24-Day Southern Middle East Southern/Coastal Route: Egypt, Jordan & Lebanon in July
Embarking on a 24-day journey across the southern and coastal reaches of the Middle East in July is an exercise in endurance and discovery. This route takes you from the bustling Nile banks of Egypt to the Red Sea shores of Jordan and the Mediterranean chic of Lebanon, all while maintaining an ultra-lean budget of just $17.36 per day. By leveraging local transport like microbuses and high-value street food staples, you can witness the cradle of civilization without breaking the bank.
July brings intense heat, but it also brings vibrant local festivals and fewer tourist crowds at major sites. This backpacking adventure is designed for the resilient traveler who values authenticity over luxury, focusing on the shared humanity of a shared hostel kitchen and the simple joy of a sunset over the Mediterranean or Red Sea.
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Nile Sunsets
Arrival at Cairo International Airport
Clear customs and take the local airport bus rather than a private taxi to reach the downtown area cheaply.
Check-in at Dahab Hostel
Settle into this legendary rooftop hostel in Downtown Cairo, a haven for budget backpackers since the 90s.
Downtown Walking Tour
Explore the French-inspired architecture of Talaat Harb Street and the historic Tahrir Square for free.
Koshary Dinner at Abou Tarek
Indulge in Egypt's national dish—a mix of pasta, rice, and lentils—for less than $2.00.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - The Great Pyramids
Giza Plateau Expedition
Take the local Metro to Giza and then a microbus to the gates to avoid expensive tourist shuttles.
Sphinx Viewpoint
Walk to the public viewing areas for the Sphinx which are included in your general site entry ticket.
Egyptian Museum (Old Site)
Visit the historic building in Tahrir Square to see Tutankhamun's treasures before they fully move to the GEM.
Felucca Ride at Sunset
Negotiate a small group rate for a traditional wooden sailboat ride on the Nile as the heat dissipates.
Day 3: Cairo to Alexandria, Egypt - Mediterranean Bound
Train to Alexandria
Head to Ramses Station to catch the frequent second-class train to the coast for a few dollars.
Corniche Walk
Walk the length of the Mediterranean coastline, soaking in the sea breeze and colonial-era architecture.
Citadel of Qaitbay
Visit the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria for panoramic views of the harbor.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Explore the stunning modern reincarnation of the ancient library, a masterpiece of contemporary design.
Day 4: Alexandria, Egypt - Roman Ruins & Coastal Bites
Kom El Shoqafa Catacombs
Explore these unique multi-level burial chambers that blend Roman, Greek, and Egyptian art styles.
Roman Amphitheatre
Visit the well-preserved ruins and the nearby 'Villa of the Birds' featuring stunning ancient mosaics.
Montaza Palace Gardens
Relax in the extensive public gardens surrounding the former royal summer residence.
Grilled Seafood at Local Markets
Dine near the fishing harbor for the freshest and cheapest catch-of-the-day in the city.
Day 5: Alexandria to Cairo, Egypt - Overnight Transition
Souq El Attarine Exploration
Get lost in the narrow alleys of the antique market, hunting for unique (and light) souvenirs.
Last Mediterranean Meal
Grab a foul mudammas sandwich from a street vendor for a classic, filling Egyptian lunch.
Return Train to Cairo
Enjoy the agricultural views of the Nile Delta during the three-hour journey back to the capital.
Cairo Night Market
Spend your evening at Khan el-Khalili before heading to the station for your overnight transport south.
Day 6: Luxor, Egypt - The Open Air Museum
Arrival in Luxor
Arrive via overnight train and check into a West Bank hostel for a more local, quiet experience.
Karnak Temple Complex
Explore the massive columns and pylons of the largest religious building ever constructed.
Luxor Temple
Visit the temple conveniently located in the city center, which looks particularly stunning in the afternoon light.
Local Ferry Crossing
Use the local public ferry (baladi) to cross between the East and West banks for just a few piasters.
Day 7: Luxor, Egypt - Valley of the Kings
Sunrise Valley Exploration
Arrive early to beat the July heat and explore the incredible subterranean tombs of the Pharaohs.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Admire the unique terraced architecture of this mortuary temple built into the limestone cliffs.
Colossi of Memnon
Make a quick, free stop to see the two massive stone statues that once guarded a mortuary temple.
Artisan Village of Deir el-Medina
Visit the tombs of the workers who built the royal valley, featuring vibrant, everyday life scenes.
Day 8: Luxor to Cairo, Egypt - Final Egyptian Leg
Banana Island Trip
Take a short boat ride to this peaceful island to eat fresh bananas and escape the city noise.
Luxor Souq
Haggles for spices and hibiscus tea (karkade) to take with you on the next leg of your journey.
