9-Day Central Middle East Coastal Route (Red Sea Vibes): Egypt & Jordan in January
Embark on a journey through the heart of the Middle East, where the golden sands of the desert meet the deep sapphire of the Red Sea. This 9-day multi-country itinerary is designed for families seeking a balance between iconic historical landmarks and the relaxed, tropical vibes of coastal resorts, all while maintaining a manageable budget of USD 56.64 per day.
January offers the perfect climate for this route; while much of the Northern Hemisphere shivers, Cairo and the Red Sea coast enjoy mild, sunny days. This guide provides a logical flow from the bustling markets of Egypt to the serene underwater gardens of Jordan, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers of all ages.
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt - Arrival & Nile Sunsets
Arrival at Cairo International
Touch down in the vibrant capital of Egypt. After clearing customs, take a pre-booked shuttle to your hotel in the Giza district for a room with a view.
Felucca Ride on the Nile
Enjoy a traditional wooden sailboat ride as the sun sets over the city skyline, a perfect low-energy activity for kids after a flight.
Dinner in Zamalek
Head to the leafy island of Zamalek for a family-friendly dinner at a local bistro serving Egyptian koshary.
Rest & Acclimatization
Prepare for a big day of history tomorrow by resting in a comfortable family suite.
Day 2: Cairo, Egypt - Great Pyramids & Sphinx
Giza Pyramid Complex
Explore the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Kids will love the vastness of the site and the optional camel rides near the Panorama point.
Lunch with a View
Eat at the famous 9 Pyramids Lounge for a spectacular view of the plateau while you dine on traditional grilled meats.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Visit the limited-access areas of the new GEM to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the grand staircase.
Khan el-Khalili Market
Wander through the historic bazaar for souvenirs and a cup of mint tea at El Fishawy café.
Day 3: Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt - Transition to the Coast
Morning Flight to Sharm
Take a short 1-hour flight from Cairo to the Sinai Peninsula, landing in the world-renowned resort town of Sharm El Sheikh.
Resort Check-in
Settle into a family-friendly beachfront resort with pools and private beach access.
Naama Bay Exploration
Stroll the pedestrian promenade of Naama Bay, perfect for strollers and casual window shopping.
Seafood Dinner
Enjoy fresh catch-of-the-day at one of the many coastal restaurants overlooking the Red Sea.
Day 4: Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt - Marine Life & Coral Reefs
Ras Muhammad National Park
Take a boat trip to this protected marine park. The shallow reefs are ideal for children learning to snorkel.
Island Picnic
Enjoy a catered lunch on the boat as you sail between coral lagoons.
Farsha Mountain Lounge
Visit this incredibly unique cliffside cafe for sunset views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Soho Square
Watch the dancing fountains and enjoy the evening entertainment at this modern family hub.
Day 5: Sharm El Sheikh to Aqaba, Jordan - Cross-Border Voyage
Transfer to Nuweiba
Take a private car or bus 2 hours north to the port of Nuweiba for your international ferry crossing.
Fast Ferry to Aqaba
Cross the Gulf of Aqaba by ferry, entering the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan by sea.
Aqaba Arrival & Visa
Complete border formalities and take a short taxi ride to your hotel in central Aqaba.
Aqaba Street Food
Walk the local markets and try authentic Jordanian Mansaf or Shawarma for a low-cost dinner.
Day 6: Aqaba, Jordan - Tropical Relax & Connectivity
Berenice Beach Club
Spend the day at a private beach club with multiple pools and easy access to the house reef.
Lunch by the Sea
Dine on Mediterranean salads and fresh hummus at the beachside grill.
Aqaba Fortress
Visit the historic Mamluk Castle near the world's tallest flagpole for a quick history lesson.
Souk Shopping
Buy high-quality Jordanian spices and Dead Sea mud products at the local markets.
Day 7: Aqaba to Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Drive to Wadi Rum
Take a 1-hour drive into the majestic desert of Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
4x4 Jeep Safari
Buckle up for a family-friendly jeep tour through the red dunes and ancient petroglyphs.
Sunset Camels
Enjoy a peaceful camel trek as the desert sand turns a deep crimson under the setting sun.
Zarb Dinner
Experience a traditional Bedouin dinner cooked in an underground oven, followed by stargazing.
Day 8: Wadi Rum to Amman, Jordan - Northward Journey
Desert Breakfast
Enjoy flatbreads and labneh before heading back to the village.
JETT Bus to Amman
Board the comfortable tourist coach for the 4-hour journey north to Jordan's capital.
Check-in Amman
Arrive in Amman and check into a hotel in the Shmeisani or Abdali district.
Rainbow Street
Explore the famous Rainbow Street for eclectic shops, ice cream, and views of the old city.
Day 9: Amman, Jordan - Roman Heritage & Departure
Amman Citadel
Visit the ruins of the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, offering panoramic views of the hills.
Roman Theater
Explore the perfectly preserved 6,000-seat theater in the heart of downtown.
Farewell Lunch
Have your final meal at Hashem Restaurant, a legendary spot for falafel and hummus.
Airport Transfer
Head to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home, concluding your epic coastal route.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
January is an ideal time for this specific coastal route through Egypt and Jordan. In Cairo, temperatures hover around 18-20°C (64-68°F), providing excellent weather for sightseeing without the scorching summer heat. The Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba remain pleasantly warm, with water temperatures suitable for snorkeling, though a thin wetsuit may be comfortable for children. Evening temperatures in the desert (Wadi Rum) can drop significantly, sometimes near freezing, so packing warm layers is essential for the overnight stays.
Visas & Border Crossings
Traveling between Egypt and Jordan is a well-established tourist route. Most Western nationalities can obtain an E-Visa for Egypt online or a visa-on-arrival at Cairo Airport. For Jordan, if you enter via Aqaba (a Special Economic Zone), the visa fee is often waived or reduced under certain conditions, such as staying more than two nights. When crossing from Sharm El Sheikh to Aqaba via ferry, ensure you have your paperwork ready at the Nuweiba port. Always check the latest reciprocity agreements as regulations can change frequently.
Getting Around Middle East
The most efficient way to travel between Cairo and the coast is via domestic flights, which are affordable and save over 6 hours of travel time. Within the Sinai and Jordan, private transfers or the JETT bus system offer the most comfort for families. For the international crossing, the AB Maritime ferry between Egypt and Jordan is the standard choice. Within cities like Cairo and Amman, ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem are the safest and most transparently priced options for families with children.
