A WEEK IN JORDAN
Jordan is the perfect location for a week-long trip. This tour, which encompasses the most of what this lovely nation has to offer while seeing all the key sites of interest, is packed with things to see and do.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Amman
Photo by Hisham Zayadne
The voyage starts in Amman, the country's capital. All clients today can take a complimentary transfer from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to the hotel. Please be aware that transfers should be scheduled at least two weeks before the start of the tour with your sales representative.
Day 2 - Visit Jerash then Amman city tour
Photo by Danil Ahmetsah
You will travel to Jerash, formerly known as Gerasa, in the morning. This city, which was one of the Decapolis' ten prosperous independent cities, was renowned for its opulence throughout the Roman world. Jerash, the only city of the Decapolis to have survived after being buried for ages under blowing sand, boasts a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets (which, surprisingly, still have the drains in place), two theatres, and the majestic temple of Zeus. Following a thorough exploration, you will return to Amman for a guided tour of the city that includes the Citadel, the Roman amphitheatre, and the Old City.
Day 3 - Drive down King's Highway to Petra via Mount Nebo, Madaba, and Kerak
Photo by Brain Kairuz
A lengthy day of driving on the King's Highway involves climbing and descending enormous wadis (valleys). Along the way, there are various interesting places to visit, including Mount Nebo, the majestic walled village of Kerak, and Madaba, also known as the city of the mosaics. You will continue south till you reach Petra, the most important historical monument in Jordan and one of the most remarkable ancient towns in the entire world.
Days 4 & 5 - Two days exploring Petra including optional hikes
Photo b Emilie Guillemot
Enjoy two days of Petra exploration. The so-called Red Rose City was lost for many years until being found in 1812 by the Swiss adventurer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. The Nabateans, an Arab tribe who came to this area in the sixth century BCE, built it. Construction in Petra started in the third century BCE and lasted until the Roman era, funded by fees imposed on the caravans that travelled over the desert. Petra is special for two reasons: first, it was built underneath a series of chasms rather than on a mountaintop, making it a fortified city. Second, it is cut right into the red and yellow sandstone rock, creating the most stunning façade that shines in the sunshine.
You must first descend the Siq, or narrow canyon, in order to access Petra. El Khazneh, the Treasury, is revealed in the conclusion. This spectacular sight is only the start of a wonderful day. As you go to the city centre, the incredible grandeur of the site starts to become apparent as you pass the homes and graves of the wealthy locals. After that, there is an optional hike up 750 stairs to El Deir, the Monastery, which has a magnificent front crowned by a massive urn.
Your guide will take you to the site the next day for either a walk up to the High Place of Sacrifice or free time to further explore the city. It may be rather difficult and is not advised for individuals who are doubtful of their fitness or are afraid of heights, hence very few people attempt to visit the High Point. Those that do succeed in reaching the summit are rewarded with breathtaking vistas of various areas of the site they had previously visited.
Day 6 - Petra to Wadi Rum
Photo by Juli Kosolapova
Before you connect to the contemporary Desert Highway and go south to Wadi Rum, you may choose between taking a guided tour of Little Petra or unwinding at the hotel. Little Petra's function is unclear, although archaeologists think it was likely a suburb of Petra where travellers on the Silk Road may have rested.
You will arrive in Wadi Rum, a spectacular sandstone mountain range rising dramatically from the arid desert floor, and a Unesco World Heritage site. Parts of the 1962 epic film, Lawrence of Arabia, were filmed in this location when Prince Faisal and Lawrence of Arabia gathered the Arab tribes for the onslaught on Aqaba during the First World War.
The Bedouin hosts will drive you on a two-hour 4x4 tour of some of the protected area's attractions after you settle into your exclusive Exodus camp. You will see the main attractions, take some time to have Bedouin tea, and then stand on a rock formation to observe the setting sun. From there, you'll travel back to the tent where you will experience Bedouin hospitality and a typical underground-cooked meal called zarb. Following supper, you connect with the family that runs the camp to learn more about Bedouin customs and music.
Day 7 - Morning in Wadi Rum; drive to Aqaba; relax by the Red Sea
Photo by Shraga Kopstein
You'll go to Aqaba, Jordan's port and tourist destination most renowned for its stunning coral reefs, after rising to the spectacular desert environment. With admittance and transportation provided, there is time to unwind on a beach. Your leader will explain how adding snorkelling and lunch packages to the event would enhance it. Please be aware that these things are not free. In Aqaba, there are several excellent places where you may have dinner together.
Day 8 - Drive from Aqaba to the Dead Sea with an optional trip to see Bethany beyond the Jordan
Photo by Jorick Roels
Drive to the Dead Sea from Aqaba with an optional side excursion to Bethany beyond the Jordan
After leaving the Red Sea, you will travel about 4 hours 30 minutes to the Dead Sea, one of the most intriguing sites on earth and so named because it is too salty for most aquatic life. Before cooling off in the pool, you have plenty of time to float in these waters and experience the Dead Sea dirt.
You may also go to Bethany Across the Jordan, which is where it is supposed that John the Baptist baptised Jesus Christ, ushering in a new age of Christianity.
It is possible to reserve and pay for this optional tour locally. The trip takes around 15 minutes from the Dead Sea hotel, and the total time spent there, including travel time, is generally 1 hour and 45 minutes. Individuals who don't want to go there can stay at their hotel on the Dead Sea.
A group supper will be held this evening to commemorate your experience in Jordan and bid you farewell.
Day 9 - End of Dead Sea
The final meal is breakfast, which is a great opportunity to reflect on an exciting voyage. There is a free shared transfer back to the airport to make your trip home simpler.