8-Day Western Middle East Cross-Country Rail Journey: Israel & Jordan in January
Embark on a breathtaking 8-day journey through the heart of the Western Middle East, where ancient history meets modern transit. This route is specifically designed for families who want to balance the thrill of discovery with the comfort of high-speed rail and organized border crossings. Traveling in January means you'll escape the sweltering desert heat, enjoying crisp winter air and a much more personal experience at world-famous sites like Jerusalem and Petra.
Our 'Levantine Rail Loop' focuses on the modern Israeli rail network—one of the most scenic coastal and mountain routes in the region—before crossing into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. From the tech-savvy streets of Tel Aviv to the red sands of Wadi Rum, this itinerary provides a structured yet flexible guide to navigating these two historical giants with children in tow, all while keeping a close eye on budget-friendly local experiences.
Day 1: Tel Aviv, Israel - Mediterranean Arrival
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport
Land at Israel’s main international hub. The airport is exceptionally family-friendly with clear signage and easy access to the integrated train station located right at Terminal 3.
Check-in & Seaside Stroll
Take the 20-minute train ride to Tel Aviv Savidor Merkaz. Head to your hotel near the Tayelet (boardwalk) for a sunset walk. The cool January breeze is perfect for a light jacket.
Dinner at Carmel Market
Introduce the kids to local flavors with fresh pita and hummus. In January, look for 'Sachlav', a warm, sweet orchid-flour drink that is a local winter favorite.
Early Rest
Adjust to the time zone in a comfortable family suite. Tel Aviv offers many apartment-style hotels that are perfect for those traveling with children.
Day 2: Tel Aviv to Haifa, Israel - Coastal Rail Scenery
Scenic Northern Rail Journey
Board the train at Tel Aviv University station heading north. This line hugs the Mediterranean coast, offering stunning window views of the turquoise sea and ancient ruins at Caesarea.
Bahá’í Gardens Exploration
Arrive in Haifa and visit the UNESCO-listed gardens. The terraces are beautifully manicured even in January. Note: The upper viewing balcony is the most kid-friendly spot for photos.
Madatech Science Museum
Located in a historic building, this is Israel's national museum of science and technology. It features hundreds of hands-on exhibits that are perfect for burning off kid energy.
German Colony Dinner
Walk down Ben Gurion Avenue, which is beautifully lit at night. Many restaurants here offer 'Kid’s Schnitzel' options for picky eaters.
Day 3: Haifa to Jerusalem, Israel - The High-Speed Ascent
Return Rail to Jerusalem
Take the train from Haifa back toward Tel Aviv and transfer to the King David high-speed line. This engineering marvel climbs from sea level to the Judean Hills in just 32 minutes.
Mahane Yehuda Market
Navigate the bustling 'Shuk'. In January, the covered market is a warm sanctuary filled with the aroma of roasting coffee and seasonal citrus fruits.
Israel Museum & Dead Sea Scrolls
Visit the Shrine of the Book. The museum has an excellent youth wing with interactive art stations that are very popular with school-aged children.
Jerusalem Night Spectacular
Watch the Tower of David Sound and Light Show. Even in the cold, the outdoor seating is equipped with heaters to keep the family cozy while the history of the city is projected on ancient walls.
Day 4: Jerusalem, Israel - The Holy City Walk
Western Wall & Old City
Explore the four quarters of the Old City. The limestone streets can be slippery in January rain, so ensure everyone has sturdy, non-slip footwear.
Roof-top Ramparts Walk
Walk along the city walls for a unique perspective of the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is an adventurous way for kids to see the city.
Biblical Zoo
Located on the outskirts of the city and accessible by the light rail, this zoo features animals mentioned in the Bible and is a top-rated family destination.
Evening at First Station
The old railway station has been converted into a family entertainment hub with restaurants, shops, and a small carousel.
Day 5: Jerusalem to Amman, Jordan - Border Crossing
King Hussein Bridge Crossing
Depart Jerusalem via a pre-booked shuttle to the border. This is the most direct route to Jordan. Ensure you have your visa paperwork ready for the Jordanian side.
Arrival in Amman
Take a private car or JETT bus from the border to downtown Amman. The contrast between the modern Israeli rail and the traditional Jordanian bus routes is a great cultural talking point.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore the Temple of Hercules. The hilltop location offers a 360-degree view of the hilly 'White City' of Amman.
Hashem Restaurant Dinner
Eat at this legendary no-frills spot. It's famous for having hosted royalty and is the most authentic, budget-friendly meal in the city.
Day 6: Amman, Jordan - Roman Ruins & Rainbow Street
Roman Theatre
Visit the impressively preserved 6,000-seat theatre. Kids love climbing the steep stone steps (supervised, of course!).
Jordan Museum
Learn about the Copper Scroll and the history of the region in a modern, climate-controlled building that is perfect for a winter afternoon.
Rainbow Street Stroll
Browse the artisan shops and tea houses. In January, the cozy cafes offer a great place to warm up with Jordanian 'shai' (tea) with mint.
Mansaf Tasting
Try Jordan’s national dish—lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt. It's a hearty, warming winter meal for the whole family.
Day 7: Amman to Petra, Jordan - The Rose City Bound
Desert Highway Drive
Travel south to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. While there is no passenger rail here today, you will cross several points of the historic Hijaz Railway tracks along the way.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A smaller, free-to-enter version of the main site. It’s less crowded and a great 'warm-up' for the kids before the main event tomorrow.
Petra Kitchen Cooking Class
A great family activity where you learn to cook a multi-course Jordanian meal and then eat it together. Perfect for an indoor winter evening.
Petra by Night
See the Treasury lit by thousands of candles. It is magical but can be very cold in January—bring blankets and thermal layers for the children.
Day 8: Petra, Jordan - The Treasury & Departure
Entering the Siq
Enter early to avoid the crowds. The 1.2km walk through the narrow gorge (The Siq) is easy for kids and builds incredible anticipation for the Treasury.
Royal Tombs & Amphitheatre
Explore the carved facades. For families with older kids, the hike up to the Monastery (Ad Deir) offers the best views in the park.
Lunch with a View
Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Basin Restaurant inside the archaeological park before heading back to the visitor center.
Departure Logistics
Head to Amman (3 hours) or Aqaba (2 hours) for your flight home. Reflect on a week of high-speed trains and ancient desert trails.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
January is the peak of winter in the Western Middle East. While coastal cities like Tel Aviv remain mild (15-18°C), inland cities like Jerusalem, Amman, and Petra can drop to 5°C or lower at night. This is the 'low season' for crowds but 'high season' for those who prefer hiking in manageable temperatures. Rain is common in the north, so an umbrella and waterproof layers are essential. The lack of summer heat makes exploring massive archaeological sites like Petra much safer and more enjoyable for children.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between Israel and Jordan is a standard route for international tourists. Most Western passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Jordan, but it is highly recommended to purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival to save money and simplify the process. When crossing at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge, remember it is the only crossing where Jordan does not issue visas on the spot—you must have one in advance or use the Jordan Pass. Always allow 2-4 hours for border formalities, as security checks are thorough for the safety of all travelers.
Getting Around Middle East
Israel boasts a highly efficient, modern rail network that is the backbone of this itinerary. It is the most reliable and scenic way to move between the coast and the holy city of Jerusalem. In Jordan, the passenger rail network is currently non-operational for daily travel, so 'Getting Around' relies on the JETT bus system or private taxis. For families, hiring a private driver for the Jordan leg (Amman to Petra) is often more cost-effective and provides the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints along the King’s Highway.
