Ultimate Jordan: Amman to the Red Sea - 12 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. 

Depending on your arrival time, feel free to explore Amman at your own pace. In the evening, head to dinner at a local restaurant to sample Jordanian specialties like mansaf (rice topped with lamb and pine nuts), Arabic sweets, and mint tea. 

Day 2: Tour Jerash, Aljoun & Amman

Start today's tour with a transfer north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend time wandering the extensive site and be sure to check out the well-preserved remains of two amphitheaters, the north-south Colonnaded Street, and the Hippodrome (the site of ancient chariot races).
 
Continue to Ajloun, in the highlands, where you can explore 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. Roam the ramparts and enjoy the sweeping views over the Levant. 

In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Amman for an afternoon tour of the historic Old City. Discover the magnificent Amman Citadel (Jabal al Qal'a) and the 2nd-century Roman Theater, two of the most famous archaeological sites in the capital, and stroll amid colorful wares and aromatic spices in Amman's old souks (markets). 

Day 3: Transfer to the Dead Sea via Mount Nebo, Madaba & Bethany

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and meet your driver for today's journey towards the Dead Sea. Along the way, you'll stop at 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.

Continue towards 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.

Then it's on to Bethany, the site where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus Christ on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Located in a wadi kharrar, or reeded valley, several centuries-old churches and manmade pools have recently been discovered and are worth exploring.  

After a scenic drive through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. 

Day 4: Free Day on the Dead Sea

Today is free for you to enjoy the wonders of the Dead Sea at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun. One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, this landlocked lake is the lowest point on earth and the world's richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years. 

Day 5: Transfer to Petra via Kerak

This morning you'll meet your driver and continue south along the King's Highway to reach the impressive Crusader castle of Kerak. 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. 

Afterward, continue to your final destination for the night: the sandstone city of Petra. Get checked into your hotel, and rest up for tomorrow's excursion into this ancient wonder. If your visit falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can head out after dark to get your first glimpse with a 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 6: Explore the "Rose City" of Petra

Today you'll explore Petra, 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 the day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. Discover 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 the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

After a full day of exploring, return to your hotel to rest up and cool down before dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to the Wadi Rum & Desert Camping

After breakfast, your morning is free to discover more of Petra at your own pace, visiting any hidden corners and highlights that you may have missed.

At midday, 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 8: Wadi Rum Jeep Excursion, Transfer to Aqaba & the Red Sea

Rise early today to catch an unforgettable desert sunrise. 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. 

Afterward, your driver will pick you up from camp and transfer you to nearby Aqaba on the Red Sea. Inhabited since 4,000 BCE, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and is home to colorful market stalls, delicious food, and, of course, access to the water. Go for a stroll and explore the bustling port, head to the beach for a swim, or enjoy platters of delicious local fish and expertly prepared meats in town before checking into your hotel for the evening.

Days 9-10: Free Days in Aqaba

The next two days are free for you to relax and unwind on the shores of the Red Sea. Spend some more time exploring the port, 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. 

Day 11: Transfer to Amman

Enjoy a final morning on the shores of the Red Sea before meeting your driver for the 4.5-hour transfer back to Amman. After settling in at your hotel, spend your final afternoon in Jordan however you please—exploring more of the capital, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Transfer to Airport & Departure

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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