Jordan Grand Tour: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba & the Dead Sea - 13 Days

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

Welcome to Jordan's bustling capital, 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 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. Continue to 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 returning to your hotel to get ready for dinner. When you're ready, 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 like baklava, a layered pastry made of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.

Day 2: Half-Day City Tour, Evening Heart of Amman Tour

Discover more of the capital today on a private guided tour, starting at Amman Citadel, perched atop a hill overlooking the capital. Wander through the archaeological site to see remnants of the Temple of Hercules, Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church. Continue to the downtown core to explore some of the city's souks (markets), such as 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. 

In the evening, another private tour takes you to the downtown core, where you can walk through different souks in search of souvenirs. Stroll 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: Day Trip to Ancient Jerash & Ajloun Castle

Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer one hour north to 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 spacious Oval Plaza lined with colonnades, the Temple of Artemis with its altar still intact, and the South Theater, where performances are still held.

After exploring the archaeological site for two hours, continue 40 minutes to Ajloun Castle, built in the 12th century to defend against Crusader incursions. Step inside and wander through the stone corridors, chambers, and towers offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant mountains. Don't miss the on-site museum housing artifacts like pottery, coins, and weapons, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the castle's old residents. When you're done exploring the castle, transfer 1.5 hours back to Amman to enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Transfer to Petra via Mount Nebo, Madaba & Kerak Castle

Say goodbye to Amman for now as you transfer three hours south to Petra, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site. 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, continue 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, your final stop before you settle into your hotel in Petra is Kerak Castle, an imposing Crusader fortress built in the 12th century.

Day 5: Self-Guided Tour of UNESCO-listed Petra

Enjoy a free day to discover 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 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 over the city and surrounding desert before exiting through the Siq.

Day 6: Hike to Petra's Monastery, Transfer to Wadi Rum, Jeep Tour

If you didn't get a chance to hike to Petra's Monastery yesterday, you'll have an opportunity today. But, instead of walking through the archaeological site, your 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.

After some more time to explore at your own pace and grab some lunch, 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, switch to a Jeep for an open-top tour, starting at a Nabataean temple dedicated to the goddess Allat to see the 2,000-year-old Kufic rock art. 

Make a short stop at Lawrence's Spring, named after Lawrence of Arabia, to enjoy views of the flowing water surrounded by dramatic sandstone formations. After enjoying Bedouin tea in the middle of the desert while your guide shares insights into the history of the area, move on to the towering red sand dunes. Try to climb to the top to look out at the desert, then run down the slope and get back in the Jeep to head to your final stop, Khazali Canyon. Walk through the canyon and search for ancient Nabataean and early Arab petroglyphs etched into the rock before settling into your campsite for the evening.

Day 7: Transfer to Aqaba, Explore the Coastal City

Trade the arid desert for the shimmering Red Sea as you transfer an hour southwest to Jordan's only coastal city, Aqaba. When you arrive, check into your hotel and freshen up, then enjoy a free day to explore the city and coast at your own pace. If you just want to relax and soak up the sun, head to one of the many pristine beaches, such as South Beach or Al-Ghandour Beach. Go for a swim in the crystal-clear water, enjoy a picnic under the shade of a palm tree, and lay on the soft, golden sand until the sun begins to set over the sea.

Those who want to delve into the area's history can head to Aqaba Fort instead. Step inside the 16th-century fortress and head up to the watchtowers for panoramic views of the water. Then, visit the on-site Aqaba Archaeological Museum to peruse the collection of artifacts, weapons, and exhibits detailing the region's history. Back outside, look up at the Aqaba Flagpole, one of the largest free-standing flagpoles in the world, which symbolizes the nation's unity, pride, and sovereignty. End your night at the Diwan the View Rooftop Lounge for dinner and a drink overlooking the water.

