14-Day Northern Middle East Classic Highlights: Turkey, Lebanon & Jordan in January
Discover the soul of the Northern Middle East through its most iconic capitals and historic treasures. This 14-day journey is designed for the discerning traveler, combining the misty, atmospheric winter beauty of the Bosphorus with the cosmopolitan energy of Beirut and the timeless desert wonders of Jordan. Traveling in January offers a unique perspective: the crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the luxury hotels offer their most intimate and personalized service.
From private yacht charters in Istanbul to sunset dinners overlooking the ruins of Baalbek and luxury Martian tents in Wadi Rum, every detail is curated for comfort and exclusivity. We leverage premium regional carriers and private transfers to ensure seamless transitions between these three distinct yet culturally connected nations, allowing you to focus entirely on the rich history and world-class gastronomy of the Levant.
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Bosphorus Sunset
Private VIP Arrival
Touch down at Istanbul Airport (IST) where a private Mercedes S-Class transfer awaits to whisk you to your hotel on the Bosphorus.
Check-in at Four Seasons at the Bosphorus
Settle into a palace-style suite overlooking the strait, where the winter light creates a magical shimmer on the water.
Private Yacht Sunset Cruise
Board a luxury yacht for a private two-hour tour of the Bosphorus, sipping Turkish tea while passing Ottoman summer palaces and fortresses.
Dinner at Mikla
Experience "New Anatolian Kitchen" at this Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant offering 360-degree views of the historic peninsula.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Imperial Sultanahmet
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Private Access
Explore the architectural wonders of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires with an expert historian, avoiding the morning queues.
Lunch at Pandeli
Dine at this historic restaurant located above the Spice Bazaar, a favorite of Audrey Hepburn and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Basilica Cistern & Topkapi Palace
Descend into the subterranean Medusa pillars of the Cistern and explore the Harem at Topkapi, the seat of Ottoman power for 400 years.
Whirling Dervish Ceremony
Attend a private Mevlevi Sema ceremony in a historic 15th-century hammam for a spiritual end to the day.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - The Art of the Bazaar
Grand Bazaar Private Shopping
Navigate the labyrinthine 64 streets with a personal shopper to find the finest silk carpets, rare antiques, and artisan jewelry.
Ottoman Culinary Workshop
Participate in a private cooking class in a Galata loft, learning to prepare classic palace recipes with seasonal winter ingredients.
Traditional Turkish Hammam
Relax with a private foam massage and scrub at the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı, designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan.
Cocktails at Galataport
Enjoy modern mixology at the new waterfront district before a late-night seafood dinner at Karaköy Lokantası.
Day 4: Istanbul to Beirut (Turkey/Lebanon)
Last Morning in Pera
Stroll through the art galleries of Istiklal Avenue and visit the Pera Museum to see 'The Tortoise Trainer' painting.
Flight to Beirut
Board a short 1 hour 45 minute flight across the Mediterranean to the "Paris of the Middle East."
Check-in at Hotel Albergo
Settle into Beirut's most prestigious boutique hotel, located in the heart of the historic Achrafieh district.
Dinner at Em Sherif
Indulge in a multi-course Lebanese feast at this world-renowned restaurant, where the decor is as opulent as the food.
Day 5: Beirut, Lebanon - Cosmopolitan History
National Museum of Beirut
Witness a remarkable collection of Phoenician artifacts and the famous anthropoid sarcophagi.
Downtown & Martyrs' Square Walk
Explore the reconstructed Beirut Souks and the stunning Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque with its blue domes.
Raouche Rocks Sunset
View the iconic Pigeon Rocks from a private balcony while enjoying traditional Lebanese coffee.
Gemmayzeh Nightlife
Experience Beirut’s famous bar scene in the trendy Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael neighborhoods.
Day 6: Beirut, Lebanon - The Grotto & Byblos
Jeita Grotto Exploration
Visit this finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, featuring breathtaking stalactites and an underground boat ride.
Harissa Teleferique
Take the cable car up to the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine for panoramic views of Jounieh Bay.
Lunch in Byblos (Jbeil)
Dine on fresh Mediterranean catch at Pepe’s Fishing Club, a legendary haunt for celebrities in the 1960s.
Crusader Castle & Phoenician Port
Walk through one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world before returning to Beirut.
Day 7: Beirut, Lebanon - Baalbek & Beqaa Wine
Crossing Mt. Lebanon
Drive through the snow-capped mountains into the Beqaa Valley, an essential winter landscape.
Temples of Baalbek
Stand in awe of the Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably preserved Temple of Bacchus, the grandest Roman ruins in existence.
Wine Tasting at Chateau Ksara
Visit the oldest winery in Lebanon and explore their natural Roman caves where the wine is aged.
Farewell Beirut Dinner
Dine at Baron, a contemporary restaurant in Mar Mikhael focusing on farm-to-table seasonal dishes.
