13-Day Western Middle East Northern Scenic Route: Turkey, Lebanon & Jordan in January
Embark on an extraordinary 13-day cross-border journey through the Western Middle East, focusing on the breathtaking 'Northern' scenic corridor. This route challenges the sandy desert stereotype, instead leading your family through the snow-capped Uludağ mountains of Turkey, the ancient cedar forests of Lebanon, and the dramatic red canyons of Jordan. Designed for families who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort, this itinerary balances historical exploration with nature-focused activities that keep children engaged.
Traveling in January provides a unique advantage: the peak heat of the desert is replaced by crisp mountain air and occasionally blankets of snow in the higher elevations. With convenient flight connections between Istanbul, Beirut, and Amman, your family will traverse three distinct cultures that share a deep history of hospitality, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for travelers of all ages.
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Old City Magic
Sultanahmet Square Arrival
Arrive at Istanbul Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district. Let the kids stretch their legs near the Egyptian Obelisk.
Blue Mosque Exploration
Visit the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque. In January, the crowds are thin, allowing for a peaceful viewing of the magnificent blue tilework.
Arasta Bazaar Stroll
A smaller, family-friendly market perfect for finding traditional Turkish delight and handcrafted toys without the chaos of the Grand Bazaar.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a warm lentil soup and pide (Turkish pizza) at a local lokanta, offering a gentle introduction to Middle Eastern flavors.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Bosphorus Views & Underground Secrets
Basilica Cistern
Descend into this ancient subterranean reservoir. The 'Medusa' heads and the atmospheric lighting make it feel like a scene from an adventure movie for kids.
Bosphorus Family Cruise
Board a heated ferry to see the city from the water. Witness the scenic waterfront mansions (yalis) and Rumeli Fortress while sipping hot sahlep.
Galata Tower
Cross the bridge to Karaköy and ascend the Galata Tower for a 360-degree view of the Golden Horn draped in winter mist.
Istiklal Street Tram
Ride the historic red tram along Istiklal Avenue, a fun and easy way for children to see the modern side of the city.
Day 3: Bursa, Turkey - The Green Mountain Escape
Ferry to Yalova & Drive to Bursa
Depart Istanbul early for a scenic ferry ride across the Sea of Marmara, followed by a short drive to the mountain city of Bursa.
Bursa Teleferik (Cable Car)
Ride one of the world's longest cable cars up to Uludağ Mountain. The views of the snow-covered pine forests are spectacular.
Snow Fun at Uludağ
Spend the afternoon sledding or having a snowball fight at the peak. It's a perfect winter wonderland experience within the Middle East.
Iskender Kebab Dinner
Sample the original Iskender Kebab in its birthplace—a hearty meal perfect for warming up after a day in the snow.
Day 4: Bursa to Istanbul, Turkey - Silk & Spiritual History
Grand Mosque of Bursa
Explore the Ulu Cami, famous for its indoor fountain and 20 domes, representing early Ottoman architectural genius.
Koza Han (Silk Market)
Visit this 15th-century silk market. Kids will enjoy the courtyard setting while parents shop for high-quality scarves.
Return to Istanbul
Travel back to the city to prepare for the international flight transition the following morning.
Overnight in Istanbul
Relax at a family hotel near the airport or in the city center for a final Turkish meal.
Day 5: Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon - Transition to the Levant
Flight to Beirut
Take a 1.5-hour flight from Istanbul to Beirut. Watch the Mediterranean coastline appear as you descend into the 'Paris of the Middle East'.
Beirut Corniche Walk
Check into your hotel and walk along the seaside promenade. The sea air is refreshing in January, and the Pigeon Rocks are a must-see.
Zaitunay Bay
A modern, pedestrian-friendly marina with plenty of cafes where children can run around safely near the water.
Beirut Souks
Explore the rebuilt downtown area, combining historical architecture with modern high-end shopping and kid-friendly installations.
Day 6: Beirut, Lebanon - Grottos & Coastal History
Jeita Grotto
Visit these magnificent limestone caves. The lower grotto is explored by boat, which is always a highlight for younger travelers.
Harissa Teleferique
Ride the cable car up to Our Lady of Lebanon for a panoramic view of Jounieh Bay and the surrounding mountains.
Byblos Old City
Explore one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The crusader castle and the old harbor are easy to navigate with kids.
Seaside Dinner
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fish in Byblos before returning to your base in Beirut.
Day 7: Mount Lebanon, Lebanon - The Cedars of God
Drive to Qadisha Valley
Head into the mountains. In January, the landscape turns into a dramatic alpine setting with deep gorges and mist-filled valleys.
Cedars of God (Bsharre)
Walk among ancient trees, some over 1,000 years old, often dusted in snow. It's a peaceful and mystical nature experience.
