Real Egypt & Jordan — Self-Launched

Touch down in Cairo and soak up the glorious chaos. Check into your hostel or budget hotel near Downtown Cairo or Zamalek. Spend the afternoon wandering the streets — grab a bowl of koshari (Egypt's beloved street-food staple of lentils, pasta and spiced tomato sauce) from a local joint for under £1. In the evening, explore the nightlife around Talaat Harb Square. Well-rated budget options include Cairo Inn Hostel (dorm ~£8/night) or the Dahab Hostel (~£10/night private).

🚌Cairo International Airport to Downtown Cairo: pre-booked airport transfer or metered taxi (~£6–10), or Cairo Metro Line 3 (~£0.20)

🛏Cairo Inn Hostel or Dahab Hostel, Downtown Cairo (~£8–12/night dorm, ~£20–25 private)

• →Arrive and check into budget hostel/guesthouse
• →Explore Downtown Cairo on foot
• →Eat koshari at a local restaurant
• →Optional: visit the Coptic Museum (EGP 280 / ~£4) or The Citadel (EGP 550 / ~£7)

After breakfast, take a Uber or metered taxi to Giza (~£5–8 each way). Spend the morning at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx — entrance to the plateau costs EGP 660 (~£9). Budget extra to enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu (EGP 1,500 / ~£20) or the smaller third pyramid (EGP 280 / ~£4). Grab lunch near the site, then head back to Cairo for the afternoon — consider the Grand Egyptian Museum (EGP 1,590 / ~£21, bookable via GetYourGuide). In the evening, make your way to Giza or Ramses station for your overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Book via Egyptian National Railways (enr.gov.eg) or a reputable agency; 1st-class sleeper berths with dinner and breakfast included cost around £35–45 per person.

🚌Taxi/Uber to Giza (~£5–8). Overnight sleeper train Cairo to Aswan (~£35–45, 1st class with meals, book via Egyptian Railways or local agent)

🛏Overnight Sleeper Train (berth included in ticket price)

• →Explore the Pyramids of Giza plateau (EGP 660 / ~£9 entrance)
• →See the Great Sphinx up close
• →Optional: enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu (EGP 1,500 / ~£20)
• →Optional: visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (EGP 1,590 / ~£21)
• →Board overnight sleeper train to Aswan (~14 hrs)

Arrive in Aswan and check into a budget guesthouse — try Marhaba Palace Hotel or Nuba Nile Hostel (~£12–18/night). After freshening up, explore the lively Aswan bazaar on your own — vendors are friendly and it's a great place to pick up spices and perfume oils. In the afternoon, book a Nile kayaking session independently through a local outfitter or via GetYourGuide (~£20–30 for a 2–3 hour session). In the evening, consider an optional Nubian village dinner (bookable locally for ~£15–20 including boat transfer).

🚌Arrive by overnight train. Local tuk-tuks and motorboats for getting around Aswan (~£1–3 per trip)

🛏Marhaba Palace Hotel or Nuba Nile Hostel, Aswan (~£12–18/night)

• →Explore Aswan bazaar and meet perfume/oil merchants
• →Kayaking on the Nile (book via GetYourGuide or local operator, ~£20–30)
• →Optional: Philae Temple entrance (EGP 550 / ~£7) + motorboat transfer (~£3)
• →Optional: Nubian Village dinner (~£15–20)

Today is yours to explore. The highlight option is an early-morning trip to Abu Simbel — the rock-cut temple of Ramses II is one of Egypt's most spectacular sites. The cheapest way is to join a shared minibus convoy that departs around 4am (book through your guesthouse or a local agency, ~£25–35 per person including entrance). Plan at least 2 hours at the site. The round trip takes about 6–7 hours total. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing in Aswan — rent a felucca for a sunset sail (negotiate directly at the dock, ~£5–10/hr), visit the Nubian Museum (EGP 400 / ~£5) or simply eat great food along the corniche.

🚌Shared minibus to Abu Simbel arranged through guesthouse (~£25–35 including entry). Local tuk-tuks in Aswan (~£1–2)

🛏Marhaba Palace Hotel or Nuba Nile Hostel, Aswan (~£12–18/night)

• →Optional: Abu Simbel shared minibus day trip (departs ~4am, ~£25–35 pp including entry)
• →Optional: Nubian Museum (EGP 400 / ~£5)
• →Optional: private felucca sunset sail (negotiate at dock, ~£5–10/hr)
• →Free time to eat ful wa ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) at local corniche restaurants

Book a felucca overnight sailing trip directly at Aswan's docks or through your guesthouse — negotiate with captains in person for the best rate. A shared overnight felucca (Aswan to Edfu/Esna area) costs around £20–35 per person including meals and sleeping mat/blankets. These traditional wooden sailboats carry small groups and it's easy to join up with other solo travellers at the dock. Spend the afternoon drifting along the Nile, reading, playing cards, swimming and watching the sunset. Sleep under the stars on deck — bring a sleep sheet and insect repellent.

