Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids to Petra - 16 Day Trip
16 days of pyramids, deserts, ruins, markets and more
16 Day Egypt and Jordan Backpacking Adventure
Looking for the ultimate Egypt and Jordan tour? Two countries, 16 days and endless bucket-list moments. Kick things off in Egypt: stand in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, sail the Nile on a traditional felucca in Aswan and explore the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Then it's over to Jordan! Explore Petra, float in the Dead Sea and experience a night in the desert as we glamp under the stars. This tour is all about adventure and stepping back in time. From Petra to the pyramids, this brand-new Jordan and Egypt group tour is not one to miss.
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Egypt & Jordan: Pyramids to Petra
16 Days
cairo - mÄdabÄ
Map
Bucket List
Itinerary
welcome to cairo
Touchdown in Egypt! You're in the lands of the Pyramids, deserts, hieroglyphics and incredible history. Get ready for an incredible 9 days filled with bucket list moments and new best friends. Arrive and drop your bags off before heading to meet the rest of the group and your Tru Leader for the next 9 days. We'll head out for our first group meal tonight- think icebreakers, great food and of course, 10/10 company. We've got a fabulous time coming, and it all kicks off tomorrow - sorry we had to!
the great pyramids of giza, sphinx & the grand egyptian museum
Are you ready to head out and explore? We have SO much to see today! After breakfast, we'll travel over to our first stop, the Great Pyramid of Giza. You've read about them in the books, you've heard about them in school; now it's time to see them for ourselves. Standing at 138.5 meters, it is the oldest Wonder of the World and the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World; the Great Pyramid of Giza is the perfect place to start our Egyptian adventure. Afterwards, we'll visit the Sphinx, another bucket list site. After a morning exploring some of the oldest sights in Cairo, it's time to explore one of the best new additions to Cairo, the Grand Egyptian Museum. This evening, we're jumping on an overnight train and making our way to our next location, Aswan!
temple of philae & elephantine island
Morning! We hope you slept well after zooming across 800 km of the Egyptian desert. When we arrive, we'll visit the Temple of Philae before checking into our accommodation. This afternoon we'll have free time to chill and explore the local area before visiting Elephantine Island for sunset. You might not have heard of this spot, but this isle on the Nile (easy for you to say...) is something special!
felucca sailing trip
We're so close to the Nile it would be rude not to take a boat trip and explore the area on a Felucca. We'll spend our morning on this amazing boat and even get a bit of brunch too. Good food, great views- what more would we ask for? We'll sail North for a while before getting off and heading towards Edfu Temple. After a busy day we'll drive to our next destination, Luxor! Check in, drop your bags, then it's time to explore Luxor Market!
luxor bike tour
Morning! We're up early today to join a Community Enterprise Project. We'll be jumping on bikes and taken on a tour of Luxor by the locals who know it best. We're up early so we can beat the heat and enjoy the sights before it gets too busy. We'll tick off Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut temple and the Colossi of Memnon. After some lunch and a bit of chill time, we're visiting the largest religious building ever constructed, Karnak Temple. In the evening, we're catching another overnight train back towards Cairo.
faiyum exploring and pottery workshop
Our train will arrive in Cairo nice and early, and we'll travel straight towards Faiyum, a hidden gem that many travellers miss. Once we arrive, we'll check into our accommodation, and you'll have the afternoon completely free to explore the village at your own pace. Wander the local streets, chat with the locals, and soak up that authentic Faiyum atmosphere. In the late afternoon, we've got something special for you, a pottery workshop where you can get hands-on and create your own masterpiece. After all that creative energy, we'll wrap up the day with a well-deserved dinner!
wadi al hitan exploring
Today's all about adventure! We'll travel out to Wadi al Hitan. Think golden dunes and dramatic rock formations. After you've captured all the content you need, it's time to get stuck in with some sandboarding! Channel your inner surfer as you carve down the dunes. Once you've had your fill of adrenaline and sand in places sand probably shouldn't be, we'll head back to the accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to do as you please, kick back, relax, shower off that desert dust, and recharge those batteries.
cairo markets
It's time to head back to where it all began! This afternoon, we're heading out for some last-minute retail therapy. We'll spend time exploring the legendary Market and Islamic Street. Get ready for bustling streets and haggling for souvenirs that'll remind you of this incredible journey. Once you've worked up an appetite and found all your gifts to take back home, we'll head to our accommodation to check in and get settled. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours.
flight to amman!
Touchdown in Jordan! Welcome to the capital of Jordan and the starting place for our Jordan adventure. Make your way to the hotel, settle in, and unpack. If you're up for a bit of exploring, our hotel is in a great location. This city is a super cool mix of ancient ruins and modern architecture. In the evening, the whole group will meet for dinner (mezze, anyone?). You'll be best friends in no time!
al-salt and jerash exploring
Good morning! Today, weâre putting on our culture hats and heading out to explore Jerash, Jordan's largest Roman site. Jerash is huge, but luckily for us, our guide will show us the highlights and take us to the most jaw-dropping parts of these Roman ruins.
