Luxury Jordan tour with hot air ballooning

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman - Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman - At leisure in Amman

Day 1: Amman

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman
Other Transfer: After the visa formalities, you will be met by a representative at Queen Alia International Airport and enjoy a short transfer to your hotel in Amman for check in. Estimated travel time: 40 minutes.


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 Amman to Jerash and Ajloun - Transfer from Amman to Jerash and Ajloun - Tour of Jerash

Day 2: Jerash & The Decapolis - Amman

Transfer from Amman to Jerash and Ajloun
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from your hotel in Amman to the ancient city of Jerash and the town of Ajloun, with its Islamic fortress. Amman to Jerash: Estimated travel time: 1 hour Time for visit: 1 - 2 hours Jerash to Ajloun: Estimated travel time: 45 minutes Time for visit: 1- 2 hours.


Tour of Jerash
Excursion: North of Amman lies the historic city of Jerash. Known in antiquity as Gerasa, this Greco-Roman settlement was buried under sand for centuries until its excavation and restoration in the last 70 years. Today it is recognised as one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Enjoy a tour of this ancient treasure, known as ‘the City of a Thousand Pillars’. There are a great deal of fantastic Ionic columns lining the vast oval-shaped forum and the Cardo, making up an impressive 6000m colonnaded street. Other highlights are the venerable entrance to the city, the epic Temple of Artemis and the hippodrome, where chariot demonstrations are sometimes held.


Tour of Ajloun
Excursion: Traverse through pine forests and olive groves to the Castle of Ajloun, at 1250 metres above sea level. Originally built by a commander and nephew of Saladin in 1184 CE, its commanding presence on the hilltop defended three wadis. One of the few Muslim castles of its time, it resided as an important counter to nearby Crusader castles. Its elevated position could be shrewdly used for a communicative chain of beacons and pigeons, allowing messages to be darted from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. The castle once had seven stout towers and a 15 metre dry moat as defences. It was largely destroyed by the Mongol invasion in 1260, but almost immediately rebuilt by the Mamluks. As you wonder around the ruins, you'll gain an insight into the crucial strategies used by attackers and residents alike. At the end of the tour, marvel the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.


Transfer from Ajloun to Amman
Car Transfer: Head to the capital Amman from the small town of Ajloun. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes.

Transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea, via Mount Nebo and Madaba - Transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea, via Mount Nebo and Madaba - Visit Madaba

Day 3: Madaba - The Dead Sea

Transfer from Amman to the Dead Sea, via Mount Nebo and Madaba
Car Transfer: You will be transferred from Amman to the famous Dead Sea, with its sparkling waters and healing minerals, travelling via Madaba and Mount Nebo. Amman to Mt. Nebo: The distance is around: 40 KM Estimated travel time: 1 hour Time for visit: 30 minutes – 1 hour Mt. Nebo to Madaba: The Distance is around: 15 KM Estimated travel time: 20 minutes Time for visit: 30 minutes Madaba to Dead Sea: The Distance is around: 30 KM Estimated travel time to Dead Sea: 30 minutes


Visit Madaba
Excursion: You will visit Madaba, located on the King’s Road. Known as the City of Mosaics, it is home to several Byzantine-era and Umayyad mosaics, scattered all over the busy market town. You will visit the most famous mosaic, discovered in 1884 when Greek orthodox Christians uncovered it among the rubble of an old Byzantine chapel. It depicts a detailed map of the Holy Land, stretching from Palestine to the Nile Delta, and constitutes the oldest known map of Palestine in existence.


Ascend Mount Nebo
Excursion: Visit the sanctuary at Mount Nebo, a high ridge mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. It is also here that he was predicted to die before ever reaching it, and according to Christian tradition, is buried. A church was built here in the fourth century by early Christians to commemorate the site, which has since grown into a large complex. In 2000, Pope John Paul II visited here as part of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he gave a sermon to 20,000 faithful. You can see the olive tree he planted here next to the Byzantine chapel as a symbol for peace. From the top of the mount enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Holy Land, as well as views of the River Jordan valley. On clear days, you can see the West Bank city of Jericho, and sometimes even Jerusalem.


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!

