12-Day Itinerary: Cairo, Amman, and Spain

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo & Local Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Cairo and check into a comfortable 4-star hotel near downtown. Relax and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Egyptian Museum to immerse yourself in ancient artifacts and treasures. Enjoy a guided tour to appreciate the rich history.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant with views of the Nile River, savoring traditional Egyptian cuisine in a relaxed ambiance.

Day 2: Pyramids and Sphinx Tour

Morning: Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx with a professional guide. Capture stunning photos and learn fascinating historical facts.

Afternoon: Visit the Sakkara Step Pyramid complex, exploring one of the oldest pyramid sites. Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch nearby.

Evening: Relax back at the hotel or take an optional evening Nile River Dinner Cruise with entertainment and scenic views.

Day 3: Cairo Cultural and Bazaar Experience

Morning: Tour the magnificent Citadel of Saladin and the beautiful Muhammad Ali Mosque, exploring medieval Islamic architecture.

Afternoon: Stroll through the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar for shopping and local crafts. Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture and flavors.

Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the ancient city, enjoying live traditional music.

Day 4: Day trip to Alexandria

Morning: Transfer to Alexandria (approx. 3 hours) and visit the historic Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Experience the modern tribute to the ancient library.

Afternoon: Explore the Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean coast and enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.

Evening: Return transfer to Cairo and rest at the hotel for next day’s journey.

Day 5: Cairo to Amman Transfer and City Introduction

Morning: Fly from Cairo to Amman, Jordan, and check into a 4-star hotel in the city center.

Afternoon: Explore Amman’s Citadel and Roman Theatre on a guided walking tour, discovering the city's ancient roots.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring Jordanian specialties such as mansaf.

Day 6: Jerash and Ajloun Castle

Morning: Full day tour visiting the remarkably preserved Roman ruins of Jerash. Learn about its rich historical significance.

Afternoon: Visit the scenic Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Muslim castle with impressive panoramic views.

Evening: Return to Amman and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local cafe.

Day 7: Dead Sea Relaxation

Morning: Transfer to the Dead Sea resort area. Check into a 4-star spa hotel offering therapeutic mud treatments and saltwater floats.

Afternoon: Experience floating in the saline waters and enjoy the hotel’s wellness facilities.

Evening: Dinner at the resort with spectacular views of the sunset over the Dead Sea.

Day 8: Madaba and Mount Nebo

Morning: Visit Madaba to see its famed mosaic map and cultural sites. Continue to Mount Nebo, believed to be where Moses saw the Promised Land.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Jordanian lunch before returning to Amman.

Evening: Explore Amman’s vibrant downtown for souvenirs and local snacks.

Day 9: Amman to Spain - Barcelona Arrival

Morning: Fly from Amman to Barcelona, Spain. Check into a centrally located 3- or 4-star hotel.

Afternoon: Begin sightseeing with a visit to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece.

Evening: Dine at a tapas bar in the lively Gothic Quarter.

Day 10: Barcelona City Tour

Morning: Explore Park Güell and the Casa Batlló to experience Gaudí’s whimsical designs.

Afternoon: Walk along La Rambla and visit the Mercado de La Boqueria for local food sampling.

Evening: Enjoy seafood dinner by the Barceloneta Beach.

Day 11: Madrid Arrival and Historical Sights

Morning: Transfer by high-speed train to Madrid. Check into a centrally located 3- or 4-star hotel.

Afternoon: Visit Prado Museum and stroll through Retiro Park.

Evening: Experience traditional Spanish cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Day 12: Toledo Day Trip

Morning: Day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Toledo, exploring its medieval streets and historic churches.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local tavern, followed by visits to the Toledo Cathedral and Alcázar.

Evening: Return to Madrid and enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop venue.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Egyptian Museum (Cairo): 3 hours, $15
• Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx (Cairo): 4 hours, $40
• Nile Dinner Cruise: 3 hours, $50 (optional)
• Khan El Khalili Bazaar (Cairo): 2 hours, free (shopping costs vary)
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria): 2 hours, $10
• Flight Cairo to Amman: 2 hours, approx. $150
• Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre: 3 hours, $12
• Jerash and Ajloun Castle Tour: Full day, $70
• Dead Sea Resort: Full day, spa access approx. $80
• Madaba & Mount Nebo Tour: Half day, $30
• Flight Amman to Barcelona: 5 hours, approx. $250
• La Sagrada Familia: 2 hours, $30
• Park Güell & Casa Batlló: 3 hours, $40
• Train Barcelona to Madrid: 3 hours, approx. $90
• Prado Museum: 2 hours, $20
• Toledo Day Trip: Full day, $80
• Accommodation (3-4* Hotels x 12 nights): Approx. $1,500
• Total Estimated Cost: $2,526 (excluding meals and personal expenses)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding an extra day in Spain to explore Valencia or Seville, or include a desert tour in Jordan to experience Wadi Rum. If you prefer a shorter journey, reducing one day in each location will still allow you to see major highlights while maintaining a comfortable pace.