Highlights
- Step back in time at the ancient Amman Citadel and Roman Theatre of Amman
- Spend a day exploring the UNESCO-listed wonders of Petra
- Camp with Bedouins among the red dunes of Wadi Rum
- Take a Red Sea snorkel cruise from Aqaba to spot vibrant corals and marine life
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Amman, Discover the Capital at Your Own Pace | Amman |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Amman City Tour, Explore Ancient Jerash | Amman |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo, Kerak & Siq al-Barid | Petra |
| Day 4 | Spend a Full Day in the "Lost City" of Petra | Petra |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Wadi Rum, Camel Ride & Jeep Tour | Wadi Rum |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Aqaba, Free Day on the Red Sea | Aqaba |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Amman via the Dead Sea | Amman |
| Day 8 | Depart Amman |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Discover the Capital at Your Own Pace
Welcome to the beautiful capital of Jordan, Amman! Once you land at Queen Alia International Airport, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrival hall, and you'll transfer to your hotel to rest and freshen up. If you have time and energy, the evening is free for you to explore the city. A good place to start is the Jordan Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts that span from prehistoric times to the present day. Navigate the well-curated exhibits to find treasures like the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the oldest-known human statues.
Continue to Rainbow Street, a bustling thoroughfare lined with an eclectic mix of cafés, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques. Shop for souvenirs, look for street art, or sit down to enjoy a traditional Arabic coffee. End the night at Hashem Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in the capital, to try the famous falafel and hummus. Treat yourself to a knafeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of shredded phyllo dough, filled with a creamy cheese mixture, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.
Day 2: Half-Day Amman City Tour, Explore Ancient Jerash
Start your first morning in Jordan with a guided tour through Amman's highlights. You'll visit the Amman Citadel, which provides beautiful views over the city. This historical site is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth and is one of Amman's most important landmarks. Afterward, you'll continue to the second-century Roman Theatre of Amman, located in the heart of the city. Look up at the seats that used to hold 6,000 spectators and admire the sheer scale and design of the amphitheater. Then, climb to the top for panoramic views of the cityscape below.
From here, you'll transfer 45 minutes north to Jerash to visit the world's best-preserved Roman provincial city. Some of the ruins in the city include Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and the Forum. You can also visit the on-site Jerash Archaeological Museum to learn more about the city's rich history. Step inside and peruse the collection of artifacts that chronicle the region's extensive past, from the Neolithic period through the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic eras. After your visit, head back to Amman for the night.
Day 3: Transfer to Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo, Kerak & Siq al-Barid
Rise bright and early for a long day of travel as you transfer three hours south to the UNESCO-listed Petra, an ancient Nabataean rock-cut city. On the way, stop at St. George's Church to see its famous Madaba Map. You'll then drive to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land. Follow the King's Highway until Kerak, where you'll visit the immense Kerak Castle, built by the Crusaders in 1142. If time permits, you'll also stop at Siq al-Barid, nicknamed "Little Petra." This small but impressive archaeological site is carved into canyon walls, similar to its famous counterpart.
You'll reach your hotel in Petra in the evening, giving you time for one last activity. If you're visiting on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you could book the Petra by Night experience, which will allow you to see the ancient city illuminated by the soft glow of hundreds of candles. On other evenings, consider a traditional cooking class at Petra Kitchen or a luxurious soak in a hammam, a traditional Middle Eastern bathhouse.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Spend a Full Day in the "Lost City" of Petra
You'll have a full day today to explore Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. This city is carved into the walls of canyons and was, at one point, the capital of the powerful Nabataean Kingdom. To enter, cross through the Siq, a narrow gorge that will lead you right into the "Rose City," as Petra is known. The visit will begin with the treasury, the Street of Facades, the theater, the Colonnaded Street, and more. Take a break to have lunch inside the city, then continue to the monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice. You'll have to do a lot of walking and climbing, but it's well worth the experience!
Day 5: Transfer to Wadi Rum, Camel Ride & Jeep Tour
After breakfast, you'll transfer 1.5 hours south to Wadi Rum, Jordan's famous red desert. This otherworldly landscape has been featured in films like "Lawrence of Arabia," "The Martian," and "Prometheus." If interested, you can enjoy a half-hour camel ride from Wadi Rum Village to Lawrence's Spring, named after the British officer and archaeologist T.E. Lawrence, who traversed the same desert during the Arab Revolt. Listen to the sound of trickling water and enjoy the sight of the lush vegetation flourishing in an otherwise barren environment.
Afterward, you'll set off on a half-day Jeep tour that includes a freshly prepared barbecue lunch. The Jeep will stop at different sites, giving you time to explore and maybe even climb up on some of the beautiful naturally-formed bridges in the desert. Stay out until the sun begins to set so you can watch the sky transform into shifting hues of orange and red, casting a warm glow over the towering sandstone cliffs and vast sand dunes. You'll then head to a campsite within Wadi Rum, where you'll enjoy dinner and sleep under the star-filled sky.
Day 6: Transfer to Aqaba, Free Day on the Red Sea
Say goodbye to the desert and head to its complete opposite: the Red Sea. After breakfast, you'll transfer one hour west to Aqaba for a free day at the beach, where you can decide to relax in the sand, walk around town, or join a snorkeling cruise. Those who want to stay dry can book a glass-bottom boat tour to look down at the colorful coral reefs full of colorful fish. If you're lucky, you may even spot sea turtles, reef sharks, or rays. For those keen to learn about the area's history, visit Aqaba Fort, which dates back to the 14th century.
As you approach the fort, you'll be greeted by its sturdy stone walls and commanding towers, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and desert landscape. Step inside to explore the labyrinthine passageways, ancient chambers, and well-preserved battlements, which once served as a stronghold against invaders and pirates. The evening is free for you to go out and enjoy some delectable Jordanian cuisine. Given Aqaba's coastal location, fresh seafood dishes like grilled fish, shrimp kebabs, and seafood stew are popular here.
Day 7: Transfer to Amman via the Dead Sea
Get excited for a day in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. To arrive, your driver will take you through the astonishing landscape of Wadi Araba, a vast desert dotted with rugged mountains, vast plains, and winding wadis carved by ancient rivers. Once at the Dead Sea, after the 3-4-hour drive, you'll be able to float on its salty waters and try out its famous healing mud. This is a spa day unlike any you've ever experienced!
In the afternoon, transfer 1-2 hours back to Amman for the final evening of your trip. Thankfully, you still have some time to discover more of the capital. You could visit some of the city's mosques, such as King Abdullah I Mosque or Al-Husseini Mosque, to admire the intricate architecture and learn about the city's Islamic heritage. End the night at a rooftop restaurant, like High Garden Rooftop or Fakhreldin Restaurant, to enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the capital.
Day 8: Depart Amman
It's time to say goodbye to Jordan and move on to your next adventure. If you have time before your flight, head to Souk al-Bukharia, a traditional market in the historic downtown area. Browse the stalls full of colorful textiles, fragrant spices, aromatic teas, and exotic dried fruits. As you walk, pick up some last-minute souvenirs or have one more glass of Arabic coffee. When it's time, a representative will drive you to the airport and help you check into your flight. Safe travels!
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