Lost Cities and Desert Stars

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan’s capital, Amman! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).

This morning, make sure to enjoy a very quick bite at the hotel as you are headed to a traditional breakfast hosted at Iraq El-Amir Women’s Cooperative. There you will also get a chance to view their local handicrafts and workshops. After breakfast continue with a visit to Qasr El-ABed. Then you’ll return to Amman where you’ll have some time to get lunch on your own before you continue your exploration with visits to the Citadel, Roman Theatre and the Jordan Museum (where the very famous Dead Sea Scrolls are exhibited). The evening will be at your leisure. While Jordan has a relatively relaxed dress code, it’s important to dress respectfully, especially outside major cities. In Amman, shorts, skirts (not too short), dresses, and sleeveless tops are generally acceptable. Women are not required to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. For comfort and cultural respect, lightweight, modest clothing is ideal. Pants, midi to maxi skirts, and dresses are great options for both style and practicality. When exploring historical sites, wear breathable fabrics, a hat for sun protection, and comfortable close-toed walking shoes, as many areas have uneven, gravelly terrain—flip-flops and sandals are not recommended.

• Iraq El-Amir Women’s Cooperative

  After breakfast, you will meet a leading member of the Iraq El-Amir Women’s Cooperative. They will provide insight into the project, the remarkable women behind it, and their impactful work. Following this, you'll have time to explore their local handicrafts and workshops.

  09:30· 60 min· Iraq El-Amir
• Qasr El-ABed

  Continue 10 minutes down the road with a short visit to Qasr El-Abed which is an impressive castle ruin located a few kilometers from the Iraq Al-Amir village in Amman. Built 2200 ago, it is one of the structures that dates back to even before the Roman Empire. After exploring this ancient ruin, you’ll take a 30 minute transfer back to Amman where you will break for lunch on your own.

  10:30· 30 min· Iraq El-Amir
• Citadel, Roman Theatre and the Jordan Museum

  After lunch, you will visit the Citadel in downtown Amman, the Roman Theatre and the Jordan Museum. Perched atop one of Amman’s highest hills, the Citadel of Amman offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city while immersing visitors in centuries of history. Wander among the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the grand Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine church, each telling the story of Jordan’s fascinating past. Just a short distance away, step into history at the Roman Theater, a magnificent 2nd-century amphitheater that once hosted thousands of spectators. With its towering stone seats and impeccable acoustics, this awe-inspiring landmark continues to host cultural performances, offering a glimpse into Amman’s lively past and present. Finally, visit the Jordan Museum, home to some of the country’s most prized artifacts including the Dead Sea Scrolls and the prehistoric Ain Ghazal statues. You will be transferred between each of these sites. Please note that the Jordan Museum is closed on Tuesdays and Fridays.

  12:30· 180 min· Amman

This morning after breakfast you’re off to Petra. Today will be a long drive with several stops at historical points of interest. You’ll first stop at Mount Nebo, then continue to Madaba where you’ll stop to have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch you’ll hit the road again and in the afternoon you’ll stop at Shoubak Castle. Stretch your legs and explore the castle ruins on this ancient site, then make your final transfer to Petra. Upon arriving you’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local home. While Jordan has a relatively relaxed dress code, it’s important to dress respectfully, especially outside major cities. In Amman, shorts, skirts (not too short), dresses, and sleeveless tops are generally acceptable. Women are not required to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. For comfort and cultural respect, lightweight, modest clothing is ideal. Pants, midi to maxi skirts, and dresses are great options for both style and practicality. When exploring historical sites, wear breathable fabrics, a hat for sun protection, and comfortable close-toed walking shoes, as many areas have uneven, gravelly terrain—flip-flops and sandals are not recommended.

