Discover Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Upon your arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, 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: Amman Old City tour - Afternoon in Jerash

Meet your guide this morning outside of your hotel for a city tour of Old Amman where you will explore the Amman Citadel (Jabal al Qal'a) and the 2nd-century Roman Theater, two of the most famous archaeological sites in the capital. Next, stroll amid colorful wares and aromatic spices in the old souks (markets), stopping at a local restaurant to sample authentic falafel, hummus, and the Arab delicacy, kanafah, typically eaten at times of celebration. 

From there, you will drive north to spend the afternoon in Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Wander among the ancient ruins, stopping at noteworthy sites like Hadrian's Arch, which once acted as the city's southern entrance, and the classic Temple of Artemis. You can also catch a show at the Hippodrome, where actors portray gladiator fights and chariot races. Upon your return to Amman, you will have an evening of leisure to spend at your own pace.

Day 3: Drive to Mount Nebo, Madaba & Karak - Petra by Night tour

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you'll journey south to Mount Nebo. According to the Old Testament, this is the lofty peak where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land and is now considered one of the holiest places in Biblical tradition. 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 your day in Madaba, a charming market town known for its Byzantine and Ummayad mosaics, including the famous Madaba Map: the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands. From there, you'll make a stop in Karak, its skyline dominated by an impressive Crusader castle at its center. Visiting the fortress-like structure provides an opportunity to experience firsthand the vaulted halls and passageways typical of the era, a remarkable insight into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders.

With an evening arrival in Petra, you can join a nighttime tour of the ancient Nabataean city—a fantastic opportunity to gain a unique perspective of the tombs before your daytime explorations the next morning.

Day 4: Full day in Petra - Camp in Wadi Rum

This morning you'll leave your accommodation in the nearby village of Wadi Musa and spend the majority of the day exploring the relatively recently re-discovered "Lost City." Walk through the narrow gorge, known as the Siq, that leads 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 to the steps that lead you to the High Place of Sacrifice. Take in the view of Wadi Musa below and if you're feeling adventurous, why not climb the additional 800 steps to Petra's largest monument, the Monastery.

After a full day of exploration, you'll continue your journey into the vast red desert of Wadi Rum and to your Bedouin-style camp. Enjoy an evening of Bedouin hospitality at your campsite before falling asleep under the stars.

Day 5: Wadi Rum Sunrise Jeep tour - Drive to Aqaba

Wake up refreshed in the great outdoors, and take in the panoramic desert views from your campsite. Head out on a two-hour Jeep tour to see the early morning sun light up the desert, exploring canyons and rock bridges, stopping periodically to snap photos of the awe-inspiring landscape. Return to camp and enjoy a hearty breakfast before packing up your things and carrying on south to Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city.

Your afternoon and evening will be spent at the Gulf of Aqaba, Jordan's access point to the warm waters of the Red Sea. Take advantage of the abundant marine life in the Gulf's large coral reef with a snorkel or scuba outing, or spend time relaxing poolside at your resort. You can also pay a visit to some of the area's cultural landmarks, like the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque, a stunning example of 20th century Islamic architecture, or the Aqaba Archeological Museum.

Day 6: Drive to the Dead Sea

Leave Aqaba behind this morning and head to the lowest elevation on earth to float in and relax at the Dead Sea. Activities are plentiful, and this sunny locale at the world's lowest elevation truly offers something to suit every interest. Go for a swim or soak up the sun from a sandy beach. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Hammamat Ma'in, a group of natural hot springs and waterfalls funneled into human-made pools and baths, or explore the nearby Mujib Nature Preserve. You might also indulge in a mineral-rich mud wrap or another of the regional spa specialties known for their healing properties. 

Day 7: Return to Amman - Depart

Take advantage of your last morning in Jordan with one more dip in the calm waters of the Dead Sea before returning to Amman for some last-minute souvenir and gift shopping. Depending on your departure details, you may also wish to visit the arts and cultural district of Jabal Weibdah, stopping to check out an art gallery or local antique and handicraft shops that strikes your interest.