The Ultimate Jordan Experience - 8 Full Days Private Tour

Day 1: Amman City Tour

1. King Abdullah Mosque
   30m
   Known as the Blue Mosque, built between 1982 and 1989. It is capped by a magnificent blue mosaic dome beneath which 3,000 Muslims may offer prayer.
   
   Note: Men must have long trousers on and women must cover their heads, arms and legs.
2. The Citadel
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Citadel is considered an important site because it has had a long history of occupation by many great civilizations. Most of the buildings still visible at the site are from the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods. The major buildings at the site are the Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church, and the Umayyad Palace.
   
   Archaeologists have been working at the site since the 1920s, including Italian, British, French, Spanish, and Jordanian projects, but a great part of the Citadel remains unexcavated.
3. Roman Theatre
   1m · Admission ticket not included
   Step back 2,000 years in time with a visit to the ruins of this imposing amphitheater, which once held 5,000 spectators, and is still used today for theater and entertainment.
4. The Jordan Museum
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Jordan Museum is located in the dynamic new downtown area of Ras al-‘Ayn. Presenting the history and cultural heritage of Jordan in a series of beautifully designed galleries, The Jordan Museum serves as a comprehensive national centre for learning and knowledge that reflects Jordan’s history and culture, and presents in an engaging yet educational way the Kingdom’s historic, antique and heritage property as part of the ongoing story of Jordan’s past, present, and future.

Day 2: Visit the North Sites, Nature and Wildlife

1. Jerash Ruins
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   A close second to Petra on the list of favourite destinations in Jordan. Its imposing ceremonial gates, colonnaded avenues, temples and theatres all speak to the time when this was an important imperial centre. Even the most casual fan of archaeology will enjoy a half-day at the site – but take a hat and sunscreen in the warmer months, as the exposed ruins can be very hot to explore.
2. Ajloun Castle
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   This historic castle was built atop Mt ‘Auf (1250m) between 1184 and 1188 by one of Saladin’s generals, ‘Izz ad Din Usama bin Munqidh (who was also Saladin’s nephew). The castle commands views of the Jordan Valley and three wadis leading into it, making it an important strategic link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders and a counterpoint to the Crusader Belvoir Fort on the Sea of Galilee in present-day Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
3. Al Ma'wa for Nature and Wildlife
   3h · Admission ticket not included
   Al Ma’wa is perched on the hills outside Jerash in one of the few forested areas in the country, an hour north of the capital, Amman. The center is supported by the Princess Alia Foundation and Four Paws.
   
   the sanctuary covers 140 hectares, 75 of which are used for enclosures for large animals, the first of which arrived in Autumn 2016. Al Ma’wa currently provides shelter and care for 17 African lions, 2 Bengali tigers, 2 Syrian brown bears and 2 Asian black bears.
   
   Located between three continents and surrounded by areas of geopolitical tension, Jordan is a crossroads for illegal wildlife trafficking. The country has enacted legislation to protect wildlife and is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Day 3: Dead Sea, Madaba & Nebo

1. Dead Sea Region
   2h
   Swim, float, and nourish your skin at the Dead Sea, a hypersaline lake. At 428 m (1,404 ft) below sea level, it is the earth’s lowest point. However, the sea is most notable for the water’s saltiness, which makes it good for floating and lends it some restorative dermatological properties. Salt and minerals from the sea are used in cosmetics and bath products all over the world.
   
   To access the beach and necessary facilities such as toilets and showers, you need to enter one of the private beaches where entrance fees start from 25 JD per person.
2. Mount Nebo
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Mount Nebo is an elevated ridge in Jordan, approximately 817 metres (2,680 ft) above sea level, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. The view from the summit provides a panorama of the Holy Land and, to the north, a more limited one of the valley of the River Jordan. The West Bank city of Jericho is usually visible from the summit, as is Jerusalem on a very clear day.
   
   They have a beautiful Lebanese style restaurant where you can enjoy lunch.
3. Madaba
   2h
   A trip to Madaba will delight most history enthusiasts: the small, friendly town boasts a plethora of exquisite Byzantine mosaics, decorating its buildings and archaeological sites. You can easily sightsee in Madaba on foot, and its several historic churches and ancient ruins lie interspersed with lively shops and marketplaces selling traditional woven carpets and clothing. Home to a large Christian population, the town has a longstanding practice of harmony between its Muslim, Catholic, and Greek Orthodox communities. You won’t lack in dining choices in Madaba, with numerous local fast food spots selling both Jordanian and international cuisine, as well as a couple of finer establishments.

