History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Explore the Capital, Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Welcome to the lively capital of Jordan, Amman! A representative will meet you at the airport to assist you with the customs procedures before transferring you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Then, venture out on your own to discover some of the city's landmarks, like the Amman Citadel, perched atop a hill overlooking the capital. Wander through the archaeological site to see remnants of the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church. Don't miss the on-site Jordan Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts from the Ammonite, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods.

Peruse the array of artifacts, like plastered human skulls, ancient coins, and some of the oldest human statues ever made. After enjoying panoramic views of the city below, return to your hotel to get ready for dinner, then meet your driver outside to transfer to a local restaurant. Indulge in traditional dishes like mansaf, Jordan's national dish of lamb cooked in a yogurt-based sauce served over rice with nuts and herbs. End the night with a hot cup of mint tea or Arabic coffee paired with a sweet treat such as knafeh, a rich dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with cheese and soaked in sugar syrup.

Day 2: Half-Day Amman Heritage Tour, Evening City Tour

Discover more of the capital's landmarks on a five-hour private city tour this morning, starting at the Jordan Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from prehistoric to ancient civilizations, such as the Nabataeans and Romans. Browse the engaging exhibits, showcasing items like intricately carved sarcophagi, detailed mosaics, and the famous Dead Sea Scrolls. Then, continue to the nearby Grand Husseini Mosque and admire the striking white and blue domes. Step inside to see the colorful mosaic tiles, traditional Islamic art, and intricate calligraphy lining the walls.

Then, shop for souvenirs, fresh produce, and local delights like nuts and spices at Souq el-Bukharia and Souq al-Sukar. Move on to the Roman Theatre of Amman, which dates back to the second century CE. Sit down for lunch at Hashem Restaurant, known for its delicious hummus and falafel. After lunch, transfer to King Abdullah I Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the country. Look up at the blue mosaic dome and minarets, then enter to see the ornate chandeliers and intricate paintings. End the tour at the on-site Islamic Museum, housing artifacts, personal artifacts, and photos of the late king.

In the evening, explore more of the city's historic areas with another private guide, starting in the downtown core, where you can walk through different souks in search of souvenirs. Wander down Rainbow Street next, a charming lane lined with colorful storefronts, art galleries, and cafés. Admire the striking murals and graffiti adorning the walls, showcasing the city's dynamic art scene as you pop in and out of the shops. Continue to Jabal al-Weibdeh, one of the oldest residential areas in Amman, to discover the restored traditional houses before ending the tour at a nearby café for a cup of tea or Arabic coffee.

Day 3: Transfer to Umm Qais via Tabqat Fahel, Guided Tour of Gadara

Bid farewell to the capital as you transfer two hours north to Umm Qais, a charming town perched atop a hill overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. On the way, stop at Tabqat Fahel, better known by its ancient name, Pella. Wander down colonnaded streets adorned with mosaics to see the remnants of city walls, temples, theaters, like the black basalt West Theatre, and churches from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Back in the car, complete the drive to your hotel in Umm Qais to check in and freshen up.

When it's time, meet your guide for a one-hour tour of the ruins of Gadara, an ancient city founded during the Hellenistic period. Learn about the city's rich history as a center of learning and culture in antiquity while you follow your guide down the colonnade-lined streets. Look out at remnants of theaters, baths, and homes and admire the intricate details of the stonework. During spring, wildflowers adorn the falling masonry, adding a splash of color to the ruins. 

Day 4: Transfer to Azraq via the Archaeological Site of Jerash

After a restful night in Umm Qais, hit the road again on a 2.5-hour transfer south to the small town of Azraq, known for its wetland reserve that attracts migratory birds and wildlife. On the way, stop at the Archaeological Site of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Wander the extensive site with a private guide and check out the well-preserved remains of temples, theaters, and public squares adorned with intricate mosaics and towering columns. Don't miss the site's highlights, like the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and the South Theater, where performances are still held.

After exploring the ruins, complete the drive to the Azraq Wetland Reserve, where you'll follow your guide down the 0.93-mile (1.5 km) Marsh Trail in search of wildlife. Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking the marshes and pools where migratory birds like raptors, eagles, and warblers gather in abundance. You may also spot mammals such as sand cats, red foxes, hedgehogs, and even buffalo. As you walk, your guide will share insights into the reserve's ecological significance, wildlife, and conservation efforts before you transfer to your hotel to settle in.

