Middle East Itinerary: Ultimate 14 Days in Lebanon, Jordan, & More
Planning a Middle East itinerary that spans five countries in just two weeks may sound daunting, but it turned out to be one of the most transformative and unforgettable experiences of my life.
There are some trips that make an indelible mark in your hearts forever, and this was one of them. The preparation of this journey took about four years. My parents have just passed, eight months apart from one another. I feel them so strongly when I travel.
Accompanied by my spiritual mom, Susie from Croatia, we began a carefully planned itinerary through Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt and Sudan—each brimming with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes
It is important to know that one cannot travel from Lebanon to Israel. That is why we added Jordan in the middle.
This itinerary outlines a comprehensive guide to this transformative trip, covering safety tips for Middle Eastern travel, accommodation recommendations ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious options, and logistical advice for border crossings.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Day-by-Day Middle East Itinerary
Summary
- Day 1 -3: Lebanon
- Day 4-6: Jordan
- Day 7-8: Israel
- Day 9-13: Egypt & Sudan
Day-by-Day Middle East Itinerary
Day 1-3: Lebanon
Lebanon is a small yet captivating country on the eastern Mediterranean coast, rich in history and full of diverse culture.
It’s a place where ancient ruins and historical landmarks stand side by side with stunning mountains and beaches. From the vibrant energy of Beirut to the peaceful beauty of its natural landscapes, Lebanon offers a unique experience that blends both tradition and modernity.
Despite the concerns some might have about safety in the Middle East,with the right planning and precautions, Lebanon is a safe and welcoming destination to explore.
Travel Agent & Airport Pickup
Lebanon Tours were fantastic! They took care of most of the planning & we informed them where we wanted to visit.
They were very professional & detailed. This took all the stress out of planning and allowed me to fully enjoy my experience.
Where to Stay
We spent three nights in Beirut at the Gems Hotel. It was at the city center & very convenient. I highly recommend it for its central location and comfortable accommodations.
Highlights of Lebanon
Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos
This day trip was a whirlwind of natural beauty, panoramic views, and ancient history!
- Jeita Grotto: First up was the incredible Jeita Grotto. They call it the “8th wonder of the world,” and I can see why! This stunning cave system, with its intricate formations and underground river, is truly awe-inspiring. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Lebanon.
- Harissa: Next, we headed to Harissa, a village perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. We took a cable car up to the top, and the views were simply breathtaking. Overlooking the bay, we could see the 700-year-old Maronite Church and a mosque built by Saladin during the Crusades. It was a powerful reminder of the layers of history that have shaped this land.
- Byblos: Our final stop was Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Walking through its ancient streets, I felt like I was stepping back in time. The layers of history are visible everywhere, from Phoenician ruins to Crusader castles. It’s a fascinating place to explore and imagine the lives of those who lived here centuries ago.
Qadisha Valley and Cedars of Lebanon:
The Qadisha Valley is a place of serene beauty and spiritual significance. We had lunch that overlooked the cedars & it was magical.
The Cedars of Lebanon were my favorite. We had lunch that overlooked the cedars & it was magical. Lebanon carries a deep history of how the Phoenicians invented the alphabet, the dye purple and the first boat & oar.
The cedars have helped build many historic Biblical places. The souvenirs made by the cedars were very special to me.
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and hydrate well, especially during the hot summer months. You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
Day 4-6: Jordan
After an incredible time in Lebanon, it was time to head to Jordan! We flew Middle Eastern Airlines through Royal Jordanian Airlines to Amman. I love the Middle Eastern airlines because they carry a higher level of comfort & excellence.
Where to stay
We checked into the Petra Marriott Hotel and let me tell you, it was dreamy!
Highlight: Upon arrival, we were greeted with fresh juices & a cold towel. Our host, Marwan, was so hospitable and provided us with excellent tips for exploring the area. The views from the hotel were simply breathtaking.
Contact: If you’re planning a trip to Petra, I highly recommend contacting Eid. He’s an amazing local guide who can arrange everything from airport pick-up and drop-off to personalized tours of the ancient city. DM me on Instagram for details.
Discovering Petra
Petra is one of my top five favorite places in the world. It’s one of the most majestic hikes you can take in your lifetim, and it’s a must-see destination for any Middle East itinerary.
The hike is around eight hours long, but there are donkeys & other transportation options if you can’t hike that long.
Tips for Exploring Petra
I highly recommend hiring a local guide like Eid. He came highly recommended by a travel blogger, and he made our experience truly unforgettable.
