Compare Jordan Culture & Nature Safari by Want Expeditions vs Classical Small Group Tour by Why Jordan Tours

Day 1: Arrival to Amman

Accommodation: High end city hotel

As the modern and ancient capital of Jordan, Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world; and no trip to Jordan would be complete without exploration of this vast, rich and beautiful capital. After our arrivals throughout the morning, we will meet in the hotel lobby in the early afternoon to begin our first adventure. Our city trek will take us to the most important historic sites such as the Roman Theater, the Nymphaeum, the enchanting Citadel, the King's mosque, and more. As the sun winds down, we'll head to one of the best restaurants in Jordan, a favorite for locals and tourists alike, for our Welcome Dinner of traditional grilled meats and vegetables with refreshing mint lemonade. After dinner we'll head back to our hotel and prepare for the adventures that await us.

Day 2: Amman/Jerash/Umm Qais/Amman

Accommodation: High end city hotel

Today we have a long but very exciting day in the north of Jordan. After an early breakfast, we drive 50 km (30 miles) north, to Jerash, the city famous for its beautifully preserved Roman ruins. Gerasa, as Jerash was called during the age of the Roman Empire, is a fantastic archaeological site that features several theaters and arches, a circus and a forum, the Corinthium Column, and two large temples dedicated to Zeus and Artemis. The city is often referred to as “Pompeii of the East” or “Antioch of the Golden River” and is also known as the home of Nicomachus, one of the greatest mathematicians in history. After several hours exploring this incredible city, we stop for lunch, then drive (approximately 2.5 hours) to the northernmost area of Jordan. Our destination is the dramatic black basalt Decapolis city of Umm Qais, referred to as Gadara in the Bible. If the weather is clear, breathtaking views overlooking the Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee will greet us. After touring these ruins and exploring the small by excellent local museum, we head back to Amman for dinner and retire for another exciting day tomorrow.

Day 3: Madaba/Mt. Nebo/Dead Sea

Accommodation: Five-star luxury beach hotel

After another early breakfast at our hotel, we check out and take off to explore the southern provinces of the country. Our first stop after a short 30 km (20 mile) drive is Madaba, best known for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. The most famous of these is a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land, preserved on the floor of the Basilica of Saint George.

After visiting the basilica, the town, and the Madaba School of Mosaics, we continue our drive to Mt. Nebo, which is believed to be the site from which Moses saw the Promised Land. It is also the alleged burial site of Moses, overlooking the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, Jericho, and the hills of Judea. The site offers a series of wonderful Byzantine mosaics from the succession of pilgrimage churches that have occupied the mountaintop, along with the olive tree planted by Pope John Paul II on his visit.

After a short visit at this beautiful location, we descend to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the Earth’s surface. Following the drive along the eastern shoreline, we will reach our beautiful accommodation along the shores of the Dead Sea. After check-in and a late lunch, we will have free time to relax or take a quick dip in the mineral-rich buoyant waters which are ten times as salty as the Earth’s oceans.

Day 4: Wadi Mujib/Dead Sea

Accommodation: Five-star luxury beach hotel

Today might prove to be the most exciting day on our trip as we set off into the Wadi Mujib canyon for a morning full of adventure. Located just off the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib is the lowest nature reserve in the world, and plays host to a spectacular array of scenery. The reserve itself is located within the deep Wadi Mujib gorge, which enters the Dead Sea at 410 meters (1345 feet) below sea level. Our first stop is at the ranger station where we'll gear up with life vests and instructions for what lies ahead. Our journey will take us deep into the gorge via hiking trails, swimming trails, and waterfalls. This is a remarkable part of Jordan that few get to see. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera because the scenery is magnificent!

We’ll have lunch late in the afternoon once we get back to our hotel. Then after such an exciting morning, we have the rest of the afternoon to relax. We can enjoy the wonderful waters of the Dead Sea, relax in the sunshine without worrying about getting burned, or check out what luxurious Dead Sea spa treatments our hotel has to offer! Dinner will be at our hotel this evening.