• Mount Nebo & Madaba

  A 45-minute transfer brings you to your first destination, Mount Nebo, a site of deep historical and spiritual significance. Believed to be the place of Moses’ Memorial, this is where the prophet is said to have gazed upon the Promised Land and where he is thought to be buried. Wander through this sacred sanctuary and marvel at the stunning fourth-century mosaics that adorn the ancient church. Next, continue 30 minutes to Madaba, the renowned City of Mosaics. Visit a local workshop for an introduction to the intricate art of mosaic-making, a tradition deeply embedded in the city's heritage. Madaba is celebrated for its Ottoman-style houses and breathtaking Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St. George's Church. Throughout the city’s churches, museums, and homes, you’ll discover an array of mosaic masterpieces dating back to the fifth to seventh centuries, each telling a story of Jordan’s rich artistic and cultural past. It is important to note that most of these workshops have a souvenir shop however this stop will be for educational purposes and not shopping focused.

  · 90 min· Madaba
• Shobak Castle

  Set atop a mountain, Shobak Castle is an enchanting castle that was built in 1115 under the rule of King Baldwin I. Shobak Castle is particularly striking due to its remote location in the desert which will make you feel a world away from home. With your guide, you will explore the churches, historic ruins, and a secret passageway that leads to a charming spring. The castle also boasts a watchtower, catacombs and a number of Christian carvings and Islamic tablets. After your visit, you will drive another 45 minutes to Petra.

  17:30· 60 min· Maan Governorate
• Transfer · Madaba → Shobak Castle

  Continue your transfer from Madaba to Shobak Castle.

  150 min

Fill up on breakfast and depart to explore Petra beginning from a trail that starts from the back entrance. After hiking into this lost city, you will explore the sites with your guide. You’ll break for lunch on your own at one of the restaurants inside the site. After your visit, you will hike out to depart from the main entrance before being transferred back to your hotel. This evening you’ll enjoy an included dinner at the hotel. While Jordan has a relatively relaxed dress code, it’s important to dress respectfully, especially outside major cities. In Amman, shorts, skirts (not too short), dresses, and sleeveless tops are generally acceptable. Women are not required to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. For comfort and cultural respect, lightweight, modest clothing is ideal. Pants, midi to maxi skirts, and dresses are great options for both style and practicality. Today you will want to wear breathable fabrics, a hat for sun protection, and comfortable close-toed walking shoes or hiking boots, as many areas have uneven, gravelly terrain—flip-flops and sandals are not recommended. You’ll also want to bring water and a small back pack to carry personal belongings.

• Petra via Back Entrance - Hike

  Take a 15 minute transfer to north Petra. From there you will hop on 4x4 trucks and ride through the desert to the beginning of the steps of the trail. Then your guide will lead you on a 2 mile hike (approx. 1 hour) to the Monastery. The trail ascends and descends rock stairs, gaining approximately 800 feet, while offering fewer crowds and amazing views. Once you reach the Monastery, you’ll explore this ancient wonder and have time to rest at the café out front. Then you’ll continue onward, descending 850 steps to the Basin. Here, you'll be able to explore sites like The Great Temple, The Royal Tombs, Qasr al-Bint Temple and more. You’ll also have time to eat lunch at one of the restaurants within the Basin. Finally you’ll begin your hike from the Basin to the main entrance - a 2.5 mile walk. From the main entrance you’ll transfer back to the hotel. Please note that you’ll be hiking 5-6 miles today not including time spent exploring the sites. Please take caution when hiking the back entrance trail as you will be walking on uneven rocky surfaces. Please take caution and pace yourself accordingly.

  08:00· 300 min· The archaeological site of Petra

Enjoy breakfast before driving north to visit Little Petra. Explore the site including the triclinium, then depart and begin your transfer south to Wadi Rum. You can either have lunch before you depart to Wadi Rum or when you arrive. You’ll transfer south and then you’ll switch vehicles to a 4x4 Bedouin truck and continue through the desert. Upon arrival at your Bedouin camp, you’ll enjoy dinner in the desert under the stars. While Jordan has a relatively relaxed dress code, it’s important to dress respectfully, especially outside major cities. In Amman, shorts, skirts (not too short), dresses, and sleeveless tops are generally acceptable. Women are not required to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. For comfort and cultural respect, lightweight, modest clothing is ideal. Pants, midi to maxi skirts, and dresses are great options for both style and practicality. When exploring historical sites, wear breathable fabrics, a hat for sun protection, and comfortable close-toed walking shoes, as many areas have uneven, gravelly terrain—flip-flops and sandals are not recommended.