Travel to Airport/Station
Prepare for the transit to Jordan. Many travelers choose a low-cost flight from Luxor or Cairo to Amman.
Evening Reflection
Enjoy a final Egyptian mint tea while planning your border crossing requirements for Jordan.
Day 9: Cairo to Amman, Jordan - Into the Hashemite Kingdom
Arrival in Amman
Take the Sariyah airport shuttle bus to the North Bus Station or Downtown for a fraction of the taxi cost.
Check into Downtown Hostel
Stay in the heart of the old city near the Roman Theatre for easy access to cheap street food.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Hike up the hill for a sunset view over the city's signature white-stone houses and the Temple of Hercules.
Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Join the locals at this legendary open-air spot for the best hummus and falafel in Jordan.
Day 10: Amman, Jordan - Roman Echoes
Roman Theatre
Explore this 6,000-seat theater built into the hillside, still used for cultural events today.
Jordan Museum
Learn about the country's deep history, including the copper Dead Sea Scrolls found nearby.
Rainbow Street Stroll
Explore the shops and cafes of Amman's most famous street, perfect for people-watching.
Habibah Sweets
Wait in line for a slice of Kunafa, a warm cheese pastry soaked in syrup—a local favorite.
Day 11: Amman to Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Breezes
JETT Bus to Aqaba
Take the reliable and air-conditioned JETT bus south through the desert to the coastal city of Aqaba.
Aqaba Arrival
Check into a budget dive hostel. Aqaba is a Special Economic Zone, meaning lower taxes and cheaper goods.
Public Beach Swim
Head to the local beach to cool off in the Red Sea alongside Jordanian families.
Aqaba Fort
Visit the 16th-century fortress, once a site of the Great Arab Revolt made famous by Lawrence of Arabia.
Day 12: Aqaba, Jordan - Snorkeling & Marine Life
South Beach Snorkeling
Take a cheap local bus to South Beach for world-class snorkeling right off the shore—no boat needed.
Marine Science Station
Explore the aquarium to learn about the unique coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Souq Al-Khodari
Wander the local fruit and vegetable market to pick up snacks for your desert trip tomorrow.
Bedouin Dinner
Enjoy Zarb (meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven) at a budget-friendly local eatery.
Day 13: Aqaba to Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Morning Microbus to Wadi Rum
Catch the single daily bus that takes locals and backpackers to the village of Wadi Rum.
Desert Jeep Tour
Negotiate a shared tour at the visitor center to visit the Lawrence Spring and the red sand dunes.
Sunset Dune Hike
Climb a nearby sandstone rock formation for one of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet.
Stargazing in the Desert
Sleep in a basic Bedouin camp. With zero light pollution, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Day 14: Wadi Rum to Petra, Jordan - The Rose City
Bus to Wadi Musa
Take the morning tourist bus that connects the desert directly to the town outside Petra.
Check-in at Valentine Inn
A classic backpacker hostel known for its cheap buffet and free shuttles to the Petra gate.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Visit this free, smaller version of Petra to understand the Nabatean architecture without the crowds.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If the budget allows, see the Treasury lit by thousands of candles (check schedule for July nights).
Day 15: Petra, Jordan - Full Day Discovery
Early Entry through the Siq
Be the first through the narrow gorge to see the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) without the crowds.
The Royal Tombs
Explore the massive facades carved into the mountain side, including the Urn and Palace tombs.
The Monastery Hike
Climb the 800 steps to Ad Deir, Petra's largest monument, for incredible views toward Israel/Palestine.
High Place of Sacrifice
Hike the alternate route back for a bird's-eye view of the entire archaeological park.
Day 16: Petra to Amman, Jordan - Returning North
Local Microbus back to Amman
Use the local bus station in Wadi Musa for the most affordable return trip to the capital.
Amman Art Scene
Visit the Darat al Funun, a free gallery complex in historic villas overlooking the city.
Abdali Boulevard
Contrast the old city with a walk through Amman's modern, upscale pedestrian district.
Farewell Jordan Dinner
Enjoy a Mansaf (Jordan's national dish) at a local hole-in-the-wall before your flight tomorrow.
Day 17: Amman to Beirut, Lebanon - Mediterranean Charm
Flight to Beirut
Take the short hop across to Lebanon, landing in one of the most vibrant cities in the Middle East.
Check-in at Hamra Hostel
Stay in the Hamra district, known for its intellectual history, street life, and budget eateries.
The Corniche Stroll
Walk the seaside promenade to Raouche Rocks (Pigeon Rocks) for the quintessential Beirut sunset.
Manakish Dinner
Eat like a local with a za’atar manakish (Lebanese flatbread) for about $1.00 from a street bakery.
