10-Day Central Middle East Southern/Coastal Route: Egypt & Jordan in January
Embrace the ultimate cross-border adventure through the heart of the Middle East, where the cool Mediterranean breeze meets the sun-drenched corals of the Red Sea. This 10-day itinerary is designed for the hardcore backpacker, focusing on the legendary 'Southern Route' through Egypt and Jordan. By utilizing overnight buses, regional ferries, and the world's best street food scenes, you will experience world-class history for the price of a daily coffee back home.
January is the 'sweet spot' for this region. While the northern Mediterranean coast remains brisk and refreshing, the Red Sea resorts of Dahab and Aqaba offer mild, spring-like temperatures perfect for exploring without the sweltering heat of summer. Pack layers, grab your backpack, and prepare for a journey that spans two continents and thousands of years of civilization.
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Nile Sunsets
Arrival at Cairo International
Touch down in the chaotic heart of Egypt. Skip the expensive taxis and use the airport shuttle or an app-based ride to reach the downtown hostel district near Tahrir Square.
Tahrir Square & Street Food Lunch
Soak in the history of the Egyptian Revolution. For lunch, grab a bowl of 'Koshary'—a carb-heavy mix of lentils, pasta, and rice—at the famous Abou Tarek for less than $2.
Felucca Ride on the Nile
Find a captain at the Dokki or Garden City docks. Negotiate a 1-hour sunset sail on a traditional wooden felucca. It is the most peaceful way to see the Cairo skyline.
Downtown Hostel Social
Check into a high-rated hostel like Dahab Hostel. These rooftop hubs are perfect for meeting travel partners for the cross-border journey ahead.
Day 2: Cairo to Alexandria, Egypt - Mediterranean Bound
Train to Alexandria
Head to Ramses Station and book a 'Spanish Train' (2nd class) to Alexandria. The 2.5-hour journey offers a window into the lush Nile Delta agriculture.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Walk the Mediterranean coastline to reach this 15th-century fortress, built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
The Corniche Walk
Stroll along the 10-mile waterfront promenade. In January, the waves crash against the sea wall, creating a dramatic, moody Mediterranean atmosphere.
Seafood Street Feast
Eat like a local at the Anfushi fish market area. Point at the catch of the day and have it grilled with lemon and garlic for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Day 3: Alexandria, Egypt - Roman History & Modern Knowledge
Kom el-Shuquafa Catacombs
Descend into the largest Roman burial site in Egypt. The mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman iconography is unique to this coastal city.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the ultra-modern library that commemorates the ancient Great Library. The architecture is stunning and the reading rooms are vast and peaceful.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Take a local microbus to the far end of the city to wander the royal gardens and view the eclectic palace overlooking a private Mediterranean cove.
Hostel Chill & Planning
Alexandria has a small but tight-knit hostel scene. Use the evening to prep your documents for the upcoming Sinai crossing.
Day 4: Alexandria to Cairo to Dahab - The Long Haul
Return to Cairo
Take the morning train back to the capital. Store your heavy bags at the station or a local hostel for a small fee.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of Cairo’s oldest market. Avoid the tourist traps and find the local spice vendors for the best deals.
Final Cairo Feast
Eat a massive plate of Falafel and Fava beans (Ful) to fuel up for the long night of travel ahead.
Overnight Bus to Dahab
Board the GoBus or BlueBus for an 8-10 hour journey across the Suez Canal and into the rugged mountains of the Sinai Peninsula.
Day 5: Dahab, Egypt - Red Sea Tropical Vibes
Arrival & Breakfast by the Sea
Drop your bags at a beachside camp. Dahab is famous for its 'low-budget luxury'—camps where you can sleep in simple huts right on the water.
Lighthouse Reef Snorkeling
Rent a mask and fins for $2. Just walk into the water at the Lighthouse reef to see world-class coral and colorful tropical fish.
The Blue Hole Excursion
Take a shared Jeep to the Blue Hole, one of the world's most famous dive sites. Even for snorkelers, the deep blue water and vertical reef walls are breathtaking.
Bedouin Dinner
Join a communal dinner at your camp. Traditional Bedouin tea and slow-cooked chicken are staples of the Dahab backpacker experience.
Day 6: Dahab to Aqaba, Jordan - Crossing the Red Sea
Taxi to Nuweiba
Share a taxi with other backpackers for the 1-hour drive north to the port town of Nuweiba.
