20-Day Western Middle East Southern Coastal Route: Jordan, Israel & Cyprus in April
Embark on an unforgettable cross-border odyssey through the Western Middle East, a region where the cradle of civilization meets the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. This 20-day journey is meticulously crafted for families seeking a blend of high-energy exploration and restorative coastal relaxation, all while navigating the blooming landscapes of April. By focusing on the southern coastal vibes, this route avoids the harsh summer heat, offering pleasant temperatures for walking through ancient citadels or building sandcastles on golden shores.
The itinerary flows logically from the desert majesty of Jordan to the historic crossroads of Israel and Palestine, concluding with a short hop to the island paradise of Cyprus. With a focus on convenient transport and family-oriented activities, this guide ensures that every member of the tribe, from toddlers to grandparents, can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern hospitality and heritage.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Citadel Views
Arrival at Queen Alia International
Touch down in the Jordanian capital and pick up your pre-arranged airport transfer to avoid the initial taxi haggle.
Amman Citadel
Explore the hilltop ruins of the Temple of Hercules. The wide-open spaces are perfect for kids to run around while you soak in the 360-degree views of the sprawling white city.
Roman Theatre
Walk down to the perfectly preserved 6,000-seat theater and test the acoustics from the center stage.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Enjoy a legendary, budget-friendly feast of hummus, falafel, and pita in this famous open-air downtown eatery.
Day 2: Amman to Jerash (Jordan) - Roman Grandeur
Drive to Jerash
A short one-hour drive north leads to one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Marvel at the Oval Plaza and the Cardo Maximus. Kids will love the Chariot Race re-enactments sometimes held in the Hippodrome.
Local Lunch in Jerash
Enjoy Mansaf, the national dish, at a local family restaurant overlooking the ruins.
Return to Amman
Spend the evening strolling through Rainbow Street for artisanal crafts and ice cream.
Day 3: Amman to Petra (Jordan) - The King's Highway
Scenic Drive South
Travel along the historic King's Highway, stopping at Mt. Nebo where Moses looked out over the Holy Land.
Madaba Mosaics
Visit St. George’s Church to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
Karak Castle
Explore the dark passages and towers of this massive Crusader fortress, a real-life playground for imaginative children.
Arrival in Wadi Musa
Check into your hotel near the entrance of Petra and prepare for tomorrow's big hike.
Day 4: Petra (Jordan) - The Rose City Exploration
The Siq & The Treasury
Walk through the narrow canyon (The Siq) early to beat the crowds and see the Treasury emerge in the morning light.
Royal Tombs
Climb slightly to see the impressive facades carved directly into the multi-colored sandstone cliffs.
Picnic Lunch
Find a shaded spot near the Colonnaded Street for a family picnic with local supplies from Wadi Musa.
The Monastery (Ad Deir)
For active families, the 800-step climb to the Monastery offers incredible views and a sense of achievement.
Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum (Jordan) - Martian Landscapes
Transfer to Wadi Rum
A two-hour drive south brings you to the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum.
4x4 Jeep Tour
Embark on a family-friendly Jeep safari across red sand dunes, visiting ancient petroglyphs and natural rock bridges.
Camel Trek
Experience the "ship of the desert" with a short sunset camel ride back to your Bedouin camp.
Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground, followed by stargazing in the clear desert sky.
Day 6: Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea (Jordan) - Floating Fun
Drive North to Dead Sea
A four-hour drive takes you to the lowest point on earth, where the air is oxygen-rich and the water is salty.
Dead Sea Mud Bath
Cover yourselves in mineral-rich mud before floating effortlessly in the hypersaline water—a hit with kids!
Resort Relaxation
Enjoy the infinity pools and family-friendly amenities of your Dead Sea resort.
Sunset Dinner
Watch the sun sink behind the Judean mountains across the water.
Day 7: Dead Sea to Jerusalem (Jordan/Israel) - Border Crossing
Allenby/King Hussein Bridge
Take a shuttle to the border crossing. Note: This process can take 2-4 hours, so bring snacks and water.
Transfer to Jerusalem
Once through Israeli immigration, take a shared taxi (Sherut) or private car to your Jerusalem hotel.