Day 5: Dead Sea/Keak/Dana Nature Reserve/Shobak/Petra

Accommodation: Five-star resort

After yet another early morning breakfast, we'll set off from the Dead Sea we'll head out for our last excursion of the day to Kerak -a magnificent crusader castle! After that we continue to the Dana Nature Reserve where we'll have another chance to stretch our legs on a short hike. En route to Dana, we'll pass some saltpans and tomato farms, both critical components to Jordan's economy. We take a short walk in Dana Village, and then continue the drive to Rummana Campground, from where we set off again on foot to explore the diverse topography and unique geological formations of the Dana Reserve. If we're lucky, we might spot an ibex or any other of the unique, but notoriously shy animals that inhabit this incredible terrain. After a nice lunch in Dana Village, we head back to the world of ancient architecture and history - first by visiting Shobak 'town', home to one of the most lonely and best-preserved crusader castles in Jordan, and secondly to Petra, where we'll check into our hotel and enjoy a fantastic, well-deserved early dinner.

Day 6: Petra

Accommodation: Five-star resort

After our early breakfast, we start the exciting exploration of one of the largest archaeological wonders of the Middle East. First we visit Siq al Barid or “Little Petra,” the northern customs outpost with a fine array of carved facades lining its narrow canyon. Although Little Petra is very similar to Petra, one of the most exciting things to see are the remnants of beautifully painted frescoes on plaster that date from the 1st century AD! After visiting Siq al Barid, we return to our accommodation for a late lunch in the middle of the afternoon and for a brief siesta to rest up for an exciting event tonight: to see Petra by night with candles! We take our dinner as early as 8 pm today, and enter Petra with the help of the specially trained night guides - an amazing experience, offered only on special days and for special events!

Day 7: Petra

Accommodation: Five-star resort

Immediately following breakfast, we return to Petra through the breath-taking Siq, the mysterious mile-long winding canyon, which protected the ancient capital of the Nabatean Empire. The entire day will be spent exploring the main Petra sites: the Treasury, the Theater, the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and many other interesting sites of the ancient city centre. This morning there will be a guided tour of the monuments, until we reach the base of the stairs that lead to the impressive Monastery. Conveniently, this is also where we can relax and enjoy lunch at a wonderful restaurant. From here on, we have the rest of the day to explore Petra at our own leisure until sundown. Once back at our hotel, we'll take a quick shower and then head off close to our hotel for a wonderful experience at "Petra Kitchen." Here we can enjoy some wine while learning how to cook traditional Jordanian specialties under the guidance of a professional Jordanian chef. After the class, we can kick back and enjoy the feast, going back to the hotel with full bellies and new recipes to add to our repertoire.

Day 8: Wadi Rum         

Accommodation: Rustic Traditional Bedouin Camp

After a leisurely breakfast, we'll hop in our vehicles and head off to Wadi Rum - one of the most beautiful and breath-taking sites in all of Jordan. On our way there, we'll stop at a local pastry shop for some tasty Jordanian specialties like Baklava. Once we reach Wadi Rum, we'll trade our vehicles and hop into the back of our open trucks for a true Bedouin experience as we set off into the desert canyon to explore Neolithic stone carvings, massive granite and sandstone swept cliffs, and a spectacular sunset atop one such structure. Also, for those ready to try camel riding, today is your day! (Time allowing, mind you.) After our magical sunset, tonight we sleep in a place that is not just a three-, four-, or five- star place, but a billion stars! Our rustic and authentic accommodation will be true Bedouin style under the stars and in the open air. We'll enjoy a delicious traditional Bedouin dinner, and then spend the rest of the evening enjoying our campfire and laughter.

Day 9: Wadi Rum/Aqaba

Accommodation: High-end seaside resort

This morning our keen photographers will surely be out on top of the rock formations for sunrise. Once back at camp and after enjoying another traditional Bedouin meal, we continue our jeep journey through the moonscape terrain that T.E. Lawrence rightly described as “vast, echoing and God-like.” From here we then set off for our final night in Jordan on the shores of the Red Sea in the town of Aqaba. Upon check-in, we gather for a nice lunch, and then time will be free for us to explore Aqaba and the Red Sea until we gather tonight for a fantastic Farewell Dinner just off the shores of the Red Sea.

