In few places do the oldest and newest sights sit so close together. In a single trip you can walk through a rock-cut Nabataean city, stand beside the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World and finish on the observation deck of the world’s tallest tower. Here are the four landmarks most visitors prioritize, three routes that link them and the logistics that matter.
Four essential destinations
Petra, Jordan. The entrance is a narrow canyon called the Siq, about 1.2 km long, that opens suddenly onto the Treasury, carved from pink sandstone. Most visitors stop there, but the site extends for miles, with tombs, a Roman-style colonnaded street and the Monastery, reached by about 800 steps. Give it a full day, ideally two. Arrive at opening time, wear solid shoes and bring water. If you can, visit Petra by Night, when the Siq is lit by candles.
The pyramids of Giza, Egypt. Standing at the foot of the Great Pyramid, you realize photos don’t give a sense of scale. Go early, and pair the plateau with the Grand Egyptian Museum nearby, which houses the Tutankhamun collection. For a wider look at ancient Egypt, add Luxor and Aswan: the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and a short boat ride to Philae.
Jerusalem. The Old City packs the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Dome of the Rock into less than a square kilometer. Walk the Via Dolorosa, wander the souks and take time for the Israel Museum and Yad Vashem. Dress modestly, and check opening hours and access rules, which change with holidays and security conditions. Check your government’s travel advice before booking.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. The Gulf offers a contrast to the old sites: the Burj Khalifa, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Doha’s Museum of Islamic Art and Souq Waqif. These cities are comfortable, safe and well organized. They work as add-ons or stopovers.
Three routes
-
Jordan focus (6–8 days): Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba or the Dead Sea. Roman ruins in Jerash, a night in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, and a swim in the Red Sea or the Dead Sea. The Desert Highway or King’s Highway link the stops, and Jordan is compact enough for a rental car or private driver.
-
Egypt heritage (7–9 days): Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan. Fly between Cairo and Luxor or Aswan, or take the sleeper train. Many travelers add a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
-
Gulf skylines (5–7 days): Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha. Short flights and good roads make this easy. It suits those who want museums, architecture and a few days of beach.
What to know before you go
Visas and entry. Rules vary widely. Jordan offers the Jordan Pass, which combines a visa waiver with entry to Petra and other sites for travelers who stay at least three nights. Egypt offers visas on arrival or e-visas for many nationalities. UAE and Qatar offer visa-free or on-arrival entry to many passports. Check the official sites for each country, and note that some countries refuse entry to those with certain passport stamps.
Safety and conditions. The region is diverse. Jordan, Oman, the UAE and Qatar are generally calm, while other areas have changing security situations. Read current government advice for every country on your route and buy travel insurance that covers the places you visit.
Heat. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the early morning and use the middle of the day for museums, lunch and rest. The best months are October to April. See our best-time guide for details.
Dress and customs. Dress modestly outside beach resorts. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, and women should carry a scarf. Always ask before photographing people, and avoid public displays of affection. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight.
Guides. At complex sites like Petra, Giza and Jerusalem’s Old City, a licensed local guide adds a great deal. Agree on the price before you start.
Getting around. Regional flights are short and frequent between the major cities. Within countries, use trains in Egypt, buses and private drivers in Jordan, and metro or taxi in the Gulf cities. Always negotiate or use a meter or app for taxis.
Money. Cards are widely accepted in the Gulf and in major hotels. In Egypt and Jordan, carry local cash for tips, taxis and small shops.
Last word
If you have ten days, pick Jordan and Egypt or Jordan and the Gulf rather than all three regions. Add a quiet day for each major site, and you’ll leave with a trip that is paced rather than rushed. For more on the region, see our top destinations guide.