Gibran Museum
A quick stop at the museum dedicated to the famous poet, built into the rock, offering great views and cultural insight.
Snowshoeing or Hot Cocoa
Depending on the snow level, enjoy a short snowshoeing walk or simply relax with mountain views at a local lodge.
Day 8: Beirut to Amman, Jordan - Into the Kingdom
Beirut National Museum
Spend a quiet morning viewing the Phoenician sarcophagi before your flight to Jordan.
Flight to Amman
A short 1-hour flight brings you to Queen Alia International Airport. The transition is quick and efficient for families.
Amman Citadel
Visit at sunset for incredible views over the hilly capital of Jordan. The Temple of Hercules is impressive and great for photos.
Rainbow Street Dinner
Dine at a cozy restaurant on Amman's most famous street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and family-run eateries.
Day 9: Amman to Petra, Jordan - The King’s Highway
Mount Nebo
Stop at the site where Moses reportedly saw the Promised Land. The mountain views toward the Dead Sea are vast and scenic.
Madaba Mosaics
Visit St. George’s Church to see the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land—a great visual history lesson for children.
Kerak Castle
Explore this massive Crusader fortress. The dark tunnels and ramparts are perfect for a family adventure/exploration stop.
Arrival in Wadi Musa
Check into your hotel right outside the gates of the Petra Archaeological Park.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
The Siq & The Treasury
Walk through the narrow 1.2km canyon. The moment the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) appears is a world-class travel memory for all ages.
Street of Facades
Explore the many tombs carved into the mountain. Kids often enjoy riding a donkey or camel for a short section of the path.
Royal Tombs Hike
A moderate climb that provides elevated views of the city center. January's cooler air makes this hike much easier than in summer.
Petra Museum
Visit the modern museum near the entrance to learn about Nabataean technology in a high-tech, indoor environment.
Day 11: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Drive to Wadi Rum
A 2-hour drive south into the 'Valley of the Moon', a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning desert mountains.
4x4 Desert Jeep Tour
An exhilarating ride through the red sands. Visit rock bridges and ancient petroglyphs that are easy for kids to climb.
Sandboarding
Many camps offer sandboards. It's a high-energy activity that children love in the soft, red dunes.
Zarb Dinner & Stargazing
Eat a traditional Bedouin meal cooked underground and enjoy the incredibly clear winter night skies.
Day 12: Wadi Rum to Dead Sea, Jordan - Salt & Serenity
Camel Trek at Sunrise
A gentle morning ride to experience the desert at its most peaceful before departing for the north.
Dead Sea Floating
The water stays relatively warm in January (around 20°C). Floating in the salt-heavy water is a unique sensory experience.
Dead Sea Mud Bath
Apply the mineral-rich mud for a fun (and messy) family photo opportunity on the shores of the lowest point on Earth.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final feast of Mansaf (Jordan's national dish) at a resort overlooking the lights of the West Bank.
Day 13: Amman, Jordan - Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit a local workshop for Dead Sea salt products or olive wood carvings to take home.
Roman Theater
A final stop in downtown Amman to see the perfectly preserved 6,000-seat theater before heading to the airport.
Transfer to QAIA
A 45-minute drive from the city center to the airport for your flight home.
Departure
Board your international flight, concluding your 13-day scenic Middle Eastern journey.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The best time to visit the Western Middle East (Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan) depends on your preference for weather. Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) offer the most temperate climate for hiking and sightseeing. However, January is the 'Low Season' jewel for this specific scenic route. While Turkey and the mountains of Lebanon will be cold and snowy, the Jordan desert remains pleasantly cool for exploration. You will enjoy significantly lower prices on luxury accommodations and almost no crowds at world-famous sites like Petra.
Visas & Border Crossings
Visa requirements vary significantly across these three countries. Turkey offers an easy-to-use e-Visa system for most nationalities. Lebanon typically provides a free visa-on-arrival for many Western passports at Beirut Airport. Jordan offers a visa-on-arrival, but the most cost-effective method for families is the 'Jordan Pass,' which waives the visa fee if you stay for at least three nights and visit Petra. Always check current diplomatic relations, as having an Israeli stamp in your passport can occasionally cause issues when entering Lebanon.
Getting Around Middle East
International travel between Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan is most efficiently done via short-haul flights. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Middle East Airlines (MEA), and Royal Jordanian offer frequent daily connections. Once on the ground, Turkey has an excellent domestic flight and bus network. In Lebanon, private drivers or app-based services like Uber are the safest and most reliable for families. In Jordan, the JETT bus system is highly recommended for tourist routes, though renting a private car with a driver is a popular and affordable way for families to see the King's Highway at their own pace.
