Family-friendly Jordan discovery tour

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to the Dead Sea - Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to the Dead Sea - At leisure around the Dead Sea

Day 1: The Dead Sea

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to the Dead Sea
Shared Other Transfer: You will be met by one of our representatives at Queen Alia International Airport. After visa formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel near the Dead Sea where you will check in and relax. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes


At leisure around the Dead Sea
Excursion: Spend some time at leisure around the Dead Sea, exploring the unique qualities of this fascinating natural phenomena. The earth’s lowest point presents a romantic image of the Middle East. The lake’s hyper-saline waters blur beautifully from an emerald green at its edges into a brilliant aquamarine at its depths. Interestingly, despite its paradisaical appearance, this environment is stark; the sea so salty that no living creatures can survive here. For tourists however, the benefits are many. It’s the only place in the world where this particular combination of spa benefits exist. Peculiar climatic conditions, an enriched oxygen atmosphere, mineral-rich sea salt and mineral-rich mud all offer medical and therapeutic benefits that attract visitors from all over the world. The plants that grow at the lakeside, particularly the balsam tree, produce highly valuable and sought-after cosmetics, perfumes and medical substances. Nothing beats floating effortlessly in these salty depths, just beware that it comes with the occasional sting!

Swim in the Dead Sea - At further leisure around the Dead Sea

Day 2: The Dead Sea

Swim in the Dead Sea
Excursion: Immerse yourself into Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (429 metres below sea level) and one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. Its deep blue waters gradually change to emerald at the shore, where rocky ridges of salt crystalise in the desert heat. The high level of evaporation here has rendered the lake nine times saltier than regular sea water. Spend some time trying to ‘swim’ in this extremely buoyant water, where you can practically sit on the surface. The salt and minerals of this lake have long been used for health and skin benefits, and even for Egyptian mummification. Cover yourself in the sticky mud and enter the water. The salt will sting cuts that you didn’t know you had; definitely don’t shave before swimming!


At further leisure around the Dead Sea
Excursion: Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace around the Dead Sea. Relax on your hotel's private beach or perhaps swim in one of the five pools for a less salty experience. Unwind in the spa, play a round of beach volleyball or eat tasty local fare in one of the shore bars or restaurants. Alternatively, there are a number of excursions available around the Dead Sea and the surrounding countryside if you prefer something more active.

Transfer from the Dead Sea to Kerak - Transfer from the Dead Sea to Kerak - Explore Kerak Castle

Day 3: Kerak - Petra

Transfer from the Dead Sea to Kerak
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from the Dead Sea to Kerak via the famous King's Highway, a historical route of north-south trade but today a simple road that meanders through some of Jordan's most impressive countryside. It is mentioned in the Bible, when Moses is refused access to the road, and was an important base of trade for the Nabatean kingdom from their base at Petra, and the later Roman Empire. Estimated travel time: 2 hours


Explore Kerak Castle
Excursion: The city of Kerak was the ancient capital of Moab, a kingdom frequently mentioned in the Bible. Whether you approach Kerak from the ancient Kings’ Highway to the east or from the Dead Sea to the west, the striking silhouette of this fortified castle town, 900m above sea level, will certainly reveal why the fates of kings and nations were decided here. An ancient crusader stronghold dating back to the 1140s, Kerak’s best-preserved halls and passageways are located underground and can only be reached through a massive door. Make sure to bring a torch to explore these darker corners of the castle. You will explore this enormous fortification with your guide. Plenty of useful information can be found displayed around the keep. Make sure to enjoy the vast views from this high point across the wadis (valleys) in all directions. If it is a clear day you will be able to make out the Dead Sea in the distance.


Walk through Dana Nature Reserve
Excursion: You will explore one of Jordan's hidden treasures: Dana Nature Reserve, near Petra. Your local English-speaking guide will show you around the charming fifteenth century stone village of Dana, as well as the surrounding countryside. The village sits on a precipice and overlooks the valley below. The nature reserve offers a vast variety of terrain, from heights of 1700 metres at the top of the sandstone cliffs to 50 metres below sea level at the valley floor of Wadi Araba. Everything from wooded highlands, rocky slopes, sand dunes and stony deserts fill the spaces between. Diverse ecosystems populate the landscape: 600 species of plants, 180 birds and 45 mammals, including herds of ibex, mountain gazelles, sand cats, foxes and wolves. You will explore this vast nature reserve for three or so hours. If you visit in spring, look out for the beautiful carpet of blooming flowers on the hillside, or in autumn, the dramatic auburn foliage of the trees.


