Jewels of Jordan - Extension to Enchanting Egypt

Welcome to Jordan!

On arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. In the evening we shall enjoy a welcome dinner together in a local restaurant.

Amman, the capital of Jordan is amongst the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is a fascinating city where the very ancient and the brand new collide.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and meet our guide and driver. We begin our journey with a scenic drive to Mount Nebo, about an hour away. This revered site is where the Prophet Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land before his death. On clear days, the views stretch across the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and even as far as Jerusalem, some 60km in the distance. We’ll visit the Church of Moses, a place of pilgrimage since the early days of Christianity, built on the mountain’s summit.

A short drive then brings us to Madaba, the “City of Mosaics”. Here we explore the remarkable 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land housed in St. George’s Church, a vital reference for biblical geography. We’ll also stop by the Church of the Apostles, where a beautifully preserved mosaic by the artisan Salamanios depicts a woman surrounded by sea life and flora.

Lunch is served at Haret Jdoudna, a traditional 19th-century stone house converted into a charming restaurant. Tucked in the heart of Madaba, it offers a warm welcome, authentic Jordanian dishes, and a setting steeped in history and local craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, we drive south through Jordan’s dramatic landscapes to reach Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (approx. 3 hours’ drive). On arrival, we check in to the Mövenpick Resort Petra, located directly at the entrance to the ancient city. The resort blends oriental charm with modern comfort—an ideal base for exploring this extraordinary site.

In the evening, we take part in the magical Petra by Night experience. We’ll walk through the narrow, candle-lit Siq, a dramatic gorge that leads to Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), where hundreds of lanterns and haunting music create an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s easy to imagine the wonder ancient traders must have felt as they entered Petra for the first time.

After breakfast, we leave the hotel and walk together to the Petra Visitors Center to begin our full-day exploration of Jordan’s most iconic site.

You may wish to take a short optional horse ride from the main gate to the entrance of the old city, before continuing on foot through the dramatic Siq – a narrow canyon flanked by towering sandstone walls. At its end, you’ll be rewarded with your first glimpse of the breathtaking Treasury (Al-Khazneh), carved directly into the rose-colored rock.

Petra was built by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago and later reached the height of its influence under Roman rule. Once a thriving hub along ancient trade routes, Petra eventually fell into obscurity until its rediscovery in 1812. As we explore further, we encounter rock-cut tombs, temples, and ancient streets that together make up more than 800 archaeological remains scattered across this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We pause for lunch at the Basin Restaurant, nestled within the heart of Petra. This buffet-style restaurant offers a welcome chance to rest and recharge before continuing your journey through the lost city.

In the afternoon, we leave Petra behind and drive south through the desert toward Wadi Rum, a journey of approximately two hours.

Wadi Rum – known as the Valley of the Moon – is a vast desert wilderness of soaring sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and ancient petroglyphs. It is famed for its connection with British officer T.E. Lawrence, who passed through the area during the Arab Revolt. The landscape here is otherworldly, and has served as the backdrop for numerous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.

To reach our camp, we transfer into 4x4 Bedouin trucks that navigate the open desert. Tonight, we stay at the eco-friendly Hayat Rum Camp, set against a dramatic desert backdrop. With just 11 tents, the camp offers an intimate, tranquil escape where you can stargaze, enjoy Bedouin hospitality, and embrace the stillness of the desert night.

After breakfast at the camp, we meet our guide at reception and set off on a two-hour adventure through the captivating desert terrain of Wadi Rum.

Traveling by 4x4, we explore a landscape sculpted by time – where massive sandstone mountains rise dramatically from the rust-colored sands. This experience is made even more meaningful knowing that the tour is operated by a local Bedouin charity, with proceeds directly supporting the community.

Following our desert excursion, we return to camp for a leisurely lunch before checking out.

This afternoon, we drive north toward the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth at over 400 meters (1,312 feet) below sea level.

Rich in biblical history and natural wonder, the Dead Sea is believed to be the site of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. For centuries, its mineral-laden waters and black mud have drawn travelers seeking therapeutic benefits. With its high salt concentration, the sea allows you to float effortlessly on the surface – a surreal and calming experience like no other.

We check into the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, nestled in lush gardens overlooking the water. With its cascading lagoons, palm-fringed pools, and ancient olive trees, the resort provides a serene retreat to end your day. Take time this evening to relax, soak in the mineral-rich waters, or enjoy the hotel’s spa and wellness offerings.

After breakfast, it's sadly enough time to bid farewell to Jordan. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.