Start your hike from the back of Petra, not the front. Thousands of tourists crowd the main entrance early in the morning, but we started from the back & had the whole monastery & other stops to ourselves.
We rode out at 5 am (you can see the experience on my Petra Instagram Story). It was an experience like none other. We were behind a jeep & had the air blowing in our faces – an exhilarating encounter!
There is someone at the back entrance to check your tickets, and it’s a much more peaceful way to start your day. You want to start early as it is very hot in the middle of the day. By the time we were ending our hike, the crowds were already gone from the epic Treasury.
Meeting Marguerite
A highlight for me was meeting Marguerite, the author of “Married to a Bedouin.” I read about her in a blog & was so excited she was there. She was able to autograph my book & her story is fascinating. She lived in Petra for many years before they made her move. It’s a beautiful & raw book of her love story with a local man she married. Definitely worth to include meeting her in this 2 week middle East itinerary.
Moses Spring
Before heading back to the hotel, we took a detour to Moses Spring. In the Biblical text, there’s a story about Moses striking a rock to bring forth water for the Israelites. It is believed that the water from that spring still flows today!
It provided water for Petra, and our guide, Eid, explained that it’s the same water source from miles away.
Petra is steeped in Biblical history. It was the capital of the Nabatean empire & an important trading route between Arabia, Egypt, Syria & Phoenicia. While you hike, you can feel the history vibrating from the rocks.
Dinner with a View
We returned to our hotel after the hike & enjoyed a sumptuous dinner cooked underground while watching the sunset. I wouldn’t have traded anything for that experience. It was wonderful.
Petra Bubble Hotel Experience
For a truly unique experience, we spent a night at the Petra Bubble Hotel. This was a very unique experience. The drive was about thirty minutes from Petra, & we arranged transportation with the Marriott. The customer service was top notch.
A note to self is this is in the middle of the desert. It’s very hot during the day & there is nothing much to do but enjoying the view was enough for us.
For more on this experience, I shared it on my Instagram story with a full video. Lunch & dinner was included in the hotel rate of USD 220. It was quite a unique experience. Each bubble has a hot tub in the desert!
Day 7- 8 Israel
Crossing Borders from Jordan to Israel
Our journey began with a border crossing from Jordan to Israel, arranged through Bedu Tours. This seamless experience included a private driver from the Petra Bubble Hotel to the Jordanian border, and another driver awaiting us on the Israeli side to transfer us to Jerusalem.
The company was incredibly helpful, providing all the necessary details and ensuring a smooth transition. Our driver even added a touch of adventure by giving us a mini-tour along the way, taking us to see Lot’s wife statue & Lot’s cave. (Remember the story from the Bible? Lot’s wife looked back at her old home when she was told not to and turned into a pillar of salt!)
The crossing itself was a memorable adventure through “no man’s land,” taking approximately two hours and involving customs checks on both sides.
Israel does not stamp passports; instead, travelers receive a printed entry slip. The total cost for the transfers was USD 400, with an additional fee for the border bus.
Accommodation
We stayed at the New Imperial Hotel at the Jaffa Gate, and it was the perfect place to call home during our time in Jerusalem. It’s a quaint hotel with a rustic feel, and our room even had an upstairs, which was a fun and unexpected surprise! The breakfast was incredible, offering a delicious spread to fuel our explorations.
At about USD 175 per night, it was a great value. Especially considering its unbeatable location.right at the historic Jaffa Gate, making it easy to wander through the Old City and soak up the atmosphere.
To me, a nice hotel in a foreign country is a big part of the travel experience. I enjoy the comfort of having a good night’s sleep in a foreign land, and the New Imperial Hotel provided just that.
The Wailing Wall
The Wailing Wall was my favorite experience of all on our Middle East itinerary .It’s this massive, ancient wall, and it’s considered one of the holiest places in Judaism.
It is one of the final standing walls of the Temple Mount, the elevated plaza in Jerusalem’s Old City that served as the site of the two ancient Jewish temples. The 24-hour prayers that vibrate from that place are quite an experience.
The Dome of the Rock
We also visited the Dome of the Rock, a breathtakingly beautiful shrine that sits atop the Temple Mount. Its golden dome is a recognizable landmark in Jerusalem’s skyline. We had to be fully covered as women to enter, which was a reminder of the cultural and religious sensitivities of the site.
Security and Diversity
Security is very tight in the city, with armed guards from different groups patrolling the streets. It’s a reminder of the complex political realities of this region. Despite the tension, Jerusalem is a city of incredible diversity, with people from all over the world coming together to experience its history.
