13-Day Northern Middle East Eastern Gems: Jordan, Lebanon & Turkey in July
Embark on a sophisticated odyssey through the 'Northern' Middle East, a region where ancient history meets contemporary luxury. This 13-day route is meticulously designed for the discerning traveler, focusing on the Levant's most exquisite treasures: the rose-red city of Petra, the 'Paris of the Middle East' Beirut, and the imperial grandeur of Istanbul. In July, while the sun is high, these destinations come alive with vibrant summer festivals and exclusive evening events.
From high-end desert camps in Wadi Rum that redefine 'glamping' to private yacht charters along the Bosphorus, every segment of this journey emphasizes comfort and exclusivity. Navigate these historic borders with ease via premium domestic flights and private chauffeurs, ensuring that your transition from the Roman ruins of Baalbek to the Ottoman palaces of Turkey is as seamless as it is spectacular.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Royal Hospitality
VIP Airport Meet & Greet
Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport and skip the queues with a personalized VIP arrival service, including visa assistance and private transfer.
Settling into The Ritz-Carlton
Check into your suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, located in the heart of the prestigious 5th Circle, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Amman Citadel Sunset Tour
Visit the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace with a private historian as the golden hour illuminates the stone ruins.
Fine Dining at Fakhreldin
Experience an authentic Levantine feast at Amman’s most famous restaurant, specializing in refined mezze and grilled delicacies.
Day 2: Amman to Petra, Jordan - The King’s Highway
Private Drive via Madaba
Depart for Petra via the scenic King’s Highway, stopping to view the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in Madaba.
Lunch with a View
Enjoy an exclusive lunch overlooking the Wadi Mujib canyon, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of Jordan'.
Check-in at The Old Village Hotel
Relax in a 19th-century refurbished stone village offering luxury amenities and authentic Nabatean atmosphere.
Petra by Night Exclusive
Walk through the Siq lit by 1,500 candles for a private musical performance in front of the Treasury.
Day 3: Petra, Jordan - The Rose-Red City
Sunrise Treasury Access
Avoid the crowds with an early morning private entry to the Treasury, led by a professional archaeologist.
Monastery (Ad Deir) Hike
Traverse the mountain path to the Monastery; for a more relaxed experience, a private donkey or carriage can be arranged.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant
Managed by Crowne Plaza, this is the only upscale dining option located deep within the archaeological park.
Petra Kitchen Cooking Class
Learn to cook traditional Jordanian dishes alongside local chefs in a high-end, interactive culinary environment.
Day 4: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Luxury
Drive to the Valley of the Moon
A 2-hour private transfer takes you into the heart of the UNESCO-protected Wadi Rum desert.
Luxury Camp Arrival
Check into your 'Martian Dome'—a glass-walled luxury tent offering 360-degree desert views from your bed.
Private 4x4 Sunset Safari
Explore hidden canyons and ancient inscriptions in a luxury 4x4 vehicle, ending with sundowners on a private dune.
Zarb Traditional Dinner
Dine on 'Zarb', a Bedouin barbecue cooked underground, served in a candlelit desert clearing.
Day 5: Amman to Beirut (Jordan/Lebanon) - Levantine Transition
Transfer to Amman
Private transfer from Wadi Rum back to Amman, stopping for a quick visit to the Dead Sea for a luxury spa mud treatment.
Flight to Beirut
Take a short, 1-hour flight across the border to the vibrant capital of Lebanon.
Check-in at Phoenicia Hotel
Enter the legendary Phoenicia Beirut, a symbol of the city's glamour overlooking the Zaitunay Bay.
Dinner at MusicHall
Experience Beirut’s world-famous nightlife with dinner and a multi-genre cabaret show at the Waterfront.
Day 6: Beirut, Lebanon - Paris of the East
National Museum of Beirut
Private tour of the museum, highlighting the incredible preservation of Phoenician statues during the civil war.
Downtown Architecture Walk
Walk through the reconstructed Souks and Nejmeh Square, admiring the mix of Ottoman and French Mandate architecture.
Raouche Rocks Boat Trip
Take a private boat around the iconic Pigeon Rocks as the afternoon sun hits the limestone stacks.
Gourmet Dinner in Gemmayzeh
Dine at 'Em Sherif', an award-winning restaurant offering a multi-course set menu of the finest Lebanese cuisine.
Day 7: Byblos, Lebanon - Ancient Seaport
Jeita Grotto Visit
Explore one of the world's most beautiful limestone caves, featuring a boat ride on an underground lake.
Lunch in Byblos (Jbeil)
Dine at 'Babel Bahr', a luxury seafood restaurant built directly into the rocks overlooking the Mediterranean.
Byblos Citadel Tour
Explore the Crusader Castle and the old Phoenician port, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Sunset at Eddésands
Enjoy a premium beach club experience at this luxury wellness resort before heading back to Beirut.
Day 8: Baalbek, Lebanon - The City of the Sun
Journey to Beqaa Valley
Travel inland to the fertile Beqaa Valley, Lebanon's premier wine-growing region.
Baalbek Temple Complex
Marvel at the massive Roman Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably preserved Temple of Bacchus with a private guide.
Wine Tasting at Chateau Ksara
Visit Lebanon's oldest winery for a private tasting in their natural Roman-era caves.
Aanjar Umayyad Ruins
Stop at this unique 8th-century archaeological site before returning to Beirut for the evening.
Day 9: Beirut to Istanbul (Lebanon/Turkey) - Imperial Arrival
Leisurely Morning at Corniche
A final stroll along Beirut's promenade before heading to Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Flight to Istanbul
Board a Turkish Airlines flight for the 2-hour journey to the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
Check-in at Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Stay at the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus, a pinnacle of luxury.
Bosphorus View Dinner
Dine at 'Tuğra', located within the palace, serving rediscovered Ottoman recipes to the sound of the waves.
Day 10: Istanbul, Turkey - The Heart of Byzantium
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Enter these architectural marvels with a private VIP guide who can explain the complex history of Christian and Islamic coexistence.
Topkapi Palace Harem Tour
Explore the private quarters of the Sultans, including the Imperial Treasury and the Sacred Relics.
Grand Bazaar VIP Shopping
Navigate the labyrinthine 4,000 shops with a personal shopper specializing in high-end carpets and jewelry.
Traditional Turkish Hamam
Experience a private luxury 'Sultan’s Treatment' at the historic Cağaloğlu Hamam.
Day 11: Istanbul, Turkey - Yachting the Bosphorus
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the morning cruising between two continents on a private yacht, viewing the Yali mansions from the water.
Lunch in Bebek
Disembark at the trendy Bebek neighborhood for a high-end lunch at 'Lucca' or 'Mangerie'.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Tour the 19th-century European-style palace, the final residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
Modern Turkish Cuisine at Mikla
Enjoy 'New Anatolian Kitchen' on the rooftop of the Marmara Pera hotel with stunning 360-degree views.
Day 12: Istanbul, Turkey - The Prince’s Islands
Escape to Büyükada
Take a private boat to the largest of the Prince's Islands, a car-free retreat of Victorian villas.
Garden Lunch
Dine at a boutique hotel garden, sampling mezes and fresh fish far from the city's hustle.
Electric Carriage Tour
Tour the island in a luxury electric carriage, admiring the pine forests and historic mansions.
Farewell Dinner at Sunset Grill&Bar
Celebrate your final night with a fusion of Turkish and Japanese cuisine overlooking the Bosphorus Bridge.
Day 13: Istanbul, Turkey - Departure
Spice Market Final Finds
A quick morning visit to the Mısır Çarşısı (Spice Market) for high-grade saffron and Turkish delight.
Private Transfer to IST
Luxury chauffeur transfer to the state-of-the-art Istanbul Airport (IST).
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Relax in one of the world's most luxurious airport lounges, featuring live cooking stations and private suites.
International Departure
Board your return flight, carrying the memories of three historic nations.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
For this Northern Middle East route (Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey), the 'peak' season is generally Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October). However, July offers a unique 'Summer Festival' atmosphere, particularly in Lebanon and Turkey. While temperatures in Jordan can reach 35°C (95°F), the heat is dry and manageable with early morning starts. Lebanon and Istanbul benefit from Mediterranean breezes, making July ideal for rooftop dining and yachting. Always pack lightweight linens and stay hydrated.
Visas & Border Crossings
Navigating borders in the Levant requires preparation. Jordan offers the 'Jordan Pass', which includes a tourist visa if staying more than 3 nights. Lebanon currently offers visas on arrival for many nationalities, but ensure your passport does not contain any evidence of travel to Israel, as this will lead to denied entry. Turkey requires an e-Visa for most travelers (e.g., US, UK, and EU citizens), which must be obtained online prior to arrival. All flights between Amman, Beirut, and Istanbul are direct and take approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Getting Around Middle East
To maintain a luxury pace, prioritize direct flights between major hubs (Amman Queen Alia, Beirut Rafic Hariri, and Istanbul Airport). Within cities, private chauffeur services like Blacklane or high-end local agencies are recommended over standard taxis for comfort and security. In Istanbul, the private 'Sea Taxi' is a stylish way to avoid land traffic. For the long desert stretches in Jordan, a private 4x4 or a luxury sedan with a dedicated driver is the standard for high-end travel.