Day 10: Aqaba/Departure

Depending on everyone’s flight schedule, we leave Aqaba today (most likely right after breakfast) and drive all the way back to Amman. Please make sure your flight departs no sooner than 3 PM. Have a great trip home, and we look forward to seeing you on your next adventure with us!

Day 1: Queen Alia Airport – Amman

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 3* Larsa Hotel  in Amman

Arrival at Amman Queen Alia International airport, here it is easy to arrange your visa (the visa is on your expense cost 40 JOD per person)  and then walk with through the customs. Your driver will wait for you in the arrival hall, holding a name signhe will transfer you to the for overnight, including bed and breakfast

Day 2: Amman – Jerash – Amman

Meals: Breakfast

Your English Speaking guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel. Start your first morning in Jordan with a city tour. Visit the Citadel in Amman, with beautiful views over the city. Continue to the Roman Theatre, located in the heart of Amman for a visit. Drive on to Jerash, to visit the world’s best preserved Roman provincial city.. After your visit of Jerash transfer back to Amman for overnight, including bed and breakfast

Day 3: Amman – Madaba – Mt. Nebo – Karak – Little Petra – Petra

Today there is a long day ahead of you as you will be travelling to the South to Petra. At 07.30 am, after breakfast your tour today starts with visiting the St. George Church in Madaba with its famous mosaic map. Drive to Mt. Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Follow the King’s Highway until Karak. In Karak visit the immense Crusaders Castle. Time permitting you will also visit Little Petra today otherwise transfer directly to Petra for overnight at 3* La Masion Hotel, including bed and breakfast.

Optional activities for today: Petra by Night (each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening), Petra Kitchen cooking course, Local Turkish Bath.

Day 4: Petra

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: 3* La Masion Hotel

Full day to explore Petra, one of the seven world wonders. Entry by Siq and visit the Treasury, Street of Facades, Theater, Colonnaded Street etc. after lunch inside Petra you will still have time to visit the Monastery and/or the High Place of Sacrifice today. It is a lot of climbing but definitely worth the views!

Optional activities for today: Petra by Night (each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evening), Petra Kitchen cooking course, Local Turkish Bath, 1.5/2.5 hrs horse ride around the mountains of Petra

Day 5: Petra – Wadi Rum

After breakfast drive to Wadi Rum Visitors Centre. Before starting with the jeep tour you could decide to enjoy a half hour camel ride from Wadi Rum Village to Lawrence’s Spring. After start with a half day jeep tour including a freshly prepared barbeque lunch. A jeep tour is the best way to discover lots of sites in Wadi Rum. The jeep will stop at each site giving you time to walk/scramble around and maybe even climb up on some of the beautiful natural formed bridges in Wadi Rum. Dinner and overnight at a campsite in Wadi Rum. Sleep inside your tent or move your mattress outside and sleep under the millions of stars tonight!

Day 6: Wadi Rum – Aqaba

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: 3* City Tower Hotel in Aqaba

After breakfast you will drive to Aqaba for a free day and overnight. Relax at the beach, discover the town of Aqaba or book a snorkeling cruise including lunch!

Day 7: Aqaba – Dead Sea – Amman

Meals: Lunch

Accommodation: 3* Larsa hotel

Check out of your hotel and drive via the Wadi Araba desert to the Dead Sea, lowest point on the earth’s surface. Enjoy day entry and lunch at the 4* Hotel. Float in the salty waters and try out the famous healing mud. Late afternoon transfer to Amman for overnight

Day 8: Amman – Queen Alia Airport

Transfer to the airport for departure. You would need to leave the hotel 3 hours in advance (2 hours for the check in and less than 1 hour driving from Amman to Amman Queen Alia Airport).