History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 15 Days

Day 3: Transfer to Umm Qais via Countryside Farm & Tabqat Fahel

Start your day with a 45-minute transfer north to the hillside town of As-Salt to visit a local farm. Here, you'll follow along with a local woman as she teaches you to make homemade jam with flavors like hibiscus and oregano, depending on the season, and jameed, traditional dried yogurt. Sample these delicacies and purchase a jar or two to bring home, then continue your journey 1.5 hours north to 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, and churches from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Back in the car, your final stop is Umm Qais, a charming town that overlooks the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. After the one-hour drive, meet your guide for a tour of the ruins of Gadara, an ancient city founded during the Hellenistic period. Learn about the city's rich history while you follow your guide down the colonnade-lined streets and look out at remnants of theaters, baths, and homes.

Day 4: Transfer to Ajloun via Jerash, Guided Soap House Trail Trek

After a restful night in Umm Qais, set off a one-hour transfer south to the vibrant city of Ajloun in Jordan's fertile highlands. On the way, you can ask your driver to stop in Jerash, home to one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Enter the archaeological site through the imposing Hadrian's Arch and stroll down the restored colonnaded streets past landmarks like the Oval Plaza, Temple of Artemis, and South Theater, where performances are still held. When you arrive in Ajloun, check into your hotel and change into your hiking gear for a three-hour trek along the Soap House Trail.

Start at the visitor center in the Ajloun Forest Reserve and follow your guide through the dense forest, passing remnants of traditional soap-making workshops, where local artisans once crafted olive oil soap using age-old techniques. Stop at the ruins of a wine press and the oldest strawberry tree in the reserve as you descend into the valley. Enjoy views of the verdant valleys, rolling hillsides, and distant villages from Eagle's Viewpoint, then end the hike at Ajloun Soap House to learn more about the traditional soap-making process and purchase your own soap to take home before transferring back to your hotel.

Day 5: Transfer to Azraq, Visit the Azraq Wetland Reserve, Bike Tour

Today's transfer takes you two hours southeast to the small town of Azraq, known for its thriving wetland reserve that attracts diverse wildlife. When you arrive, hit the ground running with a visit to the Azraq Wetland Reserve. 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 switch to a bike tour of the area. Pedal across the arid desert landscape to the trails around the 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 to sit down for a meal with a local Druze family. When you're done, transfer back to your hotel to rest after your action-packed day. 

Day 6: Transfer to Amman via the Desert Castles Loop

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour transfer back to Amman along the Desert Castles Loop, which takes you past several castles and archaeological sites you can discover along the way. First, stop at Qasr al-Azraq, a historic fortress originally constructed around 300 CE by the Romans but later used and rebuilt by the Umayyads and Ayyubids. Step inside and wander through the interior rooms, courtyards, and towers that were once the headquarters of T.E. Lawrence during the Arab Revolt.

Continue to Qasr al-Harranah, which dates back to the early eighth century and features a blend of Roman and Byzantine architectural influences. Discover the well-preserved interior and museum that displays artifacts and exhibits related to the castle's role in historical events. 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 7: Transfer to Madaba via Mount Nebo, Guided City Tour

Sit down for breakfast at your hotel in Amman, then set off on a 45-minute transfer 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 to commemorate the Christian martyrs who died for their faith.

Day 8: Transfer to Dana via Kerak Castle, Guided Hike Along the Nawatef Trail

Your journey south continues 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, complete the drive 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 the 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 9: Spend the Day With Dana's Locals

Learn more about 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, who were originally from the Ata'ta tribe before becoming Bedouin farmers. Learn about their traditional way of life by watching or joining in on daily activities like weaving, cooking, tending to livestock, or harvesting fresh produce and medicinal herbs.

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 warm welcome before transferring back to your hotel.

Day 10: Hike the Shaq al-Reesh Trail, Transfer to Petra

Today's adventure is an active one as you set off down the 4.9-mile (8 km) Shaq al-Reesh Trail in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. This circular trail will take you through a dramatic terrain of rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and expansive plateaus, so if you're afraid of heights, you might want to sit this one out.

As you traverse the path, you'll encounter rare and endemic flora and fauna that thrive in this protected area. Stop at different viewpoints along the way to look out at the Jordanian desert and Great Rift Valley. After four hours on the trail, meet your driver for a one-hour transfer south to Petra, where you'll settle into your hotel for the evening. 

Day 11: Full-Day Discovery of UNESCO-listed Petra

You have the option of exploring Petra on your own today or hiring a private guide to discover the UNESCO-listed archaeological site's hidden gems. Either way, you'll enter 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. Wander down the Street of Facades next to see the impressive tombs and houses carved into the cliffs.

As you venture deeper into the ancient Nabataean city, you'll discover a Roman-style amphitheater, sacred temples, and the Royal Tombs, which served as the final resting place for Petra's royalty and elite. If you're not too tired, you can tackle 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 on foot or a golf cart for an additional fee.

Day 12: Free Morning in Petra, Transfer to Wadi Rum, Sunset Camel Ride

Before you leave Petra this morning, you have some free time to discover more of the archaeological site on your own. Then, meet your driver for a two-hour transfer south to Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. When you arrive, traverse the arid landscape in a Jeep to get to your Bedouin camp, looking out at the sandstone mountains, vast sand dunes, and colossal rock formations. At camp, you'll learn about Bedouin traditions, cuisine, and storytelling from a local family while you help prepare a traditional meal and sip Arabic coffee.

In the evening, explore more of the area in style atop a camel. Your guide will share their knowledge of the landscape as you head to Um Mugur or Um Sabatah, one of the desert's many rock formations, to watch the sunset. Enjoy a delicious Bedouin tea and a snack while you watch the sun start its descent, turning the red sand golden. Before it gets too dark, return to camp to sit down for dinner around the fire. Don't forget to look up to see the sky full of stars uninterrupted by city lights, then settle into your cozy wool tent for the night. 

Day 13: Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum, Optional Hike, Camel Ride

Start your day with a hot-air balloon ride over Wadi-Rum's otherworldly landscape if weather conditions are right and you booked the excursion at least two days in advance. Then, venture out on a 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 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 14: Transfer to the Dead Sea, Enjoy a Free Afternoon

Your penultimate day in Jordan begins with a 4-5-hour transfer north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. When you arrive, check into your hotel and change into your bathing suit to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on its shores. The sea's high concentration of salt increases the water's density, making it incredibly buoyant, so you float easily on the surface.

The water and mud are also rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are known for their therapeutic properties. Apply your own mud mask to soak up the minerals, or book a treatment at your hotel's on-site spa. Stay until sunset to watch the sky transform into a canvas of fiery reds and deep oranges that reflect off the mirror-like surface of the water. When you're ready, wash off all the salt and mud, then sit down for dinner overlooking the water.

Day 15: Visit the Ma'in Hot Springs, Transfer to Amman, Depart

Your 15-day history and heritage tour of Jordan draws to a close today. But before you go, visit 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!