Jordanian Civilization: A 7-day in-depth tour of the ancient city of Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert

 

 

Core experience:

① Visit the murals of the Wumaya Dynasty and the holy places of early Christianity, and touch the historical context of the intersection of multiple civilizations.

② Spend a whole day in Petra, the “Ancient City of Rose”, and explore the magnificent relics left by Nabatean civilization in a deep and leisurely way.

③ Take an off-road vehicle deep into the hinterland of Wadi Rum, the “Moon Canyon”, and experience wonderful floating in the “Earth’s navel” Dead Sea.

④ Challenge to climb the 80-meter-high natural stone arch and overlook the magnificent desert panoramic view from a little-known angle.

⑤ The whole journey is equipped with the best travel vehicle in the country, and accompanied by a friendly and experienced professional guide.

⑥ Carefully select the most reputable luxury hotels and boutique desert tent camps with excellent privacy.

Daily itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Amman

Arrive in Amman, the capital of Jordan, and VIP specialist will pick you up to assist in Visa on Arrival and fast customs clearance (visa fee included). Then you will be transferred to the hotel by special car for check-in and rest.

Dining: Dinner

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Amman Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Day 2 Visit to Amman’s historical and cultural heritage

In the morning, drive to the desert castle complex in eastern Amman to visit the archaeological sites dating back to the 8 th century AD of the Wumaya Dynasty. Admire beautifully preserved murals on themes ranging from court life, hunting scenes and military campaigns. Then visit a 13 th-century mosque converted from an ancient Roman fortress.

In the afternoon, return to downtown Amman and visit the city landmarks:

○ Amman Castle Mountain: Visit the Hercules Temple, Byzantine Church, the ruins of the Wumaya Palace and the Jordanian Archaeological Museum.

○ Ancient Roman amphitheater: A large stone theater built in the 2 nd century AD and still in use today.

Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Amman Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Day 3 From the Christian Holy Site to the “Ancient City of Rose”

Head to Mount Nebo, believed to be the place where the prophet Moses ascended to heaven, overlooking the magnificent panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Visit the remains of a Byzantine monastery discovered in 1933, which has become an important Christian pilgrimage site.

Then go to the ancient city of Madaba, which has a history of 3,000 years. Within St. George’s Church in Madaba, watch the oldest surviving mosaic map of the Middle East in the world (made in 542 AD), which detailed depictions of ancient street scenes in Jerusalem and other places.

Arrive in Petra, the world-famous “Ancient City of Rose” in the evening, and check into the hotel.

Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Movenpick Resort Petra

Day 4 In-depth exploration of Petra Ancient City

Full-day immersive exploration of the ancient city of Petra, a world cultural heritage site. This rose-colored capital, built by the Nabateans in the 6 th century BC, was once an important trade hub connecting the East and the West, but it was forgotten by the world for a long time after that, and it was not rediscovered until 1812.

We will have plenty of time, not only to cross the famous Snake Road and look up at the Kazni Temple (treasure house) carved in the rock wall, but also to explore in-depth areas rarely visited by most tourists, such as the sacrificial temple built around BC, and feel the more complete and shocking historical features of this “lost city”.

Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Movenpick Resort Petra

Day 5 From “Little Petra” to “Moon Canyon”

In the morning, visit the ruins known as “Little Petra” (Siq al-Barid), which has a similar architectural style to the main city, but is more tranquil because of the few tourists, which can provide a better visit experience.

Then go to Wadi Ram Desert (Moon Canyon) and stay in a boutique eco-camp with only 12 tents to ensure the ultimate privacy and escape experience. The camp offers comfortable accommodation with hot showers. In the afternoon, take an exclusive four-wheel drive off-road vehicle for about 3 hours of desert adventure, and go deep into this legendary land favored by Hollywood for its magnificent alien landforms.

Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Boutique Eco Tent Camp

Day 6 Desert Challenge and Dead Sea Floating

In the morning (about 2 hours) challenge to climb the stunning, 80 m tall natural stone arch in the Wadi Ram desert. This activity requires good physical fitness and certain arm strength. After reaching the summit, you will get an exclusive view overlooking the vast sea of sand.

Say goodbye to the desert in the afternoon and drive to the shores of the Dead Sea to stay at a top resort. Experience the unique pleasure of floating easily in the mineral-rich Dead Sea at the lowest point on earth.

Alternative programme of activities

If you don’t want to do high-intensity climbing, you can choose to take a hot air balloon in the early morning and quietly overlook the sunrise of the desert from the air.

Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Hotel: Kempinski Ishtar, Dead Sea Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea

Day 7 End of the trip, return to the airport

Free to relax in the morning at the Dead Sea Resort and enjoy the last leisurely moment. Then according to your flight time, you will be transported to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman by special car to end your wonderful trip to Jordan. If you have enough time, you can easily connect with extended trips to Oman, Egypt or Israel.

Dining: Breakfast

Hotel: End of trip, accommodation not included