🚌Felucca departs from Aswan corniche (walk or tuk-tuk from guesthouse, ~£1). Captain arranges onward transport from disembarkation point.

🛏Overnight Felucca on the Nile (sleeping mat and blankets provided; bring sleep sheet)

• →Board shared overnight felucca from Aswan docks (~£20–35 pp, meals included)
• →Sail through ancient Nubian landscapes
• →Sunset and stargazing from the deck
• →Communal dinner and music on the boat

Disembark your felucca in the Edfu area in the morning. Visit the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Edfu (EGP 550 / ~£7) — a horse-drawn carriage from the dock to the temple costs around EGP 50 (~£0.70). Continue to Luxor by local microbus or shared taxi (ask your felucca captain or locals, ~£3–5, 1–2 hrs). Check into your Luxor guesthouse — good budget options include Nefertiti Hotel or Bob Marley House (~£10–18/night). Spend the afternoon exploring Karnak Temple (EGP 600 / ~£8) — budget 2–3 hours. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes at dusk.

🚌Horse carriage from felucca dock to Edfu Temple (~£0.70). Shared microbus/taxi Edfu to Luxor (~£3–5, ~1–2 hrs). Local tuk-tuks in Luxor (~£1–2)

🛏Nefertiti Hotel or Bob Marley House, Luxor (~£10–18/night)

• →Visit Edfu Temple (EGP 550 / ~£7; horse carriage to temple ~£0.70)
• →Travel to Luxor by shared microbus or taxi (~£3–5)
• →Explore Karnak Temple complex (EGP 600 / ~£8)
• →Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes
• →Optional: Karnak Sound & Light Show (book via GetYourGuide, ~£15–20)

Cross the Nile to the West Bank by local ferry (EGP 5 / ~£0.07) then hire a private driver for the West Bank loop — ask your guesthouse to arrange (~£15–20 for the day). Visit the Valley of the Kings (EGP 600 / ~£8 entrance, includes 3 tombs); add Tutankhamun's tomb for EGP 700 (~£9) if desired. Continue to the Colossi of Memnon (free) and optionally Hatshepsut's Temple (EGP 440 / ~£6). Visit Luxor Temple in the late afternoon (EGP 500 / ~£7). In the evening, take your overnight sleeper train back to Cairo (book via Egyptian National Railways, ~£35–45, 1st class with dinner and breakfast, ~10 hrs).

🚌Local ferry to West Bank (EGP 5 / ~£0.07). Private driver for West Bank loop (~£15–20). Overnight sleeper train Luxor to Cairo (~£35–45, 1st class)

🛏Overnight Sleeper Train (berth included in ticket)

• →Local ferry across the Nile to West Bank (EGP 5 / ~£0.07)
• →Valley of the Kings — 3 tombs included (EGP 600 / ~£8)
• →Optional: Tomb of Tutankhamun (EGP 700 / ~£9)
• →Colossi of Memnon (free)
• →Optional: Hatshepsut Temple (EGP 440 / ~£6)
• →Luxor Temple (EGP 500 / ~£7)
• →Optional: Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank (~£80–100, book via GetYourGuide)
• →Board overnight sleeper train to Cairo (~10 hrs)

Arrive in Cairo and check into your guesthouse. Head to Islamic Cairo via the Metro (Line 1, Al-Ataba station, ~£0.20) or a short taxi ride. Walk through the medieval streetscape to Bab al-Futuh gate (free), then navigate the wonderful labyrinth of Khan el-Khalili bazaar — haggle for souvenirs, spices and papyrus. Stop at El Fishawy café (240 years old!) for mint tea or a cold lemon-mint drink. The evening is yours — explore Cairo's rooftop bar scene or grab a farewell Egyptian meal of shawarma and fiteer baladi (Egyptian pizza) near Tahrir Square.

