dieanha

I'm looking to plan a trip to Egypt and Jordan. I know that USA still has a travel warning for both of these countries. I feel like I'll never get there if I wait for the travel warnings to end. I will have 14 days there. I'm looking for some help with the itinerary. Of course the Giza and Luxor. And Petra in Jordan. My husband is a big history buff. And when is the best time to visit?

MmePerdu

Winter is the best time to visit (Nov.-Feb.). I leave for Egypt shortly thanks to the encouragement from these 3 trip reports. I'd suggest you spend all your days in Egypt, not a great deal of time even then.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...uld-go-now.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...rip-report.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...nd-a-river.cfm

I plan to spend 4 nights in Cairo on arrival, a week in Luxor, another week for Aswan and a cruise back to Luxor, end back in Cairo. This seemed the bare minimum to me.

dieanha

I wish I had more time. As this is mostly the only trip to Egypt I want to add perta to it as well. Thanks for the info.

Leo_A

Dieanha - you could do both if the 14 days is without travel time included - we did Egypt in 9 days and Jordan in 3 (the Jordan part was rushed though and Petra got just 1 day!) I'd suggest just do Egypt unless you are sure you will not be in this region again.

MmePerdu - awesome that you have your Egypt trip all planned and ready to go - hope you have a wonderful time.

thursdaysd

If you think this will be the only time you are there you should give Petra three nights, and make sure one of them it is open in the evening.

MmePerdu

Thank you again, Leo_A, for your trip report exactly a year ago, that pushed me over the edge. Your enthusiasm was infectious and I'm grateful for it. Now I'm reminded that I must go back and read those 3 reports again before I go, 1 week from today. Cheers!

williamscb13

Only Petra in Jordan??? We loved Jordan, Seriously loved it. One of the best trips I've ever taken. Totally safe, I never felt scared at all. In fact, my city in the US is much more dangerous than Jordan.

MmePerdu

I've come to the conclusion that danger is in the eye of the beholder, how many are actually killed each year on their vacations (heart attacks in Pamplona don't count). I think it's a case of ignorance = bliss, don't read too much or anyplace is scary.

MmePerdu

I'll also mention that there was a moment when I had a potential companion on next week's trip. But she quit on me because someone who knew something told her Egypt was dangerous. Probably just as well.

michele_d

< I think it's a case of ignorance = bliss, don't read too much or anyplace is scary.>

This is our current attitude. With a trip planned to Kenya and Cairo this upcoming February, I prefer not to read every little warning. I am using a guided tour for each place, as I feel the guides will have better knowledge than I do regarding the safe/unsafe areas. Their livelihood depends on keeping their customers safe, so I feel they will not be taking chances with our safety.