18-Day Northern Middle East Classic Highlights: Egypt, Jordan & Lebanon in January
Embark on a sophisticated 18-day journey through the heart of the Northern Middle East, where ancient history meets modern opulence. This route is meticulously designed for the discerning traveler, focusing on the iconic capitals and legendary archaeological sites of Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon during the cool, pleasant days of January.
From the shadow of the Great Pyramids to the rose-red facades of Petra and the cosmopolitan flair of Beirut, you will enjoy seamless cross-border transitions, private guided tours, and the region's finest hospitality. This is not just a tour; it is a curated exploration of the most influential civilizations on Earth, wrapped in the comfort of world-class luxury escapes.
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Grand Arrival & Nile Views
Arrival at Cairo International Airport
Touch down in Cairo and bypass the queues with a VIP meet-and-greet service that handles your visa and luggage.
Check-in at Four Seasons Nile Plaza
Settle into your suite overlooking the timeless Nile River, where the city's chaotic energy is replaced by serene luxury.
Welcome Dinner at Felucca
Enjoy a private sunset dinner on a traditional wooden felucca, catered by a private chef as you glide past the Cairo skyline.
Evening Cocktails
Sip artisanal cocktails at the hotel’s bar, planning the days ahead with your private concierge.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - The Great Pyramids of Giza
Private Tour of Giza Plateau
Explore the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Sphinx with a renowned Egyptologist who provides exclusive access to restricted areas.
Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge
Dine at the highest point of the Giza Plateau, offering unobstructed views of all nine pyramids while enjoying gourmet Egyptian mezze.
Solar Boat Museum Visit
Witness the reconstructed Khufu ship, an ancient vessel designed to carry the Pharaoh into the afterlife.
Sound and Light Show
Watch the history of Egypt projected onto the Sphinx in a private viewing area away from the crowds.
Day 3: Cairo, Egypt - The Grand Egyptian Museum
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) Tour
Spend the morning at the world's largest archaeological museum, housing the complete Tutankhamun collection.
Traditional Lunch in Giza
Enjoy slow-cooked lamb and authentic koshary at a high-end local establishment favored by Cairo’s elite.
Islamic Cairo Walking Tour
Walk through the historic Al-Muizz Street, exploring the intricate architecture of ancient mosques and madrasas.
Dinner at Khan El-Khalili
Dine at Naguib Mahfouz Cafe, a legendary spot located deep within the historic bazaar.
Day 4: Cairo, Egypt - Coptic History & Royal Mummies
Old Cairo (Coptic Quarter)
Visit the Hanging Church and the Cavern Church, where the Holy Family is said to have sought refuge.
NMEC Museum Visit
Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the Royal Mummies in their final, majestic resting place.
Spa Afternoon
Indulge in a traditional Egyptian hammam treatment at your hotel to recharge for the journey ahead.
Fine Dining at Sachi
Experience award-winning Mediterranean-Asian fusion at one of Cairo's most exclusive dining destinations.
Day 5: Cairo to Amman (Egypt/Jordan) - Cross-Border Transition
Final Cairo Souvenir Shopping
A quick trip to a luxury boutique for high-end Egyptian cotton and hand-crafted jewelry.
Business Class Flight to Amman
A short, comfortable flight across the Sinai Peninsula to the capital of Jordan.
Check-in at The St. Regis Amman
Arrive at the height of Jordanian luxury in the prestigious Abdoun district.
Dinner at Sufra
Enjoy a sophisticated take on traditional Jordanian mansaf at this beautiful villa-turned-restaurant on Rainbow Street.
Day 6: Amman, Jordan - The White City
Amman Citadel Tour
Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, offering panoramic views of the city's seven hills.
Roman Theater Visit
Descend into the remarkably preserved 6,000-seat theater in the heart of downtown Amman.
Lunch at Hashem
A quick, authentic stop for the world's most famous hummus and falafel, a favorite of the Royal Family.
Jordan Museum
View the Dead Sea Scrolls and the haunting 9,000-year-old 'Ain Ghazal statues.
Day 7: Amman to The Dead Sea - Therapeutic Luxury
Drive to Mount Nebo
Stand where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, overlooking the Jordan Valley.
Madaba Mosaics
Visit St. George’s Church to see the oldest map of the Holy Land, intricately laid in mosaic tile.
Arrival at Kempinski Ishtar
Check into your luxury sea-view room at the lowest point on Earth.
Floating in the Dead Sea
Experience the unique buoyancy of the salt-saturated waters and a rejuvenating mud bath.
Day 8: Dead Sea, Jordan - Wellness & Relaxation
Sunrise Yoga
Start the day with a private yoga session on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Anantara Spa Treatments
Spend the afternoon indulging in signature salt scrubs and hydrotherapy treatments.
Poolside Lunch
Light Mediterranean fare served by the infinity pool overlooking the West Bank.
Exclusive Lebanese Dinner
Enjoy the finest Levantine cuisine at the resort’s signature restaurant, Rehan.
Day 9: Dead Sea to Petra - The King's Highway
Scenic Drive via Wadi Mujib
Traverse the 'Grand Canyon of Jordan' with stunning photo stops along the King's Highway.
Karak Castle Exploration
Explore the massive Crusader fortress, a labyrinth of stone halls and passageways.
Check-in at Old Village Resort
Experience five-star luxury in a refurbished 19th-century village overlooking the Petra mountains.
Petra by Night
Walk through the candle-lit Siq to the Treasury for a magical introduction to the Nabataean city.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
Sunrise Entrance to Petra
Beat the heat and the crowds with an early entry through the Siq to see the Treasury glow in the morning light.