Day 4: Travel to Petra through the Kings Road

1. Mujib Nature Reserve
   Pass by
   A quick stop at this stunning viewpoint of Mujib Dam
   
   It is a composite dam mainly used for irrigation.
2. Karak Castle
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   The Karak Castle is a crusader stronghold from the 12th century located in the center of Jordan. One of the largest in the Levant.
3. Dana Nature Reserve
   Pass by
   It is a village near the city of Tafilah, in the Feynan area in central-western Jordan. It is situated on the edge of Wadi Dana, a large natural canyon, and has views over Wadi Araba. It is host to Dana Biosphere Reserve, one of Jordan’s premier nature reserves with ecotourism facilities.
4. Shobak Castle
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Set atop a mountain, Shobak Castle is an enchanting castle that was built in 1115 under the rule of King Baldwin.
   
   It is particularly striking due to its remote location in the desert which will make visitors feel a world away from home. Within the castle grounds, visitors can explore the churches, historic ruins, and a secret passageway that leads to a charming spring. The castle also boasts a watchtower, catacombs and a number of Christian carvings and Islamic tablets.

Day 5: The day of Petra

1. Petra
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   You will be escorted by a licensed local guide.
   This site is originally built over 2,000 years ago by the Arab Nabataeans, Petra serves as a representative example of ancient rock-cut architecture and water collection techniques. Visitors know the fortress and important post on Middle Eastern trade routes for its reddish color. Approach the ancient site by hiking an easy 1 km (0.6 mi) path through steep rock cliffs. Upon arrival, you’ll find hundreds of surviving tombs carved in relief out of the rock, as well as a Roman-style amphitheater, a Nabataean monastery, and an intricately detailed treasury.
   
   Wear comfortable shoes and a hat to protect your head from the sun, and carry plenty of drinking water.
2. Aqaba
   1h
   After your visit to Petra, you will be headed to Aqaba for an overnight in this peaceful beach city.

Day 6: Experience Wadi Rum

1. Wadi Rum
   2h
   Transfer to Wadi Rum protected area in the afternoon to reach before sunset time to enjoy your jeep tour.

Day 7: Half Day in Wadi Rum then Return to Amman

1. Amman
   4h
   Return to Amman by noon after you had a half-day free time in the desert or we could arrange for a special activity on that day upon request.
   Activities could be a hike to a viewpoint mountain, a horse ride, a camel ride, a 4 hours jeep tour, or a self walk at one of the cool canyons. (Activities are for an extra fee)

Day 8: Visit the East Side of Jordan

1. Shaumari Nature Reserve
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Initially a breeding center for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. Today, following breeding programs with some of the world’s leading wildlife parks and zoos, this small, 22-square-kilometre reserve is a thriving protected environment for some of the most rare species of animals in the Middle East. Oryx, ostriches, Onagers (an Asian wild ass) and gazelles.
   
   You can enjoy a Jeep Safari Tour for a close encounter with the wild animals in the reserve and get to know the various desert plants and their uses in the old times.
2. Azraq Wetland Reserve
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Azraq Wetland Reserve is a nature reserve and oasis for migratory birds. Azraq was established in 1978 and covers 12 square kilometers (4.6 sq mi).
   
   You will enjoy walking the marsh trail which will give you an excellent introduction to the Reserve. The boardwalk leads you through dry and wet areas to a viewing platform overlooking the springs that once released millions of cubic meters of water into the marshland. After leaving the platform, the trail takes you over an ancient black basalt wall, most likely constructed by an Umayyad Caliph. The trail then leads to a bird hide made of local Mud and straw, where you can observe the migratory birds and perhaps catch a glimpse of the water buffalo. Follow the trail back to the Visitor Center, passing yet another part of the ancient basalt wall.
3. Qasr al-Harraneh
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   A UNESCO World Heritage
   
   Built in the early 8th century, this exceptionally well-preserved desert castle was both a fortress with a garrison and a residence of the Umayyad caliphs. The most outstanding features of this small pleasure palace are the reception hall and the hammam, both richly decorated with figurative murals that reflect the secular art of the time.
4. Qasr Al-Harranah
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Qasr Kharana is one of the best-known of the desert castles located in present-day eastern Jordan, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) east of Amman and relatively close to the border with Saudi Arabia. It is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in the region.
   
   Its purpose remains unclear today. “Castle” is a misnomer as the building’s internal arrangement does not suggest a military use, and slits in its wall could not have been designed for arrowslits. It could have been a caravanserai, or resting place for traders, but lacks the water source such buildings usually had close by and is not on any major trade routes.

Pickup details

We can pick you up anywhere from Amman, or you can meet us at the Sydney Hotel. In case you are in a different city, we can still come to pick you up (extra charge might apply)

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels