Jordan Encounters Adventure

On arrival at Amman International Airport, we meet and greet you and transfer you to your city hotel for a smooth check in – a relaxed start to your time in Jordan.

We leave Amman on a scenic drive to the historic hilltop town of As Salt – once a key trading centre and former capital. We wander its narrow lanes along the Harmony Trail to explore intertwined Islamic and Christian heritage. Back in Amman, we take an afternoon orientation, driving through modern neighbourhoods and historic quarters for a broad overview before continuing to the hotel. We visit the ancient Citadel to explore the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and a Byzantine church, pausing for sweeping views across downtown. We also visit the impressive Roman Theatre, a 6,000 seat amphitheatre from the second century AD that still hosts cultural events. We end with a tasting walk through downtown, sampling falafel, manakish and the national favourite, mansaf, before finishing with the sweet delight of knafeh.

We depart Amman along the Desert Highway for the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the country’s largest protected area. On a guided hike we explore rugged canyons and terraced cliffs, spot varied plant and birdlife, and take in far reaching views of the Great Rift Valley. From the mountain village of Dana, we continue through dramatic desert scenery to Aqaba on the Red Sea – a journey that reveals Jordan’s shifting landscapes from highland ridges and rocky gorges to the coastal plain beside the Gulf of Aqaba.

We leave the coastal city of Aqaba and drive into the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, swapping the Red Sea shoreline for a panorama of soaring sandstone cliffs and wide, open valleys – a vivid introduction to Jordan’s rugged beauty. At your Wadi Rum desert camp you have free time to relax and take in the unique desert scenery – a peaceful evening surrounded by towering cliffs.

We set off on an adventurous jeep ride across the golden sands beneath the towering cliffs of Wadi Rum, then meet local Bedouin – walking with shepherds, learning traditional crafts and sharing a freshly prepared meal in their camp. After this Bedouin experience, we continue north through rugged desert landscapes towards Petra, enjoying the scenic approach to the rose red city. On arrival, you may choose to join the magical Petra by Night, or simply relax – browse the shops, linger in local cafés or take it easy. Optional experiences such as Petra by Night are available if you would like a memorable introduction to the site.

We begin at Little Petra – a compact Nabataean site of carved façades, narrow passages and delicate ancient frescoes – before taking a short jeep transfer to the start of the mountain trail. From here we set out on foot along the quieter back route into Petra, enjoying sweeping desert views and tranquil stretches before our memorable arrival at the magnificent Monastery. We climb the stone steps to this vast monument, its towering façade opening onto panoramas across Wadi Araba and the surrounding desert. We then delve into the heart of Petra to see the Royal Tombs, the Roman amphitheatre and the ancient colonnaded street where Nabataean artistry meets Roman influence. Continuing through the dramatic Siq – noting the rock cut water channels and terracotta pipes that once carried precious water – we finish at the world famous Treasury, learning about its design, cultural significance and the enduring legends surrounding its purpose.

We head north from Petra along the Dead Sea Highway towards Wadi Mujib, passing stark desert cliffs, deep valleys and the shimmering southern basin of the Dead Sea. At the Wadi Mujib Visitor Centre we prepare for the Siq Trail – picking up any necessary gear, receiving a safety briefing and taking in views of the gorge entrance. We then set off on the Siq Trail, a narrow gorge threaded with flowing water and natural pools. Between April–October we wade, clamber and swim beneath waterfalls – one of the country’s most exhilarating outdoor experiences. Afterwards we continue south along the Dead Sea shoreline to our resort, the road offering broad coastal views and a tranquil descent to the lowest point on Earth. We relax and float effortlessly in the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea. After the day’s adventure, you can unwind at the resort, try the therapeutic mud and capture the classic newspaper photo as you drift on the surface.

Leaving the Dead Sea, we ascend to mosaic filled Madaba to admire superb Byzantine art. At St George’s Church we view the celebrated Madaba Map – the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land. We then follow a scenic hillside road to Mount Nebo for one of the country’s most significant biblical viewpoints, visiting the memorial site where tradition holds that Moses looked over the Promised Land and viewing the site’s restored mosaics and memorial church. Next we continue north to the ancient city of Jerash, passing agricultural plains and rolling countryside before arriving at the archaeological site. Here we explore one of the best preserved Greco–Roman cities outside Europe – walking through the oval Forum, visiting the Nymphaeum and admiring the grand Temple of Artemis overlooking the ancient streets. We return south to Amman, enjoying views of the hill country along the way.

You have some free time in Amman before your scheduled airport transfer – we collect you from your hotel and take you to Queen Alia International Airport in good time for your flight.