1

Hey there,
I spent 14 days backpacking through Israel and Jordan last summer. On a whim we decided to cross the Israeli-Jordanian border and ended up spending 3 days in to Petra and Amman. Due to the last minute nature of this decision, I didn't spend any time researching Jordan. As a female tourist I would highly recommend gaining a basic understanding of the Arabic culture prior to your departure. (i.e wearing clothing that covers arms/legs/proper attire). I wish I had made it to Egypt - This sounds like an amazing trip!

2

You're going to have to do some backtracking (if you intend to see the sights along the Nile) which will chew up som extra time.

There's a pretty big difference between 16 days (just over 2 weeks) and just over three weeks. I'll ofer my thoughts on the longer itinerary. If you do indeed have only 16 days then I'd limit my travels to only two countries. You can't see most of all those countries in only three weeks and not be rushed.

Since you fly into Cairo you might as well begin there and then take the train down to Luxor and Aswan. Given your limited tme there's no reason to visit Alex and unless beach time is a high priority of yours you should also skip the Red Sea resorts. Keep in mind, my recommendations are not because these places aren't worth seeing, it's because you just don't hav enough time to see everything worth seeing in three countries.

After your time in Egypt you should go to Jordan (either overland through Eilat or via the ferry) and work your way from Wadi Rum to Petra, up the King's Highway to Madaba and finally Amman, from which you may visit Jerash if you wish. From Jordan cross over to Israel (via the Allenby Bridge) and go to Jerusalem. I recommend basing in Jerusalem as you can do day trips from there. Finally, take the bus back down to Eilat, cross over to Taba and head back to Cairo.

That's an awful lot for three weeks and you'll be plenty rushed. I didn't offer time suggestions on the above route as I don't know what your travel objectives, interests and priorities are.

Good luck.

3

Welcome to Thorn Tree.

Er, yes, apart from anything else it's not so warm in January that you would want to wear shorts anyway.

You are asking for tips, but without any clue as to your interests (history, religion, nature, museums, architecture, hiking...) or how you will be travelling (rental car - and rental cars can't be taken across borders - or public transport) it's not exactly easy to advise you.