🚌Arrive by overnight train. Cairo Metro Line 1 to Islamic Cairo (~£0.20). Taxis/Uber as needed (~£3–6 per trip)

🛏Cairo Inn Hostel or Dahab Hostel, Downtown Cairo (~£8–12 dorm, ~£20–25 private)

• →Arrive by overnight train; check into guesthouse
• →Explore Islamic Cairo: Bab al-Futuh gate (free)
• →Khan el-Khalili bazaar — haggling and sightseeing (free to enter)
• →Tea at El Fishawy café
• →Optional: Sound & Light Show at Pyramids (~£10–15 entrance, book via GetYourGuide)
• →Optional: Sufi Whirling Dervish performance at Khan al-Khalili (Weds & Sat, EGP 180 / ~£2)

Fly from Cairo to Amman — book independently with Air Arabia, flydubai or EgyptAir, typically £60–120 return. Allow time for Cairo airport check-in. On arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, take the Airport Express Bus to central Amman (JOD 3.3 / ~£4, ~45 mins) — far cheaper than a taxi (~JOD 25 / ~£27). Check into a guesthouse near Rainbow Street or Downtown — try The Nomad Hostel or Sydney Hotel (~£12–18/night). Spend the afternoon exploring Rainbow Street's cafés, falafel joints and boutiques. Hike up to the Temple of Hercules on the Citadel for panoramic city views (entrance included in Citadel ticket, JOD 5 / ~£5). In the evening, join the local scene on Rainbow Street — great bars, shisha and street food.

🚌Flight Cairo to Amman (~£60–120, book independently). Airport Express Bus to central Amman (JOD 3.3 / ~£4). Walking and taxis in Amman (~£2–5 per ride)

🛏The Nomad Hostel or Sydney Hotel, Amman (~£12–18/night)

• →Fly Cairo to Amman (book independently, ~£60–120)
• →Airport Express Bus to central Amman (JOD 3.3 / ~£4)
• →Falafel and shisha on Rainbow Street
• →Citadel and Temple of Hercules (JOD 5 / ~£5)
• →Optional: Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts (JOD 3 / ~£3)
• →Optional: hammam experience (~£15–25)
• →Evening bar-hopping on Rainbow Street

Spend the morning exploring central Amman on foot. Start at the Citadel (JOD 5 / ~£5, includes Roman Theatre and Citadel museum), walk down into the city to the Roman Theatre (included in Citadel ticket or JOD 3 separately), browse the souqs and pick up nuts and dried fruit for the road. In the early afternoon, travel to Wadi Rum by JETT bus from Amman (Abdali terminal) to Aqaba/Wadi Rum (~JOD 8 / ~£9, ~4 hrs) or arrange a shared taxi via your hostel. At Wadi Rum village, pre-booked Bedouin camps (book via GetYourGuide or directly, ~£30–45/night) will collect you. Enjoy a traditional Zarb-cooked dinner (Bedouin underground BBQ) and spend the night in a Bedouin-style tent. Sleep outside under the extraordinary desert sky for free.

🚌JETT bus Amman (Abdali terminal) to Wadi Rum/Aqaba (~JOD 8 / ~£9, ~4 hrs). Camp collects from Wadi Rum visitor centre (free).

🛏Bedouin-style desert camp, Wadi Rum (~£30–45/night, includes dinner; book via GetYourGuide or directly with camp)

• →Amman Citadel (JOD 5 / ~£5)
• →Roman Theatre
• →Browse Downtown Amman souqs
• →JETT bus or shared taxi Amman to Wadi Rum (~£9–15)
• →Check into Bedouin desert camp (~£30–45/night, dinner included)
• →Traditional Zarb Bedouin dinner
• →Stargazing in the desert

Wake before dawn to watch the sunrise paint the red sandstone mountains — one of the most spectacular moments of the whole trip. After breakfast, embark on a 4WD jeep tour of Wadi Rum's highlights — book directly through your camp or via GetYourGuide (~£25–40 for a 3–4 hour tour per person in a shared jeep). See Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, the sand dunes, ancient rock inscriptions and towering rock arches. Afternoon is free to relax in camp or try optional rock climbing/camel rides (~£10–20). Enjoy a second night at camp or arrange onward transport to Petra for the following day.

🚌All transport within Wadi Rum included in jeep tour. Arrange pickup to Wadi Rum visitor centre for onward journey to Petra (~£5–8 with camp).

🛏Bedouin-style desert camp, Wadi Rum (~£25–35/night second night)

• →Sunrise over Wadi Rum desert (free, from camp)
• →Shared 4WD jeep tour of Wadi Rum highlights (~£25–40 pp, 3–4 hrs)
• →Lawrence's Spring, Khazali Canyon, Red Sand Dunes
• →Optional: camel ride (~£10–15)
• →Optional: rock climbing with local guide (~£15–25)
• →Second night at Bedouin camp (included or extra ~£25–35)

Travel from Wadi Rum to Petra by shared taxi or minibus — arrange through your camp or the visitor centre (~JOD 25–35 / ~£24–33 for a shared ride, ~1 hr). Check into a guesthouse in Wadi Musa (the town at Petra's entrance) — try Rocky Mountain Hotel or Cleopetra Hotel (~£15–25/night). Purchase a 2-day Petra Pass (JOD 55 / ~£52 for 2 days — tremendous value, well worth it over the 1-day price). Spend today walking The Siq — the dramatic 1.2km canyon gorge — to the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh), then continue to the Street of Facades, Royal Tombs and the Colonnaded Street. Budget around 6–7 hours of walking today. In the evening, consider Petra by Night (Mon, Wed, Thu; JOD 17 / ~£16, book at visitor centre).

