2024 - Classic Jordan Tour

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Amman for the start of your trip. They'll help you settle in and introduce you to the local area.

The tour begins with a visit to As-Salt, a hilltop town 40 minutes from Amman. Known for its historic Islamic architecture, narrow streets filled with shops, and symbolic religious harmony between Muslim and Christian communities, the visit includes a guided walk along the 'Harmony Trail,' providing insights into local life in Jordan.
Later, the tour proceeds to Amman for a city tour rich in historical significance. Exploring ancient sites like the Citadel, housing remnants of the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace, precedes a visit to the 6000 seat Roman theatre still used for cultural events today. The itinerary encompasses a food tasting tour in Downtown Amman, offering diverse dishes like Manakish, falafel sandwiches, Mansaf (Jordan's national dish), and the famous dessert Knafeh from renowned local sweet shops.

Today, our journey leads us along the Desert Highway towards the Dana Biosphere Reserve, offering picturesque landscapes and hills for a leisurely hike. As Jordan's largest nature reserve, it boasts stunning vistas of valleys and hills along the restored Dana village trails. Spring unveils the terrain's lush greenery and vibrant flowers, adding to its allure. During a delightful included picnic lunch, we'll pause for a walk before heading towards Aqaba, a vibrant Red Sea city, where you'll enjoy a free evening and morning ahead.

This morning offers you leisure time to unwind by the Red Sea's serene shores, explore the charming city of Aqaba, or partake in its array of thrilling water sports. Aqaba's crystal clear waters and vibrant reefs boast some of the Red Sea's finest diving spots. Additionally, morning boat excursions for snorkeling amidst nearby reefs are available.
Later in the day, we unite with our arrivals from Egypt and depart from Aqaba, embarking on a journey into the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. There, hospitable Bedouin hosts await us at a cozy camp nestled beneath towering rocks and cliffs. An evening of relaxation ensues, accompanied by a delightful traditional Jordanian meal often featuring 'Zarb,' a Bedouin style dish typically comprising Lamb and Chicken cooked underground. Evening activities include options like a sunset camel ride or stargazing using telescopes.

Post camp breakfast, we embark on a thrilling jeep safari in Wadi Rum, exploring sand dunes, unique rock formations, and a spectacular rock bridge. Engage in Bedouin inspired activities, walking with a shepherd to a Bedouin tent for traditional experiences like animal care, grain grinding, bread making, and coffee roasting. After this immersive journey, we head to Petra, making a stop at Petra Bakery for a peek into bread making and a light lunch. Optionally, experience the magical Petra by Night tour, walking through the candle lit Siq to the Treasury for a captivating introduction to Petra's ambiance.

Today's focus is on discovering Petra, once the Nabataean commercial empire's capital until Roman conquest in 106AD. Forgotten for centuries, Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered this city in 1812. Situated on the edge of Wadi Aruba's desert, Petra's intricate carved sandstone dwellings lie amidst challenging canyon walls and hills accessible only via the Siq, a narrow rock cleft.
Our exploration entails a back-route adventure, commencing at Little Petra before a short jeep ride to the mountain trail connecting Little Petra to Petra's main site, offering fewer crowds and stunning Holy Land views. This less traveled path includes monuments from the standard route, plus Little Petra and the Monastery, featuring rock hewn steps and paths along the mountainside, providing refreshment stops and photo opportunities.
Upon entering Petra, the valley reveals carved tombs, a ruined Roman amphitheater, and colonnaded streets leading to the iconic Khazneh (Treasury). Although the back route hike involves ascents, descents, and steps, lasting 2-3 hours towards the Monastery and additional hours exploring Petra, it's not overly challenging.
For those concerned about distance or mobility, 20JD horse carriages are available solely within Petra's main site, not on the hiking route, horses for riding are not recommended.

After breakfast at Petra, we travel north to Wadi Mujib for the Siq Trail hike, offering scenic views of the Dead Sea's Salt Flats. After lunch at the Wadi Mujib visitor center, embark on a 2-3 hour hike through shallow waters and small waterfalls, ending at a serene large waterfall. For the hike, consider a dry bag and water shoes, available for rent at the center.
Note: In November to March, when the Siq Trail is closed, we visit the Baptism site in Bethany, showcasing Roman and Byzantine ruins. Following the day's activities, relax at a Dead Sea resort, floating in its salty waters or enjoying the hotel pool. Remember your magazine or newspaper for the classic Dead Sea floating photo!

Following a peaceful night, we venture to Madaba, where awe inspiring Byzantine mosaics and the 'Madaba Map', the oldest preserved map of the Holy Land, await our admiration. Proceeding from Madaba, we continue to Mount Nebo, revered as the place where the prophet Moses glimpsed the Promised Land and rests in burial. The vantage offers splendid views towards Jericho and beyond on clear days, which are frequent.
Our ultimate stop leads us to Jerash, renowned as one of the largest and remarkably preserved Greco-Roman cities beyond Europe. Upon arrival, we explore Jerash's Forum, traverse its Roman colonnaded streets, witness the Nymphaeum, and behold the Temple of Artemis atop the city's elevated summit.
The day concludes as we journey back to Amman, marking our final night in Jordan.

Your time is free in Amman today until we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure.