Jordan Explorer 10D/9N

Upon your arrival at Amman (AMM) airport, a driver will be on hand to escort you directly to your hotel in Amman, a short 40-minute drive away. There are no scheduled activities for today, allowing you to settle in comfortably. Please note that hotel check-in usually begins after 2:00 pm, and while early check-in cannot be assured, luggage storage services are offered at the hotel for your convenience. ...more ...less

Embark on a journey north to explore Jerash, one of the Middle East's significant Roman cities established during Alexander the Great's era. It thrived for around a millennium as a trade hub linking Damascus and Petra. The city boasts remarkably preserved colonnaded streets, a stunning oval forum, and a gateway marking Emperor Hadrian's visit. Other highlights include well-maintained theatres, temples, baths, a hippodrome, and exquisite Byzantine mosaic floors from the early Christian times. Savor lunch at a local Jerash restaurant before heading to Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital. In Amman, begin at the citadel for panoramic views and a delve into Roman and early Islamic remnants. Downhill lies the Roman theatre, still operational for cultural events and now nestled within contemporary Amman. Wander through lively markets, relax in a local café to soak up street life, observe games of backgammon, and sample traditional Arabic coffee and pastries. Experience the local custom of smoking argeelah or hubbly bubbly before retreating to your hotel in Amman for an overnight stay.

Start your journey with a transfer to Madaba, a vibrant town not far from Amman, renowned for its intricate mosaic map of the Holy Land, unearthed in a ruined Byzantine church and dating back to 560 C.E. This map provides detailed insights into the region, from the River Jordan to the streets of Jerusalem, offering a glimpse into the world of early Christian pilgrims in late Roman Palestine. Beyond the famous map, explore other exquisite mosaics in Madaba's archaeological park. Next, head to Mount Nebo, west of Madaba, where you'll find a hilltop with breathtaking views overlooking the Dead Sea and the Jordan River toward Palestine. This site is traditionally believed to be where Moses died, gazing upon the Promised Land, and became a pilgrimage destination during the early Christian era, featuring remarkable mosaics discovered over 80 years of excavation. Lastly, visit Kerak Castle, a formidable fortress nearly 900 years old, representing the eastern edge of the Crusader kingdoms from the 12th century. It tells tales of being a stronghold for Frankish prince Raynald of Chatillon and the eventual capture by Salah Eddin's forces in 1189. Remarkably well-preserved, the castle invites exploration of its stables, arrow slits, sleeping quarters, bakery, and church. Conclude your adventurous day with an overnight stay at a Bedouin Camp in Beida, with breakfast included.

Today's adventure takes you to Petra via a stunning, lesser-known Bedouin trail, winding through the majestic mountains. The journey starts with a couple of hours walking across expansive farmland, transitioning to a path through sculpted sandstone landscapes. As you progress, breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley unfold to the west. An hour later, the trail descends, unveiling one of Petra's most remarkable sites: the grand rock-hewn façade of ad Deir, the Monastery. Here, you can pause to enjoy tea and explore the ancient ruins. The trek continues down a Nabataean processional way into the heart of Petra. After meandering through the ancient temples and tombs, you'll exit through a secretive canyon known as 'the Dark Siq' and return via the main siq for the classic approach to Petra, culminating at the iconic Treasury. This extraordinary itinerary allows you to experience the two most exquisite routes into the city in one remarkable day.SAFETY NOTE: Depending on your physical condition, the rainy season, and the state of the Dark Siq during your tour, your guide may opt for an alternative route to ensure your safety.Post-lunch, you'll head to a Bedouin camp in Beida for an overnight stay.

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey through Petra, a site that defies mere cinematic portrayal. As you enter through the siq, a winding, narrow canyon of red sandstone that stretches over a mile, you'll be left speechless by the sunlit façade of the Treasury, carved into the rock over 2000 years ago with astonishing precision. While postcards often highlight this incredible monument, it marks just the beginning of your adventure. Petra, a sprawling archaeological marvel still largely unexcavated, offers days' worth of exploration among its ruins. Built by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab tribe who evolved from nomadic Bedouins to powerful traders of incense, the city reflects an ingenious blend of Egyptian, Babylonian, and Greek architectural styles. Discover treasures like the Temple of the Winged Lions, the High Place of Sacrifice, the Roman theatre, the Garden Tomb, and the Byzantine church, all set in one of the Middle East's most breathtaking desert landscapes.

Start your day with a breakfast before heading to the majestic desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Echoing T.E. Lawrence's vivid portrayal from "Lawrence of Arabia," the area’s vastness and silent beauty resonate deeply. Bedouin guides from the historic Howeitat tribe will lead you from Rum Village on a jeep tour through stunning desert scenery. In the morning, you'll be captivated by towering mountains and expansive sand dunes, while ancient rock inscriptions tell tales of millennia past. After a shaded picnic lunch, complete with tea and a rest, you’ll journey to marvel at the natural rock bridge of Jebel Um Fruth. Your adventure continues at the great red dune, where you can experience the thrill of running down its warm, soft sands. As the day winds down, you'll arrive at a campsite nestled in the heart of the protected desert. Unwind and soak in a breathtaking sunset before indulging in a traditional Bedouin feast, cooked in an authentic zerb oven. End your evening around the campfire, sharing stories and stargazing with your Bedouin hosts. Your stay will be in a simple yet cozy Bedouin camp with twin 'rooms' in a goat hair tent, complete with essential amenities like proper toilets and showers, as well as relaxing shaded seating areas. 

Start your day with breakfast before heading to Aqaba. The morning is yours to unwind: lounge on the sandy beach, take a refreshing swim, or snorkel in the clear, warm waters of the Red Sea. Famed for its stunning coral reefs, Aqaba is a prime spot for both scuba diving and more leisurely water activities. The town exudes a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, offering spectacular views of the Red Sea and basking in eternal sunshine. 

Relax and explore the vibrant city of Aqaba at your own pace. 

After enjoying breakfast, you'll journey to the Dead Sea, where you'll have the unique opportunity to float effortlessly in its warm, highly saline waters—an experience you won't soon forget! As the lowest point on earth's surface, approximately 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is famous for its mineral-rich mud, celebrated since ancient times for its therapeutic benefits. Unlike the costly options in Europe, here in Jordan, you can scoop the mud right from the seabed for a rejuvenating treatment. The stunning landscape, with blue waters, salt-encrusted shores, and the backdrop of red desert mountains, makes this location a visual wonder. Return to Amman for an overnight stay.

Today your adventure will come to an end with an Amman airport drop-off. We wish you safe travels for your journey onward!