Jordan Tour

After a long flight, you arrive in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Rather than attempting any sightseeing, rest and relax in the evening. If possible try to enjoy the sunset before turning in early. Keep your ears peeled for the sounds of prayer that rise hauntingly above the city as the sun sets – and which will wake you before dawn.

Rise early to make the 50-minute drive north of Amman to the town of Jerash. There, spend several hours exploring the amazing Roman ruins preserved in the old part of the city. From stunning temples to amphitheaters, this is one of Jordan’s most popular tourist sights – and for good reason. If possible while in Jerash, try to catch a performance from Jordanian veterans in the Roman Amphitheatre. These veterans perform as their livelihood, enduring the heat and the sun to fill the stone ruins with hauntingly beautiful music. While exploring the region north of Amman, make the 30-minute drive from Jerash to Ajloun to see another stunning ruin. The castle, originally built in 1184 by the Crusaders, later became a stronghold for resistance to Crusader movement in the area. Like many parts of this region, it has a tumultuous history and has changed hands several times.

In the morning, rise early to explore an important sight in Amman: King Abdullah I Mosque. As the only mosque in Amman which openly welcomes non-Muslim visitors, this is a rare chance to respectfully observe the religious practices maintained by 98% of Jordanians. Visitors are not permitted in the King Abdullah I mosque during prayer times, but outside of prayer times, one can enter the main prayer hall. Additionally, there is a museum housed below the prayer hall that is included in the cost of admission. It highlights the life and works of King Abdullah I, first king of Jordan and grandfather of the current king. Depart Amman and make your way southwest. Stop for lunch in the town of Madaba, where you can view stunning Byzantine mosaics in St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. These mosaics earned Madaba the nickname ‘City of Mosaics.’

Start the day by arriving early at Wadi Mujib. This popular spot draws tourists from around Jordan – and the world. Early arrival is a must, as there are no reservations to access the biosphere for canyoning. Once there, grab a life jacket and prepare for several hours relaxing hike. Guides will help you through the more complex parts of the canyon, and the cool waters of the river will be refreshing against the heat. From Wadi Mujib, it’s a two-hour drive to the historic town of Dana. Sitting on the edge of what can only be described as the ‘Yosemite of Jordan,’ you can spend the afternoon relaxing, drinking tea, and admiring the view of the huge Dana Biosphere Reserve spread out before your eyes.

Rise early to beat the heat for a long hike in Dana Biosphere Reserve. This massive ‘national park’ is 300 square kilometers (~200 square miles), and home to Bedouin tribes who still move through and live off the land. With your guide, learn the history of the land, as well as the plants and animals that allow people to live here despite the harsh (but beautiful) surroundings. While on your hike, take a break with your guide to enjoy fresh tea overlooking the vast wadi (canyon) of Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Drive an hour south to the town of Petra, home to the famous Rose City. This wonder of the modern world is located west of the town of Petra where there are several high-quality hotels you can stay in. In the evening, book a ticket to visit Petra by night. You’ll follow a candle-lit path through the deep siq (narrow canyon) to the stunning Treasury building. There, Jordanian guides will teach you the history of this city and the people who lived here. Afterward, book a late local dinner with a piece of Jordan, or a cooking class at Petra kitchen. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in local culter than through local flavor. Drive an hour south to the town of Petra, home to the famous Rose City. This wonder of the modern world is located west of the town of Petra where there are several high-quality hotels you can stay in. In the evening, book a ticket to visit Petra by night. You’ll follow a candle-lit path through the deep siq (narrow canyon) to the stunning Treasury building. There, Jordanian guides will teach you the history of this city and the people who lived here. Afterward, book a late local dinner with a piece of Jordan, or a cooking class at Petra kitchen. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in local culter than through local flavor.

Rise early (again) to enter Petra for a daytime view. The sun – and heat – are merciless, as are the crowds of visitors that flock to the site. From the entrance, it is a 2.1km (1.3mi) walk to The Treasury, and there are dozens of kilometers of trails throughout the city. You can also visit The Monastery, Temple of Dushares, and Renaissance Tomb, or witness archaeologists at work uncovering and preserving the ruins. After spending the early part of the day exploring Petra, make the 90-minute drive to Wadi Rum in the afternoon. This vast expanse of red rock has been the setting for several movies filmed in Jordan, and you can take a 4×4 or pick-up tour to explore more of the land in a few hours.

Rise even earlier today – before the sun! Take a camel ride out into the wilderness of Wadi Rum to watch the sunrise. A guide will escort you and your camel through an enchanting pre-dawn landscape, and the world will burst into color as the sun rises over the massive rock formations. Ride your camel back to the permanent camp where you spent the rest of the day and night – you may be surprised how relaxing the camel ride ends up being.

After a morning tea, make the long, four-hour drive from Wadi Rum back to the northeast coast of the Dead Sea. Here, you can stay in one of the many luxury hotels and enjoy a few modern conveniences on your last night in Jordan. Most hotels offer access to the Dead Sea directly; each will likely offer spa services which take advantage of the Dead Sea’s health properties. Spend time enjoying the natural buoyancy of the Dead Sea – but not too long, as the water can be a skin irritant. Yes, you really will float in the water! Enjoy this last look at the beauty and surprising wonder of Jordan.

After a restful night’s sleep, it’s time to make your way home. An hour drive from the Dead Sea will bring you back to Amman and Queen Alia International Airport. Most U.S. flights depart in the early afternoon, so be sure to arrive with plenty of time for your flight. If you arrive early, look back over your photos – Jordan is unforgettable, but they’ll be the best souvenir you have!