• Little Petra

  Drive 15 minutes north towards Little Petra (a miniature of Petra) also known as Siq El-Barid. Like Petra, Little Petra is a Nabataean site, with buildings carved into the walls of the canyons. You’ll explore this site with your guide before continuing your transfer to Wadi Rum.

  09:00· 60 min· Petra
• Wadi Rum

  Once you've transferred into 4x4 trucks, you’ll continue for another 2 hours through some of the most striking desert scenery on the planet. Wadi Rum is full of weird and wonderful lunar-like rock formations, and traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the area – from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks.

  12:00· 120 min· Wadi Rum
• Transfer · Petra → Wadi Rum

  From Little Petra you’ll transfer 2 hours by your private motorcoach before changing vehicles to a 4x4 Bedouin truck and continuing to Wadi Rum.

  120 min

Today you will be transferred from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea. You will stop for you to get lunch en-route and then continue until you arrive at the Dead Sea. Upon arriving you will check into your hotel then you will be able to float in the Dead Sea. You will have the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Today, you’ll want to dress comfortably for the transfer to the Dead Sea, then you’ll change into your swimwear. Normal swimwear is acceptable but please be aware that if you do the mud experience then stains will remain visible even after washing the swimwear. It is also advised not to shave on the same day as the water is very salty which may cause pain and discomfort.

• The Dead Sea Float

  After checking into your hotel, you’ll have free time to float in the Dead Sea - a short walk from your hotel. If you arrive before hotel check-in is ready, you’ll be able to change in the hotel bathrooms in the lobby. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level) and isn’t actually a sea, but rather a super-salty lake (dead because of the lack of life in it). The density of the water means you’ll go for a float, not a swim. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties, so why not cover yourself from head to toe for a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath. Normal swimwear is acceptable but please be aware that if you do the mud experience then stains will remain visible even after washing the swimwear. It is also advised not to shave on the same day as the water is very salty which may cause pain and discomfort.

  15:30· 120 min· Dead Sea
• Transfer · Wadi Rum → Dead Sea

  This morning you'll leave your desert camp, taking a 30 minute ride on 4WDs to the main entrance, then continue north towards the Dead Sea. You will make a stop for lunch en route.

  270 min

After breakfast this morning you will transfer to Ajloun to visit the Ajloun castle. Explore this fortress with your guide before continuing to Jerash, known as the Pompei of the Middle East. Enjoy lunch in Jerash before transferring back to Amman. This evening you’ll enjoy your final meal and toast to an amazing trip! While Jordan has a relatively relaxed dress code, it’s important to dress respectfully, especially outside major cities. In Amman, shorts, skirts (not too short), dresses, and sleeveless tops are generally acceptable. Women are not required to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque. For comfort and cultural respect, lightweight, modest clothing is ideal. Pants, midi to maxi skirts, and dresses are great options for both style and practicality. When exploring historical sites, wear breathable fabrics, a hat for sun protection, and comfortable close-toed walking shoes, as many areas have uneven, gravelly terrain—flip-flops and sandals are not recommended.

• Ajloun Castle Visit

  Perched in northern Jordan’s highlands, Ajloun is home to the impressive Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built by Saladin’s forces to defend against the Crusaders. With your guide, you will discover the story of Jordan’s medieval past while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes.

  10:30· 60 min· Ajloun
• Jerash

  Proceed 30 minutes to Jerash, once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world and now home to some of the best Greco-Roman ruins around. With your guide, explore the striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings and colonnaded streets, a beautiful place to spend a morning exploring.

  11:30· 120 min· Jerash
• Transfer · Dead Sea → Ajloun

  Transfer from the Dead Sea to Ajloun.

  shared · 90 min
• Transfer · Jerash → Amman

  Transfer from Jerash to Amman.

  60 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).