Jordan's Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea — Expert-Led

Arrival in the White City

Touch down in Amman, where white limestone hills rise above Roman and Islamic ruins. Settle into the city's quiet rhythm before an evening presentation on Nabataean and Roman history, which establishes the academic framework for the archaeological sites ahead.

The Colonnades of Jerash & Citadel Heights

Begin the morning with a journey north to Jerash, a remarkably intact provincial Roman city that flourished under the Antonine and Severan dynasties. Walk the Cardo Maximus, observing the deep ruts left by ancient chariot wheels, and examine the unique oval forum framed by fifty-six Ionic columns. For lunch, travel to the village of Souf to visit Beit Khayrat Souf, a women-run culinary initiative. Here, participate in a hands-on cooking session to prepare traditional Levantine dishes. In the late afternoon, return to Amman for an after-hours entry to the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a). This private access allows for a quiet exploration of the Temple of Hercules and the Jordan Archaeological Museum's collection of Neolithic and Bronze Age artifacts, free from daytime crowds as the city lights illuminate the surrounding hills.

Royal Lineages and Crusader Strongholds

Start with a morning visit to the Royal Stables in Amman, dedicated to preserving the lineage of purebred Arabian horses. Continue south along the Desert Highway to Karak, where the massive 12th-century Crusader fortress dominates the skyline. Explore the dark vaulted halls and subterranean galleries of this stronghold, which played a pivotal role in the struggle between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Saladin's forces. Nearby, visit the Beit Al Jameed social enterprise to learn the traditional process of making jameed—sun-dried, fermented sheep's milk yogurt—before sitting down to a lunch of mansaf, Jordan's national dish. Arrive in Petra by evening for a night walk through the Siq. Illuminated by hundreds of candles, the narrow sandstone gorge leads to the facade of Al-Khazneh, accompanied by the spare notes of Bedouin flutes.