Highlights
- Explore the archeological treasures of Petra, Jordan's "Lost City."
- Recreate traditional Jordanian dishes in a cooking class led by locals.
- Swim and lounge on the shores of the famously salty Dead Sea.
Day 1: Queen Alia International Airport + Petra
Welcome to Jordan! You'll be picked up from Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), where one of our representatives will be available to assist with the customs process. Your adventure will begin immediately, as you head directly to Jordan's archeological crown jewel: the ancient ruins of Petra.
Known as the Rose City for its 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, cut directly into the region’s naturally occurring rock walls, is hundreds of years old and remarkably well-preserved. Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through the vast maze of elaborate temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets.
Spend the afternoon earning your dinner with a hike to one of the many stunning viewpoints in the area. Walk up the more than 800 stairs to The Monastery, a hilltop temple that also happens to be the largest building in Petra, or head to the equally impressive High Place of Sacrifice for a close-up look at the ceremonial platform. After a full day of touring, you'll settle in at your hotel in the nearby village of Wadi Musa for a restful evening before returning to Petra the following morning.
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Day 2: Petra + Cooking Class with a Local Family + Dead Sea
Petra is big enough to spend multiple days exploring, so you'll want to wake up bright and early to see more of the unique features that make this UNESCO World Heritage Site the most visited attraction in Jordan. Walk the centuries-old trails, stopping to discover the iconic edifice of the Treasury building and marvel at the Nabatean water conduit system. When you've seen all the best-known sights, get off the beaten path with a walk up the recently restored stairs leading to the top of Al Kubtha, stopping on your way up to enjoy dramatic views of the amphitheater and Christian Tombs.
Once you’ve had your fill of the Lost City's ruins, you'll master regional cuisine in a cooking class led by locals. During your "Become a Jordanian Chef" experience, a family in Petra will guide you through the preparation of specialties like mansaf: roasted lamb with yogurt sauce, considered by many to be the national dish of Jordan. After you've earned your stripes in the kitchen, you'll be picked up and driven to your next stop: the beautiful shores of the Dead Sea, where you'll stay for the night.
Day 3: Dead Sea + Queen Alia Airport
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day of fun at the Dead Sea. Take a dip in the sea's calm, salty waters or soak up the sun from the sandy expanse of Ein Bokek beach. Alternatively, spend some time at the Ein Gedi Nature Preserve, where you can take an easy hike to an idyllic waterfall or stroll through the impressive botanic gardens, boasting over a thousand species of native plants. You might also relax at the hotel spa, indulging in a mineral-rich mud wrap.
Depending on your scheduled departure, you may also have time to visit Bethany, the site on the east bank of the Jordan River where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus Christ. Located in a reeded river valley called Wadi Kharrar, archeologists have uncovered a number of churches and manmade pools that are certainly worth the side trip.
At the end of your stay, our driver will pick you up and take you back to QAIA to check in for your flight. Thank you for joining us for three memorable days in Jordan, and we hope you visit again soon!
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