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My husband and I are in our late 50's and have a very finite travel budget. We are thinking of a Spring 2010 trip to Israel for the first time. Never been to the Middle East and this will be a once in a lifetime trip to the Middle East. As an add-on to Israel, would you go to Jordan (Amman and Petra) or would you go to Cairo and Luxor (with a 3 day Nile River Cruise)? We are looking at a Gate1 tour or Isram tour. While we are normally pretty independent travelers, I think for this area, I really want a guide and the economy of a packaged tour.
Petra/Amman or Cairo/Luxor as add-on to Israel Trip?
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Both are great choices - Amman/Petra or Cairo/Luxor/Cruise - done both. Can I assume the latter is also a longer trip.
Both Gate1 and Isram are reputable companies and both do independent travel (mini-paks) for a somewhat higher price over with a group, but you can design your time as you want.
Just remember though that Spring is Passover and Easter-time and space in Israel can book up quickly.
Very tough to choose between! Any way you can do both? Petra is fabulous but I guess I'd lean towards Egypt if forced to pick one or the other.
I also loved both. Maybe we can narrow it down by looking at what activities interest you the most?
Petra was probably our favorite spot in the Middle East, but with the time you have it sounds like the Egypt option might be a better fit. I haven't done a Nile cruise but it sounds amazing
It sounds like you have 5 or 6 days you are playing with? I really think you could dedicate 2 good days to Petra, but beyond that might be overkill.
Info from our visits to Cairo and Petra at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/
I agree. both are fabulous. Petra would be the choice for fewer days, less money. I was there one day but you could easily do two, and maybe include the spectacular Wadi Rum. It's easy to get there from Eilat, just across the Jordanian border.
For Cairo and Luxor, I'd give each at LEAST two days. Add on the cruise and you have much more expense and time. But Egypt is amzing.