🚌Shared taxi Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa (~JOD 25–35 / ~£24–33). Walking within Petra (free with pass). Horse-drawn carriages through The Siq optional (~JOD 20 / ~£19).

🛏Rocky Mountain Hotel or Cleopetra Hotel, Wadi Musa (~£15–25/night)

• →Shared taxi Wadi Rum to Wadi Musa/Petra (~£24–33)
• →2-day Petra Pass (JOD 55 / ~£52)
• →Walk The Siq to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
• →Street of Facades, Royal Tombs, Colonnaded Street
• →Optional: Petra by Night (Mon/Wed/Thu, JOD 17 / ~£16)

Your 2-day Petra Pass is still valid — make the most of it. Head back into the site early to beat the crowds. Today, tackle the 800-step climb to Ad-Deir (The Monastery) — arguably even more impressive than the Treasury and far less crowded. Take the High Place of Sacrifice trail for sweeping views over the rose-red city. Explore the less-visited Mughar Al-Nassara area, the Turkmaniyya Tomb and the Garden Triclinium. Pack water and snacks. Return to Wadi Musa in the late afternoon and enjoy a celebratory dinner of mansaf (Jordan's national dish) at a local restaurant.

🚌Walk to Petra entrance from guesthouse (~5 mins) or local taxi (~£1–2). Walking within Petra (free with 2-day pass).

🛏Rocky Mountain Hotel or Cleopetra Hotel, Wadi Musa (~£15–25/night)

• →Return to Petra (2-day pass still valid, no extra cost)
• →Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — 800 steps, ~45 mins
• →High Place of Sacrifice trail
• →Less-visited trails: Mughar Al-Nassara, Garden Triclinium
• →Celebratory mansaf dinner in Wadi Musa (~£5–8)

Travel from Wadi Musa to the Dead Sea — the easiest independent option is to take a bus or shared taxi to Aqaba or Amman and connect from there, or arrange a private shared taxi day trip from Wadi Musa directly to the Dead Sea (~JOD 60–80 split between passengers). Alternatively, take a JETT bus from Aqaba to Amman and alight at the Dead Sea Rest House stop (~JOD 6 / ~£6). The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth at ~430m below sea level. Entrance to a public beach with facilities costs around JOD 15–20 (~£14–19). Float in the incredibly salty water, slather yourself in mineral-rich black mud, and let the afternoon be wonderfully slow. Stay at a guesthouse near the Dead Sea or overnight in Amman.

🚌Shared taxi Wadi Musa to Dead Sea (~JOD 30–40 pp split, ~2.5 hrs) or bus via Aqaba/Amman. Local taxi at Dead Sea (~£3–5).

🛏Guesthouse near Dead Sea or return to Amman (~£12–20/night). Options: Dead Sea Resthouse area budget guesthouses or Amman hostels.

• →Travel to the Dead Sea (shared taxi or JETT bus ~£6–20 depending on route)
• →Float in the Dead Sea (public beach entrance ~JOD 15–20 / ~£14–19)
• →Dead Sea mud bath experience (included at beach)
• →Slow afternoon of relaxation — bring a good book

Make your way to Madaba (known as the 'City of Mosaics') — a short taxi or bus ride from the Dead Sea or Amman (~30–60 mins, ~£3–8). Visit St George's Church, home to the remarkable 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land (entrance ~JOD 1.5 / ~£1.50). Walk the charming town centre and browse mosaic workshops. Head up to Mount Nebo (JOD 3 / ~£3) — from here Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, and on a clear day you can see Jerusalem. Enjoy a final Jordanian lunch of falafel, hummus and fattoush before arranging your onward journey — shared taxi or JETT bus to Amman's Queen Alia Airport (~JOD 8–15 / ~£8–14).

🚌Taxi or bus to Madaba from Dead Sea/Amman (~£3–8). Taxi Madaba to Mt Nebo and back (~£5–8 return). JETT bus or taxi to Queen Alia Airport (~£8–14).

🛏Depart — no accommodation needed (or overnight near airport if needed ~£15–25)

• →Visit St George's Church & Byzantine mosaic map (~JOD 1.5 / ~£1.50)
• →Walk Madaba's mosaic workshops and town centre
• →Mount Nebo viewpoint (JOD 3 / ~£3)
• →Final Jordanian lunch — falafel, hummus, fattoush (~£5–8)
• →Transfer to Amman airport for departure