16-Day Central Middle East Coastal Route: Egypt, Lebanon & Jordan in January
Embarking on a cross-border journey through the heart of the Middle East during the winter months offers a unique perspective on this ancient region. By focusing on the 'Southern/Coastal Route,' travelers can enjoy the crisp Mediterranean air of Alexandria and Beirut before heading to the temperate Red Sea shores of Aqaba, all while keeping costs to an absolute minimum through street food and hostel living.
This itinerary is designed for the hardcore backpacker. We prioritize free walking tours, iconic public spaces, and regional transit methods like the Egyptian National Railways and JETT buses in Jordan. January provides a refreshing break from the sweltering desert heat, making it the perfect low-season window to explore world-famous landmarks without the suffocating crowds.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Giza Pyramids
Arrival at Cairo International
Touch down in the chaotic heart of Egypt. Take the airport bus to Tahrir Square to avoid expensive taxi fares.
Giza Plateau Exploration
Take the local metro to Giza and a microbus to the pyramids. Witness the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World for a modest entry fee.
Sphinx Viewpoint
Avoid the expensive 'Sound and Light' show by watching the sunset over the Sphinx from the rooftop of a nearby budget hostel.
Koshary Dinner
Eat Egypt's national dish—a mix of pasta, rice, and lentils—at Abou Tarek for less than $2 USD.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - Islamic Cairo & Khan El-Khalili
Al-Azhar Mosque
Visit one of the oldest and most prestigious mosques in the world. Entry is free, but remember to dress modestly.
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar
Get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of this 14th-century market. It's free to browse the spices, textiles, and antiques.
Al-Azhar Park
Walk through this beautifully landscaped park for panoramic views of the Citadel and the 'City of a Thousand Minarets'.
Street Food Crawl
Sample Ta'ameya (Egyptian falafel) and Baladi bread from street vendors in the Sayyida Zeinab district.
Day 3: Cairo to Alexandria, Egypt - The Mediterranean Express
Train to Alexandria
Board a second-class train from Ramses Station. The 3-hour journey offers views of the fertile Nile Delta.
Corniche Walk
Drop your bags at a budget pension and walk the Mediterranean seafront, enjoying the cool January breeze.
Stanley Bridge
Take photos of this iconic landmark as waves crash against the rocks—a true Mediterranean vibe.
Gad Restaurant
Feast on cheap grilled meats and Egyptian pies at this local favorite chain on the waterfront.
Day 4: Alexandria, Egypt - Ancient Knowledge & Citadels
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Visit the modern tribute to the ancient Great Library. The architecture alone is worth the trip.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Explore this 15th-century fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Roman Amphitheatre
Discover the well-preserved remains of the only Roman theater in Egypt, located right in the city center.
Kebda Iskandarani
Try the famous Alexandrian-style liver sandwich from a street stall—the ultimate local budget meal.
Day 5: Alexandria, Egypt - Catacombs & Coastal Gardens
Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
Descend into this multi-level burial site that blends Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles.
Pompey's Pillar
View the massive granite column, one of the largest monolithic columns ever erected.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Wander through the extensive royal gardens and pine forests overlooking the sea. Ideal for a cheap picnic.
Seafood Dinner
Visit the local fish market where you can buy fresh catch and have it grilled at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Day 6: Alexandria to Cairo, Egypt - Return Transit
Last Mediterranean Morning
Enjoy a final cup of Turkish coffee at a historic seafront cafe like Trianon.
Express Train to Cairo
Travel back to the capital to prepare for your international flight to Lebanon.
Coptic Cairo
Visit the Hanging Church and the Cavern Church for free in the serene Christian quarter of Cairo.
Pack & Prep
Organize your documents for the border crossing tomorrow.
Day 7: Cairo, Egypt to Beirut, Lebanon - The Levant Crossing
Flight to Beirut
Take a short regional flight across the Mediterranean. Air Arabia often offers budget-friendly fares.
Hamra District Arrival
Check into a hostel in the vibrant Hamra district, the intellectual heart of Beirut.
Beirut Corniche
Walk the famous seaside promenade where locals gather to smoke nargileh and watch the sunset.
Mana'eesh Dinner
Grab a za'atar or cheese Mana'eesh (Lebanese flatbread) from a corner bakery—the king of budget meals.
Day 8: Beirut, Lebanon - Downtown & History
Martyrs' Square
See the bullet-riddled monument that stands as a testament to Beirut's resilient history.
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque
Admire the stunning blue domes of this landmark mosque, which sits adjacent to Saint George Cathedral.
National Museum of Beirut
Explore the archaeological treasures that survived the civil war in this beautifully curated museum.
Mar Mikhael Stroll
Walk through the trendy district of Mar Mikhael to see the colorful street art and bustling nightlife vibes.
Day 9: Beirut, Lebanon - Pigeon Rocks & Raouche
Raouche Rocks
Visit these massive limestone formations standing in the sea. It's a free and iconic Beirut photo spot.
American University of Beirut (AUB)
Walk through the beautiful, park-like campus of this historic university overlooking the sea.
Sanayeh Garden
Relax in Beirut's oldest public park, a peaceful green space popular with local families.
