17-Day Western Middle East Classic Highlights: Jordan, Israel & UAE in January
Embarking on a cross-border journey through the Western Middle East in January offers the rare opportunity to witness ancient history without the sweltering heat of summer. This 17-day odyssey is meticulously crafted for those seeking 'Epic Journeys' combined with 'Luxury Escapes,' traversing from the rose-red cliffs of Petra to the shimmering skyscrapers of the United Arab Emirates.
Throughout this route, you will experience the seamless fusion of Bedouin hospitality and ultra-modern hospitality. With private transfers, first-class flights, and stays at the region's most iconic five-star properties, every moment is designed to provide comfort while exploring the 'Classic Highlights'—the must-see capitals and cultural landmarks of Jordan, Israel, and the UAE.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Royal Welcome
Luxury Arrival at Queen Alia International
Touch down in Amman and bypass the queues with a private 'Meet and Greet' service that whisks you through customs to your waiting limousine.
Check-in at The St. Regis Amman
Settle into your suite at one of the city's most prestigious addresses, located in the heart of the Abdoun district.
Fine Dining at Tamara
Enjoy a sophisticated Levantine dinner featuring elevated traditional Jordanian flavors in a chic, contemporary setting.
Nightcap with City Views
Relax at the hotel's terrace bar, overlooking the sparkling lights of the seven hills of Amman.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Roman Heritage & Citadel
Private Tour of the Amman Citadel
Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace with a private archeologist to understand the layers of history beneath your feet.
Roman Theatre Exploration
Visit the remarkably preserved 6,000-seat theater carved into the hillside, a testament to Philadelphia's ancient Roman past.
Lunch at Sufra on Rainbow Street
Experience authentic Jordanian hospitality in a beautiful villa setting, famous for its Mansaf and fresh-baked bread.
Darat al Funun Art Gallery
Visit this home for the arts in a complex of renovated historical buildings overlooking the old city center.
Day 3: Amman to Petra, Jordan - The Rose City
VIP Transfer to Wadi Musa
Travel in a private luxury SUV via the Desert Highway to reach the gates of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra.
Check-in at Old Village Resort
Experience five-star luxury in a resort built from the ruins of a 19th-century Sahabi village.
Guided Siq Entrance
Walk through the narrow 1.2km gorge as it opens up to reveal the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh) in the soft afternoon light.
Petra by Night Exclusive
Witness the Treasury lit by over 1,500 candles while listening to traditional Bedouin music under the stars.
Day 4: Petra to Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
High-View Hike to the Monastery
Ascend the 800 steps to Ad Deir, Petra's largest monument, offering panoramic views across the Araba Valley.
Private Drive to Wadi Rum
Head south into the protected wilderness of the 'Valley of the Moon' for a landscape unlike any other on Earth.
Luxury Martian Dome Check-in
Experience 'Glamping' at its finest in a luxury bubble tent with en-suite facilities and a panoramic view of the stars.
Sunset Jeep Safari
Traverse the red sand dunes in a private 4x4, stopping for traditional tea brewed over a desert fire as the sun sets.
Day 5: Wadi Rum to Jerusalem, Israel - Crossing the Border
Transfer to King Hussein Bridge
Depart Wadi Rum for the border crossing between Jordan and the West Bank/Israel, the most direct route to Jerusalem.
VIP Border Assistance
Utilize a pre-booked VIP service to navigate the immigration process quickly and comfortably.
Arrival at Mamilla Hotel
Check into Jerusalem's most stylish hotel, located at the junction of the Old City and the modern town.
Sunset Walk on the Ramparts
Walk the ancient walls of the Old City for a unique perspective on the four quarters as the Sabbath or call to prayer begins.
Day 6: Jerusalem, Israel - Old City Exploration
Private Tour: The Four Quarters
Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Dome of the Rock with an expert historian guide.
Lunch in the Armenian Quarter
Dine on traditional ceramic-plated dishes in a quiet, leafy courtyard hidden within the city walls.
