A Week in Jordan

On arrival at Amman International Airport, we meet you and begin your Jordan journey with a smooth transfer into the city and on to your hotel to check in – a relaxed start to your adventure.

We set off from Amman for the hilltop town of As–Salt, once a key trading centre and former capital, where we follow the Harmony Trail through narrow lanes and learn about the town’s intertwined Islamic and Christian heritage. We continue to the Baptism Site at Bethany by the Jordan River, believed to be where John the Baptist baptised Jesus, exploring remains of early churches, baptism pools and sacred sites including Tell Mar Elias and John the Baptist’s Church along the peaceful riverbank. We return to Amman and you can unwind after a rewarding day of cultural and religious history.

We drive north to Jerash, one of the best–preserved Greco–Roman cities outside Europe, to wander the grand oval Forum, pause at the ornate Nymphaeum and admire the Temple of Artemis above the ancient streets. Back in Amman, we explore the Citadel’s Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace and a Byzantine church, then take in panoramic views over downtown. We continue to the Roman Theatre, a 6,000–seat amphitheatre from the second century AD still used for events, before a flavourful street food tasting in Downtown Amman – perhaps falafel, sweet kunafa and sugar cane juice, with dishes varying by day. We round off at the Wild Jordan Centre, relaxing over city views and learning how this eco–friendly space supports conservation and local communities.

We begin in Madaba, famed for its Byzantine mosaics, visiting the Greek Orthodox Church of St George to see the celebrated sixth century mosaic map of the Holy Land. We continue to Mount Nebo – a revered viewpoint where tradition holds that Moses saw the Promised Land – to enjoy sweeping vistas across the Jordan Valley, as well as beautifully restored mosaics and the memorial church. The journey then follows the scenic King’s Highway towards Shobak for an exploration of Shobak Castle, a dramatic twelfth century Crusader fortress with towers, gateways and hidden passages, and wide views over the valleys. We drive on through rugged landscapes to Petra and settle into your hotel beside the archaeological site.

We walk the dramatic Siq, the narrow sandstone passage leading into Petra, tracing ancient water channels and terracotta pipes as the city unfolds. In the heart of the site we explore the Royal Tombs, the Roman theatre and the colonnaded street – a showcase of Nabataean skill and Roman influence. We then travel south to Wadi Rum’s vast desert, where we head out on an adventurous jeep safari beneath towering cliffs and meet Bedouin hosts for an authentic cultural encounter – walking with shepherds, learning traditional crafts and sharing a freshly prepared meal in their camp.

We set out across Wadi Rum once more on a thrilling jeep safari among golden sands and sculpted cliffs, meeting Bedouin hosts to walk with shepherds, learn traditional crafts and share a freshly prepared meal in their desert camp. We then travel north to the shores of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – and arrive at our resort to relax by the water. Here we float effortlessly in the mineral–rich waters and try the therapeutic mud, and if you fancy a classic keepsake you can pose for the iconic newspaper photo as you drift. You have free time at the Dead Sea to take things at your own pace – relax by the shore, make the most of the hotel facilities or explore the tranquil surroundings as you wish.

We leave the Dead Sea and climb back through the hills towards Amman, savouring final views across the Rift Valley. En route we visit some of the region’s finest early Islamic desert sites – a striking black–basalt fortress once used by traders and armies, a UNESCO–listed Umayyad bathhouse famed for colourful frescoes, and a desert oasis that shelters migratory birds alongside a breeding centre for Arabian oryx and other protected species – before returning to Amman.

Enjoy free time in Amman before your scheduled airport transfer. At the arranged hour, we collect you from your hotel and take you to Queen Alia International Airport – in good time for your departure flight.