9-Day Jordan Adventure: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea and More

Day 1: Arrival in Amman

After arriving at Queen Alia International Airport, meet your private guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Spend the day exploring the bustling downtown area at leisure, with its colorful markets and historic sites like the Roman Amphitheater. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and try some traditional Jordanian cuisine in the evening.

Day 2: Jerash and Ajloun

Get an early start and head to the ancient city of Jerash, located just an hour's drive from Amman. You'll be transported back in time as you explore the well-preserved Roman ruins, including the massive amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and impressive temples. Take in the grandeur of the Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Artemis, and the Oval Plaza as you wander through the ancient city. After a morning of exploring, take a break and refuel with a traditional Jordanian lunch at a local restaurant. Savor the flavors of mezze, a variety of small plates featuring hummus, falafel, and other regional specialties. In the afternoon, make your way to Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress perched on a hilltop with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. As you explore the castle, learn about its strategic importance during the Crusades and its role in defending the region against invasions. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the landscape and imagine what life was like during this fascinating period of history.

As the day winds down, head back to Amman for dinner at a local restaurant. Indulge in some delicious Jordanian grilled meat or seafood dishes, accompanied by a refreshing mint lemonade or a cup of sweet Arabic tea. 

Day 3: Discovering Petra, the rose city!

After breakfast, set out on a scenic three-hour drive south to Petra, one of the world's most famous and beautiful archaeological sites. Upon arrival, check into your hotel.  Begin your day of exploration by passing through the narrow Siq, a narrow canyon leading to the ancient city. As you emerge from the Siq, the Treasury, one of Petra's most iconic structures, will come into view. Marvel at this magnificent structure's intricate carvings and details, built over 2,000 years ago. Continue your journey through the city, admiring the well-preserved facades and tombs, including the Royal Tombs and the Monastery. Go for a hike and go up to the High Place of Sacrifice. The trek is challenging, but the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. After a day of exploration, it's time to refuel with a delicious lunch and dinner at a local restaurant in Petra. Indulge in traditional Jordanian dishes like Mansaf, a lamb and rice dish cooked in a yogurt sauce, or Zarb, a Bedouin-style barbecue. Return to your hotel.

Day 4: Another day at Petra

Make your way to the Crusader Castle, a 12th-century fortress that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Take on the challenge of hiking to the Petra Monastery. This hike requires climbing over 800 steps, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the stunning rock formations and canyons that make up the Wadi Araba desert. After a morning of exploration, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Petra. After lunch, continue your journey through Petra, exploring the ancient city at your leisure, before returning to your hotel.

Day 5: Visiting Wadi Rum

After breakfast, make your way to the stunning Wadi Rum desert, a one-hour drive. Along the way, you'll learn about the unique flora and fauna of the region, as well as the fascinating history of the local Bedouin people. Enjoy a camel ride through the dunes and sandboarding on the slopes. In the afternoon, head to a Bedouin campsite in the heart of the desert, where you can enjoy a traditional Jordanian lunch. Then, relax in the shade of a Bedouin tent and enjoy some traditional tea, or take a nap in a hammock as you listen to the peaceful sounds of the desert. Enjoy dinner at the campsite in the evening, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances under the stars.

Day 6: Journey Aqaba

Today, you will travel to the stunning coastal city of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which takes around 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, spend the day soaking up the sun and enjoying the gorgeous beaches of Aqaba. Try snorkeling or scuba diving in crystal-clear waters, where you'll have the opportunity to see an abundance of colorful marine life. Enjoy delicious sea food at one of the many premium restaurants. Then, visit the Aqaba Castle, a 14th-century fortress built by the Mamluk sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh Al-Ghuri. In the evening, visit the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, which offers a glimpse into the city's rich history. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant in Aqaba before checking into your hotel.

Day 7: Floating on the Dead Sea

Today, you will visit the famous Dead Sea, a natural wonder at the lowest point on earth. The journey from Aqaba takes around 2.5 hours, and upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to float in the buoyant, mineral-rich waters. The Dead Sea is also known for its therapeutic properties, and you can try the famous mud bath or visit the nearby Hammamat Ma'in hot springs. The scenery around the Dead Sea is breathtaking, with stark hills and salt formations creating an otherworldly landscape. Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner at a local restaurant near the Dead Sea. Return to Aqaba in the late evening.

Day 8: Madaba and Mount Nebo

Today, you will visit the town of Madaba, known for its impressive Byzantine-era mosaics. The journey takes around three hours. Here you can explore the famous Madaba Map, a 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, and other impressive mosaics in the town's churches and archaeological sites. Afterward, continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land before he died. You can enjoy stunning views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea from the top of the mountain. Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner at a local restaurant in Madaba before checking into your hotel for an overnight stay.  

Day 9: Departure from Amman

After your final breakfast in Amman, your private guide will transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your departure flight. Take in the memories of the Holy land of Jordan that will linger in your heart forever.