Experience Jordan: Amman, Petra, & Wadi Rum - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Upon your arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), meet your guide who will assist you through immigration and transfer you to your downtown hotel to get settled and rest up for the week ahead. One of the oldest cities in the world, inhabited since the bronze age, Amman has grown into a modern and vibrant city.

Day 2: Day trip to Jerash & Ajloun - Immersive local experience in Orjan

After breakfast this morning, meet your driver and head north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend some time wandering the ancient ruins as well as the Jerash souk (market) before moving on to the town of Ajloun, in the highlands. Here you will discover the 12th-century Ajloun Castle, a fortress built to ward off the Crusader armies at the vital trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, and Mecca. 

Next, you will continue to an olive grove in the village of Orjan to meet your host for the afternoon. Stroll amid the centuries-old trees as you get to know one another before making your way to the family home. Meet the family and take in the rural scene as your hosts prepare an authentic Jordanian feast. Break bread and enjoy this immersive experience before returning to your hotel in Amman.

Day 3: Drive to Mount Nebo, Madaba, Karak & Shoubak - Camp in Little Petra

After breakfast, you will continue the journey south to Mount Nebo. According to the Old Testament, this is the peak where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land. Look out at the Dead Sea and beyond, before making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses. From here, you'll depart for the market town of Madaba to discover its intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the large Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. 

Continue south to the Crusader castle in Karak, where you will have the opportunity to navigate the maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways. The next stop is Shoubak castle, also known as Montreal, which provides a contrasting example to Karak. Spend a little time exploring the towers and walls decorated with carved inscriptions dating back to the 14th century.

When you're ready, you'll work your way to the village of Siq al-Barid, commonly referred to as Little Petra. Enjoy Bedouin hospitality and a star-full evening, as you relax in the glow of lanterns in a simple camp.

Day 4: Full day in Petra

This morning you'll drive the 10 minutes south to Petra, one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World. Dubbed the "Lost City" as it is relatively recently re-discovered, you'll spend the day experiencing impressive sandstone carvings of this ancient Nabataean world. Walk through the Siq, the three-quarter-mile narrow gorge (1.2 km) that opens up to the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the old city. Then explore the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, as you work your way through the archaeological site discovering the amphitheater and caves.

Break for lunch, before climbing 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 your way up the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha. After a full day, you'll check into your accommodation in the village of nearby Wadi Musa to rest up and cool down before venturing out again for a unique Petra by Night candlelit tour of the Siq and Treasury (note: tours run Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings only).

Day 5: Camel ride, Jeep tour & camp in Wadi Rum

Leave the Lost City behind and head into the red sand desert of Wadi Rum for a fun day of camel riding and Jeep touring. Enjoy a camel ride for a unique way to experience the expansive wadi before switching gears to meet your Bedouin hosts and begin the Jeep excursion into this UNESCO-protected site. You'll 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, breaking for a simple lunch prepared for you in the shade of the mountains.

Rest and explore as you choose, taking in a desert sunset before returning to your Bedouin camp for an evening of dinner by the campfire under a twinkling night sky.

Day 6: Aqaba boating excursion & BBQ lunch - Drive to the Dead Sea

After waking up to the sunrise and a simple breakfast in the desert, you'll make your way to Aqaba, Jordan's only port with access to the Red Sea. Hop aboard a glass bottom boat and enjoy views of the abundant marine life beneath you as well as the coastal views to neighboring countries, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Cool off with a refreshing swim, and snorkel your way to discover the precious coral and range of tropical fish up close. Return to the boat when you're ready and dry off in the warming sun with a prepared-for-you barbecue lunch.

After an afternoon of sun and surf, you'll check out of your hotel and continue your drive north to your accommodation along the shores of the Dead Sea.

Day 7: Return to Amman - Depart

Take advantage of your last morning in Jordan with one more dip in the Dead Sea before returning to the capital for some last-minute sightseeing. Depending on your flight details, consider a visit to the Amman Citadel (Jabal al Qal'a) from where you can admire the view of the 2nd-century Roman amphitheater and Old Amman. Next, work your way to Jabal Weibdah, the arts and cultural district, to check out an art gallery or peruse the wares in the local antique and handicraft shops. Enjoy a final Jordanian meal at a local restaurant treating yourself to the sweet kanafah, before heading to the QAIA.