Mamilla Mall Stroll
Walk through this upscale pedestrian mall that bridges the gap between the modern city and the Old City walls.
Tower of David Night Spectacular
Watch the history of Jerusalem projected onto the ancient walls of the Citadel in a stunning light show.
Day 8: Jerusalem (Israel/Palestine) - The Old City Heart
The Western Wall
Witness the spiritual heart of the city and place a note in the crevices of the ancient stones.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Navigate the labyrinthine halls of this historic church, shared by multiple Christian denominations.
Hummus in the Muslim Quarter
Stop for lunch at Abu Shukri for some of the best hummus and pita in the Old City.
The Cardo & Jewish Quarter
Walk through the Roman-era shopping street and see the broad wall from the First Temple period.
Day 9: Jerusalem (Israel/Palestine) - Mount of Olives & Garden Tomb
Mount of Olives Panorama
Start with the best view of the Dome of the Rock and the Golden City.
Garden of Gethsemane
See the ancient olive trees that have stood for centuries in this peaceful garden.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Head to the "Shuk" for a sensory explosion of colors, smells, and tastes. Try the halva and rugelach!
Israel Museum
Visit the Shrine of the Book to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and the massive model of Second Temple Jerusalem.
Day 10: Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (Israel) - Mediterranean Shift
High-Speed Train to Tel Aviv
Take the modern, 35-minute train ride from Jerusalem Yitzhak Navon station to Tel Aviv HaHagana.
Carmel Market Lunch
Dive into the bustling food stalls of Tel Aviv's largest market for fresh pita and pomegranate juice.
Beach Time at Hilton Beach
Head to the coast for some family-friendly sun and surf. The April weather is perfect for a dip.
Tel Aviv Promenade (Tayelet)
Walk or cycle along the coast as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
Day 11: Tel Aviv (Israel) - White City & Culture
Bauhaus Architecture Tour
Walk down Rothschild Boulevard to see the "White City," a UNESCO World Heritage site of 1930s architecture.
Independence Hall
Visit the site where the state of Israel was declared in 1948 for a quick history lesson.
Yarkon Park
Tel Aviv's version of Central Park offers boat rentals, bike paths, and extensive playgrounds for the kids.
Sarona Market
Explore this converted German Templer colony, now a trendy indoor food market and shopping area.
Day 12: Jaffa (Israel) - The Ancient Port
Jaffa Old City
Wander through the narrow stone alleys of one of the world's oldest ports, now home to artists and galleries.
Jaffa Flea Market (Shuk Hapishpishim)
Hunt for vintage treasures and enjoy a trendy lunch at a sidewalk cafe.
Wishing Bridge
Find your zodiac sign on the bridge and make a wish while looking out over the sea.
NaLaga'at Center
Consider a unique family dinner at 'Blackout,' where you are served by blind waiters in total darkness.
Day 13: Haifa (Israel) - Bahai Gardens & Northern Coast
Day Trip to Haifa
Take a scenic one-hour train ride north along the coast to Israel's third-largest city.
Bahai Gardens
Tour the stunning terraced gardens that cascade down Mount Carmel—a masterpiece of landscape design.
Wadi Nisnas
Enjoy a vibrant lunch in this Arab neighborhood known for its open-air art and incredible street food.
Stella Maris Monastery
Take the cable car up to the monastery for panoramic views of Haifa Bay and the Galilee.
Day 14: Tel Aviv to Paphos (Israel/Cyprus) - Island Bound
Flight to Paphos
Take a short 1-hour flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Paphos, the gateway to Cyprus's southern coast.
Paphos Harbour Lunch
Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor while watching the colorful fishing boats.
Paphos Archaeological Park
Visit the House of Dionysus to see world-class Roman mosaics that are incredibly well-preserved.
Coastal Path Walk
Stroll along the paved seaside path as the Mediterranean breeze picks up in the evening.
Day 15: Paphos (Cyprus) - Tombs & Castles
Tombs of the Kings
Explore this impressive underground necropolis carved into solid rock. Kids will love the cave-like atmosphere.
Paphos Medieval Castle
Visit the fort guarding the harbor, which has served as a prison and a fortress over the centuries.
