Classic Jordan

You'll head off on a full-day tour exploring Jordan’s northern highlights today. Your first taste of this magic country. First, visit Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, where you'll walk along its colonnaded streets, past grand theatres and impressive temples. Then, continue to Ajloun to visit the Arab castle, a stronghold built by Saladin’s forces in the 12th century. Finally, you'll reach Umm Qais, dramatically perched with views over the Sea of Galilee. Here, you can choose to explore the ancient Greco-Roman ruins or take part in a cultural experience, such as beekeeping or olive picking, offering a unique insight into rural Jordanian life. We love these opportunities for authentic interaction on your holidays, it’s what travel is all about.

Today, you'll be picked up for a guided tour of Amman, where you'll explore the city's key historical and cultural sites, including the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, and the lively downtown souks. Later, you'll venture out to Iraq Al-Amir, a fascinating and lesser-known Hellenistic temple surrounded by olive groves. Here, you'll also have the opportunity to visit a local women's collective, where artisans create handmade crafts and traditional Jordanian products.

You'll head off on a scenic drive along the historic King’s Highway today, stopping first in Madaba to admire its famous Byzantine mosaics, including the world’s oldest map of the Holy Land. Next, visit Mukawir, the hilltop fortress where Salome performed her fateful dance for the head of John the Baptist. Continue south to Kerak, home to one of the Middle East’s most impressive Crusader castles, before heading into the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum. You'll check into your Bedouin camp for a night under the stars, surrounded by the vast and awe-inspiring landscapes of Jordan’s most iconic desert – an experience that we're sure will be a highlight of your Jordan holiday.

After breakfast, you'll head off on a guided jeep safari with a local Bedouin guide to explore Wadi Rum’s breathtaking desert scenery. You'll pass through narrow canyons, towering rock formations, and rolling red sand dunes, stopping to see ancient petroglyphs and natural rock bridges. Later, you'll journey towards Petra, stopping first at Little Petra for a taste of what’s to come. This small but fascinating site offers a glimpse into Nabataean history before you arrive at your Petra hotel for a three-night stay.

Today, you'll be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You'll walk through the Siq, a dramatic canyon that leads to the Treasury, Petra’s most iconic monument. From here, you'll explore the heart of the site, passing the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and finally reaching the grand Qasr El Bint temple.

We've included a free day for you to explore Petra at your leisure today. You might choose to visit some of the lesser-seen sites, such as the Byzantine churches. Or, for a more active adventure, hike up to the Monastery or the Place of High Sacrifice for breathtaking views over the site. Alternatively, take a guided trek from Little Petra to the Monastery, following a lesser-known but incredibly scenic route into the ancient city. All of the magic of Petra, without the crowds.

You'll leave Petra behind today and travel north along the shores of the Dead Sea, stopping at the Panoramic Complex for incredible views over the Jordan Valley. If you’re interested in learning more about modern Jordanian culture, consider a visit to the Carbo Farmhouse in Madaba, where you can hear about the country’s agricultural traditions. Finally, you'll check in for a two-night stay on the bank of the Dead Sea, where you can unwind and take in the unique surroundings.

Today is yours to spend at leisure. Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, unwind by the pool, or treat yourself to a spa experience at your hotel. Alternatively, if you haven't yet had your fill of culture and history, you can visit Bethany-on-the-Jordan, the site where Jesus is believed to have been baptised.

You'll be transferred to Amman Airport today for your return flight to the UK, bringing your incredible Jordan adventure to an end. Until next time, Jordan!