Ultimate Jordan: Amman to the Red Sea - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Explore the Capital at Your Own Pace

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you'll 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. Depending on your arrival time, feel free to explore the city at your own pace. A good place to start is Rainbow Street in the historic Jabal Amman neighborhood for a stroll down the colorful avenue lined with trendy cafés, art galleries, boutique shops, and historical landmarks.

Pop in and out of the shops in search of souvenirs, or sit down for freshly brewed Arabic coffee to watch the street performers in action. Continue to the Jordan Museum, home to treasures primarily from the Paleolithic period, Bronze Age, and Roman era. Highlights of the vast collection include the Dead Sea Scrolls, Islamic manuscripts, and contemporary Jordanian art. In the evening, head to dinner at a local restaurant to sample Jordanian specialties like mansaf (rice topped with lamb in a yogurt sauce and pine nuts), Arabic sweets, and mint tea. 

Day 2: Tour Jerash & Ajloun Castle, Visit the Citadel & Roman Theater in Amman

Start today's tour with a 50-minute 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 before returning to Amman for an afternoon tour of Jabal al Qal'a (Amman Citadel), perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape below. Wander among the remnants of various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Umayyads, to see highlights like the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace. End the tour at the second-century CE Roman Theatre of Amman, which once accommodated 6,000 spectators who gathered to witness theatrical performances, gladiator contests, and other public events. 

Day 3: Transfer to the Dead Sea via Mount Nebo, Madaba & Bethany

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and meet your driver for today's 1-2-hour journey south toward the Dead Sea. Along the way, you'll 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 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.

Continue to 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.

Then it's on to Al-Maghtas, the site where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus Christ on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Located in a wadi kharrar, or reeded valley, several centuries-old churches and human-made pools have recently been discovered and are worth exploring. After a scenic drive through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. 

Day 4: Enjoy a Free Day at the Dead Sea

Today is free for you to enjoy the wonders of the Dead Sea at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun. 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 treasures that have accumulated over thousands of years. Once you've rinsed off, take a leisurely walk along the shoreline to see the salt formations and watch the sun slowly set over the shimmering water.

Day 5: Transfer UNESCO-listed Petra via Kerak Castle

This morning, you'll meet your driver and continue 3-4 hours south along the King's Highway to reach the impressive Crusader castle of Kerak. 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. Don't miss the on-site Kerak Archaeological Museum, home to a collection of artifacts from the Iron Age to the Islamic era. Peruse the ancient pottery, coins, inscriptions, and tools and learn more about the fort's rich history.

Afterward, continue to your final destination for the night: the sandstone Nabataean city of Petra. Get checked into your hotel, and rest up for tomorrow's excursion into this ancient wonder. But, if your visit falls on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you can head out after dark tonight to get your first glimpse with a Petra by Night tour. Stroll through canyons lined with thousands of candles to reach the illuminated treasury, where live Arabic music sets the scene and a welcoming cup of tea awaits. 

Day 6: Explore the "Rose City" of Petra

Today, you'll explore Petra, Jordan's beloved archaeological treasure. 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. Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend the day wandering through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets for two hours with a guide, then on your own for the rest of the day. 

Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. Discover the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, as you work your way through the archaeological site discovering the amphitheater and caves. Break for lunch before climbing 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. 

Day 7: Free Morning in Petra, Transfer to Wadi Rum

After breakfast, your morning is free to discover more of Petra at your own pace, visiting any hidden corners and highlights that you may have missed. If you're up for an active adventure, you could hike to the High Place of Sacrifice, where religious ceremonies and sacrificial offerings took place. After entering through the Siq again, then walk down the Street of Facades, looking out for signs pointing to the trail. It's only 1 mile (1.5 km) long, but it's entirely uphill, so it typically takes 45 minutes to one hour to complete. Once you arrive at the top, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire site.

When you're ready, return down the same trail and grab a drink at one of the on-site cafés to refuel. At midday, your driver will take you two hours 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 8: Wadi Rum Jeep Excursion, Transfer to Aqaba & the Red Sea

Rise early today to catch a memorable desert sunrise. After breakfast, you'll set out in a sturdy Jeep for an off-road excursion that takes you deeper into the UNESCO-protected Wadi Rum. Travel through valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs. Spend a little time at each stop to hike and explore at your own pace. Along the way, you'll visit desert oases, see 2,000-year-old Kufic rock art, and learn about the history of the area and the local Bedouin culture. 

Afterward, your driver will pick you up from camp and transfer you one hour south to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Inhabited since 4,000 BCE, Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city and is home to colorful market stalls, delicious food, and, of course, access to the water. Go for a stroll and explore the bustling port, head to the beach for a swim, or enjoy platters of delicious local fish and expertly prepared meats in town before checking into your hotel for the evening.

Days 9-10: Spend Two Free Days in Aqaba

The next two days are free for you to relax and unwind on the shores of the Red Sea. Spend some more time exploring the port, or embark on one of the many watersport excursions on offer, such as windsurfing or jet skiing. Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to enjoy views of abundant marine life, try your hand at parasailing, or go for a leisurely snorkel through the clear waters. If you just want to relax and lay on the sand, head to one of the many beaches in the area, like City Beach, South Beach, or Al-Ghandour Beach.

When you need a break from the sun, visit the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. Step inside and peruse the diverse collection of artifacts spanning several millennia, including ancient pottery, coins, jewelry, and tools. Then, you could head to the nearby Aqaba Fort, built during the early Islamic period. As you approach the fort, you'll be greeted by its imposing stone walls and sturdy towers before stepping inside to discover the maze of courtyards, chambers, and battlements offering panoramic views of the city and shimmering sea. 

Day 11: Transfer to Amman, Discover More of the Capital

Enjoy a final morning on the shores of the Red Sea before meeting your driver for the 4.5-hour transfer back to Amman. After settling in at your hotel, spend your final afternoon in Jordan however you please—exploring more of the capital, shopping for last-minute souvenirs, or enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. You could immerse yourself in the city's rich culture and heritage with a self-guided mosque tour, starting at the King Abdullah I Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its distinctive blue domes.

Continue to the King Hussein Mosque, which features a large white dome and towering minaret that soar above the urban landscape. Don't miss the 20th-century Grand Husseini Mosque, showcasing Ottoman-inspired architecture. You can enter all three mosques even if you're not Muslim. Just be sure to dress modestly and check the visiting hours, as certain areas may be off-limits during prayer times. When darkness starts to fall, make your way to Weibdeh, a charming neighborhood with a variety of restaurants serving international and local cuisine, for dinner.

Day 12: Depart Amman

It's time to bid Jordan farewell as your 12-day trip comes to an end. If you have time before your flight, you could head to one of the souks, such as Souk al-Bukharia, to shop for souvenirs and indulge in local delights like fresh pastries or falafel and hummus. Wander down the labyrinthine alleys and peruse the stalls full of colorful spices, traditional textiles, hand-painted pottery, and intricate jewelry. When it's time, meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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