Grand Tour of Jordan

A day in the Jordanian capital will give you a taste of life in modern Jordan. Start your guided tour with a walk through the markets and lanes of the Jabal Amman quarter, where you’ll observe local life, taste Jordanian delicacies, and visit the Duke’s Diwan Cultural Centre along with the impressive 2nd century AD Roman theatre. This afternoon, stroll through the beautifully designed galleries of the Jordan Museum, then drive to Amman’s Citadel with its Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, where the day concludes at sunset while listening to the call to prayer.

Drive north to Umm Qais, a remote village with stunning views looking out over three countries, where you’ll explore the ruins of the Decapolis City of Gadara, the site of a biblical miracle, and have a home-cooked lunch. Return to Amman this afternoon through the Mediterranean olive-strewn countryside, stopping en route at Ajloun to visit the well-preserved 12th-century Crusader-era castle.

Start the day by visiting Jerash – one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Middle East. Jerash, also called the ‘City of 1,000 Columns’, was visited by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 129AD. Its stunning remains are the equal of Ephesus in Turkey and are prized by UNESCO as an ‘ancient meeting place of East and West’. Later, in the early evening, there will be a Jordanian cookery (shared) and dining experience in a private home where you will learn to prepare a four-course Arabic meal using seasonal ingredients.

Cross the basalt plain of the Hauran to Umm al-Jimal (‘mother of camels’ in English!). This abandoned and seemingly lost ancient city on the caravan route between Damascus and Amman is known for its signature black stones that stand out against the tan-coloured desert. Further on, visit the Umayyad period ‘desert castles’ of Qasr Hallebat and Qasr Amra, then conclude the day’s sighting at Azraq castle – where TE Lawrence and Sharif Hussein bin Ali based themselves during the winter of 1917-18.

Stroll through the lagoons and tall reeds of the Azraq Wetlands Reserve on the 1.5km Marsh Trail. Then, drive to the nearby Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, home to some of the rarest fauna in the Middle East. Arabian oryx, Persian onagers (an Asian wild ass), ostrich, and gazelles all now thrive in Jordan’s eastern desert, and there’s a chance you might spot these magnificent animals during the course of your 3 to 4-hour jeep safari. Arrive at Wadi Rum late this afternoon and check in at your luxury camp.

Today’s full-day combined jeep and walking tour will reveal Wadi Rum’s magnificent landmarks, including Khazali Canyon, Lawrence’s Spring, and the rock bridges of Jabal Burdah and Umm Fruth – one of the most photographed places in the desert. You’ll also hike through (90 minutes) the vast multi-coloured towers and cliffs of Barragh Canyon. The day concludes with sunset over the ‘vast echoing and God-like’ desert scenery.

Set off on foot across the desert sands with your Bedouin guide on the Makharas Canyon hike (3 hrs). This scenic walk near Rum’s famed ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ combines a magical canyon, red sands and grand views of Jebel Barrah and Umm Nfoos. Then, drive south to Aqaba on the Red Sea, where the remainder of the day will be free to relax.

At leisure in Aqaba to relax and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. Alternatively, you might like to embark on a snorkelling excursion or visit the city’s small museum, which is housed in a tiny Ottoman fort (supplements apply)

The morning will be at leisure in Aqaba. In the early afternoon, you’ll be met and transferred through the picturesque Shara Mountain to see the tombs of Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) – a tantalising foretaste of the archaeological wonders that await – then check in at your Petra hotel. This evening, experience the unforgettable spectacle of Petra by Candlelight (operates Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday only) when the Siq and forecourt of the Treasury are bathed in the soft flickering light of thousands of candles.

Start the day with a privately guided tour of ancient Petra, lasting 2 to 3 hours. The site is approached via the Siq, a dramatic narrow gorge of striking beauty hemmed in by cliffs up to 80 metres in height. After 1.5 kilometres, the stunning edifice of the Treasury (El Khazneh) emerges dramatically through a narrow gap. Further on, the intricately carved Royal Tombs, Street of the Facades, Rock-cut theatre and Qasr al Bint all wait to be discovered. A buffet lunch will be provided at the site. The afternoon is free to continue exploring Petra independently. We recommend the hike up to see the enormous ‘monastery’ – but be aware there are 800 steps!

Return to Petra and continue exploring this enormous site (unguided). You might like to climb up to the ‘High Place of Sacrifice’ for some of the best views in Petra, walk off the beaten track through little-visited Wadi Farasa, or hike up to the Treasury viewpoint.

Journey north along the ancient trade route known as the King’s Highway, stopping first at Kerak where you’ll visit the huge Crusader and Mamluk. Then, admire the view over Mujib Canyon before continuing to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land at the Church of St. George. After lunch, visit Mt. Nebo – the spot from which Moses saw the Promised Lands – then descend to the Dead Sea.

Today will be at leisure by the shores of the Dead Sea, where you’ll be able to sample the oxygen-enriched atmosphere, take a mud bath, and float on the saline waters. Should you wish to explore further today, we could arrange for a morning hike in the canyon of Wadi Mujib (April to October) or a visit to the baptism site of Jesus on the River Jordan at Bethany (supplements apply).

A private transfer will bring you to Amman International Airport.