15-Day Northern Middle East Undiscovered Gems: Jordan & Lebanon in January
Embarking on a journey through the Northern Middle East in January offers a unique perspective on a region often associated with intense heat. Instead, you'll find the crisp, cool air of the Levant, where ancient Roman decapolis cities meet Mediterranean hospitality. This 15-day epic journey focuses on 'Undiscovered Gems'—the sites often overlooked for more famous landmarks—ensuring a more intimate experience for your family without the peak-season crowds.
From the high-altitude castles of Ajloun to the vibrant, resilient streets of Beirut, this route is designed for families who crave cultural depth without sacrificing comfort. We have curated specific transit routes and kid-friendly stops that allow for a relaxed pace, ensuring that both the history-buff parents and the curious children remain engaged throughout this cross-border adventure.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Hilltop Views
Arrival at Queen Alia International
Clear customs and pick up your pre-arranged airport transfer. The drive to the city center takes about 45 minutes.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore the historic site sitting atop the highest hill in Amman, featuring the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace.
Roman Theatre Exploration
Descend into the heart of the city to see the remarkably preserved 6,000-seat theater built into the hillside.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Enjoy a legendary street-food style family dinner featuring the best falafel and hummus in Jordan.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Modern Culture & Museums
The Jordan Museum
A modern facility perfect for kids, detailing Jordanian history through interactive exhibits and the Copper Dead Sea Scroll.
Rainbow Street Stroll
Walk through the historic Jabal Amman district, popping into boutiques and tea houses.
Royal Automobile Museum
A hit for families, showcasing King Hussein's private collection of cars and motorcycles.
Traditional Mansaf Dinner
Try the national dish of Jordan at Sufra, a beautiful heritage home converted into a restaurant.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
Drive to Jerash
A 50-minute drive north takes you to one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial cities.
The Oval Plaza & Cardo Maximus
Walk the colonnaded streets and let the kids imagine the chariot races that once happened here.
Lunch in Jerash Village
Enjoy fresh Lebanese-style mezze at a local restaurant overlooking the ruins.
Return to Amman
Head back to the capital for a relaxing evening at your hotel lounge.
Day 4: Ajloun & Umm Qais, Jordan - Northern Frontiers
Ajloun Castle
Explore this 12th-century Muslim castle built by Saladin’s nephew to protect against Crusaders.
Umm Qais (Gadara)
A true hidden gem offering views of the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights from ancient black basalt ruins.
Lunch at Umm Qais Resthouse
Dine with a view of three countries (Jordan, Israel, and Syria) from your table.
Sunset in the North
Watch the winter sun dip below the Galilean hills before the drive back to Amman.
Day 5: Madaba, Jordan - The City of Mosaics
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land, a masterpiece of ancient cartography.
Mount Nebo
Visit the site where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, featuring stunning panoramic views.
Mosaic Workshop Visit
A great family activity: learn how traditional mosaics are crafted and try it yourselves.
Overnight in Madaba
Check into a boutique guesthouse for a slower, more local village experience.
Day 6: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating in Winter
Drive to the Dead Sea
Descend to the lowest point on earth. The temperature here remains pleasantly warm even in January.
Floating & Mud Baths
A bucket-list experience for kids and adults alike. Float effortlessly in the hyper-saline waters.
Dead Sea Panorama Complex
Visit the museum to learn about the geology of the rift valley while enjoying the scenic cliffs.
Resort Relaxation
Enjoy a heated pool and international buffet at your Dead Sea resort.
Day 7: Dead Sea to Amman - Transition Day
Late Checkout & Spa Time
Enjoy the mineral treatments one last time before heading back toward the capital.
Iraq al-Amir Women’s Cooperative
Stop by this off-the-beaten-path project to see hand-made paper and weaving by local women.
Pre-Flight Packing
Organize bags at an Amman hotel near the airport for an early start tomorrow.
Early Night
Rest up for the international leg of the journey to Lebanon.
Day 8: Amman to Beirut (Jordan/Lebanon) - Cross-Border Flight
Transfer to Queen Alia Airport
Arrive early for your short international flight to Beirut.
Flight to Beirut
The flight is approximately 1 hour, offering views of the snow-capped Lebanon Mountains.
Beirut Arrival & Transfer
Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is just 15 minutes from the city center.
Hamra District Exploration
Walk through the intellectual and commercial heart of West Beirut, full of cafes and bookstores.
Day 9: Beirut, Lebanon - The Paris of the Middle East
Raouche Rocks (Pigeon Rocks)
Marvel at the giant offshore rock formations. In January, the waves crashing against them are dramatic.