Transfer from Kerak to Petra
Car Transfer: You will be driven from Kerak Castle to the ancient city of Petra, nestled along ancient trade routes and hidden deep in desert canyons (siqs). Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Explore the magic of Petra - full day tour with a local guide

Day 4: Petra

Explore the magic of Petra - full day tour with a local guide
Excursion: A full day is in store to explore the iconic site of Petra, a glorious Nabataean city dating to the third century BCE. Petra is justifiably a bucket list experience - half-built, half-carved into the face of red, white and pink sandstone cliffs, the towering facades of the buildings lie hidden in twisting canyons and clefts in the rock. The Nabataeans were originally nomadic Arabs, and Petra started its development as a caravan town, however their sophisticated water collection system allowed them to permanently settle in this mostly arid region. Being situated between the Red and Dead Seas, on a crossroads of trade between Arabia, Egypt and Syria, Petra’s prosperity quickly grew into the grandeur we can still see today. You will approach the stunning ‘Red-Rose City' having crossed the desert for around 700 metres, before arriving at Al Siq- the 76 metre-high, dramatically narrow sandstone canyon. Wander through this twisting ravine before emerging upon the impressive, temple-like facade of the Treasury building (you may recognise from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). Continue along a winding road of tombs and decorative false fronts - this street leads you into the centre of the ancient town. You will then climb high up the cliff face to explore the cavernous Royal Tombs, as well as the ruins of the High Place of Sacrifice which sits atop the mountain. As you're guided around these treasures, it is staggering to think that around only 15% of the site has been excavated, with 85% of Petra remaining untouched below ground.

Transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum - Transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum - Explore Little Petra

Day 5: Petra - Aqaba

Transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum
Other Transfer: You will leave the legendary site of Petra and set off in the direction of Wadi Rum. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


Explore Little Petra
Excursion: Welcome to ‘Little Petra’, a small settlement just north of Petra proper. Once an important suburb of the ancient town, this is where successful merchants entertained their counterparts from the Silk Road. Approach the ruins through a narrow gorge known as Siq al-Barid, or ‘the cold Siq’, so named because its towering cliffs prevent any sunlight from reaching it. The Siq runs for 350 metres between the immense, rust-coloured rock, and opens up three times along its length. When you reach the first opening, you will notice the higher density of buildings here compared with Petra, as well as the quaint staircases carved into the rock face, turning the Siq into a multi-storey alleyway. The second opening has several triclinia, a kind of formal dining room; and up some stairs to another dining room, where a fabulous painted fresco was found in 2010. It is the only surviving example of Nabataean interior painting, and one of very few examples of large-scale Hellenistic paintings in the world. Make sure to visit the 'Painted Room' before you leave Little Petra – it is not to be missed.


Wadi Rum (4x4 Jeep & Camel Ride)
Excursion: Accompanied by a local guide, explore the spectacular scenery of Wadi Rum, one of the most unique and colourful landscapes in the world. The otherworldly, Martian appearance of the terrain has inspired countless film-makers to use Wadi Rum as a location, the most recent venture being Ridley Scott’s ‘The Martian’. Besides the rust-coloured sand dunes, dramatic rock formations, cliffs and narrow siqs (canyons), Wadi Rum is covered in 25,000 rock carvings and 20,000 inscriptions from centuries of trade caravans passing through this desolate region. Aramaic characters, prehistoric camel carvings, Nabataean inscriptions, and even a sculpture of TE Lawrence’s bust fleck the scattered rocks and cliffs of this enormous expanse. You will be driven around the red sand of Wadi Rum by local Bedouin people in 4x4 Jeeps. The Bedouin people have lived around Wadi Rum for centuries, etching out a nomadic existence until relatively recently in the 20th century. Today, they operate expert eco-tourism around their home region. Several Bedouin camps lie across the desert, and any that you come across are sure to welcome you into their tents to try their sweet, minty tea. Marvel at the famous rock formation now known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, in honour of TE Lawrence’s autobiographical account of the same name, detailing his time working with the Bedouin during the Arab Revolt of the First World War. Witness the enormous, shifting sand dunes that have been formed from millennia of erosion, as well as the hidden inscriptions and petroglyphs scattered among the siqs and dried out springs. Discovering these small remnants of past travellers and traders feels improbable and miraculous in the vastness of the desert. You will pass through Siq Um Tawaqi, a narrow canyon with a sculpture of TE Lawrence’s head. Afterwards, mount a noble camel for a couple of hours and see more of the desert. This is one of the most stunning way of seeing Wadi Rum. The camels go slowly, and you will feel like a true Bedouin riding the 'ships of the desert' after a few hours in the saddle. Your guide will be on his own camel, and all the camels are tethered together for an orderly and comfortable trip. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can take the reins and put your inner Bedouin to the test!


Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from the beautiful landscapes of Wadi Rum to Aqaba, Jordan's only coastal city. Estimated travel time: 1 hour

At leisure in Aqaba

Day 6: Aqaba

At leisure in Aqaba
Excursion: Enjoy some time at leisure in Aqaba; the city retains a relaxed small-town atmosphere despite its growing developments. Discover its major landmarks: right by the coast is a sixteenth century Mamluk castle, now commonly referred to as Aqaba fort. Originally built as a ‘khan’-a traveller’s inn for pilgrims on their way to Mecca- it became the site of one of the First World War’s most famous battles, when Arab Revolt forces successfully took the town from its Ottoman occupiers. The main draw of Aqaba is its fabulous coast, hugging the warm waters of the Red Sea. Some of the region’s best coral reefs are around Aqaba, and make for excellent snorkelling, diving and swimming adventures. If you prefer to stay dry, there are a number of glass-bottomed boat tours that reveal the wonders of the underwater world without needing to jump in yourself. Alternatively, you can grab a book and relax on one of the nearby beaches. Palm beach is a relaxing and convenient option, where the call to prayer can be heard echoing across the sand from the central mosque. There is also Berenice Beach Club further down the coast, where swimming pools, restaurants and changing rooms accompany the coastline.

At further leisure in Aqaba

Day 7: Aqaba

At further leisure in Aqaba
Excursion: You will enjoy another day at leisure in Aqaba. Relax in the beautiful scenery of the coastline, sunbathing or reading your favourite book under the shade of a palm, looking out across the emerald waters with the craggy, dusty mountains lining the horizon. Alternatively, avid birdwatchers ought to investigate the Aqaba Bird Observatory, recognised as the best site to observe wading birds in the whole of Jordan. Positioned strategically in a bottleneck along the migratory routes to Africa and Asia, the observatory attracts over 200 species of birds, including the Arabian babbler, Nubian nightjar and Dead Sea sparrow. The observatory was set up accidentally in 1986 when sewerage treatment ponds started attracting birds looking for a rest on their long migration. The observatory was then set up to exploit the potential of this location for birdwatching and study.

At leisure in Amman - Transfer from Aqaba to Amman - Transfer from Aqaba to Amman

Day 8: Amman

At leisure in Amman
Excursion: Amman is one of the easiest places to experience Middle Eastern culture in all its splendour. Spend some time today exploring this vibrant city, which provides an eclectic mix of contemporary and historic attractions. If it's not planned elsewhere in your tour, head to the ancient Citadel for impressive architectural treasure. Looming over the city at the top of the Jabal (hill), the citadel is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world. You will see that Amman beautifully fuses the ancient with new, as evidenced by the downtown amphitheatre; used by locals almost as a park to mingle and relax. Elsewhere you can discover the Umayyad Palace, a Byzantine church and even an inscription from the Phoenicians. In valley of downtown, traffic roars over the sound of hawkers flogging coffee, cigarettes and trinkets on street corners, Arabic music blares from shop fronts, and food stalls draw you in with mouth-watering aromas. Amble past the hubbub of colourful souks, mosques and coffee houses. Test out musks and floral fragrances in a melange of perfume stalls, or lose yourself in the richer scents of a traditional spice shop (some local Za’atar and Sumak make fantastic souvenirs). For some respite, a cool cup of sugar cane juice is a Jordanian staple, or indulge in some Arabic coffee. Whatever you do, do make the most of Amman’s excellent street food: a popular snack is the kaek sandwich - a sesame seed bread filled with cheese, hard baked eggs, za’atar, and chilli sauce. Enjoy every bite as you people-watch and absorb the infectious atmosphere.


Transfer from Aqaba to Amman
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from Aqaba to the capital city, Amman. Estimated travel time: 4 hours

Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport - Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport

Day 9:

Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport
Car Transfer: You will be met at your hotel in Amman and driven to Queen Alia Airport for your onward flight. Estimated travel time: 45 minutes