Day 5: Azraq Bike Tour, Transfer to Amman via the Desert Castles Loop

Stretch your legs and get ready for a bike tour of Azraq, starting at your hotel. Pedal across the arid desert landscape to the trails around the wetland reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, like ducks and waterfowl, as you continue to Qa'a al-Azraq, a large mudflat dotted with salt-encrusted depressions and dried lake beds. Now that you've worked up an appetite, it's time for brunch with a local Druze family. When you're done eating, a driver will pick you up for the transfer back to Amman along the Desert Castles Loop, which takes you to several castles and archaeological sites.

Stop at Qasr al-Azraq, a historic fortress originally constructed around 300 CE but rebuilt in 1237, where you can wander through the interior rooms, courtyards, and towers. Continue to Qasr al-Harranah, dating back to the early eighth century CE. Discover the well-preserved interior and museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the castle's role in historical events like the Arab Revolt. Your last stop before Amman is the UNESCO-listed Quseir 'Amra, known for its well-preserved frescoes and unique architecture that combines elements of a fortress, residence, and bathhouse.

Day 6: Transfer to Madaba via Mount Nebo, Guided City Tour

Leave Amman behind again as you transfer 45 minutes south to Madaba, often called the "City of Mosaics" for its plentiful ancient mosaic floors and artworks. On the way, 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 over the Dead Sea and beyond before making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses, which houses excavated relics from the region and preserved Byzantine mosaics depicting biblical scenes, landscapes, and wildlife.

Back in the car, complete the drive to Madaba and join your guide for a tour of the city, starting at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. Step inside the ancient church to see the famous Madaba Map, an intricate mosaic floor map depicting the Holy Land. Look for more mosaics at the Madaba Archaeological Park, home to the remnants of Byzantine churches and mosaic floors dating back to the fifth to seventh centuries CE. Then, end the tour at the Church of the Martyrs, built in the sixth century CE to commemorate the Christian martyrs who died for their faith.

Day 7: Transfer to Dana via Kerak Castle, Guided Hike Along the Nawatef Trail

Journey farther south this morning with a two-hour transfer to the charming village of Dana, nestled within the lush Dana Biosphere Reserve. Break up the drive with a stop at Kerak Castle, an imposing Crusader fortress built in the 12th century. Wander through the well-preserved halls, chambers, and corridors, then head up to the ramparts for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Stop at the on-site Kerak Archaeological Museum to peruse the array of artifacts ranging from Crusader weapons and armor to everyday items used by the castle's residents. 

After exploring the castle, continue to your hotel in Dana, where you can check in and change into your hiking gear. Then, join your guide for a 1.2-mile (2 km) trek down Nawatef Trail through Jordan's largest nature reserve. As you navigate the trail, you'll come across viewpoints of towering cliffs, ancient sandstone formations, and traditional Bedouin camps. At the end of the trail, ancient ruins of a Nabataean civilization await, offering you a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage before you transfer back to your hotel to relax.

Day 8: Spend the Day With Dana's Locals, Transfer to Petra

Immerse yourself in Jordan's rich history and heritage today with the Dana Cooperative, a community-based organization with over 100 Bedouin families that aims to preserve the community's distinctive qualities and support sustainable development. You'll spend the day with some of these families and learn about their traditional way of life by watching or joining in on daily activities like weaving, cooking, or farming.

Sit down for lunch in one of the family's homes and engage in conversations about their history and customs. After lunch, stroll through the village to see the charming stone houses, terraced gardens, and the rare plants and animals in the surrounding reserve. As your time with the people of Dana draws to an end, thank them for their time and meet your driver for a two-hour transfer south to your hotel in Petra, where you can rest up at your hotel before exploring the UNESCO-listed archaeological site tomorrow. 

Day 9: Self-Guided Tour of UNESCO-listed Petra

Spend the day exploring Petra at your own pace, starting with a walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon flanked by towering cliffs that leads to the iconic Treasury. Standing at 131 feet (40 m), the grand facade adorned with columns, statues, and elaborate details is carved out of a single block of red sandstone rock. Continue to the High Place of Sacrifice, which was used for religious ceremonies and animal sacrifices conducted to honor the gods. Although climbing the steep, ancient stone staircase can be challenging, the panoramic view of Petra at the top will be worth it. 