Afterwards, we'll head over to As-Salt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thatâs home to a blend of European and Ottoman styles. We'll wander around this city and discover more about the communities that live here. In the afternoon, after our culture fix, it's only right we explore the local craft beer scene. We'll taste some of the beers and do it all with the incredible backdrop of the Blue Valley. What an insane first day!
amman city tour
We're up bright and early this morning, ready to explore Amman. We'll discover the amphitheatre and get up close to some of the city's amazing Roman architecture. Then, in the afternoon, we'll head towards Petra, HOW EXCITING! Take the afternoon to chill and get ready for an early start tomorrow.
discovering petra
It's Petra day! Are you ready for a 10/10 bucket list experience? Weâre up super early to beat the crowds and the heat. Weâll venture through The Siq, these narrow gaps between huge rocks create the most epic entrance to Petra! Youâll be speechless when we arrive; it really is something special. Weâll have plenty of time to wander around and take it all in. Once weâve explored to our heartsâ content and youâve asked our guide all the questions, weâll head back to the hotel to flick through all the photos!
wadi rum desert camping
Think yesterday was impossible to beat? Think again! Today we're heading to Wadi Rum. Weâll arrive at our desert camp for the night and explore the epic surroundings. This afternoon, weâve got a jeep tour lined up, where weâll journey through the desertâs iconic landmarks, like Khazali Canyon, Lawrenceâs Spring, and Um Frouth Rock Bridge. Weâll then experience a traditional Bedouin tea amongst this incredible landscape. This evening, we'll sit under the stars (trust us, you've never seen a sky this clear), enjoy a delicious dinner, and settle down for the night in this awesome camp.
heading towards aqaba
This morning, weâll wake up in our incredible camp. Soak in those last few moments surrounded by epic views before we head to the coastal city of Aqaba. Weâll drop our bags and start exploring. This area is perfect for water activities, and the coral reefs here are something special. The vibe is totally different from the rest of Jordan, so weâll take our time to relax...or float (IYKYK!)
dead sea spa and madaba
Fancy something a little different? How about a Dead Sea Spa? Float in the mineral-rich waters and unwind on the beach, dreamy, right? After a lush morning living our best lives, weâll drive to Madaba to explore St. George's Church and its amazing mosaics. For our final night, weâll head to Madaba. Get ready for your final mezze spread, eat as much as you can, hug your new friends goodbye, and airdrop all the group photos!
chilled checkout
Itâs time to say goodbye! Weâre super close to the airport, so if thatâs where youâre headed next, have a safe journey and see you next time! If youâre exploring more of Jordan, your guide will be happy to give you advice and help with your next steps. See you soon!
Thank you for your interest in this Tour.
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FAQS
Where does the trip start & finish?
The tour starts in Cairo and ends in Madaba.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
Cairo International airport (CAI) or Sphinx international airport (SPX.)
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
Queen Alia International Airport - Amman (QAIA.)
Is Jordan safe to visit?
Yes! Jordan is a safe and welcoming country to visit - whether youâre wandering through the streets of Amman, floating in the Dead Sea, exploring the desert, or chilling on the beaches of Aqaba. Weâre always keeping an eye on the destinations we operate in, and we will let you know if anything changes.
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
Twin Share hotels - we do have one night glamping in the desert, and these will also be twin-share rooms.
Are there ATMS in Jordan?
Yes! Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted (especially at bank ATMs), but cash is still king, especially at markets and local stalls. Your Tru Leader will be able to help you with finding the best atms with the lowest charges.
Can I change the date of my tour?
Yes! If you are more than 60 days out from your tour you can change the date of your tour once. You can also switch to another tour which is the same value or more.
Is Egypt safe to visit?
Yes! Egypt is a safe and welcoming country to visit - whether you're wandering through the streets of Cairo, exploring the Giza Pyramids or sailing the Nile. We're always keeping an eye on the destinations we operate in, and we will let you know if anything changes.
Is the tap water in Egypt safe to drink?
Tap water is not always safe to drink in Egypt, so we'd recommend sticking to bottled or filtered water.
What language do they speak in Egypt?
The official language of Egypt is Arabic. English is also spoken in the more touristy areas but it is also a great idea to learn some common phrases before you go, this will impress the locals!
Are there ATMS in Egypt?
Yes! Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted (especially at bank ATMs), but cash is still king, especially at markets and local stalls. Your Tru Leader will be able to help you with finding the best atms with the lowest charges.
Whatâs the weather like in Egypt?
Like any country, Egypt has a range of climates throughout the year, from the scorching hot to the pleasantly warm.
Spring (March-May): Egypt's spring brings warm days and cool evenings. Pack light layers and sunscreen as the sun is intense, but it's a great time to explore Cairo's bustling streets and the monuments without the summer crowds.
