11-Day Eastern Middle East Southern/Coastal Route: Egypt & Jordan in January
Embarking on a cross-border journey through the eastern edge of the Mediterranean and the crystalline shores of the Red Sea is a dream for any budget backpacker. This 11-day route avoids the blistering summer heat, utilizing the mild January winter to explore the legendary history of Egypt and the coastal charm of Jordan. By prioritizing street food staples like koshary and falafel, staying in social hostel dorms, and utilizing local minibuses and ferries, you can experience these world-class destinations for a fraction of the usual cost.
In January, you will skip the peak-season prices of the European Mediterranean while enjoying temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C—perfect for walking historic districts and coastal promenades. This itinerary is designed for the ultra-lean traveler who values authentic cultural immersion and logical, ground-based transit over luxury amenities.
Day 1: Alexandria, Egypt - Mediterranean Beginnings
Alexandria Borg El Arab Arrival
Arrive at Alexandria's budget-friendly airport. Take the local shuttle or a shared microbus into the city center to save on expensive private taxis.
Corniche Walk
Walk the iconic Mediterranean waterfront. This 15km promenade is free and offers the best views of the city's fading colonial grandeur and the fishing boats of the Eastern Harbor.
Citadel of Qaitbay (Exterior)
Marvel at this 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Walking around the exterior and the jetty is free and provides great photo ops.
Street Food Dinner at Mahatet El Raml
Feast on Alexandria's famous liver sandwiches (Kebda) or a massive bowl of Koshary for less than $2 at local stands.
Day 2: Alexandria, Egypt - Library & Old Quarters
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the modern architectural marvel commemorating the ancient library. Even if you don't enter the paid sections, the surrounding plaza and the exterior design are stunning and free to view.
Anfushi District Exploration
Wander through the old Anfushi neighborhood, known for its traditional Ottoman-era houses and the bustling fish market nearby.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Take a cheap local bus to the far end of the city to walk through the expansive royal gardens overlooking the sea.
Gad Restaurant for Local Staples
Enjoy a budget-friendly feast of fava beans (ful medames) and freshly baked Aish Baladi bread at this local institution.
Day 3: Alexandria to Cairo, Egypt - Capital Transit
Train to Cairo Ramses Station
Board the Spanish express or a local 'Special' train. It is a scenic 2.5-hour journey through the Nile Delta and much cheaper than private transfers.
Downtown Cairo Walking Tour
Explore the 'Paris on the Nile' architecture around Talaat Harb Square. This area is perfect for people-watching and soaking in the chaotic energy of the capital.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Cairo's oldest market. It’s free to explore, though you'll need willpower to resist the souvenirs.
Al-Azhar Park Sunset
Spend a few Egyptian pounds for entry to Cairo's green lung, offering the best free-view panorama of the Citadel and the 'City of a Thousand Minarets'.
Day 4: Cairo, Egypt - Pyramids & Giza
Giza Plateau Hike
Take a local microbus to Giza. While there is an entry fee for the plateau, you can view the Pyramids from various free viewpoints in the Nazlet El Samman neighborhood.
Sphinx View Lunch
Eat at a local rooftop cafe in Giza for the price of a coffee, providing a million-dollar view of the Sphinx without the crowds.
Coptic Cairo
Visit the Hanging Church and the cavernous churches of Old Cairo. These historic religious sites are free to enter and offer a peaceful escape from the city noise.
Overnight Bus to Dahab
Board a night bus from the Torgoman Station. This saves you one night of accommodation costs while transporting you to the Red Sea coast.
Day 5: Dahab, Egypt - Red Sea Relaxation
Arrival in Dahab
Check into a budget camp or hostel along the Lighthouse area. Dahab is the backpacker capital of the Middle East, offering a laid-back tropical vibe.
Lighthouse Reef Snorkeling
Entry to the water is free. If you have your own mask, you can see world-class coral reefs just meters from the shore without paying for a boat tour.
Lighthouse Beach Chilling
Join the local 'beanbag culture' at the waterfront cafes. Many allow you to sit for hours if you buy a cheap tea.
Bedouin Street BBQ
Find local stalls away from the main promenade for authentic, affordable grilled meats and Bedouin bread.
Day 6: Dahab, Egypt - Canyon Trekking
Laguna Beach Walk
Walk south to the Laguna, a beautiful sandy spit of land perfect for swimming and watching windsurfers for free.
Local Market Grocery Run
Visit the 'Asala' market to buy fresh dates, local cheese, and bread for a DIY picnic to keep your daily spend under $15.
