswan), domestic flights Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo, Wadi Rum jeep safari, Dead Sea overnight, Amman food tasting, Wild Jordan Centre, specialist Egyptologist guides throughout Egypt, local guide throughout Jordan, 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners, and all transfers.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, the Amman-to-Cairo flight (not included in the tour price: book with your international ticket or separately via Egypt Air or Royal Jordanian), Jordan Pass (recommended, covers visa and entrance fees), Egypt entrance fees (allow approximately the amount your guide will brief at the start of Egypt), Egypt tipping kitty, guide tips for Jordan and Egypt, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to reserve your place and the balance 8 weeks before departure.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate. Petra involves 2-3 hours of guided walking on uneven terrain through the Siq. Egypt's sites involve considerable walking in the heat. The Nile cruise is very relaxed. Good walking fitness is needed.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
The tour is popular with a wide age range. Egypt in summer is very hot, so autumn and spring departures are particularly recommended for older travellers. The Nile cruise section is extremely comfortable.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
Petra and many Egyptian sites involve uneven ground and steps. The Valley of the Kings requires walking in exposed heat. Contact us to discuss specific concerns before booking.
Is it safe to visit Jordan and Egypt right now?
Both Jordan and Egypt are well-established tourism destinations. Jordan is very stable. Egypt has a long-established tourist infrastructure. Always check current UK Foreign Office advice for both countries before travel.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Both countries are manageable for solo women on a guided group tour. Modest dress is important in local areas and at religious sites. Your guides will brief you throughout.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Amman and Cairo both have excellent international hospitals. Your guides carry first aid equipment and local medical contacts. Travel insurance with medical cover and repatriation is compulsory.
Will I be hassled by vendors?
Egypt is known for persistent vendor activity at major sites. Your Egyptologist guide accompanies you at all times and will manage these situations. The Jordan section has less vendor pressure outside busy tourist areas.
What is the accommodation actually like?
In Jordan you stay in 4-star hotels and one night in a Wadi Rum Bedouin camp. In Cairo the standard is 5-star (3 nights). On the Nile the 5-star cruise boat is your home for 4 nights from Luxor to Aswan: comfortable cabins with large windows and Nile views, sun deck, plunge pool, and restaurant.
What is the 5-star Nile cruise like?
A 5-star Nile cruise boat is comparable to a good international 4-star hotel at sea. Cabins are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and Nile-view windows. You eat all meals on board, relax on the sun deck as temples slide past, and disembark at each site with your private Egyptologist guide.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available in the Cairo hotels and at the Jordan hotels. On the Nile cruise boat, Wi-Fi may be limited or intermittent in remote sections of the river.
Can I upgrade?
The Egypt section already uses 5-star accommodation. Private Egyptologist guide upgrades are available for the Nile cruise sightseeing sections. Contact our sales team.
What kind of food will we eat?
In Jordan: mezze, hummus, Kunefa, and Jordanian street food including the Amman tasting tour. On the Nile cruise: full buffet meals on board with Egyptian and international options. In Cairo: 5-star hotel buffet breakfasts. Egyptian street food like Koshary (lentils, pasta, tomato sauce) is a must-try on free evenings.
Can you cater for vegetarian vegan or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian food is available in both countries. Vegan and gluten-free diets are manageable at 5-star hotels and on the cruise. Inform us when you book.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Do not drink tap water in either Jordan or Egypt. Use bottled water or a Water-to-Go filter bottle throughout. The cruise boat and hotels provide safe bottled water.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Very popular. The 13-day duration and two-country combination creates strong group bonds.
Do I have to share a room?
The price is based on twin-sharing. Single supplements are available for Jordan hotels and Cairo hotels. On the cruise, a single cabin supplement applies. We will try to match solo travellers of the same sex.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Groups run 2-18. Expect a mix of couples, friends, and solo travellers drawn to a two-country adventure with high-end Egypt accommodation.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Private departures are available. Contact our sales team.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
No minimum age is specified. The content works for older, curious children. Contact us about a private family departure.
Do I need a visa for Jordan and Egypt?
Jordan Pass (available online before travel) is recommended for Jordan: covers the visa fee for stays of 3+ nights and entrance fees. For Egypt, most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival in Cairo or apply online via the e-visa portal. Do not use third-party visa websites for Egypt.
What should I pack?
Pack for hot dry weather in both countries. Modest clothing is required (covered shoulders and knees at religious sites). Comfortable walking shoes are essential. A light layer for air-conditioned cruise cabins is useful. Jordan uses Type B and F plugs at 230V. Egypt uses Type C at 220V.
Are any vaccinations required?
For Jordan: Tetanus and Hepatitis A. For Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A. No malaria risk in either country on this itinerary. Consult your GP or travel clinic.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. The tour starts at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) Amman and finishes at Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Sphinx International Airport (SPX). The Amman-Cairo flight is NOT included in the tour price and must be booked separately.
What about tipping?
Jordan: your guide will advise on amounts for the guide and driver. Egypt: a tipping kitty covers tips for a wide range of staff. Your Egyptologist guide tips are in addition. Your guide will brief current amounts at the start of each country.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A hot air balloon at sunrise over the Valley of the Kings and Queens is an optional extra, bookable locally through your guide.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. An optional Abu Simbel overland excursion from Aswan is available. It departs very early to catch the sunrise on Ramses II's colossal statues. Book through your guide or in advance.
Can I extend my time in Cairo?
Yes. Extra Cairo nights with optional excursions to Alexandria or Wadi Rayan (Valley of the Whales) are available post-tour.
How far ahead should I book?
September to November departures fill early. Book at least three months ahead for peak season.
How does booking work?
Book online via the Dates and Prices page. Pay a deposit or hold a reservation. Balance is due 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, compulsory. Must cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation in both Jordan and Egypt.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale of charges applies. Full terms are in our booking conditions. Trust My Travel financial protection covers your funds.
What if my dates are already sold out?
Contact us about the waitlist, a private departure, Jordan Express (6 days Jordan only), or Egyptian Legacy (8 days Egypt only) as alternatives.