Highlights
- Explore the ancient ruins of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Spend the night sleeping in a Bedouin tent in Wadi Rum
- Relax in Aqaba, on the shores of the Red Sea
- Float in the salty Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Ruins of Jerash | Amman |
| Day 2 | Crusader Castles and Hot Springs | Petra |
| Day 3 | Exploring Petra | Wadi Rum |
| Day 4 | A Day in the Desert | Wadi Rum |
| Day 5 | Swimming, Snorkeling, and Strolling in Aqaba | Aqaba |
| Day 6 | Floating in the Dead Sea | The Dead Sea |
| Day 7 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Visit the Ruins of Jerash
When you land at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), your driver will meet you in the arrival hall with a sign. From there, you'll go straight to the ruins of Jerash, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities outside of Italy.
You can walk down the Colonnaded Street, climb the steps of the Temple of Artemis, and listen to the musicians playing traditional bagpipes in the Theater.
Afterward, your driver will take you to your hotel in Amman, where you can relax for the night.
Day 2: Crusader Castles and Hot Springs
Today, you will travel south along the King's Highway—an ancient trade route—towards Petra. Your first stop of the day will be Kerak Castle, one of the largest Crusader Castles in the Middle East. You'll spend the next couple of hours visiting the ruins and learning about the history of the Crusaders in the region, before grabbing lunch in Kerak.
Then, you'll continue along the highway for another hour and stop for a fun hike in Wadi Bin Hammad, a shady green canyon with hot springs and flowing water (the water is shallow enough to be safe for children). This hike takes about two hours (and can take up to four hours if you choose to walk all the way back). You'll see a four-meter-high waterfall, which you can climb down.
After your hike, continue on to Petra for the evening. There you can take a cooking class, enjoy Petra by Night (only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays), or simply relax.
Day 3: Exploring Petra
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today, you'll spend the whole day exploring the beautiful Petra ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enter through the Siq and walk the main trail, then visit the Royal Tombs and climb to the viewpoint that looks down on the Treasury just as the morning sun hits it.
Another option is to climb up the mountain opposite the High Place of Sacrifice and take the trail down to the Garden Temple Complex. If your family has the energy, you can climb up to the Monastery (900 steps!). You also have the option to book a guided tour to learn more about the ruins.
After a day at the ruins, your driver will take you into the Wadi Rum desert, where you will spend the night at a traditional Bedouin camp and have a delicious dinner under the stars.
Day 4: A Day in the Desert
Today, you'll be exploring the majestic desert of Wadi Rum. First, you'll go on a three-hour Jeep tour through the dunes to discover some of the desert's secrets: the Nabatean Inscriptions, canyons, red sand dunes, and precipitous rock bridges. Then, trade the four wheels for four hooves with a two-hour camel ride through the sand.
If you love stargazing, you'll have the option to enjoy the starry sky and Martian landscape at a camp that has bubble dome tents and several telescopes. If your kids are a bit older, you also have the option to go on a sunrise hot air balloon ride (children aged six and up allowed).
In the afternoon, you'll return to Rum Village, where your driver will be waiting for you. Together you'll head to the coastal city of Aqaba, where you'll spend the night.
Day 5: Swimming, Snorkeling, and Strolling in Aqaba
Spend the day enjoying the charms of the coast: go for a stroll in downtown Aqaba, visit the public beach, or discover the world under the waves with a snorkeling excursion or a glass-bottomed boat ride. Then, return to your hotel to relax for the evening.
Day 6: Floating in the Dead Sea
After breakfast, your driver will take you to the lowest point on earth: the Dead Sea. There you can float in the mineral-rich waters, enjoy a mud treatment, or simply soak up the sunshine. You'll have dinner and spend the night at a resort nearby.
Day 7: Departure
It's time to say goodbye to Jordan! Today, your driver will take you back to the airport for your flight home. Depending on your departure time, you may be able to spend a few hours enjoying the Dead Sea in the morning.
Safe travels!
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