Wadi Gnai Hike
Walk or hitch a short ride to this nearby desert valley for a free sunset hike among the granite mountains.
Stargazing at the Beach
The Sinai sky is incredibly clear in January. Head to a dark spot on the beach for a free, spectacular celestial show.
Day 7: Dahab to Nuweiba (Egypt) to Aqaba (Jordan)
Microbus to Nuweiba Port
Take a cheap local microbus north to the port of Nuweiba. Ensure you have your departure tax ready in Egyptian Pounds.
AB Maritime Ferry to Jordan
Board the ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba. This is the classic backpacker route connecting Africa to Asia.
Arrival in Aqaba, Jordan
Complete border formalities. Visitors arriving via the ferry often qualify for a free ASEZA visa, saving significant money on the standard Jordan visa.
Aqaba Night Market
Explore the vibrant markets of Aqaba. Try a 'Shawarma' wrap from a street stall for a cheap and filling Jordanian dinner.
Day 8: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Coastal Vibes
South Beach Public Area
Take a local bus to the South Beach public areas. The snorkeling here is free and rivals the paid private beach clubs.
Aqaba Heritage Museum
Visit this small museum located next to the Aqaba Fort. It’s often free or very low cost and provides insight into the Great Arab Revolt.
Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque
Admire the stunning white architecture of this mosque by the sea. It is particularly beautiful as the call to prayer echoes at sunset.
Fish Market Feast
Pick your fresh catch at the local market and have it grilled at a nearby stall for a fraction of the price of a tourist restaurant.
Day 9: Aqaba to Amman, Jordan - The Desert Highway
JETT Bus to Amman
Take the reliable JETT bus for a 4-hour journey through the dramatic desert landscapes of southern Jordan.
Downtown Amman (Al-Balad)
Drop your bags at a hostel and dive into the historic heart of the capital. The energy here is infectious and the prices are the lowest in the country.
The Roman Theatre
View this massive 6,000-seat theater from the surrounding hills or enter for a small fee (included in the Jordan Pass).
Hashem Restaurant
Eat at the world-famous Hashem. It’s a legendary, open-air street food spot where even kings have eaten. A full meal costs roughly $4.
Day 10: Amman, Jordan - Citadel & Rainbow Street
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Walk up the hill to the Citadel. It offers the best 360-degree views of the sprawling white city and contains the Temple of Hercules ruins.
Habibah Sweets
Join the locals in the alleyway for a plate of Kunafa. It’s the most famous dessert in Jordan and costs about $1 for a generous serving.
Rainbow Street Window Shopping
Walk through this trendy district. While the cafes are pricey, the street art, historic villas, and views are entirely free to enjoy.
Wild Jordan Center View
Visit the terrace for a free view over the old city. It's a great spot to see the Roman Theatre lit up at night.
Day 11: Amman, Jordan - Souqs & Departure
Souq Jara / Gold Souq
Wander through the sparkling gold souq and the vegetable markets. It's a sensory overload and a great place for cheap spices or tea to take home.
Duke's Diwan
Visit this historic townhouse-turned-cultural-hub. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city and often free to enter for a quick look at old Amman life.
Final Falafel Run
Grab a final bag of fresh falafel from Al-Quds on Rainbow Street for your journey to the airport.
Airport Express Bus
Take the yellow Sariyah bus from North Station or Tabarbour to Queen Alia International Airport. It’s the cheapest way to catch your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The best time for this coastal route is between October and April. January is a sweet spot for budget travelers; while it is technically winter, the temperatures in Egypt and Aqaba remain mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. Amman can be chilly and occasionally rainy, so packing layers is essential. You will benefit from the 'Low Season' prices and significantly smaller crowds at world-famous sites like the Pyramids and the Amman Citadel.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this route, most nationalities can obtain an e-visa or visa-on-arrival for Egypt. The crossing from Egypt to Jordan via the Nuweiba-Aqaba ferry is a strategic move for budget travelers. Arriving in Aqaba under the Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) rules often allows for a free entry visa, provided you exit through a similar port or stay for a minimum duration. Always check the latest reciprocity rules for your specific passport before travel, especially regarding the Jordan Pass, which can save you both visa and entry fees.
Getting Around Middle East
Regional travel is best done via budget airlines like Air Arabia, FlyDubai, or Wizz Air Abu Dhabi for long distances. Within Egypt, the extensive train network and the 'Go Bus' network are the gold standards for backpackers. In Jordan, the JETT bus system connects major hubs efficiently. For city travel, Cairo’s Metro is incredibly cheap, while in Amman and Alexandria, shared microbuses and ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem provide affordable alternatives to standard taxis.
