Self Drive Jordan Discovered

On arrival at Amman's Queen Alia Airport, you will be met by our representative and assisted with the visa and customs process. It's then time to pick up your rental car. You won't have far to drive today as your first night will be spent in the Jordanian capital. We recommend heading out to Rainbow Street, a modern part of the city, with great restaurants, art galleries, and bookshops to explore.

Today you can explore Amman further as you choose. There's the historic Amman Citadel, or you can hop in the car and head a little further afield. The Graeco-Roman city of Jerash is known as the "Pompeii of the East", and the black basalt city of Umm Qais is also worth visiting. Then it's back to the hotel in Amman for an evening at leisure.

Amman - Petra. Today you will make the drive to Petra, a distance of about 230km. If you'd like to break up the journey, then consider a stop at one of the many spas and resorts beside the Dead Sea. Enjoy floating in the mineral-rich salty water and slap on some of the location's rejuvenating mud before getting back on the road to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Tonight is free to relax, or you may want to become a Middle Eastern chef with our Petra Kitchen add-on!

Driving distance: Approx 230km (3 hours)

Today you will enjoy a full-day guided tour of Petra, which will surely be the highlight of your trip to Jordan! Walk through the narrow Siq passage to the iconic Treasury, see the impressive Street of Facades and the Theatre, and if you are up to it then why not make the steep climb to visit the towering Monastery? Tonight is at leisure, and you may wish to return to Petra by night (approx. USD$25 payable locally). The Siq and Treasury are illuminated by hundreds of candles, Bedouin music plays, and locals and travellers alike gather in the shadows to share stories and drink tea. It's a totally different experience to exploring Petra by day and one that we thoroughly recommend!

Petra - Wadi Rum. Departing Petra this morning, you will drive to the edge of the Wadi Rum desert. This incredible landscape is almost lunar in appearance and has been used in numerous films including The Martian and Dune. You will enjoy an included jeep safari into the desert, passing dramatic rock formations and colossal red sand dunes. Arriving at our desert camp, you will enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner and can watch a memorable sunset over the desert sky.

Driving distance: Approx 120km (2 hours)

Wadi Rum - Madaba. After breakfast this morning you will be transferred back to your rental car, from where you can drive to Madaba. This historic town is best known for its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land at the Church of Saint George. Any keen archaeologists will want to book a guided walking tour here (book and pay locally), otherwise, the day is free to head out and explore independently.

Driving distance: Approx 300km (4 hours)

Madaba - Amman. Tuck into a final breakfast this morning before you complete the drive back to Amman. Return your rental car at Queen Alia Airport and check in for your onward flight. If you would like to stay in Amman for a few days then we would be happy to book post-tour accommodation for you.

Driving distance: Approx 25km (35 mins)