Totally Jordan
Travel to the vast red desert landscape with rolling dunes and dramatic rock formations and camp under a blanket of stars in Wadi Rum, discover the lost city of Petra and explore a Crusader Castle, the ancient Roman city of Jerash and Jordan's finest Byzantine mosaics in Madaba.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Amman
Day 1 Amman
Saturday. Welcome to Jordan and the start of an amazing adventure. Arrive in Amman and enjoy an included transfer to our hotel where you spend the night. The rest of today is at your leisure to independently explore.
Day 2 Ancient cities & Roman ruins
Day 2 Ancient cities & Roman ruins
Amman - Jerash - Umm Qais - Amman. Heading north, we visit Jerash, the Graeco-Roman city known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Built over 2,000 years ago, Jerash is widely regarded as the best-preserved city of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Roman cities dating from the 1st century! We explore the site taking in the colonnaded street, amphitheatre, nymphaeum, forum and more before continuing to Umm Qais (Gadara), a dramatic black-basalt Roman city of the Decapolis with panoramic views over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Later this evening, we head out for a meal and a stroll along Rainbow Street to experience modern Amman with its hip bars, rooftop restaurants, art studios and bookshops.
Day 3 Mt Nebo & Umm ar Rasas
Day 3 Mt Nebo & Umm ar Rasas
Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Umm ar Rasas - Petra. Today we tour the citadel and Archaeological Museum of Amman, before we take a walk through the bustling local souk to enjoy typical Jordanian street treats of falafel and hummus at the country’s most popular local street stand. As the pictures on the wall will prove, the unglamorous food stand was a great favourite of the late King Hussein.
Leaving Amman, we stop first at Mt. Nebo, the site from which Moses saw the Promised Land. Having led the Israelites for 40 years through the wilderness, Moses finally saw them from this breathtaking vantage point. This amazing panorama includes the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and the spires and domes of the Mt. of Olives and Bethlehem on the Judean hills just across the wide valley. Later, we visit Madaba en route to Petra where we see the Church of St George, the Madaba Archaeological Park, Apostles Church and Madaba Museum.
Our next port of call is Umm ar-Rasas, one of Jordan’s World Heritage sites and once an important stop on the once busy caravan routes. The impressive mosaic floor of the St. Stephen Church features medallions commemorating all the early Christian pilgrimage sites of the region, and the extensive ruins also include one of the area’s earliest Stylite towers, where a Byzantine hermit lived atop the tower and preached to the pilgrimage visitors. Our final stop of the day is Petra. Consider doing a Petra by Night excursion (approx. USD$25 payable locally) for a tantalizing candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq….a romantic preview of things to come.
Day 4 The Rose City of Petra
Day 4 The Rose City of Petra
Chief among Jordan’s many archaeological riches is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rose City of Petra. The city was first settled around 6th century BC by the Nabataean tribe from Western Arabia. Rediscovered in 1812, it remains on the list for many travellers to visit. We access the hidden archaeological treasures of the Rose City on our walk through a narrow, deep siq, where the rocks finally give way to reveal the famous facade of Al-Khazneh (The Treasury). It's also possible to ride a horse through the Siq. Continuing our walk, we’ll go on to explore sections of this fantastic once-lost city which is full of tombs, temples, an impressive amphitheatre and a Roman colonnaded street. The intrepid can ascend the hundreds of rock-cut steps to Ad-Deir, better known as the Monastery. Ad-Deir has a similar facade to that of the Treasury, but is far bigger and the views from the nearby cliff-tops are splendid. Want to learn how to cook Middle Eastern food? Consider our Petra Kitchen Add-on tonight!
Day 5 Wadi Rum Desert
Day 5 Wadi Rum Desert
Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisit Petra this morning before our afternoon drive to Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandy desert and amazing rock formations known as jebels that rise from the desert floor, awaits. Boarding our 4x4 jeeps, we take an exhilarating desert safari across the sand dunes, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Wadi Rum and tonight, we enjoy a Jordanian dinner at our camp.
Day 6 Shobak Castle, Wadi Mujib canyoning & the Dead Sea
Day 6 Shobak Castle, Wadi Mujib canyoning & the Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Shobak – Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. After breakfast at our campsite, we head north along the Desert Highway to visit Shobak Castle, which is perched dramatically on a hill top and was built by the Crusader king Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring the castle we descend some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the world’s original health and beauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters and slap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an invigorating boost.
For departures between April and October we head up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib and embark on a moderate–paced two hour trek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metres in depth and spanning 4kms across, the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural landscapes. This dramatic canyon features sheer rocky walls and sparkling waterways that range from puddle height to depths that are perfect for swimming (chest height or deeper) depending on the rainfall. When the water level is high you should be prepared for having to climb up ladders, clamber across boulders and be happy to wade through water. The canyon is just one feature of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, home to a surprising diversity of wildlife and plant species. For those not interested in taking the full hike, you can walk part of it or wait by the Visitor Centre until the group returns. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea.
Day 7 Dead Sea relaxation
Day 7 Dead Sea relaxation
The lowest point on the earth's surface at more than 400m below sea level, the Dead Sea is a natural phenomenon and high on most travellers' bucket lists. Lucky for us, we have the whole day to spend here, whiling away the time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath. Later today, there is an optional visit to the Ma'in hot springs (a series of waterfalls and hot springs) and a sacred baptism site where Jesus Christ is thought to have been baptised (payable locally).