Transfer from the Dead Sea to Dana - Transfer from the Dead Sea to Dana - Visit the village of Dana

Day 4: Dana Nature Reserve - Petra

Transfer from the Dead Sea to Dana
Car Transfer: You will be transferred in a southerly direction from the Dead Sea to Dana. Estimated time: 3 hours and 30 minutes


Visit the village of Dana
Excursion: Visit the village of Dana, a 15th century mountain village built in the traditional Ottoman style. With its stone arches, winding streets and mountain surroundings, its charm can easily mesmerise the senses. Dana sits at the edge of the Dana Nature Reserve; the 14 km hiking trail through Wadi Dana to the archaeological sites of Feinan in Wadi Araba begins at the end of the village. The people of Dana are from the Ata’ta tribe and until recent years, were Bedouin farmers. The Dana Cooperative plays a key role in the restoration process, and the houses still belong to the people of Dana, while terraced gardens and orchards are slowly being restored. Walk in the gardens and you'll be forgiven for thinking of a Mediterranean mountain village rather than southern Jordan. Although most locals now live in Qadisiyah, Dana is still a great place to observe traditional, Bedouin mountain village life. The locals come to Dana to tend their land, work in tourism or restoration projects, or just to catch up with friends.


Transfer from Dana to Petra via Shoback
Car Transfer: As you travel from Dana to the incredible site of Petra, stop for a short visit to Shoback, Montreal. Shobak is one of the Crusader castles on the eastern side of the Sharah mountains along the Kings Way to Petra. Perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain, it majestically looks out over fruit trees below. The castle was built in 1115 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem during his expedition to the area. Estimated travel time - 2 hours.

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

Day 5: 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 - Venture through Wadi Rum by 4x4 SUV

Day 6: Wadi Rum - 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


Venture through Wadi Rum by 4x4 SUV
Excursion: With your guide, take in the staggering scenery of Wadi Rum, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Middle East. The otherworldly, Martian appearance of the terrain has inspired countless film-makers to use Wadi Rum as a location, such as Ridley Scott for his blockbuster, ‘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 expanse. Please note that the tour is conducted in Bedouin-driven jeeps/trucks, which are open-air in the back and have benches, which can take up to 6 persons. The Bedouin people have lived around Wadi Rum for centuries, etching out a nomadic existence until relatively recently in the 20th century. Today, they offer expert ecotourism around their beloved region. Several Bedouin camps lie across the region, and any that you come across are sure to welcome you into their tents to try their sweet mint tea.


Hot Air Balloon ride over Wadi Rum
Excursion: Admire the spectacular Wadi Rum from a unique perspective with this unforgettable hot air balloon ride. Floating through the clear skies as the golden, mountainous surrounds spread out beneath you is certainly the way to absorb this stunning natural spectacle in style.

Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. - Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. - Private river cruise with snorkelling and on-board lunch

Day 7: Aqaba

Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba.
Other Transfer: Set off on the next part of your journey, on this transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. Estimated travel time: 1 hour


Private river cruise with snorkelling and on-board lunch
Excursion: Spend four hours enjoying Aqaba from the deck of a boat on an unforgettable private river cruise. Take a plunge into these ancient waters and go snorkelling to seek out the area's underwater treasures. In the beaming sunshine, you'll enjoy a delicious and freshly prepared on-board lunch.

Morning at leisure in Aqaba - Transfer from Aqaba to Amman - Transfer from Aqaba to Amman

Day 8: Aqaba - Amman

Morning at leisure in Aqaba
Excursion: Spend the morning casually exploring Aqaba or relaxing at your hotel before the next part of the tour. Aqaba's spirited waterfront has numerous bars, restaurants and cafes- all perfect spots for a mid-morning coffee. If you fancy a sweet hit of baklava, there are a few fantastic bakeries nearby Al Tarboosh. Take a wonder to the city's old town and the atmosphere of old Arabia comes to life; meander your way around the covered stalls of its buzzing souk, and admire the unique displays of handicrafts. The old town is brimming with residents sitting and chatting in the kaffiyehs. On your adventure, you will likely encounter the remnants of Mamluk fort, a 14th century stronghold of great historical significance.


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


Tour of Amman
Excursion: Get to know Jordan's proud capital, Amman. By exploring both the ancient and modern parts of the city, you'll gain insight into daily life as well as the historic culture. This tour is unguided but you'll have the convenience of a driver. Discover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Citadel, which overlooks Amman’s Labyrinthine downtown below. Marvel at the colossal pillars of the Temple of Hercules (larger than any temple in Rome) and wander around the remains of the Governor's Palace and Mosque. Visit the Archaeological Museum, and peruse the artefacts which date from prehistoric times to the 15th century. From the museum, there is the spectacular panorama of the sprawling city below: Romans built on top of Biblical remains, forging chaotic streets, all wedged into the valley. Descend from the Citadel into the capital’s throng where you can join locals alongside the most impressive remnant of Roman rule: a 6000 seat, beautifully restored amphitheatre. The Jordan Folklore Museum is located next door on the western side of the theatre. Here you can view items representing three different Jordanian cultures – Bedu (desert life), Reef (village life) and Madineh (city life). Then head back into the 21st century as you make your way into the city centre, a vibrant hub of sizzling kebab stalls, buzzing cafes and sensual souks.

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