Why book the Jordan & Egypt Express tour?
Thirteen days, two of the Middle East's most spectacular countries, and a genuinely diverse set of experiences: ancient Petra, a Bedouin camp under the stars in Wadi Rum, a night floating at the Dead Sea, the Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, an overnight seater train through the Egyptian desert, a felucca night on the Nile, Philae Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak. The group is capped at 18 and all sightseeing is handled by specialist local guides in each country. If you want Jordan and Egypt back-to-back without the faff of planning dual-country logistics, this tour does the heavy lifting for you.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Jordan and Egypt?
Yes, and it is specifically built for travellers exploring both countries for the first time. A Jordan specialist guide handles the Jordan portion, and an Egyptologist guide leads the Egypt leg. The itinerary is structured so you understand each destination in context, not just tick boxes.
What is the difference between this and your other Jordan-Egypt tours?
The Jordan and Egypt Express (13 days) uses a VIP seater train for the Cairo-to-Aswan overnight journey and a felucca for one night on the Nile, giving the Egypt leg a classic adventurous feel at mid-range comfort. The Jordan and Egypt Explorer (14 days) offers a slightly longer itinerary with different pacing. The Ancient Encounters tour combines Jordan with a Discover Egypt-style itinerary over 17 days.
What is the best time of year for this tour?
October to April is the most comfortable window for both Jordan and Egypt: mild temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable conditions for Petra's multi-kilometre walking routes. May to September is very hot in the Nile Valley and in Wadi Rum. The Dead Sea is warm year-round. Winter (December to February) is cooler and quieter; note that Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve departures carry potential Gala Dinner surcharges at some hotels.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper tours covering this region. What you are paying for here is 7 nights in 4-star hotels in Jordan and Egypt, a Bedouin camp night in Wadi Rum, a Nubian guesthouse night in Aswan, a felucca night on the Nile with a support boat (toilet and shower), two VIP overnight train journeys, a 4x4 Jeep safari in Wadi Rum, an overnight Dead Sea resort stay, the Amman street food experience, a Wild Jordan Centre visit, specialist guides in each country, and all airport and city transfers. Running two separate country legs in one smooth tour requires careful logistics.
What is actually included in the price?
Included: 7 nights in 4-star hotels; 1 night Bedouin camp (Wadi Rum); 1 night Nubian guesthouse (Aswan); 1 night felucca with accompanying toilet and shower support boat; 2 nights VIP seater overnight train (Cairo-Aswan and return); Dead Sea overnight resort stay; Amman Food Tasting Experience (Kunefa, Sugar Cane Juice, Falafel); Wild Jordan Centre visit; 4x4 Jeep safari in Wadi Rum; specialist local guides throughout; all AC transport and transfers (including airport); Koshary lunch in Cairo; and meals as detailed in the itinerary (12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners).
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
Not included: international flights; Amman to Cairo flight (available as an add-on or bookable with your international ticket); Jordan visa fee (included with the Jordan Pass, which also covers most entrance fees in Jordan and is recommended to purchase in advance); Egypt visa fee (available on arrival, check current rates); Egypt entrance fees (a budget guide is in the tour notes, payable in USD cash); Egypt tipping kitty (your guide will brief current amounts at the start of the Egypt leg); travel insurance; Jordan guide tips; drinks and personal expenses; hotel Gala Dinners at Christmas and New Year.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to secure your place and the balance is due eight weeks before departure. Reserve-now-pay-later is also available at checkout.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate. Petra is the most demanding section: the minimum walking distance just to see the Treasury and back is 3km through the Siq canyon, and extending to the Monastery involves over 800 steps each way on steep, uneven paths. Wadi Rum involves a Jeep safari (no significant walking required). The Egypt leg is easy to moderate: archaeological sites involve walking on sandy or paved ground. The Dead Sea and felucca night are entirely relaxed.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
The Dead Sea stay, Wadi Rum Jeep safari and the Nile Valley sightseeing are all suitable for most ages. Petra requires honest assessment: the walk from the Siq entrance to the Treasury and back is manageable for most fit adults, but the optional hike to the Monastery (800+ steps) is strenuous. Golf buggies are available at Petra for the journey from the entrance to the Treasury for those who prefer not to walk that section.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The main challenge is Petra: the Siq canyon involves uneven paved paths and the main Petra circuit covers several kilometres. Horse carriages are available in Petra but we recommend against using them on animal welfare grounds. Golf buggies run from the site entrance to the Treasury. For significant mobility limitations, contact us before booking to assess what is realistically feasible.
