DAY 1 USA - Amman

Board your international flight in the US today en route to Jordan. Your flight may include international stopovers.

DAY 2 Arrive Amman

Arrive at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport where you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your downtown 5-star hotel. After check-in, make the most of today to relax, perhaps discovering Jordan’s lively capital by heading out for dinner or to explore its bustling shops.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 3 Amman

A largely modern metropolis, Amman also has plentiful historical treasures. After breakfast, set out on a walking tour to experience the sights and culture of this fast-moving city. Discover Jordan’s rich biodiversity at the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature, an organization dedicated to preserving the kingdom’s natural reserves. Next, absorb the street life and buzz of downtown Amman on a guided stroll. Delve into the Gold Market, see the Al-Husseini Mosque, and continue via the Vegetable Market to the 2nd-century Roman Nymphaeum—once the main public fountain. Admire the restored 6,000-seater Roman theater and after visiting the Jordan Folklore Museum, head for the Citadel to see its Roman, Ummayad and Byzantine ruins. The remainder of the day is free: perhaps stroll Rainbow Street to enjoy its colorful shops, cafes and restaurants.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 4 Amman- Kerak - Wadi Dana

Drink in Jordan’s rugged landscapes as you follow the desert highway to Kerak*, one of the country’s best-preserved Crusader castles. Tour what remains of this 12th-century fortress, which stands atop fragments of earlier citadels built by the Nabatean peoples. After seeing Kerak’s highlights, continue to Wadi Dana*, Jordan’s largest nature reserve. Check in to your accommodation in this beautiful spot and enjoy dinner here this evening.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY 5 Wadi Dana -Petra

Relax over breakfast as you look forward to a day exploring Wadi Dani*—whose stunning mountains and wadis (dry river beds) extend to Wadi Araba’s deserts. Choose from various experiences on offer to visitors, from guided hikes (own expense) and independent walks through the canyon scenery and local villages. A box lunch is provided for sustenance. Later, transfer to your hotel in Petra, your base for two nights.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY 6 Petra

This morning, head for Petra*, carved by the Nabateans in the 4th century BC. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient rock-hewn city is one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures. Follow your guide through the Siq—the natural rock fissure leading inside—and marvel at the Al-Khazneh Treasury, Street of Facades and ancient theater and royal tombs. Hear how Petra was a trading hub controlled by the Nabateans and then leave the main route for the Al-Khubtha trail, a series of cliff stairways leading to a high viewpoint above the Treasury—the vista from here is considered Petra’s most spectacular. This evening, attend the unforgettable Petra Night Show*. Walk the illuminated Siq to the Treasury and absorb the magical setting by the light of over 1,500 flickering candles—an unmissable experience. A horse ride into Petra is included on your visit today.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 7 Petra–Baida–Wadi Rum

Today, explore Little Petra (Siq Al-Barid), a smaller site just north of Petra. Historians believe this narrow canyon, honeycombed with water cisterns, tomb frontages and dwelling spaces was a suburb of Petra located at the confluence of ancient caravan routes linking Wadi Araba with Gaza, Egypt and the Mediterranean. See the classical temple at the Siq and the cave-like spaces that provided long-ago merchants with places to stay. Next, transfer to Wadi Rum and stay overnight in a luxury tented camp fringing this awe-inspiring desert reserve.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY 8 Wadi Rum Tour - Dead Sea

Start early with a thrilling 2-hour 4x4 tour of Wadi Rum*. This UNESCO-listed wilderness boasts red-hued mountains, steep gorges and desert plains; and is scattered with sites connected to the British intelligence officer, Lawrence of Arabia, who stayed here during the 1914-18 Arab Revolt. View its ancient rock carvings, springs, rock formations and Nabatean temple as your driver-guide explains their backstories. Once your tour finishes, leave for Madaba and its Church of St. George, home to the famous Madaba Map. Dating to the 6th century, this mosaic floor map is the oldest known image of the Holy Land and is extraordinary for its detailed depiction of Jerusalem. From here, move on to Mount Nebo, where it’s believed Moses first saw the Promised Land, before continuing to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure at your 5-star resort and spa hotel.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 9 Dead Sea–Baptism site–Amman

Enjoy the Dead Sea as you wish this morning. Float in its salt-rich water, lounge by your hotel pool or wallow in a mineral beauty or spa treatment (own expense). At noon, meet your guide and visit the believed location* of Jesus’ christening by John the Baptist at Bethany beyond the Jordan. Set on the River Jordan’s eastern banks, this revered place is a major pilgrimage site. Afterward, transfer to Amma where the afternoon is yours to relax or explore in your own way.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 10 Amman- Jerash - Ajloun - Amman

Today brings a trip to Jerash* and Ajloun Castle*. Admire the UNESCO-protected ruins of Jerash*, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman cities, including its Oval Plaza, temples and theaters as your guide charts how it was one of Rome’s Decapolis—“Land of Ten Cities.” On route, stop to see Ajloun castle, built under the rule of Saladin in the 12th century. Back in Amman, maybe use your last afternoon in Jordan for last-minute shopping.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 11 Amman - USA

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for your homebound flight.

Included: Breakfast at hotel