History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: Amman, Azraq, Madaba & Petra - 8 Days

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

Welcome to the vibrant 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 a private tour of the city, starting in the downtown core, where you can walk through different markets, like Souq el-Bukharia, 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 returning to your hotel to freshen up and meet your driver for a 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 like knafeh, a rich dessert made from shredded phyllo dough layered with cheese and soaked in sugar syrup.

Day 2: Amman Heritage City Tour 

After breakfast, set off on a five-hour private city tour 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 before walking to Souq el-Bukharia and Souq al-Sukar.

Shop for souvenirs, fresh produce, and local delights like nuts and spices, then 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 marble flooring, ornate chandeliers, and intricate paintings. End the tour at the on-site Islamic Museum, which houses artifacts, personal artifacts, and photos of the late king.

Day 3: Transfer to Azraq via the Archaeological Site of Jerash

Leave the bustling capital behind for now as you meet your driver and transfer one hour north to the Archaeological Site of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Wander the extensive site with your 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 grand Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and the South Theatre, where performances are still held.

After exploring the ruins, you'll get back on the road and continue two hours east to the Azraq Wetland Reserve. Here, you'll follow your guide down the 0.93-mile (1.5 km) Marsh Trail in search of wildlife. Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way 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 a local lodge to settle in.

Day 4: Azraq Bike Tour, Transfer to Amman via the Desert Castles Loop

Get ready for an adventurous morning as you set out on a private bike tour of Azraq. 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, your driver will pick you up and transfer you 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 still 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 5: Transfer to Madaba via Mount Nebo, Guided City Tour

After just one night back in the capital, hit the road again for a 45-minute transfer 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 journey to Madaba, then join your guide for a private 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. 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 6: Transfer to Petra via Kerak Castle, Dana, Shobak Castle & Little Petra

Say goodbye to Madaba this morning as you set off on a three-hour transfer south to Petra, the famous UNESCO-listed archaeological site. On the way, make a short detour to Kerak Castle, an imposing fortress that served as a stronghold during the Crusades. Wander through the well-preserved halls, chambers, and corridors, then head up to the ramparts for panoramic views. Back in the car, your next stop is the quaint village of Dana, nestled within the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Stroll through the village to see the traditional stone houses, narrow alleys, and terraced gardens.

Shop for locally made souvenirs or grab a bite to eat before heading farther south to Shobak Castle, another Crusader fortress. Step inside to discover the well-preserved hallways and underground chambers, then enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert. Your last stop before Petra is Little Petra, formally known as Siq al-Barid, to explore the smaller site lined with rock-cut architecture, including facades, chambers, and tombs carved into the rose-red sandstone cliffs. After strolling through the archaeological site, you can finally complete the transfer to Petra.

Day 7: Self-Guided Tour of Petra, Dinner in My Mom's Recipe Restaurant

Enjoy a free day to explore Petra at your own pace. Enter the archaeological site 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 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. End the night at My Mom's Recipe Restaurant for a traditional Bedouin dinner. 

Day 8: Back Door Hike to Petra's Monastery, Transfer to Amman, Depart

If you didn't get to explore all the corners of Petra's Monastery yesterday, don't worry; your last adventure in Jordan is a guided hike to the landmark. Instead of walking through the archaeological site, your private guide will drive you to a lesser-known "back door" trail through the mountains. 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 return to Amman on a three-hour transfer for your flight home. Safe travels!