AB Maritime Ferry
Board the daily ferry from Nuweiba (Egypt) to Aqaba (Jordan). This is a classic traveler route offering views of four countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
Jordanian Entry & Aqaba Arrival
Clear customs and take a short taxi to the Aqaba city center. Jordan is more expensive than Egypt, so stick to the local markets for food.
Aqaba Night Market
Explore the bustling duty-free markets of Aqaba. Grab a cheap 'Shawarma' wrap for dinner while walking the lit-up streets.
Day 7: Aqaba, Jordan - South Beach Snorkeling
Aqaba South Beach
Take a local bus to the South Beach area. Unlike the city beaches, these are cleaner and offer better access to the coral reefs.
The Japanese Garden Reef
Swim out to see the 'Japanese Garden' reef, famous for its hawksbill turtles and schools of Sergeant Major fish.
Aqaba Castle & Museum
Visit the 16th-century Mamluk castle near the world's tallest flagpole. It played a major role in the Arab Revolt led by Lawrence of Arabia.
Hostel Rooftop Gathering
Aqaba's hostels are the best place to find people to share the cost of a Jeep tour in Wadi Rum tomorrow.
Day 8: Aqaba to Wadi Rum - Mars on Earth
Local Bus to Wadi Rum
Catch the morning bus from the Aqaba station to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. It’s the cheapest way to reach the desert.
Budget Jeep Tour
Join a group tour to see the Lawrence Spring, Khazali Canyon, and the red sand dunes. This is the 'Tropical' version of a desert—vast and dramatic.
Sunset Hike
Scramble up a sandstone rock formation to watch the sun set over the 'Valley of the Moon'. In January, the air is crisp and the sky is incredibly clear.
Bedouin Zarb Dinner
Enjoy 'Zarb', an underground barbecue cooked in the sand. Spend the night stargazing in one of the world's best 'Dark Sky' reserves.
Day 9: Wadi Rum to Amman, Jordan - The Final Ascent
JETT Bus to Amman
Take the reliable JETT bus from the visitor center for the long drive north to Amman. The Desert Highway offers views of Jordan's rugged interior.
Roman Theatre
Drop your bags at a hostel in Downtown Amman (Al-Balad) and walk to the 6,000-seat Roman Theatre, built into the hillside.
Amman Citadel
Hike up to the Citadel for the best view of the seven hills of Amman. See the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.
Rainbow Street
Walk the trendy Rainbow Street. Grab a falafel sandwich from Al-Quds, a legendary spot that has served kings and backpackers alike.
Day 10: Amman, Jordan - Culture & Departure
King Abdullah Mosque
Visit this blue-domed landmark. It is one of the few mosques in Amman that welcomes non-Muslim visitors (outside of prayer times).
Souq Al-Balad Shopping
Spend your remaining Jordanian Dinars on dates, spices, or a traditional keffiyeh scarf in the bustling central market.
Jordan Museum
Learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the ancient Nabataean civilization before heading to the airport.
Airport Transfer
Take the Sariyah Airport Bus from North Station. It's the most budget-friendly way to reach Queen Alia International Airport.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The Middle East is a region of extremes, making timing crucial. January is the peak of winter and the low season for tourism, which is ideal for budget backpackers. In Egypt and Jordan, daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C (54°F - 72°F). While the Mediterranean coast can be rainy and brisk, the Red Sea stays mild enough for water activities. Avoid the scorching summer months (June to August) when temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F), making budget travel exhausting and dangerous.
Visas & Border Crossings
Crossing between Egypt and Jordan is one of the most stable and popular routes in the region. Most Western travelers can obtain an Egyptian e-visa or visa-on-arrival for $25. For Jordan, the 'Jordan Pass' is a must-buy; it waives the visa fee and includes entry to Petra and Wadi Rum. When crossing via the Nuweiba-Aqaba ferry, ensure you have cash for the departure tax (around $10-15 USD equivalent). Always check for current geopolitical updates as border policies in the Middle East can change quickly.
Getting Around Middle East
Budget travel in the Middle East relies on a mix of public and private options. In Egypt, the rail network is extensive and incredibly cheap, while 'GoBus' offers high-quality intercity travel. In Jordan, the 'JETT' bus system connects all major tourist hubs reliably. For cross-border travel, the ferry between Egypt and Jordan is the primary sea route. Within cities, app-based rides like Uber and Careem are safer and often cheaper than negotiating with street taxis. Always agree on a price before entering a vehicle if it is not metered.
