Seeking a balance of legendary sites and off-the-beaten-path adventure? "Jordan Encounters" is a 9-day small group tour that seamlessly blends classic highlights with immersive outdoor experiences. Perfect for travelers who crave a mix of history, natural beauty, and authentic cultural connection.
Starting in Amman, you’ll first journey to As-Salt, exploring the Harmony Trail to witness interfaith friendships. Back in the capital, absorb the city’s vibrant downtown, the Citadel, and Roman Theatre, and sample local cuisine. Heading south, a short hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve introduces you to Jordan’s diverse landscapes, while free time in Aqaba offers the chance to relax by the Red Sea or take a morning boat trip.
In Wadi Rum, sleep under the stars in a comfortable Bedouin camp and experience the desert’s magic during a jeep safari. Meet local Bedouin shepherds and learn about their nomadic lifestyle. The tour’s centerpiece is Petra, approached via the scenic and less-traveled back-route hike from Little Petra—rewarding you with mountain views and the grandeur of the Monastery before exploring Petra’s famous sites.
Adventure continues at Wadi Mujib, where you’ll hike through water-filled canyons along the Siq Trail. Unwind with a float in the Dead Sea and finish with visits to the mosaics of Madaba, Mt. Nebo’s panoramic vistas, and Jerash’s remarkable Roman ruins.
The unique selling point? This tour’s rare blend of classic sightseeing, active outdoor adventure, and genuine local encounters—ideal for those who want to experience both Jordan’s highlights and its hidden gems.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Discover Jordan in a week during this private tour. Starting from Amman, the capita city, this trip will take you to Jerash, Mt Nebo, Petra and Wadi Rum before coming to an end in the Dead Sea.
Enjoy strolling in downtown Amman and see the ruins of the citadel located at the centre of the city. Drive to Mt Nebo, the place from where Prophet Moses gazed at the Promised Land before he died. Discover the lost city of Petra, whose history goes back by more than two millennia, and explore the lunar landscape of Wadi Rum in an off-road vehicle.
End your trip with a relaxing stay at a Dead Sea hotel. This trip starts and ends in Amman Airport. Traveling with you during this trip will be your English-speaking driver. You will meet local tour guides in Jerash, Petra and Wadi Rum. For more details, please scroll down.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent, Camping
Age Range
12-82 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Madaba
Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Madaba, Jerash, Dead Sea, Aqaba
This tour commences in Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital. Upon arrival and after settling into your hotel, your exploration begins with a visit to Jerash, renowned for its extensive and well-preserved Roman architectural splendours. You will then return to Amman to delve into the city's rich past, visiting landmarks such as the Citadel and the historic Roman Theatre, before immersing yourself in the local culture with a street food tasting in Downtown Amman. The evening offers an engaging visit to the Wild Jordan Centre, providing insight into the country's conservation initiatives.
Next, your journey takes you along the picturesque King's Highway towards the legendary city of Petra. This leg of the trip includes several fascinating stops: Madaba, where you'll discover the famous 6th-century Byzantine mosaic map; Mount Nebo, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Jordan Valley; and the imposing Crusader-era Shobak Castle. Once in Petra, the evening is yours to enjoy, with possibilities such as the atmospheric Petra by Candlelight experience or a hands-on lesson in Jordanian cuisine. An entire day is then devoted to uncovering the secrets of the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. A guided tour will lead you through the narrow Siq to the awe-inspiring Treasury, after which you'll have ample free time to discover other marvels, like the impressive Monastery. Following this immersive experience, you'll travel to the spectacular desert landscapes of Wadi Rum for an unforgettable overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp, enjoying a customary dinner beneath the stars. Optional activities here include camel rides or an astronomy session.
The adventure continues with an exhilarating jeep safari through the stunning desert terrain of Wadi Rum. Afterwards, you'll journey north to the Dead Sea, one of the world's most extraordinary natural and spiritual sites. You will have time here to experience the unique sensation of floating in its dense, mineral-rich waters and perhaps try the therapeutic Dead Sea mud treatments. For those seeking more adventure, an optional trek through the water-filled canyons of Wadi Mujib might be available, depending on the season. Later, you will transfer to Amman's Queen Alia International Airport for your flight to the dazzling city of Dubai (please note, this flight is not included in the tour package price). Upon arrival in Dubai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to acclimatise and begin exploring this dynamic emirate.
