Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

Arrival in Jordan is via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), the entry point for the journey into Amman. After checking in at the Landmark Amman Hotel, the first afternoon is dedicated to settling in and acclimating to the capital's unique pace. For dinner, head to Tawaheen Al Hawa Restaurant. This classic Jordanian establishment provides an authentic introduction to local cuisine, serving traditional dishes in a setting that offers a proper start to your time in the country.

The day begins with a drive north of Amman to the 12th-century Ajloun Castle. From the fortress, a one-hour hike follows dirt paths through terraced valleys filled with old olive groves and active farms, a direct look at the region’s agricultural landscape. After a stop at the nearby ruins of Mar Elias Church, traditionally known as the prophet Elijah's birthplace, the route continues to the town of Souf for lunch at Beit Khayrat Souf, a café run and operated by a team of local women.

The afternoon is dedicated to Jerash, one of the most complete Roman provincial cities in the Middle East. A few hours are needed to walk its colonnaded streets, public squares, and hilltop temples. The day concludes with the two- to two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Amman for a free evening.

Today works through Amman's history and street-level culture. The morning starts at the Citadel, an archeological site towering over the city, before descending to the restored 6,000-seat Roman Amphitheatre. From there, the focus shifts to a walking tour of the downtown souks, navigating the vibrant stalls of the spice, vegetable, and gold markets.

Lunch is a progressive meal sampled from the city's best-known food stalls, including Hashem for falafel, local shops for olives and pickles, and Habiba Pastries for kunafa. The day's organized activities conclude with a visit to a local Bedouin family for a rare glimpse into their daily life, followed by a free evening to explore Amman independently.

The route turns south from Amman, beginning with a stop at Mount Nebo, the ridge where Moses is said to have first seen the promised land. The view across the Jordan Valley remains profound. The journey continues to Madaba, a town known for its Byzantine mosaics, particularly the famous 6th-century map of the Holy Land preserved on the floor of St. George's Church.

After lunch in Dana Village, prepared by members of the local community, the final leg of the drive descends into the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The destination is the Feynan Ecolodge, a remote property in the heart of the mountains that operates entirely by candlelight after dark. The afternoon is free to walk the wadis around the lodge before dinner.

The morning near Feynan Ecolodge in the Dana region offers a choice between two experiences with the local Bedouin community. The first option is to join a local shepherd, walking into the wilderness to graze the family's goats and learning to bake traditional arbood bread over an open fire for lunch. The second option is to join a family in their goat-hair tent for a hands-on cooking class, preparing a three-course vegetarian meal together while learning about traditional life and sustainable practices. In the afternoon, the overland journey runs south from Dana to Wadi Musa, the modern gateway town to Petra. The overnight stay is at the Petra Moon Hotel, located near the visitor's entrance, leaving the evening at leisure.

Today is a full-day, point-to-point traverse of Petra, using a less-trafficked route that reveals the site's scale and grandeur. The day starts not at the main gate but at Siq al-Barid, or 'Little Petra,' a smaller Nabatean suburb. From here, a 12-kilometre hike begins, following an ancient trail through sandstone canyons. The path emerges high above the main valley, with a dramatic reveal of the Monastery carved into the cliff face.

The rest of the day is a steady descent through the heart of the ancient city. The route passes the Colonnaded Street, the Great Temple, and the Royal Tombs before reaching the world-famous Treasury. The final leg is a walk out through the narrow Siq. It's a physically rewarding day that covers the entire site from back to front.

An early start allows for a final visit to Petra to see the Treasury in the quiet of dawn. Watching the sun hit the iconic facade is a completely different experience from the midday crowds. After breakfast, the journey continues south into the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum, a landscape of red sand and towering sandstone mountains.

The afternoon is spent exploring the valley in a 4x4 vehicle, crossing dunes and stopping for a hike through the narrow Siq Al Barrah canyon. As the sun sets, the day ends with traditional Bedouin tea served in the sand, a moment of stillness in the vast landscape. Dinner is served back at a private desert camp.

The route turns north today, leaving the desert for the lowest point on Earth. The drive to the Dead Sea includes a stop at a salt pond locally known as the 'Pink Lake.' The water's startling colour is a natural phenomenon caused by high salinity and specific algae. After a stop at the salt-encrusted shoreline for a first look at the Dead Sea, the day's destination is a resort on its banks.

The afternoon is dedicated to experiencing the sea's famous buoyancy. The water is so dense with minerals that floating requires no effort. The day concludes with a final farewell dinner at the resort.

The route concludes this morning at the Dead Sea. Enjoy a final breakfast at the resort on the Dead Sea before the one-hour drive to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) near Amman. Onward flights from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) should be scheduled for the afternoon, with departures booked for any time after 12:00 PM. The drive from the Dead Sea resort to the airport near Amman takes one hour, and onward flights can be booked for any time after 12:00 PM.