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
A mid-trip treat for the kids with slides and pools suitable for all ages (check seasonal opening dates).
Traditional Meze Dinner
Sit down for a multi-course Cypriot meze, featuring halloumi, souvlaki, and local dips.
Day 16: Akamas Peninsula (Cyprus) - Nature's Playground
Day Trip to Akamas
Drive or take a tour to the western tip of the island, a protected national park area.
Baths of Aphrodite
See the natural grotto where the goddess of love was said to bathe, surrounded by lush spring greenery.
Blue Lagoon Boat Trip
Take a boat from Latchi harbor to the Blue Lagoon for swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Avakas Gorge
For adventurous families, a hike through this narrow limestone gorge is a highlight of Cypriot nature.
Day 17: Paphos to Limassol (Cyprus) - Modern Coastal Vibes
Drive to Limassol
A scenic one-hour drive east brings you to Cyprus's most cosmopolitan coastal city.
Kourion Ancient Site
Stop at this spectacular clifftop archaeological site with a Roman theater overlooking the sea.
Limassol Marina
Lunch at the ultra-modern marina, where luxury yachts and high-end dining meet the old port.
Limassol Promenade (Molos)
The extensive park along the sea features sculpture gardens, playgrounds, and cafes.
Day 18: Limassol (Cyprus) - History & Mountain Air
Limassol Castle
Visit the site where Richard the Lionheart allegedly married Berengaria of Navarre in 1191.
Omodos Village
Drive into the Troodos foothills to this charming wine-producing village for cobblestone streets and local lace.
Lofou Village Hike
A short, easy walk through the stone-built village of Lofou offers a glimpse into traditional island life.
Old Town Dinner
Explore the rejuvenated streets behind the castle for dinner at a local taverna.
Day 19: Limassol to Larnaca (Cyprus) - Salt Lakes & Flamingos
Drive to Larnaca
The final leg of the journey takes you 45 minutes east to the port city of Larnaca.
Hala Sultan Tekke
Visit this beautiful mosque situated on the banks of the Salt Lake, a significant pilgrimage site.
Larnaca Salt Lake
In April, you might still catch a glimpse of the flamingos that winter here before the lake dries for summer.
Finikoudes Beach
Spend your last afternoon on this palm-lined beach, perfect for a final family swim and sunset cocktail.
Day 20: Larnaca (Cyprus) - Departure & Souvenirs
Church of Saint Lazarus
Visit this 9th-century church in the town center, dedicated to the man Jesus is said to have raised from the dead.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some Commandaria wine, carob syrup, or traditional loukoumi (Cypriot delight) for home.
Final Meze Lunch
Savor one last taste of the Mediterranean before heading to the airport.
Larnaca International Airport
A quick 15-minute taxi from the city center sees you ready for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
April is widely considered the "Goldilocks" month for the Western Middle East. In Jordan and Israel, the spring bloom is in full effect, turning the normally arid landscape into a tapestry of green and wildflowers. Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), which is ideal for hiking in Petra or walking the hills of Jerusalem without the oppressive heat of summer or the occasional winter rains. In Cyprus, the Mediterranean waters are beginning to warm up, and the island is pleasantly quiet before the peak summer tourist rush begins in June.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between Jordan and Israel/Palestine requires careful planning. The Allenby/King Hussein Bridge is the primary crossing for this route; however, it is essential to check the latest visa requirements. Jordan offers a visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, and the Jordan Pass is a cost-effective way to manage this. Entering Israel is generally straightforward for Western passport holders, though you will receive a separate entry card rather than a passport stamp. When moving from Israel to Cyprus, a short flight is the only practical option, as there are no regular ferry services. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity for all three countries.
Getting Around Middle East
This itinerary utilizes a variety of transport methods to maximize efficiency. In Jordan, a rental car or private driver is the most flexible way to navigate the King’s Highway and Wadi Rum. In Israel, the modern rail network connects Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa with impressive speed and cleanliness. Between Israel and Cyprus, low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet provide frequent and affordable flights. Within Cyprus, the public Intercity Bus system is reliable for moving between coastal hubs, though renting a car is recommended if you wish to explore the more remote areas of the Akamas Peninsula or the Troodos Mountains.