Via Dolorosa Walk
Trace the steps of history along the Way of Sorrows, ending at the vibrant Christian Quarter markets.
Dinner at The Eucalyptus
Enjoy a modern interpretation of biblical cuisine using local herbs and ingredients mentioned in the Torah.
Day 7: Jerusalem, Israel - Mount of Olives & Modern History
Mount of Olives Panoramas
Take in the most famous view of Jerusalem's skyline before visiting the Garden of Gethsemane.
Yad Vashem Visit
A somber but essential visit to the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, featuring stunning architecture and historical depth.
Mahane Yehuda Market Lunch
Experience the 'Shuk' with a private tasting tour, sampling everything from boutique halva to local craft beers.
Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls
See the Shrine of the Book and the massive model of Second Temple Jerusalem.
Day 8: Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, Israel - The White City
First-Class Rail to Tel Aviv
Take the modern high-speed train from Navon Station, reaching the Mediterranean coast in under 40 minutes.
The Jaffa Hotel Check-in
Reside in a stunningly restored 19th-century complex that served as Jaffa's French Hospital.
Bauhaus Architecture Walk
Discover the 'White City,' a UNESCO site featuring over 4,000 buildings in the International Style.
Dinner at Shila
Savor fresh Mediterranean seafood and vibrant 'Tel Aviv vibe' at this upscale kitchen and bar on Ben Yehuda Street.
Day 9: Tel Aviv, Israel - Jaffa & Mediterranean Luxury
Old Jaffa Port Exploration
Wander through the ancient stone alleys, visit art galleries, and see the famous Wishing Bridge.
Private Beach Club Afternoon
Relax at a luxury beach club on the Tel Aviv promenade, enjoying the mild January sun and sea breeze.
Neve Tzedek Boutique Shopping
Explore the first Jewish neighborhood outside Jaffa, now home to high-end boutiques and the Suzanne Dellal Center.
Farewell Israel Dinner at OCD
Indulge in a 19-course tasting menu at one of the world's most innovative kitchens (booking months in advance is required).
Day 10: Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi, UAE - Flight to the Emirates
Direct Flight to Abu Dhabi
Board a first-class flight connecting the Levant to the Arabian Gulf, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
Check-in at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Enter a world of gold-leaf ceilings and marbled halls in one of the most expensive hotels ever built.
Sunset Tea at Observation Deck at 300
Enjoy panoramic views of the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf from the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi.
Dinner at Hakkasan
Dine on world-class Cantonese cuisine within the majestic grounds of the Emirates Palace.
Day 11: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Sheikh Zayed Mosque & Louvre
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Visit this architectural masterpiece in the morning light to witness the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and crystal chandeliers.
Lunch at Saadiyat Beach Club
Enjoy a beachfront lunch on Saadiyat Island, a sanctuary for hawksbill turtles and luxury travelers alike.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Private Tour
Explore the 'Universal Museum' under Jean Nouvel's stunning 'Rain of Light' dome.
Qasr Al Watan Visit
Tour the Presidential Palace at night to see the spectacular 'Palace in Motion' light and sound show.
Day 12: Abu Dhabi, UAE - Yas Island & Ferrari World
Adrenaline at Ferrari World
Ride the Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster, in the temperature-controlled comfort of Yas Island.
Lunch at Yas Marina
Dine overlooking the F1 circuit at Cipriani for a classic Italian experience in a high-octane setting.
Warner Bros. World Private Tour
Experience the world's largest indoor theme park with a VIP pass to skip all lines.
Dinner at Buddha-Bar Beach
Enjoy fusion flavors and deep house music at this chic beachside lounge on the Saadiyat coast.
Day 13: Abu Dhabi to Dubai, UAE - The City of Gold
Private Chauffeur to Dubai
Travel the 90-minute route in a luxury sedan, transitioning from the capital's gardens to Dubai's soaring skyline.