Summer (June-August): Ask any Egyptian and they'll agree that this time of year it's HOT HOT! Temperatures can be extreme, especially in the desert and inland areas. But it's still a great time to visit, as long as you come prepared and are adaptable to the heat.
Autumn/Fall (September-November): If you want to experience the Nile at its most magical or explore the temples of Luxor and Aswan comfortably, this is the time of year to visit for sure. This time of year is perfect for cruising the Nile and exploring ancient sites, and the evening temperatures make evenings in Cairo's restaurants and cafĂŠs dreamy.
Winter (December-February): Want a cosier Egypt experience? Booking an Egypt trip during their winter will save you money and you'll enjoy perfect weather for exploring (the desert sun is still strong!).
Whenâs the best time to visit Egypt?
According to the locals, Autumn (September-November) and Winter (December-February) are the best times to visit Egypt. These seasons offer cooler temperatures and comfortable conditions for exploring the pyramids, ancient temples, and iconic sites along the Nile that make Egypt such a popular destination.
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
Visa requirements often change and it is always worth checking your local government website for the most up to date information.
Do I have to arrive at a specific time?
Youâre welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of the tour. Hotel/hostel check-in is usually from around 2 pm, so most people tend to plan their arrival for around this time. However, if youâd like to arrive a little earlier, we can also help arrange pre-nights at the starting accommodation.
There are no planned activities during the day on Day 1, giving everyone plenty of time to arrive, check in and settle in before the tour officially begins. In the evening, the group will usually head out for a welcome dinner at around 7 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your guide will also give you a quick overview of the trip and help break the ice, so everyone can get to know each other before the adventure begins!
Is the tap water in Jordan safe to drink?
Tap water is not always safe to drink in Jordan, so we'd recommend sticking to bottled or filtered water.
What language do they speak in Jordan?
The official language of Jordan is Arabic. English is also spoken in the more touristy areas but it is also a great idea to learn some common phrases before you go, this will impress the locals!
Can I book a pre-night/airport transfer?
You can book pre-nights, airport transfers and other extras at the time of booking or up to 7 days before the tour starts.
These can be booked:
-Through your online account area
-Through our sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com
Is there tipping in Jordan?
While on tour in Jordan, it is recommended to tip a small amount to service providers such as hospitality workers. Whilst on tour your guide will be able to advise you on this.
Whatâs the weather like in Jordan?
Like any country, Jordan has a range of climates throughout the year, from the super hot to the freezing cold.
Spring (MarchâMay) : If you want warmth, not blistering heat. Sun hats, not hiding in the shade. A tan, not a burn. Then this is the time of year for you! Jordan, this time of the year, is filled with outdoor dining and is buzzing with people all across the world coming to this bucket-list destination.
Summer (JuneâAugust) : Ask any Jordinian and they'll agree that this time of year it HOT HOT! But it is still a great time to visit, as long as you come prepared and are adaptable to the heat.
Autumn/Fall (SeptemberâNovember) : If you have your heart set on diving in the Red Sea or want to experience some lesser-known festivals, this is the time of year to visit for sure. This time of year is perfect for exploring Wadi al Mujib and Petra, and the evening temperatures make evenings in Amman's restaurants and bars dreamy.
Winter (DecemberâFebruary) : Want a cosier Jordan experience? Booking a Jordan trip during their winter will save you money, leave fewer photo bombers in your photos, and you might still get a bit of a tan (the desert sun is strong!)
Whenâs the best time to visit Jordan?
According to the locals, Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit Jordan. Spring and Autumn have milder weather, blooming wildlife and make exploring all the UNESCO sites Jordan has to offer much more enjoyable.
What vaccines are required for Jordan?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for most travellers. We always recommend speaking to your local doctors, we're not medically trained so can't give official advice on vaccines you need/don't need.
Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?
Yes, you will need a Visa to visit Jordan. Please check your local government website for the most up-to-date information. Please note: It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct documentation to join this trip, make sure you check what you will need far in advance.
Are TruTravels tours drinking and party-oriented?
No! Whether you love a sunset beer or prefer an early night in order to make the most out of every day, or even a bit of both, it's up to you how you spend your time on tour! Our guides are always on hand to suggest a range of evening activities on tour. From night markets to rooftop bars, fire shows and local cultural experiences, there's a huge variety of options! There's no pressure, ever - it's your adventure after all!
Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?
Yes, of course! You will receive a welcome email from your tour leader a week before your tour starts. This will include a QR code to join the group chat on WhatsApp and other important information before joining. In the meantime, you can join our Facebook group TruTravellers to connect with others.
Do many TruTravellers travel alone?
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured youâll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesnât mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you donât need to worry youâll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesnât affect your trip!
Do you have age limits for your tours?
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.
Our Backpacker trips are exclusively built for travellers aged 18-29! Don't worry if this isn't you - our incredible Classic, Flashpacker, Limited Edition, Multi-country and Ski tours are open to everyone under 45! There's a perfect style of tour for everyone - happy browsing!
Is my money protected?
Yep! You will never lose your money. Youâre protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe.
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