Falafel Sahyoun
Eat at this legendary falafel stand—widely considered the best in the city for just a few dollars.
Day 10: Beirut, Lebanon - Byblos Day Trip
Bus to Byblos
Take a local 'Connexion' bus from Charles Helou station to Byblos (Jbeil) for a very low fare.
Ancient Phoenician Port
Explore one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The harbor is incredibly scenic.
Byblos Old Souks
Wander the cobblestone streets and visit the Crusader castle ruins overlooking the Mediterranean.
Return to Beirut
Enjoy a final Lebanese mezze dinner before preparing for your flight to Jordan.
Day 11: Beirut, Lebanon to Amman, Jordan - Into the Hashemite Kingdom
Fly to Amman
A quick 1-hour flight takes you from the coast to the hilly desert capital of Jordan.
Amman Citadel
Head straight to the Citadel for breathtaking views of the city's seven hills and the Temple of Hercules.
Roman Theater
Explore this 6,000-seat theater built into the hillside, still used for cultural events today.
Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals at this legendary no-frills spot for the world's best hummus and falafel.
Day 12: Amman, Jordan - Rainbow Street & Street Food
Rainbow Street
Walk this famous street lined with cafes, galleries, and historic houses. Great for people-watching.
Souk Jara
If visiting on a weekend, explore this flea market for local crafts and cheap souvenirs.
Jordan Museum
Learn about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the region's history in this modern, budget-friendly museum.
Habibah Sweets
Queue up for 'Knafeh'—a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup. It's an Amman institution.
Day 13: Amman, Jordan - Day Trip to Jerash
Public Bus to Jerash
Head to the North Bus Station and catch a local coaster bus to the ancient city of Jerash.
Roman Ruins of Gerasa
Walk through the Oval Plaza, the Cardo Maximus, and the Hadrian's Arch. One of the best-preserved Roman cities.
Local Village Lunch
Eat at a small local bakery in the modern town of Jerash for authentic prices.
Downtown Amman
Explore the 'Balad' (Downtown) for cheap clothing and household goods in the bustling markets.
Day 14: Amman to Petra, Jordan - The King's Highway
JETT Bus to Petra
Board the early morning tourist bus for a direct, comfortable, and affordable ride to Wadi Musa.
Wadi Musa Arrival
Check into a budget hostel. Many offer free shuttles to the Petra visitor center.
Little Petra
Take a free shuttle or cheap taxi to Siq al-Barid (Little Petra) for a crowd-free introduction to Nabatean ruins.
Mansaf Dinner
Try the traditional Bedouin dish of lamb and rice, but look for a 'local' portion to save money.
Day 15: Petra, Jordan - The Rose City
The Siq & The Treasury
Enter early to beat the crowds and see the Treasury illuminated by the morning sun. A truly epic moment.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Hike the 800 steps to the Monastery. The views of the Wadi Araba desert are incredible in the clear winter air.
Royal Tombs
Explore the massive facades carved into the rock face as you walk back toward the exit.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If your budget allows, see the Treasury lit by thousands of candles—otherwise, enjoy a cheap tea with Bedouins.
Day 16: Petra to Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Finale
Bus to Aqaba
Take a local minibus or a JETT bus down to the coastal city of Aqaba on the Red Sea.
Public Beach Chill
Relax on the public beach. Even in January, the Red Sea water is warm enough for a quick dip.
Aqaba Fortress
Visit the Mamluk Castle for a small fee and learn about the Arab Revolt.
Sayadieh Farewell
Eat Aqaba's famous spiced fish and rice dish at a local eatery for your final Middle Eastern meal.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
January is the absolute peak of the low season, which is a double-edged sword. While you will find the lowest prices on accommodation and almost no crowds at sites like the Pyramids or Petra, the weather can be unpredictable. Alexandria and Beirut are prone to Mediterranean rainstorms, and Amman can be surprisingly cold, sometimes even seeing snow. However, for a budget backpacker, the 'crisp' weather is much more manageable for walking long distances than the 40°C+ heat of summer. Pack a solid waterproof jacket and thermal layers for the desert nights.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this specific route, flying between Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan is the most realistic option due to the ongoing regional complexities surrounding land borders. Egypt offers an e-visa for many nationalities, which should be obtained online in advance. Lebanon provides a free one-month visa-on-arrival for many Western passports (ensure you have no Israeli stamps). Jordan is most efficiently entered using the 'Jordan Pass,' which covers the visa fee and entry to over 40 attractions, provided you stay for at least three nights. Always check for the latest travel advisories before departing.
Getting Around Middle East
Regional travel is best handled via a mix of low-cost carriers and state-run transport. Within Egypt, the train system is extensive and incredibly cheap, though second-class is recommended for the true local experience. In Lebanon, the lack of a formal rail system is compensated for by a dense network of private microbuses and 'Services' (shared taxis). Jordan is best traversed via JETT buses, which connect Amman, Petra, and Aqaba reliably. For flights between these countries, keep an eye on Air Arabia, Flyadeal, and EgyptAir for 'Red Sea' deals that can be surprisingly affordable if booked mid-week.
