Uncover Jordan’s historical treasures on this journey. Explore Amman’s ancient sites, Roman heritage, Byzantine art, and Petra’s Nabatean legacy. Float in the Dead Sea, explore the impressive Wadi Rum desert, and relax in Aqaba on the Red Sea coast.
Day 1: Old City Amman – Jerash
Day 2: Madaba – Mt. Nebo – Karak – Bethany
Day 3: Petra
Day 4: Wadi Rum – Dead Sea
Day 5: Departure from Amman
It’s free! No credit card required.
Welcome to Jordan! If you arrive in the morning, you can dive into Jordan’s ancient culture. Your first stop is Amman, the capital and the largest city in the country. Start your exploration with a tour of the Old City, including the ancient Citadel building and the impressive ruins of the Roman Theater. Take a leisurely stroll through the marketplace to pick up some traditional souvenirs and enjoy lunch at a local café with dishes like falafel, hummus, and kanafeh – a sweet pastry filled with cheese.
For the afternoon, head to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Explore its classic arches and limestone plazas, making sure to spend time among the 56 columns at the Temple of Zeus. Return to Amman for the evening, where you can relax at your hotel or experience the local nightlife at one of the colorful pubs on Rainbow Street.
Leave your hotel and head to Madaba, a charming town known for Byzantine mosaics like the famous Madaba Map—the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands. Explore the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, where you can climb the bell tower for a panoramic view of Madaba and its surroundings.
Next, visit Mount Nebo, now considered one of the holiest places in Biblical tradition. It is believed to be the spot where Moses looked out across the Promised Land for the first time. Enjoy identifying landmarks like the Dead Sea before descending to the Memorial Church of Moses, a modern structure housing excavated relics from the region.
Continue your journey south to Karak, a city that was once the capital of Moab. Its skyline is still dominated by a prominent castle at its center. Explore the fortress-like structure to get a firsthand experience of the vaulted halls and passageways typical of the Crusaders’ era, providing insight into their architectural and military prowess.
The last stop of the day is Bethany, the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Situated in a reeded valley known as wadi kharrar, this area has recently revealed centuries-old churches and manmade pools worth exploring.
Start your third day in Jordan with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in the village of Wadi Musa, the gateway to one of Jordan’s most beloved archaeological treasures: the lost city of Petra. Known as the Rose City for its distinctive red sandstone, Petra has been recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design, dating back hundreds of years, is remarkably well-maintained.
Enter through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend the day exploring Petra’s temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets at your own pace. Discover the historical Nabatean city’s water conduit system and visit Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that once served as the primary place of worship.
For the more adventurous, climb the 800 steps leading to The Monastery, a massive mountaintop temple. Along the way, pass by Qattar ad-Dayr, a serene grotto, and the Hermitage, a picturesque pinnacle adorned with decorative crosses. The Monastery is Petra’s largest monument, offering a stunning plaza and massive interior. Treat yourself to a snack at the nearby café after the climb.
If the trek seems too challenging, donkey rides are usually available for hire. After immersing yourself in Petra, continue south to the wilderness of Wadi Rum, a desert adorned with basalt slabs rising prominently from sandy dunes. With a full day of activities behind you, enjoy an evening of Bedouin hospitality at your comfortable campsite before falling asleep under the stars.
After a restful night of camping, wake up and enjoy a hot beverage as you prepare for a two-hour Jeep tour of the area. Explore the canyons and rock bridges of Wadi Rum, pausing now and then to discover rock inscriptions or take selfies against the stunning natural backdrop. Return to camp for lunch before saying goodbye to the desert and heading to the beautiful shores of the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea offers a variety of seaside activities suitable for every interest. Whether you fancy a dip in the calm, salty waters or prefer soaking up the sun on the sandy beach, there’s something for everyone. You can also relax at the hotel spa, indulging in a mineral-rich mud wrap or another regional specialty, providing a well-deserved break after the past few days of travel.
On your last morning in Jordan, you’ll head back to Amman. Depending on your departure time, you may have a bit more time to explore the city. Visit the impressive King Abdullah Mosque, check out the contemporary art galleries in Jebal Al-Waibdeh, or grab some baklava from a bakery for the plane. Your driver will then take you back to QAIA for your flight check-in. Thank you for joining us for five memorable days in Jordan, and we hope to see you again soon!
