Jordan's Natural Wonders: Amman, Dana, Petra & Wadi Rum - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the capital of Amman. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights. 

Day 2: Day Trip to Aljoun Forest Reserve & Azraq Wetlands

Lace up your hiking boots this morning for a day trip to two of the region's ecological hotspots. After an early breakfast, your driver will take you on an hour's journey north to the RSCN Ajloun Forest Reserve, a protected ecosystem of evergreen oaks, pines, and wild pistachio trees. Explore the reserve's wildflowers and woodlands with a 3.5-hour hike against a backdrop of stunning scenery and sweeping views.

Afterward, your driver will take you 2.5 hours southeast to reach the little-visited gem of Azraq, home to a remarkable wetland reserve in the heart of the rugged Eastern Desert. Follow the boardwalk trails through this tranquil oasis and spot the many rare and endangered migratory bird species that flock here. 

At the end of the day, you'll head back to Amman for the evening.

Day 3: Transfer to Dana via Madaba, Mount Nebo & Kerak

 After breakfast at your hotel, you'll check out and meet your driver for today's journey south. 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.

Carry on south along the King's Highway to Kerak to visit the impressive Crusader castle of the same name. Exploring the fortress-like structure provides an opportunity to experience the vaulted halls and passageways typical of the era, a remarkable insight into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders. 

In the afternoon you'll reach your destination for the night—a comfortable guesthouse perched on the edge of the Wadi Dana valley. 

Day 4: Hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Transfer to Petra

Awake to the sounds of nature this morning in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan's largest natural reserve encompasses four distinct bio-geographical zones and is home to remarkably diverse flora and fauna. Today's half-day trek takes you 5 miles (8 km) along the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana Campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. On your way down the valley, you may see Griffon vultures overhead, or spot hyrax and copper-blue lizards along the rocky trails. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox.

 

After lunch, it's time to get back on the road again, as your driver picks you up for a transfer south to Petra. 

Day 5: Explore Petra, Transfer to Wadi Rum

Today you'll explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure: the lost city of Petra. 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 Nabateaen city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. 

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 your way up the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

You can opt for a guided tour, spend the day exploring at your own pace, or even arrange for a full-day hike along the back trail to Petra, starting from Beida and ending with dramatic views over the Monastery.

After getting your fill of Petra, your driver will take you south into the wilderness of the 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 a Bedouin-style camp, where you'll enjoy a traditional meal and spend the night sleeping under the stars.

Day 6: Wadi Rum Sunrise Hike & Jeep Excursion, Transfer to Amman

Rise early this morning for an hour-long hike to watch an unforgettable sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, you'll set out in a sturdy Jeep for an off-road excursion that takes you deeper into the UNESCO-protected Wadi Rum. 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. 

Then it's time to say your goodbyes to your desert hosts as your driver takes you on the 4.5-hour return journey to Amman. Upon arrival, get settled into your hotel, then head out for a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample Jordanian specialties like mansaf (rice topped with lamb and pine nuts), Arabic sweets, and mint tea. 

Day 7: Depart Amman

It's time to bid Jordan farewell as you transfer 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. 

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