Day 8: Explore More of Aqaba: Red Sea Reefs & Watersports

You'll have a full day to explore more of Aqaba at your leisure. You could book a snorkeling or diving tour of the Aqaba Marine Park, as the crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility to marvel at the underwater world. You may spot schools of clownfish, elusive reef sharks, graceful eagle rays, and even curious sea turtles among the coral reefs. If you don't want to get wet, opt for a glass-bottom boat tour instead to look down at the colorful reefs through the transparent floor. The knowledgeable guides onboard will share insights into the marine ecosystem and answer any questions you may have.

Then, you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or partaking in water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, or parasailing. When you get hungry, head to a local restaurant to indulge in fresh seafood seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs. End your meal on a sweet note with knafeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sweet syrup. If you're not tired yet, there are plenty of beach bars, lounges, and hookah cafés you could visit to experience the city's lively nightlife.

Day 9: Transfer to the Dead Sea, Relaxed Afternoon at the Lowest Point on Earth

Bid farewell to Aqaba this morning as you transfer three hours north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Try to snag a window seat on the transfer so you can watch the arid plains of southern Jordan give way to the verdant oases of the Jordan Valley. On the way, you'll also pass Bedouin encampments, charming villages, and ancient sites. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and change into your bathing suit to go for a dip in the Dead Sea.

The 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. When you're ready, wash off all the salt and mud, then sit down for dinner overlooking the water.

Day 10: Free Day at the Dead Sea or Guided Hike in the Mujib Nature Reserve

Spend another day floating in the Dead Sea and relaxing on its shores, or opt for a guided hike in the Mujib Nature Reserve, just 30 minutes away. Meet your private guide at the visitor center and follow them down the Siq Trail through narrow canyons carved by the force of rushing water over thousands of years. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels, the hike can involve swimming or wading through refreshing pools of water, making it the perfect activity for hot summer days.

At the end of the trail, you'll come across Lower Mujib Waterfall, where the winding Wadi Mujib cascades into the natural pool below. Go for a refreshing swim in the cool water for a respite from the desert heat, then dry off on the shores before returning to the visitor center along the same path. Your driver will take you back to your hotel near the Dead Sea, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and soaking in the mineral-rich waters.

Day 11: Transfer to Amman via Al-Maghtas, Carakale Brewery Tour

After one last dip in the Dead Sea, it's time to return to Amman on a one-hour transfer northeast. On the way, make a short detour at Al-Maghtas, believed to be where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ. When you arrive, explore the remains of ancient churches, chapels, and baptismal pools dating back to the Byzantine and Roman periods. When you're done learning about the religious practices of early Christians, jump back in the car and complete the drive to your hotel in Amman, where you can check in and freshen up. 

In the afternoon, head to Carakale Brewery for a three-hour tour of Jordan's first microbrewery. Follow your guide through the state-of-the-art facility and discover the meticulous brewing process, from the selection of premium ingredients to the brewing and fermentation stages. End the tour in the tasting room or the outdoor terrace, where you can sample a diverse range of craft beers, including the Blue Valley Kölsch, named after the valley the brewery overlooks and inspired by German tradition.

Day 12: Hike the Harmony Trail in As-Salt

Sit down for breakfast at the hotel, then set off on a 45-minute transfer northwest to the hillside town of As-Salt, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. When you arrive, meet your local guide and follow them down the 5-mile (8 km) Harmony Trail through town and the surrounding countryside. Start at the historic Abu Jaber House, a well-preserved 19th-century mansion showcasing the intricate details and traditional design elements characteristic of Jordanian homes from that era. Continue to Al-Ain Plaza to play a game of mangala, which has been passed down through generations. 

Stop at the Great Mosque, dating back to the Ottoman period, to marvel at the facade adorned with intricate details and ornate decorations. Then, leave the town behind and venture into the countryside, passing lush olive groves, ancient terraced fields, and traditional stone houses. On the way, you'll also spot Roman ruins and Ottoman-era caravanserais, offering glimpses into As-Salt's rich history. When you're done on the trail, transfer back to your hotel in Amman for the evening. 

Day 13: Jordan Museum, Turkish Bath Experience, Depart Amman

Start your final day in Jordan 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, pamper yourself with a visit to Alf Layla Wa Layla Turkish Bath, where you can enjoy a steam bath, body scrub, and gentle massage. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!