High Place of Sacrifice Hike
Take the back trails with a private Bedouin guide for unparalleled views of the Royal Tombs.
Lunch inside the Archeological Park
A gourmet picnic prepared by the hotel, enjoyed at a secluded viewpoint.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
Climb the 800 steps (or take a donkey) to view Petra’s largest and most imposing facade.
Day 11: Petra to Wadi Rum - Martian Landscapes
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Visit the agricultural suburb of Petra, featuring rare Nabataean wall paintings.
Transfer to Wadi Rum
A two-hour drive south into the protected desert wilderness, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Check-in at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
Stay in a luxury 'Martian Dome' with transparent ceilings for stargazing.
Sunset Camel Trek
Experience the desert the traditional way as the sands turn from orange to deep violet.
Day 12: Wadi Rum, Jordan - 4x4 Adventure
Private 4x4 Desert Safari
Visit Lawrence’s Spring, the red sand dunes, and the Burdah Rock Bridge in a modified luxury jeep.
Zarb Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin meal cooked underground in a sand-pit oven.
Stargazing Session
Join a professional astronomer to view galaxies and nebulae through high-powered telescopes.
Bedouin Storytelling
Sit around the campfire and listen to local legends and music under the vast desert sky.
Day 13: Wadi Rum to Amman - Return North
Breakfast in the Dunes
A final luxury breakfast served on the sand before departing the desert.
Drive to Amman
Travel back north via the Desert Highway in a private luxury vehicle.
Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Amman
Indulge in a British-style afternoon tea with a Middle Eastern twist.
Farewell Jordan Dinner
Dine at Fakhr El-Din, one of the most prestigious Levantine restaurants in the region.
Day 14: Amman to Beirut (Jordan/Lebanon) - Mediterranean Flair
Flight to Beirut
Cross the border into Lebanon, landing in the vibrant 'Paris of the Middle East'.
Check-in at Phoenicia Hotel
Settle into a historic landmark overlooking the Zaitunay Bay marina.
Corniche Walk
Stroll along the Mediterranean promenade to see the iconic Pigeon Rocks at sunset.
Dinner in Mar Mikhael
Explore Beirut's trendiest district for high-end dining and a sophisticated nightlife scene.
Day 15: Beirut, Lebanon - History & Reconstruction
National Museum of Beirut
See the world-renowned collection of Phoenician anthropoid sarcophagi.
Downtown Walking Tour
Visit Martyrs' Square, the Roman Baths, and the stunning Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.
Lunch at Em Sherif
Indulge in a multi-course Lebanese feast at this world-famous fine-dining institution.
Shopping in the Souks
Visit the Beirut Souks for high-end designer brands and local luxury jewelry.
Day 16: Byblos, Lebanon - The World's Oldest City
Jeita Grotto
Visit the spectacular limestone caves, voted one of the new seven wonders of nature.
Byblos Citadel
Explore the layers of history at this Phoenician, Roman, and Crusader site by the sea.
Lunch at Bab El-Mina
Enjoy fresh seafood at the historic Byblos harbor with views of the medieval castle.
Wine Tasting in Batroun
Visit a luxury boutique winery for a tasting of Lebanon’s famous high-altitude reds.
Day 17: Baalbek, Lebanon - Temples of the Giants
Drive to Beqaa Valley
Head inland toward the Syrian border to visit one of the most impressive Roman sites in existence.
Baalbek Temple Complex
Marvel at the Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably intact Temple of Bacchus.
Lunch in Zahle
Eat at the Berdawni River, famous for its outdoor cafes and traditional Lebanese hospitality.
Farewell Dinner in Beirut
Celebrate the end of your journey at Baron, a top-rated innovative restaurant in Gemmayzeh.
Day 18: Beirut, Lebanon - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final Lebanese breakfast of manousheh and labneh on the hotel terrace.
Sursock Museum
A quick visit to the beautiful villa housing modern and contemporary Lebanese art.
Transfer to Airport
A private chauffeur takes you back to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport for your flight home.
Departure
Final shopping for Lebanese sweets (baklava) at the duty-free before your flight.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
January is widely considered the best time to visit Egypt and Jordan. The weather is cool and crisp, perfect for exploring outdoor ruins like the Pyramids or Petra without the oppressive summer heat. Daytime temperatures typically hover between 15°C and 22°C (59°F - 72°F). Lebanon in January is cooler and can be rainy on the coast or snowy in the mountains, making it a unique time to see the cedars capped in white. This is the peak season for Egypt and Jordan, so while prices are higher, the experience is far more comfortable.
Visas & Border Crossings
Most Western travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for Egypt and Jordan. The Jordan Pass is highly recommended as it waives the visa fee if you stay for at least three nights. Lebanon offers a free one-month visa on arrival for many nationalities at Beirut Airport. However, please note that having an Israeli stamp in your passport may result in denied entry to Lebanon. Border crossings between these three countries are best handled via short-haul flights (Cairo-Amman and Amman-Beirut) to ensure speed, comfort, and security.
Getting Around Middle East
For an 18-day luxury itinerary, domestic and regional flights are the most efficient method of travel. Airlines like EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, and Middle East Airlines (MEA) offer excellent business class services. Within cities, private chauffeur services are the gold standard, providing safety and air-conditioned relief from the bustling streets of Cairo and Beirut. Avoid public buses for long distances; instead, opt for private transfers when traveling between sites like Amman, the Dead Sea, and Petra to maintain a flexible and high-end schedule.