A Glimpse of Palestine
We wandered into Palestine during one of our walks. It’s like a walled city & the people were kind because we got lost & they pointed the right way for us. You can feel the tension in the area. These countries carry so much history. It was a fascinating experience to see this other side of Jerusalem and interact with the people who live there.
Departure & Airport Security
Our time in Jerusalem concluded with a transfer to the airport for our evening flight to Cairo. While en route, local police stopped our vehicle, questioning our choice of a Muslim driver, but the situation was quickly resolved.We explained that it was a prior arrangement from the company we used.
At the airport, high-security measures included an extensive one-hour bag search.We almost missed our flight to Egypt. They did a thorough search of my bags and dug into areas of my backpack where I never touched in years.
They say Israel is the safest place in the world with all their high-tech security. It was a bit of a stressful experience, but it also highlighted the level of security that Israel maintains.
Although it was a stressful experience, it’s an important consideration for anyone planning a Middle East itinerary, especially when traveling through Israel’s airports.
Day 9-13 Egypt
Arriving in Cairo and Meeting Our Guide
We flew with Aegean Air to Cairo, with a quick layover in Greece. The flight from Jerusalem took about seven hours. Upon arrival, we obtained our Egyptian visas at the airport.
Subsequently, we were greeted by our fantastic tour guide from Jakada Tours. He even got us access to the business class area, which was a nice treat! Jakada Tours is one of the most affordable tour companies in Egypt. It was USD 700 per person for the week, which included our hotels. We upgraded to a nicer hotel for USD 100.
f you’re planning your own trip, you might want to specify a Christian or Muslim tour guide, as their historical perspectives are slightly different. Jakada took care of our tours to the Pyramids, Valleys of the Kings, Luxor, and we added a special trip to the Cave Church.
(Side note: If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, I highly recommend Jakada Tours. They’re super affordable and take care of all the details.)
Accommodation
Our first night was spent at the Pyramid Hotel, with breathtaking views of the iconic pyramids right outside our window – one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Exploring Alexandria
After catching a few hours of sleep, we were off to explore Alexandria in the mid-morning ,with its fascinating blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences.
Pyramids Experience , and Cave Churches
Visiting the pyramids was a surreal experience. While the pictures are impressive, nothing prepares you for the scale and grandeur of these ancient wonders.
(Just be prepared for the heat, the flies, and the occasional whiff of camel poop!)
Our guide, Amr, was incredibly knowledgeable and ensured we felt safe throughout our explorations. (You can connect with him through my Instagram!)
We requested a special tour of the Cave Church, a hidden gem unknown to most tourists. It’s located in an area called “Garbage City,” and to get there, we had to pass through a village literally filled with garbage.
The Cave Church has a fascinating history rooted in a challenge between two religions. Legend has it that the Christians prayed for a miracle, and the next day, the mountain was moved!
Many people believe that miracles have occurred at this church, and the atmosphere inside is incredibly powerful. It was a truly unique and moving experience.
Luxor and the Valley of Kings
The following days we flew north to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, known for its incredible concentration of temples and tombs.With stops at the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens in Luxor.
We explored the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborate tombs filled with hieroglyphics and treasures. It was like stepping back in time to the era of ancient Egyptian royalty.
We continued our exploration of ancient burial grounds with a visit to the Valley of the Queens, where the consorts of pharaohs were buried in equally impressive tombs.
Walking through the tombs of ancient pharaohs and queens, with their intricate carvings and vibrant murals, was like stepping back thousands of years.
Aswan, Egypt and Nubian Village
Our last stop was crossing the border from Egypt to Sudan by boat to visit a unique Nubian Village.
In Aswan, we ventured beyond Egypt’s borders to Sudan, crossing the Nile by boat to visit a Nubian village. The Nubians, descendants of the ancient Cushites, welcomed us warmly. Their vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning surroundings along the Nile left a deep impression.
Day 13- 14- Back to Cairo & Departure
Back in Cairo, we stayed at the Rameses Hilton, a familiar American chain that provided a sense of comfort after days of exploring our Middle East itinerary. The breakfast buffet was a culinary highlight, and the views of the city were spectacular.
A chaotic incident involving a missing child at a wedding in the lobby briefly disrupted our stay, but the hotel staff and our guide swiftly resolved the situation, even offering complimentary room service.
Our final day in Cairo was spent reflecting on the incredible journey we had just experienced.
Overall, this trip was very monumental to us. We experienced life out of our comfort zone, and embraced adventure daily. It changed our lives . From Cairo, we flew back to Atlanta, our hearts full of memories and our spirits renewed.
