Highlights
- Indulge in Jordan's national dish on your first night in the capital
- Stop at the 12th-century Kerak Castle on your way south to Petra
- Hike through narrow canyons and across rivers in the Mujib Nature Reserve
- Bask on the shores of the Red Sea in the southern city of Aqaba
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Amman, Explore the Capital, Dinner at a Local Restaurant | Amman |
Day 2 | Half-Day City Tour, Evening Heart of Amman Tour | Amman |
Day 3 | Day Trip to Ancient Jerash & Ajloun Castle | Amman |
Day 4 | Transfer to Petra via Mount Nebo, Madaba & Kerak Castle | Petra |
Day 5 | Self-Guided Tour of UNESCO-listed Petra | Petra |
Day 6 | Hike to Petra's Monastery, Transfer to Wadi Rum, Jeep Tour | Wadi Rum |
Day 7 | Transfer to Aqaba, Explore the Coastal City | Aqaba |
Day 8 | Explore More of Aqaba: Red Sea Reefs & Watersports | Aqaba |
Day 9 | Transfer to the Dead Sea, Relaxed Afternoon at the Lowest Point on Earth | The Dead Sea |
Day 10 | Free Day at the Dead Sea or Guided Hike in the Mujib Nature Reserve | The Dead Sea |
Day 11 | Transfer to Amman via Al-Maghtas, Carakale Brewery Tour | Amman |
Day 12 | Hike the Harmony Trail in As-Salt | Amman |
Day 13 | Jordan Museum, Turkish Bath Experience, Depart Amman |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Explore the Capital, Dinner at a Local Restaurant
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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.
Day 2: Half-Day City Tour, Evening Heart of Amman Tour
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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.
Day 3: Day Trip to Ancient Jerash & Ajloun Castle
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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.
Day 4: Transfer to Petra via Mount Nebo, Madaba & Kerak Castle
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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.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Self-Guided Tour of UNESCO-listed Petra
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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
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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
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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.
Day 8: Explore More of Aqaba: Red Sea Reefs & Watersports
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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.
Day 9: Transfer to the Dead Sea, Relaxed Afternoon at the Lowest Point on Earth
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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
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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
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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.
Day 12: Hike the Harmony Trail in As-Salt
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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
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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!
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