Corniche Walk
Join local families for a stroll along the Mediterranean promenade.
Zaitunay Bay
A modern yacht marina perfect for a high-end family lunch with international options.
Downtown Beirut (Solidere)
See the reconstructed city center, the blue-domed Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, and Roman baths.
Day 10: Beirut, Lebanon - Museums & History
National Museum of Beirut
A world-class archaeological museum featuring the famous Phoenician anthropoid sarcophagi.
Mim Mineral Museum
Located on the same campus as the National Museum, this is one of the world's best mineral collections—kids love it!
Sursock Museum
Visit this stunning villa-turned-art-museum in the Achrafieh district for contemporary Lebanese art.
Dinner in Mar Mikhael
Experience the trendy side of Beirut with a meal in this vibrant neighborhood known for its creative energy.
Day 11: Byblos (Jbeil), Lebanon - Ancient Seaport
Drive to Byblos
Head north along the coast to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Byblos Castle & Old Souq
Explore the Crusader castle and the charming pedestrian streets of the old town.
Lunch at Pepe’s Fishing Club
Dine at this legendary harbor-side restaurant that has hosted celebrities since the 1960s.
Byblos Fossil Museum
A small but fascinating museum where kids can see millions-of-years-old fish fossils found in the local mountains.
Day 12: Batroun, Lebanon - Lemonade & Phoenician Walls
Ancient Phoenician Sea Wall
Visit the massive 225-meter long wall originally built by the Phoenicians to protect against sea erosion.
Batroun Old Town
Wander through the narrow stone alleys and visit the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The Lemonade Trail
Batroun is famous for its lemonade. Stop by Hilmi’s for a refreshing family break.
Nabu Museum
Visit this coastal museum that blends modern architecture with ancient artifacts from the Levant.
Day 13: Jeita Grotto & Harissa, Lebanon - Caves & Heights
Jeita Grotto
Explore the largest stalactites in the world in these two limestone caves. Note: Photography is restricted inside.
Teleferique to Harissa
Take the cable car from Jounieh up to Our Lady of Lebanon for a spectacular view of the Mediterranean.
Lunch with a View
Enjoy a meal at the top of the mountain overlooking the bay of Jounieh.
Return to Beirut
Spend your final evening in the city exploring the shops of ABC Mall Verdun.
Day 14: Baalbek, Lebanon - The Heliopolis
Full Day Trip to Bekaa Valley
Drive inland to see the Temple of Jupiter and Temple of Bacchus—some of the grandest Roman ruins on earth.
Exploring the Temples
Marvel at the scale of the monoliths, including the Stone of the Pregnant Woman.
Lunch in Zahle
Stop in the nearby city of Zahle for a traditional meal by the Berdawni River.
Farewell Dinner in Beirut
Celebrate the end of your journey at Em Sherif for a true Lebanese banquet.
Day 15: Beirut - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Souk El Tayeb
If your last day falls on a Saturday, visit this farmers market for local crafts and food products.
Last Minute Shopping
Pick up Lebanese sweets like baklava or halva from Hallab 1881 to take home.
Transfer to Airport
Head back to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International for your flight home.
Departure
Check-in for your international flight, concluding your 15-day Northern Middle East adventure.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The Northern Middle East, specifically the Levant region (Jordan and Lebanon), is best visited during the shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) for ideal temperatures. However, January offers a unique 'Low Season' charm. While Amman can be chilly and rainy, and Lebanon’s mountains are covered in snow, the lack of crowds at world-class sites like Jerash and Baalbek makes it a dream for photography and peaceful exploration. The Dead Sea area remains comfortably warm for swimming even in the heart of winter.
Visas & Border Crossings
For most Western travelers (US, UK, EU, Canada), visas for Jordan can be obtained on arrival or are covered by the Jordan Pass. Lebanon also offers visas on arrival for many nationalities at the Beirut airport. While Jordan and Lebanon share a border, land crossings can be complex due to regional politics; the most reliable and family-friendly way to travel between the two is a short 1-hour flight between Amman (AMM) and Beirut (BEY). Always check the latest travel advisories for specific border status before your trip.
Getting Around Middle East
International travel in the Northern Middle East is most efficiently handled by regional carriers like Royal Jordanian and Middle East Airlines. Within Jordan, hiring a private driver or using a rental car is the most comfortable option for families. In Lebanon, the country is compact, and Beirut serves as an excellent hub; most major sites like Byblos or Jeita Grotto are within a 1-2 hour drive from the capital. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are widely available and safe in both Amman and Beirut.
