Jordan History & Heritage: Amman, Petra & Wadi Rum - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the capital of Amman. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights. 

Day 2: Amman Heritage Tour

Learn more about the cultural heritage of Jordan's capital today with a guided half-day tour. You'll start in the dynamic new downtown area of Ras al-'Ayn with a visit to the Jordan Museum. Stroll the beautifully designed galleries and discover art and archaeology from the Paleolithic ages through to the modern day. 
 
Next, you'll walk through the vivid heart of central Amman and its scattered flea markets to reach the Al-Hosseini Mosque. Rebuilt by King Abdullah I in 1932, the original mosque was erected around 640 AD during the reign of the second caliph, Omar Bin al-Khattab. Nearby you'll find two of the city's most famous souks—Souk Bukharia (a great spot for souvenirs) and Souq al-Sukar (for fruit, vegetables, nuts, and spices).

 

After sampling some of the city's best hummus, falafel, and kunafa (sweet pastry soaked in syrup) for lunch, your guide will drive you to one of the city's greatest examples of modern Islamic architecture. Built in the 1980s by the late King Hussein as a memorial to his grandfather, the King Abdulla Mosque is more commonly known as the "Blue Mosque" for its spectacular azure dome. Alongside the vast inner courtyard, you'll also find a small Islamic museum and library. The mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors, but appropriate dress is required.

 

After your tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel to spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 3: Archaeological Wonders of Jerash, Aljoun & Amman

Start today's tour with a transfer north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend time wandering the extensive site and be sure to check out the well-preserved remains of two amphitheaters, the north-south Colonnaded Street, and the Hippodrome (the site of ancient chariot races).

Continue to Ajloun, in the highlands, where you can explore the 12th-century Ajloun Castle, a fortress built to ward off the Crusader armies at the vital trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, and Mecca. Roam the ramparts and enjoy the sweeping views over the Levant. 

In the afternoon, your driver will take you back to Amman for an afternoon tour of the historic Old City. Discover the magnificent Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) and the 2nd-century Roman Theater, two of the most famous archaeological sites in the capital, and stroll amid colorful wares and aromatic spices in Amman's old souks (markets). 

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

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll check out and meet your driver for today's journey south. Stop in Madaba to check out its intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the spectacular Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Nearby, the Madaba Archaeological Park preserves the mosaic-rich Church of the Virgin Mary and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.

Continue to 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 at the Dead Sea and beyond, before eventually making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses, a modern structure that now houses excavated relics from the region.

Carry on south along the historic King's Highway to Kerak to visit the impressive Crusader castle of the same name. Exploring the fortress-like structure provides an opportunity to experience the vaulted halls and passageways typical of the era, a remarkable insight into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders. When you're ready, continue to Petra where you'll check in to your hotel for the night.  

Day 5:  Explore the Sandstone City of Petra, Transfer to Wadi Rum

Today you'll explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure: the lost city of Petra. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained. You can choose to hire a guide for a two-hour tour of the site or spend the day exploring at your own pace.

Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabataean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. 

If you're feeling adventurous, climb your way up the 800 steps to the Monastery, Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument. For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

After getting your fill of Petra, your driver will take you south into the wilderness of the Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. Along the two-hour drive, you'll pass through red valleys, rock canyons, and dunes to reach a Bedouin-style camp, where you'll enjoy a traditional meal and spend the night sleeping under the stars.

Day 6: Transfer to Amman via Aqaba & the Dead Sea

Rise early to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from camp and transfer you to nearby Aqaba on the Red Sea. Inhabited since 4000 BCE, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and is home to colorful market stalls, delicious food, and, of course, access to the water. Take a stroll through the vibrant port and scenic waterfront, then get back on the road to head north to the Dead Sea. 

 

One of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, this landlocked lake is the lowest point on earth and the world's richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years. Spend some time floating in the salty waters and relaxing in the sun, then continue to Amman for the evening. 

Day 7: Depart Amman

After breakfast, it's time to bid Amman farewell and transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Jordan? Check out these other Jordan itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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