Check-in at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
Experience the 'World's Only 7-Star Hotel,' where every room is a two-story suite with a personal butler.
Personal Shopping at Dubai Mall
Hire a professional stylist to navigate the 1,200 stores of the world's largest shopping destination.
The Dubai Fountain Show
Watch the world's largest choreographed fountain system from a private abra (traditional boat) on the lake.
Day 14: Dubai, UAE - Burj Khalifa & Fountains
At The Top Sky, Burj Khalifa
Access the world's highest observation deck on the 148th floor with a private lounge and outdoor terrace.
Lunch at Atmosphere
Dine 442 meters above the ground at the world's highest restaurant, offering unparalleled city views.
Museum of the Future
Visit the 'Most Beautiful Building on Earth' to see a futuristic vision of 2071 through immersive exhibits.
La Perle by Dragone
Experience Dubai's #1 show, a permanent aqua-theater performance featuring aerial acrobatics and motorcycle stunts.
Day 15: Dubai, UAE - Palm Jumeirah & Yacht Life
The View at The Palm
Get a 360-degree view of the iconic Palm Jumeirah island from 240 meters high.
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the afternoon on a 50-foot luxury yacht, cruising past the Atlantis, the Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Marina.
Aura Skypool Afternoon
Swim in the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool, an oasis in the sky with stunning sunset vistas.
Dinner at Nobu Atlantis
Indulge in world-famous Japanese-Peruvian fusion at the crown of the Palm Jumeirah.
Day 16: Dubai, UAE - Old Dubai & Gold Souks
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Step back in time to the 19th century in this heritage area, home to traditional wind-tower architecture.
Abra Crossing to the Gold Souk
Cross the Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden ferry for just 1 AED to reach the famous gold and spice markets.
Lunch at Sheikh Mohammed Centre
Participate in a cultural lunch to learn about Emirati traditions and customs in an open-dialogue setting.
Desert Safari Platinum Heritage
A luxury desert safari in vintage Land Rovers, followed by a gourmet dinner and falconry display in a royal retreat.
Day 17: Dubai, UAE - Departure & Final Shopping
Relaxation at Talise Spa
Enjoy a final morning of pampering with a signature massage at the Burj Al Arab's world-class spa.
Final Souvenir Shopping at Souk Madinat
Buy high-quality Middle Eastern handicrafts in a beautiful, air-conditioned market styled like an ancient citadel.
Private Transfer to DXB
Conclude your 17-day journey with a chauffeur transfer to Dubai International Airport.
Lounge Access & Departure
Relax in the Emirates First Class Lounge, featuring a spa and fine dining, before your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The best time to visit the Western Middle East is during the winter months of November to March. In January, you will experience 'Peak Winter,' which is actually the most pleasant season for sightseeing. Amman and Jerusalem can be chilly (averaging 10-15°C) and occasionally rainy, making a light coat essential. Conversely, the UAE is in its 'Low Season' for temperature but 'High Season' for tourism, with perfect outdoor weather ranging from 20-25°C, ideal for beach clubs and desert excursions.
Visas & Border Crossings
Crossing borders in the Middle East requires careful planning. For Jordan, most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, but the Jordan Pass is highly recommended as it waives visa fees and includes entry to Petra. For Israel, most Western passports receive a free entry permit (no stamp in passport). The border crossing at King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge requires a pre-arranged transfer for the smoothest experience. The UAE offers visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for many citizens; always check the latest regulations for your specific passport at least 30 days before departure.
Getting Around Middle East
Luxury travel in this region is best facilitated by a mix of private chauffeured cars and regional flights. Within Jordan and Israel, private luxury SUVs are the standard for cross-country travel. Between Israel and the UAE, direct flights via Etihad, Emirates, or El Al offer world-class first and business-class cabins. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the 'Careem' app is the local equivalent of Uber and offers 'Lulu' or 'First Class' car options for premium city transit.
