Jan Goldstein and Shereen Arendt
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN AMMAN
Your first stop in Jordan will be the capital of Amman, where the old city meets the new. Upon arrival at Amman airport, your driver will collect and transfer you to your hotel.
If you arrive in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to tour this fascinating city inhabited since the bronze age.
Overnight in Amman
Day 2
AMMAN AND CULTURAL DAY
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your guide meets you for a tour of Amman. Your day will begin in the old city to visit the city’s two most famous archaeological sites, the Citadel and the Roman Theater, then continue to the Jordan Folklore Museum.
Wander over to Jabal al-Weibdeh, one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods. Here is where you’ll find antique boutiques, handicraft shops, art galleries, and museums before arriving at Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative.
Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative was founded over two decades ago by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation. Its mission is to help women be financially independent while preserving their heritage. The cooperative teaches traditional techniques to local women so they have the skills required to make goods. Crafted items, such as weaving, paper making, and ceramics are sold in their gift shop and online. Take part in a cooking and papermaking class with some women from the initiative.
Overnight in Amman
Day 3
VISIT JERASH AND AJLOUN
After a delicious hotel breakfast, your guide will collect you for a full-day tour of Jerash and Ajloun.
Your day will begin with a one-hour drive north to Jerash, considered one of the Middle East’s most significant and well-preserved Roman cities. At the ancient ruins of Jerash, your guide will decipher this archeological site for you and share stories of these ruins during a leisurely walk.
Your day continues with a visit to Ajloun castle, strategically built on top of a hill in the 12th century to prevent the Crusaders’ invasion.
This afternoon, visit the village of Orjan to experience traditional life in rural Jordan. Walk through the olive groves of a local family to see the trees that have provided this valuable fruit for hundreds of years. From here, stroll over to your host’s family home to take part in a delicious feast of home-cooked food and share a taste of this community’s culture and daily life.
With full stomachs and hearts, return to Amman for the night.
Overnight in Amman
Day 4
SEE THE TOWN OF MADABA
Today you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town of Madaba. You’ll see the incredible Byzantine mosaics, produced from the 4th to 15th centuries and excavated from the area. You’ll also see the Madaba Map, a preserved map of the Holy Lands made from mosaic and located in the church of Saint George.
After seeing the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, your driver will bring you to Mount Nebo for the same view Moses had across the Promised Land, where he died and was buried.
Finish your day at Feynan Ecolodge, one of the world’s top 25 ecolodges, rated by National Geographic. There is a daily guided sunset walk from the lodge up a nearby hilltop for freshly brewed Bedouin tea and incredible views over the expansive Wadi Araba desert.
Overnight in Feynan
Day 5
A DAY AT FEYNAN ECOLODGE
After a restful night, you’ll spend today at Feynan Ecolodge, participating in various arranged activities to connect with the surrounding community.
From the ecolodge, head to Petra on the two-hour drive to spend the night.
Overnight in Petra
Day 6
PETRA AND A COOKING CLASS
Today you’ll have time to see one of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World, Petra. Wander through the Siq and take in the magnificently carved sandstone facade of the Treasury, which once protected the ancient Nabatean city. You’ll also have the chance to explore the caves and tombs of this enchanting world heritage site.
After adventuring through the Lost City, take part in a cooking class and learn to prepare an authentic Jordanian meal. Sit down and eat the dips, appetizers, main course, and dessert you created.
Overnight in Petra
Day 7
WADI RUM CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
This morning, drive to Wadi Rum to visit Disi Women, a cooperative run by local women who are reviving the environmental heritage of the Bedouin people. Encounter the history, culture, and traditions of the Wadi Rum area through authentic cultural experiences such as pottery making and Bedouin storytelling.
After creating genuine cultural connections, your guide will drive you through the Wadi Rum desert, valley, dunes, and canyons for a two-hour sunset Jeep tour. Rock carvings, exquisite mountain views, unique landscapes, and winding gorges can be found. You’ll have time to hike and scramble at each stop.
Tonight, feel the warm hospitality of the Bedouins as you spend the night under the stars in the desert.
Overnight in a Bedouin Camp in Wadi Rum
Day 8
DEAD SEA ADVENTURE
After a special breakfast at the Bedouin camp, head north to one of the canyons near the Dead Sea; Wadi Assal, Wadi Jumeirah, or Wadi Himara. The location will depend on the weather conditions, and there will be a Dead Sea hike alternative in case of heavy rain.
Wadi Assal: Spend 5-6 hours hiking to waterfalls enjoying unspoiled nature, diverse wildlife, and a beautiful narrow canyon. This hike is easy, with some scrambling which will get your feet wet.
Wadi Jumeirah: Wadi Jumeirah is famous for its majestic rock formations, including the famous hanging rock wedged between the canyon walls. Walk 3-4 hours along the Wadi Numeira Siq Trail between the towering sandstone walls.
Wadi Himara: This is where you will find one of Jordan’s best-kept secrets. The country’s tallest waterfall can only be accessed by hiking up with ropes from its base.
Later on today, your driver will bring you to the Dead Sea for an afternoon to enjoy floating in the waters at the lowest point on earth.
Overnight at the Dead Sea
Day 9
DEAD SEA EXPERIENCE
Spend your day relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. Take a moment to unwind as you float in the salty water or have a cleansing mud bath.
Rest by the pool at your hotel and reflect on your momentous journey as you watch the sunset over Jerusalem in the far distance.
Overnight at the Dead Sea
Day 10
Departure Day
You’ll have the morning to enjoy your hotel before it’s time to say goodbye to Jordan as you board your international flight home.