Day 18: Beirut, Lebanon - Downtown & History
National Museum of Beirut
See the incredible collection of Phoenician sarcophagi that survived the civil war.
Martyrs' Square
Visit the symbolic heart of the city and the nearby Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.
Gemmayzeh & Mar Mikhael
Walk through these artistic neighborhoods famous for their colorful stairs and creative energy.
St. Nicholas Stairs
Relax on the longest staircase in the Middle East, often used for open-air art exhibitions.
Day 19: Beirut to Byblos, Lebanon - Ancient Port
Public Bus to Jbeil
Take the 'Connexion' bus from Charles Helou station for a cheap ride north to ancient Byblos.
Byblos Castle
Explore the Crusader-era castle built with stones from earlier Phoenician and Roman structures.
Old Souq Stroll
Wander the cobblestone streets of the old market, which is remarkably well-preserved.
Byblos Harbor
Watch the fishing boats in one of the oldest continuously inhabited ports in the world.
Day 20: Byblos to Batroun, Lebanon - Coastal Vibes
Transit to Batroun
A short microbus ride further north brings you to the trendy yet historic coastal town of Batroun.
Phoenician Wall
See the ancient sea wall that has protected Batroun from the Mediterranean waves for millennia.
Batroun Old Houses
Wander through the limestone alleys and visit the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Batroun Lemonade
You can't visit without trying the famous local lemonade from a roadside stand for a few cents.
Day 21: Batroun to Beirut, Lebanon - Mountain Views
Mseilha Fort
Visit this tiny, dramatic fort perched on a rock on your way back toward Beirut.
Return to Beirut
Settle back into your Hamra base for the final leg of the trip.
Sursock Museum
Visit this stunning villa-turned-museum; entry is often free or based on a small donation.
Badaro Neighborhood
Explore the 'Village' of Beirut, a quieter, leafy neighborhood perfect for a cheap evening coffee.
Day 22: Beirut, Lebanon - Jeita Grotto & Harissa
Jeita Grotto
Take a shared taxi to these incredible limestone caves, featuring one of the world's largest stalactites.
Teleferique to Harissa
Take the cable car up the mountain to the Our Lady of Lebanon statue for a bird's-eye view of Jounieh Bay.
Jounieh Old Town
Walk the coastal streets of Jounieh before catching a bus back to Beirut.
Armenian Food in Bourj Hammoud
Head to the Armenian quarter for incredibly affordable and delicious basturma and kebabs.
Day 23: Beirut, Lebanon - Beach & Farewell
Ramlet al-Baida
Spend a few hours at Beirut's only public sandy beach, a great place to see local life.
AUB Campus Walk
Wander the beautiful, park-like campus of the American University of Beirut (check for visitor access).
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some Lebanese sweets like baklava or halva from a local bakery to take home.
Farewell Dinner
Gather your hostel friends for a final feast of Mezze—small plates meant for sharing and saving.
Day 24: Beirut, Lebanon - Departure
Final Breakfast
Enjoy one last Lebanese coffee and a fresh ka'ak (sesame bread) from a street cart.
Reflecting at the Corniche
Take a final moment by the sea to reflect on your 24-day journey through the heart of the Middle East.
Airport Transit
Head to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport via a pre-booked airport shuttle or shared taxi.
Departure
Fly out of Beirut, marking the end of your epic Mediterranean/Coastal Middle Eastern journey.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
July is the peak of summer in the Middle East. While temperatures in Cairo and Amman can soar above 35°C (95°F), the coastal cities like Alexandria, Aqaba, and Beirut benefit from sea breezes. This is a time of festivals, late-night social culture, and lower prices for accommodation. To manage the heat, follow the local lead: stay indoors during the mid-afternoon and embrace the vibrant nightlife when the temperature drops. Lightweight, breathable linen or cotton clothing is essential, and hydration should be your top priority.
Visas & Border Crossings
For this multi-country route, most Western travelers can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt ($25) and Lebanon (free for many nationalities). Jordan offers the "Jordan Pass," which is highly recommended; it waives the visa fee if you stay for at least three nights and includes entry to over 40 sites, including Petra. Note that while Egypt and Jordan have land borders, travel to Lebanon from Jordan must be done by air, as land routes through Syria are currently not advisable for most tourists. Always check the latest travel advisories for each specific border crossing before your departure.
Getting Around Middle East
Budget travel in this region relies on a mix of local microbuses, trains, and low-cost regional airlines. In Egypt, the train system is the most affordable way to travel between Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor. In Jordan, the JETT bus system provides reliable connections between major tourist hubs. Lebanon is best explored via the network of minivans and buses that depart from Beirut's northern and southern hubs. For inter-country travel, budget carriers like Air Arabia, Flyadeal, and EgyptAir offer competitive rates if booked several weeks in advance.