What is the overnight train like?
The VIP seater train from Cairo to Aswan (and back) runs overnight and takes approximately 12-13 hours. Seats are reclining but are not full sleeper cabins. An upgrade to a private sleeper cabin with airline-style meals is available as an optional add-on and is worth considering if you want more comfort for the overnight journey.
Is Jordan safe to visit right now?
Jordan is one of the most politically stable and safe countries in the Middle East and is a popular destination for international visitors. The sites on this tour (Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea) are all well-established tourist destinations with good security infrastructure. Check UK Foreign Office or US State Department travel advice before departure.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt receives millions of international tourists annually and the Nile Valley and Cairo sites are among the most visited in the world. Petty touting occurs at tourist sites but serious safety incidents for visitors are rare. Check the UK Foreign Office or US State Department travel advice before departure.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Both Jordan and Egypt are manageable for solo female travellers, particularly within a guided group. Modest dress is important in both countries, especially in Egypt. In Jordan, the main tourist areas are generally relaxed. Your guides will brief you on local customs and expectations at each stop.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Amman, Cairo, and Luxor all have good private hospitals. Your guide will direct you to the nearest appropriate facility. Travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation across both countries is compulsory.
What is the accommodation actually like?
You stay in comfortable 4-star hotels in Amman, Petra and Cairo, with a Dead Sea resort hotel for the overnight stay. The Wadi Rum accommodation is in a Bedouin camp with proper beds (not sleeping bags on the ground). In Aswan you stay in a Nubian-style guesthouse in a village, full of character and with a great Nile location. One night is spent on the felucca sailboat, sleeping on deck under mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets (a hotel upgrade for this night is available if preferred).
What is the felucca night like?
The felucca is a traditional wooden Egyptian sailing boat. You sleep on deck on provided mattresses and blankets, with a separate support boat providing toilets, showers and a proper kitchen. The Nubian crew sails, cooks and sometimes entertains with local songs. It is basic but genuinely atmospheric, and one of the most memorable nights on the itinerary. If you prefer a hotel, a Felucca to Hotel upgrade is available to book in advance.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
The 4-star hotels in Amman, Petra and Cairo all have Wi-Fi. The Dead Sea resort and Nubian guesthouse typically have it too, though speed varies. The Wadi Rum Bedouin camp and the felucca have no Wi-Fi. Local SIM cards are inexpensive in both Jordan and Egypt and provide mobile data coverage in urban and main tourist areas.
Can I upgrade the overnight train to a sleeper cabin?
Yes. A two-way sleeper train upgrade is available as an optional add-on for both the Cairo-to-Aswan and Luxor-to-Cairo overnight journeys. The sleeper upgrade provides a private cabin with airline-style meals and is worth booking in advance as cabins are limited.
What kind of food will we eat?
In Jordan, the Amman food tasting experience introduces you to sweet Kunefa, refreshing Sugar Cane Juice and savoury Falafel. Petra and Wadi Rum dinners feature traditional Jordanian cuisine with lamb, rice and mezze. In Egypt, the included Koshary lunch in Cairo (rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, tomato sauce, crispy onions) is a highlight. The felucca crew prepares fresh meals on board.
Can you cater for vegetarian vegan or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian is straightforward in both Jordan and Egypt. Vegan is manageable with some forward communication. Gluten-free requires care, particularly at camp and felucca meals where bread is common. Inform us at booking so guides in both countries can be briefed in advance.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water is not safe to drink in either Jordan or Egypt. Use sealed bottled water, or bring a Water-to-Go filtered bottle to reduce plastic waste. Your guides will advise on safe drinking options at each stop.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Very good. The group is capped at 18 and the diversity of overnight stays (Bedouin camp, Dead Sea float, felucca deck) creates a shared experience that bonds groups quickly. Many solo travellers join this tour.
Do I have to share a room?
