Jordan is a playground of rugged landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for trekking, mountain biking and canyoning. Combined with ancient history, including Petra, this action-packed itinerary is the ideal trip for those seeking adventure.
This in-depth itinerary includes the best of Jordan’s highlights, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, as well as some off-the-beaten-track adventures into secluded nature reserves, giving you a real taste of the country’s diverse geography and history.
Enjoy the best of Jordan in style with our Luxury Jordan itinerary. Explore Amman, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, take in the stunning desert panoramas of Wadi Rum and enjoy the chance to snorkel in the Red Sea and float on the Dead Sea.
Jordan is a stunning destination which really does offer something for everyone thanks to its diverse landscapes and rich history. However, with so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a trip there. To help, our Arabia specialists Matt and Bjorn have put together their top 10 experiences in Jordan.
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This enriching trip gives you the opportunity to explore Jordan’s amazing landscapes and fascinating history, including revered religious sites, rugged nature reserves, ancient cities, Roman ruins and beguiling desert vistas.
You will discover Amman and the historic sites of the King’s Highway, hike through the beautiful Ajloun and Dana nature reserves, explore the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, take in the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum, snorkel in the Red Sea and finish with a float on the Dead Sea. This is truly a magnificent Middle Eastern adventure.
Stay at The House Boutique Suites for 2 nights
Start your adventure with two nights in Amman, Jordan’s capital city. A guided walking tour will bring to life the history of the city, including stops at the ancient Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre. You can then head north to the Roman city of Jerash, to see one of the best preserved Roman sites outside of Italy.
Stay at Ajloun Cabins for 1 night
From Amman, head northwest to the Ajloun Forest Reserve, around 90 minutes by road. Enjoy an afternoon trek through the reserve, taking in the picturesque scenery and lush surroundings. There are a number of treks to suit all abilities, any many of the routes pass by historic ruins and local villages.
You will spend the night at the reserve’s simple but comfortable accommodation, surrounded by the tranquil forest.
Stay at Dana Guesthouse for 1 night
From Ajloun, head south along the historic King’s Highway, stopping to marvel at the artistry and beauty of the mosaics of Madaba, and then on to visit the important religious site of Mount Nebo, where Moses stood atop the windswept summit and was shown the Promised Land. The journey will take approximately three to four hours.
Spend the night at Dana Guesthouse, a rustic but sweet property at the top of the Dana Valley.
Stay at Feynan Ecolodge for 1 night
The following morning, you will be met by a local guide, who will accompany you on your 14-kilometre trek through the valley, ending at Feynan Eco Lodge. The nature reserve has a diverse range of eco-systems, and along the way you may meet some of the local Bedouin who herd their goats here.
You will spend the night at Feynan Eco Lodge, which is one of our favourite properties in Jordan. There is no electricity except in the bathrooms, and so the whole lodge is lit up with candles at night, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. After dinner, head up onto the roof to enjoy some Arabic tea and incredible stargazing.
Stay at Hyatt Zaman for 2 nights
The following morning you can either go on another trek to watch the sunrise, or spend some time with the local Bedouin community to learn about their traditions, customs and day-to-day life.
From Feynan, your driver will take you across the mountains, descending down into Wadi Musa, the gateway to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra. This is around a 90-minute journey. You will stay in the town two nights in order to have a full day to explore Petra.
We recommend starting your exploration of Petra with a two-hour tour accompanied by a local guide. The guide will take you through the Siq, a winding narrow canyon, before reaching the Treasury. This temple carved into the rockface is one of Petra’s most iconic sites. Continue with your guide through the main thoroughfare, stopping off to see the amphitheatre, tombs and temples along the way. Your tour will finish at the bottom of the steps up to the Monastery. Continue on your own and climb the 800 steps up the majestic Monastery, which is a similar but grander version of the Treasury. Spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure, venturing into the empty hillside tombs and caves, and climbing up to the High Place of Sacrifice to take in the incredible panoramic views across the valley.
Stay at Wadi Rum Desert Camp for 1 night
From Petra, journey around 90 minutes southwards to experience the other-worldly desert landscape of Wadi Rum, known as the Valley of the Moon.
One of the world’s most beautiful deserts, you will spend time exploring this extraordinary landscape with a Bedouin guide on a jeep drive, before the chance to watch a fabulous desert sunset as it sweeps a magical glow across the sands and mountains.
Stay at Movenpick Tala Bay for 2 nights
Your next stop is Aqaba, located around 90-minutes from Wadi Rum.
Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city, and sits on the shores of the Red Sea. While here, enjoy world-class diving or snorkelling on the coral reefs, or simply relax and unwind after your adventures in Petra and Wadi Rum.
Stay at Movenpick Resort and Spa Dead Sea for 3 nights
From Aqaba it is a three to four-hour drive north to the Dead Sea where you will stay for the next three nights. You can enjoy the chance to bob on the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, which sits at the lowest point on Earth.
From the Dead Sea, it is also possible to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This is believed to be the site where John the Baptist baptised Jesus, and as such, is considered by many to be the birthplace of Christianity.
For a final adventure, the Mujib Nature Reserve is only a short drive from the shores of the Dead Sea. There are a number of treks within the reserve, many of which are perfect for adrenaline-seekers, offering the chance to climb waterfalls using ropes and ladders.
From the Dead Sea, it is only around an hour's drive to Amman airport.
International economy class flights and airport taxes from the UK
All accommodation and breakfasts
Private transfers, entry fees and a selection of experiences
Ask our specialists for prices excluding flights from the UK. This price is as a guide only. The actual price is influenced by fluctuations in exchange rate, time of year, travel class of flights and the use of private versus shared excursions. Single supplements are likely to apply.