Highlights
- Snorkel, swim & sunbathe at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba
- Go off-road to explore the rugged red desert of Wadi Rum
- Wander Petra's incredible carved canyons & temples
- Sample traditional Jordanian fare in Amman
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Aqaba | Aqaba |
| Day 2 | Free Morning in Aqaba, Transfer to Wadi Rum & Desert Jeep Excursion | Wadi Rum |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Petra, Explore the "Rose City" | Petra |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Amman via Madaba & Mount Nebo, Amman City Tour | Amman |
| Day 5 | Depart Amman |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Aqaba
Day 2: Free Morning in Aqaba, Transfer to Wadi Rum & Desert Jeep Excursion
This morning is free for you to enjoy more of Aqaba at your leisure. Explore more of the lively port, soak up some sun at the beach, or embark on one of the many watersport excursions on offer. Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to enjoy views of abundant marine life, try your hand at parasailing or diving, or go for a leisurely snorkel through the clear waters.
In the afternoon, your driver will take you east into the wilderness of Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. Along the two-hour drive, you'll pass through red valleys, rock canyons, and dunes to reach your base for the night at a Bedouin-style camp.
After settling in, you'll board a sturdy Jeep for an off-road excursion that takes you deeper into the UNESCO-protected desert. Travel through valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs as well as majestic views. Spend a little time at each stop to hike and scramble and explore at your own pace. Along the way, you'll visit desert oases, see 2,000-year-old Kufic rock art, and learn about the history of the area and the local Bedouin culture.
As evening falls, return to your camp for a traditional meal around the campfire and a night sleeping under the stars.
Day 3: Transfer to Petra, Explore the "Rose City"
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After breakfast back at the camp, you'll be met by your driver for the two-hour journey to Petra, where you'll spend the remainder of the day exploring Jordan's beloved archeological treasure. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained.
Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabataean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. After a two-hour guided tour, you'll have free time to explore the canyons and temples at your own pace.
If you're feeling adventurous, climb your way up the 800 steps to the Monastery, Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument. For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.
After a full day of exploring, head to your hotel to rest up and cool down before dinner. If your visit falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can head out again after dark to experience an unforgettable Petra by Night tour. Stroll through canyons lined with thousands of candles to reach the illuminated Treasury, where live Arabic music sets the scene and a welcoming cup of tea awaits.
Day 4: Transfer to Amman via Madaba & Mount Nebo, Afternoon City Tour
After breakfast, check out and meet your driver for today's journey north to Amman. Along the way, you'll stop in Madaba to check out its intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the spectacular Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Nearby, the Madaba Archaeological Park preserves the mosaic-rich Church of the Virgin Mary and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.
Continue to Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge of the Abarim range said to be where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land. Follow in his footsteps and look out at the Dead Sea and beyond, before eventually making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses, a modern structure that now houses excavated relics from the region.
Celebrate your final evening in Jordan with dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll sample Jordanian specialties like mansaf (rice topped with lamb and pine nuts), Arabic sweets, and mint tea.
Day 5: Depart Amman
Spend a relaxed morning in Amman exploring any city highlights you may have missed or picking up some last-minute souvenirs. When the time comes, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!
More Jordan Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Jordan? Check out these other Jordan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.
Or, describe your ideal trip and we will connect you with a local specialist to make it happen.