Accommodation is based on twin or double rooms throughout the hotel sections. A single supplement is available for solo travellers who want a private room. On the felucca night and Bedouin camp, sleeping is communal. The Nubian guesthouse has individual rooms.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Groups run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 18 travellers. The dual-country itinerary attracts a mix of solo explorers, couples and small groups with a shared interest in Middle Eastern history and culture.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. The Jordan and Egypt Express can be arranged as a private departure on flexible dates, with the option to upgrade accommodation throughout or adjust the pacing.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The Petra walking distance is the main consideration for younger children. The Wadi Rum Jeep safari, Dead Sea floating and Nile cruise sections are engaging for older children and teenagers. Contact us to discuss suitability for your family's ages and fitness levels.
Do I need visas for both Jordan and Egypt?
Yes. For Jordan, most nationalities need a visa. The Jordan Pass (purchased in advance online) includes the Jordan visa fee and most Jordan entrance fees and is strongly recommended for this tour. For Egypt, a tourist visa is available on arrival at Cairo airport for most nationalities. Check current fees for both on the official portals before departure.
What should I pack?
Layers for both countries: Jordan evenings and the desert nights in Wadi Rum can be cold, while daytime Egypt is hot. Modest dress for both countries (loose clothing, shoulders covered, legs covered for Jordan's religious sites and Egyptian mosques). Comfortable walking shoes are critical for Petra. For the felucca night, long sleeves help against mosquitoes. A light sleeping bag liner adds warmth on the overnight train and felucca.
Are any vaccinations required?
Consult your GP or a travel clinic. Recommended vaccinations for both Jordan and Egypt typically include Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. No Yellow Fever certificate is generally required for standard arrivals. Malaria is not present in the areas covered on this itinerary.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. International flights are not included. Your gateway airports are Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman for arrival and Cairo International Airport (CAI) for departure. The internal Amman-to-Cairo flight is also not included in the tour price but is available as a bookable add-on, or can be incorporated into your main international routing.
What about tipping?
In Egypt, a tipping kitty covers most service staff (drivers, porters, site guards etc.). Your Egyptologist guide's tip is separate. In Jordan, tips for the specialist guide are separate and not in a kitty format. Your guides in each country will brief current recommended amounts at the start of each leg.
Can I upgrade to the sleeper train?
Yes. A two-way sleeper train upgrade is available for both overnight train journeys (Cairo-Aswan and Luxor-Cairo). The upgrade provides a private cabin with airline-style meals included. Book in advance as cabin numbers are limited.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. An overland day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Abu Simbel is available as an optional extra from Aswan. Built by Ramses II and relocated to avoid the rising waters of Lake Nasser, this is one of Egypt's most impressive ancient sites.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor is available on the morning of the Valley of the Kings day. Book in advance as places are limited and it requires an early start.
Can I experience Petra by Candlelight?
Yes. Petra by Candlelight (also called Petra by Night) is available on the evening of your arrival in Petra. You walk through the Siq canyon by candlelight to the Treasury, illuminated in the dark. Pre-booking is recommended.
Can I upgrade the felucca night to a hotel?
Yes. A Felucca to Hotel upgrade is available, allowing you to stay in a comfortable hotel in Aswan instead of sleeping on the felucca deck. You rejoin the group the following morning. This is a good option for travellers who value comfort at night but still want to experience the felucca during the day.
How far ahead should I book?
October to April is peak season for both Jordan and Egypt. Popular departures can fill several months in advance. The Jordan Pass (which covers entrance fees and the visa) should be purchased online in advance. Book at least 3-4 months ahead for peak season dates.
How does booking work?
Reserve online via the Dates and Prices page. Pay a deposit to secure your place or use reserve-now-pay-later. The balance is due eight weeks before departure. Instant confirmation is issued on booking.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must cover medical treatment and repatriation across both Jordan and Egypt. World Nomads Travel Insurance is a recommended starting point. Your policy details must be provided before departure.
What is your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale of cancellation charges applies depending on how far ahead you cancel. Full terms are in our booking conditions. Encounters Travel is UK-registered and customer funds are protected by Trust My Travel's financial protection scheme.
What if my dates are already sold out?
Contact us to join the waitlist for your preferred departure. The Jordan and Egypt Explorer or Ancient Encounters tours have their own departure schedules that may offer alternative dates. A private departure on your preferred dates is also available.