Day 8: Beirut to Amman (Lebanon/Jordan)
Morning Souk Stroll
A final walk through the Achrafieh flower shops and bookstores for unique Levantine souvenirs.
Flight to Amman
Take a 1-hour flight south to Amman, the white-stone capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Check-in at Fairmont Amman
Relax in the heart of the prestigious 5th Circle, known for its luxury and proximity to the city's best dining.
Dinner at Sufra
Experience authentic Jordanian hospitality on Rainbow Street with dishes like Mansaf and slow-cooked lamb.
Day 9: Amman, Jordan - The Citadel & Jerash
Amman Citadel & Roman Theater
Visit the Temple of Hercules at the city's highest point for a stunning view of the rolling hills of Amman.
Lunch in Jerash
Sample local mezze at the Lebanese House before entering the ancient city.
The Pompeii of the East
Explore Jerash, one of the best-preserved Decapolis cities in the world, featuring colonnaded streets and massive theaters.
Modern Amman Nightlife
Visit the Abdali Boulevard for a modern contrast of high-end shopping and upscale lounges.
Day 10: Amman to Petra via Kings Highway
Mt. Nebo & Madaba
See the 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land in Madaba and the site where Moses overlooked the Promised Land.
Karak Castle
Tour the massive Crusader fortress that dominates the landscape of the ancient Kings Highway.
Arrival in Wadi Musa
Check into the Movenpick Resort Petra, located directly at the entrance to the archaeological park.
Petra by Night
Walk through the Siq lit by 1,500 candles to see the Treasury under the stars—a magical winter experience.
Day 11: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
Early Morning at The Treasury
Beat the crowds to see the sunrise hit the sandstone facade of the Al-Khazneh.
The High Place of Sacrifice
Hike up the ancient stairs for the best vantage point over the entire Nabataean city.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Climb the 800 steps to the massive Monastery, which is even larger than the Treasury and offers views toward Israel.
Nabataean Tent Dinner
Enjoy a private dinner in a traditional Bedouin tent with live Oud music and local delicacies.
Day 12: Petra to Wadi Rum - Martian Landscapes
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Explore the "suburb" of Petra, featuring rare frescoes and a smaller, more intimate Siq.
Drive to Wadi Rum
Enter the UNESCO World Heritage desert made famous by Lawrence of Arabia.
4x4 Luxury Jeep Safari
Visit red sand dunes, ancient inscriptions, and natural rock bridges in a private open-top vehicle.
Glamping in a Martian Dome
Spend the night at SunCity Camp in a luxury dome with en-suite facilities and a private deck for stargazing.
Day 13: Wadi Rum to Dead Sea - Ultimate Relaxation
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
Soar over the desert peaks as the sun rises over the border with Saudi Arabia.
Drive to the Lowest Point on Earth
Travel from the desert to the Dead Sea, 430 meters below sea level.
Floating & Mud Treatment
Experience the effortless buoyancy of the hypersaline water and the therapeutic minerals of the Dead Sea mud.
Sunset Farewell Dinner
Dine at the Kempinski Ishtar, overlooking the lights of the West Bank across the water.
Day 14: Dead Sea to Amman Departure
Leisurely Ishtar Breakfast
Enjoy a final luxury breakfast buffet before a morning of relaxation by the nine infinity pools.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Take a short drive to visit the UNESCO-listed baptism site of Jesus on the banks of the Jordan River.
Transfer to Queen Alia Airport
A private 45-minute transfer takes you to Amman’s airport for your international flight home.
Final Departures
Say goodbye to the Middle East as you head through the VIP terminal for your flight.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The Northern Middle East (Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan) is most comfortable from March to May and September to November. However, visiting in January (Peak Winter) is a hidden gem for luxury travelers. In Istanbul, you may see snow on the minarets, creating a stunning visual landscape with fewer tourists. Lebanon's mountains are perfect for skiing while the coast remains mild. In Jordan, January is cool and crisp, making the long hikes through Petra much more manageable than in the scorching summer heat. Always pack layers and a waterproof jacket, as winter rains are common in the Levant.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this multi-country route, visa requirements vary. Most Western travelers can obtain an e-Visa for Turkey online in minutes. Lebanon typically offers a free one-month visa-on-arrival for many nationalities at Beirut International Airport. For Jordan, the most efficient method is purchasing the 'Jordan Pass' before arrival, which includes the cost of a tourist visa and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra. Note that having an Israeli stamp in your passport may cause issues entering Lebanon, so ensure your travel history is compatible with Lebanese regulations.
Getting Around Middle East
The most efficient way to travel between Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan is by air. National carriers like Turkish Airlines and Middle East Airlines (MEA) offer frequent, short flights (under 2 hours) connecting the capitals. Within cities like Istanbul and Beirut, private chauffeured cars are the gold standard for luxury travel. In Jordan, a private driver for the duration of your stay is highly recommended, as public transport is limited and driving conditions through the desert can be challenging for visitors. For border crossings, flying is the only realistic luxury option due to regional land border complexities.