Day 8 Dead Sea
Day 8 Dead Sea
Saturday. Dead Sea - Amman Airport. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to the airport in Amman. Departure transfers are offered on day 8 at 23:00 (evening of day 7), 04:00, 07:00, 09:00, 12:00 and 16:00. If you would like a departure transfer at any other time or a transfer with post tour accommodation this can be arranged at an additional cost, please enquire.
Keen to tick Israel off your bucket list? Why not combine this tour with the must see sights in Israel and travel on our Road to Jerusalem - 11 day tour?
Or if you wish to head back to Amman, why not book our 2 day end in Amman add on? Perfect for those who wish to spend more time in Jordan's ancient capital, Amman.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Recently refurbished, the Al Qasr Metropole is a modern and chic boutique hotel. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished and include free Wi-Fi connection and luxury en suite facilities. All guests at the Al Qasr gain free access to the on site Fitness First gym as well as a complimentary breakfast. The rooftop restaurant has fantastic panoramic views of Amman and is a great place to spend the evening. The hotel is well located in Shmeisani, one of Amman's most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel about it with open stonework and original architecture. Rooms are full of character, some with delightful archways and all directly accessed from the outside. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s mountains.
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Desert Season Camp, nestled in the heart of Wadi Rum, offers a serene desert retreat with breathtaking mountain vistas and a range of comfortable accommodations, including tents equipped with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Campsite facilities include complimentary WiFi in communal areas. Guests can explore the quiet, secluded canyon surroundings, climb a nearby mountain to witness stunning sunsets, and even experience local camel races on the camp's flat sand area. The evenings come alive with traditional music performances by local musicians, complemented by the inviting ambiance of the outdoor seating area.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Sharah Camp promises a desert retreat with a modern touch. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning and en suite facilities. There is complimentary WiFi in communal areas at the campsite. With stunning mountain views, a charming terrace, and a host of modern conveniences, this camp offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition in the heart of the desert.
Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea.
Tour Reviews
HWe found the tour was well paced and covered everything could hope for. Food was amazing but if I had anything to complain about - there was too much of it. Understand they love to show their hosting skills, but it was impossible to eat all they laid out and we felt so bad as we left so much uneaten. The guide “G” was amazing. Very informative, extremely helpful and resourceful as well as humorous - made the tour lots of fun and nothing was too much trouble for him. He appeared very well educated and knowledgeable about the entire country. We were a bit hesitant about the representative greeting us airside at Amman but it could not have been any smoother and seamless. This part was also well organised and a great introduction to the tour. Would also like to mention the driver. This was our third tour with you and the drivers we had in Turkey (5 years ago now) and Jordan were great and just as much a part of the tour as the guide. Both were extremely helpful, courteous and had a sense of humour.. Looking forward to touring with your company again in a couple of years time.
All the group chose the extension on Friday to the site of Baptism of Jesus and the Hot Spring waterfall. I suggest it become a regular feature of the program. I particularly enloyed the Wadi Mujib canyoning. It took me near to my limits, but Hameed was very watchful, and I was within safe bounds. He also provided for those who could do no more than wading in the lower reaches of the canyon, and that was well done. I was surprised that my Visa was covered by On The Go, and you need to bring "up front" your telling us that, as I paid for an uncessary online visa. Hameed really made an very good tour into an excellent tour.
It was a fantastic tour overall, the itinerary was spot on. The transport was perfect no complaints and the food was amazing. The tour guide was exceptional, really knowledgeable, the accommodation was amazing.
I cannot describe how wonderful this trip was..but I am going to try! Everything was perfect, the hotels (including the tent at Wadi Rum), the transport, the food. I mainly went to Jordan to see Petra but I ended up enjoying every single place we visited, it’s unbelievable the history that this country has and how welcoming and kind Jordanians are. The time we spent in the desert, especially at night, was fascinating, and the trekking trail at Wadi Mujib is a must do if you have at least an average level of fitness. I would also recommend to do the optional tour to the Baptism of Jesus site and the hot spring. What made this trip even more special was our guide, Mahmoud: his passion for his country, along with his excellent English, knowledge, sharp sense of humour, and caring for our needs, was one of the best highlights of Jordan. Expect to walk quite a lot and, if your level of fitness is below average, you may consider skipping some tours or use horse/donkey rides in Petra. However, if you can make it, I can ensure that this trip is worth every single effort.
We loved Jordan and know that our trip was made all the more enjoyable due to the exceptional attention to detail of Mohammed. His timing was always spot on and we managed to enjoy all the highlights without compromise. The hotels were great, the food well planned, the only disappointment was the Wadi Rum experience that left a little bit to be desired with my bedding smelling of bad odour. The trip was chosen to precede our Egypt tour. The itinerary was great, except we would have liked the opportunity to visit Aqaba, unfortunately it does not appear on the itineraries at the moment.
Extras and add-ons
Petra Kitchen
This add-on is an evening Jordanian cooking session that can be booked in conjunction with any of our Jordan group tours. Alternatively, this course can feature as part of a Tailor-made holiday.
Add-on: Dead Sea
A departure transfer from any Dead Sea Hotel to Amman Airport at the time of your choosing. This transfer works well for those extending their stay or where our included transfer times are not a great fit with your flights. Cost is per vehicle with a maximum of 2 passengers.
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