After admiring the view, return to the bottom of the cliff to discover more of the archaeological site, including the Royal Tombs, a Roman theater, and the Monastery. If you're not too tired, you can climb the 850 rock-cut steps to the Monastery's entrance, where you'll be greeted by the imposing facade featuring intricately carved columns and reliefs. Step inside to explore the cavernous chamber with traces of ancient frescoes, then enjoy uninterrupted views of the archaeological site before exiting through the Siq.

Day 10: Back Door Hike to Petra's Monastery, Transfer to Wadi Rum

Get one last look at Petra today on a guided hike through the mountains to the iconic Monastery. This trail is less frequented than the main path, making it a quieter and more immersive journey into the site's ancient history and natural landscapes. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of Petra's sandstone cliffs and distinct rock formations. After two hours or so, you'll reach the Monastery, where you'll part ways with your guide.

Marvel at the structure's sheer size—at 148 feet (45 m) tall and 160 feet (50 m) wide, it's Petra's largest monument. When you're ready, descend the 850 steps to the archaeological site and head to one of the cafés to rest your feet and grab a bite to eat. Once you're refueled, it's time to transfer 1.5 hours south to Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia.

When you arrive, meet your guide and transfer to a Bedouin camp, where you'll learn about the locals' way of life and help cook dinner on the fire. In the evening, set off on a sunset camel ride to either Umm Mughur or Umm Sabatah, towering rock formations that are perfect for watching the day turn to night. Sit down on top of the rocks and enjoy a snack and Bedouin tea while the sky comes alive in vibrant hues of red and orange. Before it gets too dark, mount your camel again and return to camp to settle into your cozy wool tent for the night. 

Day 11: Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum, Optional Hike, Camel Ride

If the weather conditions are right, you can start your day with a hot-air balloon ride over Wadi Rum's lunar-like landscape; just be sure to arrange this adventure at least two days in advance. Then, venture out on another Jeep tour across the desert, starting at the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, a towering rock formation named after T.E. Lawrence's famous book of the same name. After taking in the beauty of the geological wonder, explore the remains of a Nabataean temple, then wander through a narrow canyon to marvel at the natural fissures and Thamudic inscriptions etched into the rocks.

The adventure continues with a visit to two impressive rock bridges and Lawrence's Castle, where the legendary British officer known as "Lawrence of Arabia" lived during the Arab Revolt. End the tour with a stop at another collection of Thamudic inscriptions depicting animals, hunting scenes, and the daily life of the Thamud tribe. If you want to continue exploring, set off on a three-hour hike with a Bedouin guide. Those who are too tired can return to camp to rest and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, go on another camel ride for one last look at the red sand dunes, towering rock formations, and ancient valleys.

Day 12: Transfer to the Dead Sea, Visit the Dead Sea Museum & Lot's Cave

Start your penultimate day in Jordan with a 4-5-hour transfer north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head to the Dead Sea Museum with your guide to learn about the sea's formation, its hypersaline nature, and the health benefits associated with its mineral-rich waters and mud. You'll also discover the history and cultural significance of the area, where successive ancient civilizations once thrived along the salty shores.

After exploring the museum, walk uphill to the biblical site of Lot's Cave, believed to be where Lot and his daughters sought shelter after fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. From the top of the hill, enjoy panoramic views of the Dead Sea, then step inside the cave to see the remnants of ancient tombs, inscriptions, and artifacts. When you're done, stroll back down the hill and go for a dip on your own in the sea. The water's high salt content leaves you weightless and relaxed, so you can spend the rest of the afternoon floating, treating yourself to a mud mask, and then staying to watch the sunset.

Day 13: Visit the Ma'in Hot Springs, Transfer to Amman, Depart

Although your 13-day trip across Jordan is coming to an end, you have some time for a visit to the nearby Ma'in Hot Springs, accessible for free through a public entrance or through a resort for an additional charge, giving you access to its facilities. Either way, you're sure to enjoy your time in the mineral-rich water that cascades down from the surrounding cliffs in picturesque waterfalls. Soak in the warm pools surrounded by lush greenery and the tranquil sound of flowing water. When you're thoroughly relaxed, dry off and transfer one hour back to Amman for your flight home. Safe travels!