Whilst in Dubai you'll have a comprehensive city tour, showcasing its fascinating blend of heritage and futuristic vision. You'll see iconic sights like the Burj Al Arab, wander through the historic Al Bastakiya quarter, visit the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, enjoy a traditional abra (water taxi) ride across Dubai Creek, and explore the vibrant Spice and Gold Souks. A highlight of this tour is the ascent to the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, for unparalleled views. An optional desert safari is also available, offering an exciting dune riding experience, opportunities for stunning sunset photography, and an evening filled with traditional entertainment and a barbecue dinner under the desert sky. You'll also have leisure time for independent exploration or relaxation. A memorable Dhow Dinner Cruise along Dubai Creek is planned for one evening, providing beautiful nighttime views of the city skyline, accompanied by a delicious buffet and traditional entertainment. Finally, after some last-minute sightseeing or shopping, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich histories of Jordan and Lebanon. Your adventure begins in Amman, Jordan's vibrant capital, where you'll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival, with time to settle in before the explorations commence. The following day delves deep into antiquity, starting with a visit to Jerash, renowned for possessing some of the most extensive and well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Returning to Amman, known as the 'white city', you'll explore millennia of history at the Citadel, encompassing the Temple of Hercules and Umayyad Palace, followed by the impressive Roman Theatre. The day is enriched with a lively street food tasting experience in Downtown Amman and concludes with an insightful evening visit to the Wild Jordan Centre, supporting local conservation efforts.
The journey south unfolds along the scenic King's Highway, a route offering picturesque views of deep wadis and rural villages. Stops include Madaba, famous for the ancient Byzantine mosaic map in St. George's Church, and Mount Nebo, offering panoramic vistas towards the Holy Land. After traversing the dramatic Wadi al-Mujib gorge, you'll visit the imposing Crusader fortress of Shobak Castle before arriving in Petra. Here, optional evening activities provide a magical introduction to the city, choosing between the atmospheric Petra by Candlelight experience or a hands-on Jordanian cooking class at the Petra Kitchen (pre-booking recommended). The next day is dedicated entirely to the awe-inspiring Nabataean city of Petra. Following a guided tour through the narrow Siq canyon, revealing the breathtaking Treasury facade carved into the rock, you'll have ample free time to explore this vast site independently. Discover countless tombs, the Roman amphitheatre, and consider challenging climbs to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for incredible views and a deeper appreciation of this world wonder.
Leaving Petra's rock-hewn marvels, you'll drive into the spectacular desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Experience the magic of the desert with an overnight stay in a comfortable Bedouin camp nestled amongst towering sandstone cliffs. An included jeep safari reveals the dramatic 'jebels' and unique rock formations famed by T.E. Lawrence. Enhance your desert experience with optional activities like camel riding, quad biking, a serene hot air balloon flight at dawn, or stargazing under the clear desert skies after enjoying a traditional Bedouin dinner. The following morning, after further exploration via jeep, the journey continues north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Check into your resort on its shores and enjoy ample time to experience the unique buoyancy of the salt-rich waters, indulge in therapeutic mud treatments, or simply relax. For the adventurous (typically April-October), an optional trek through the water-filled canyons of nearby Wadi Mujib is available.
Day six marks the transition to Lebanon, with a transfer to Amman airport for your flight to Beirut (please note this flight cost is not included). Upon arrival in Beirut, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. The Lebanese leg of your adventure begins by heading north to the stunning Jeita Grotto, a vast system of limestone caves filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Harissa, taking a cable car up to the mountain-top shrine for breathtaking coastal views. The day also includes a visit to the unique Baatara Gorge sinkhole and waterfall (seasonal), exploration of Douma Village with an included traditional lunch, before reaching the serene Qadisha Valley for an overnight stay in a monastery or local guesthouse.
Explore the UNESCO-listed Qadisha Valley (Holy Valley) the next morning, perhaps joining the monks for prayers, before visiting Becharre, birthplace of Kahlil Gibran, and the iconic Cedars of God reserve. The day concludes in the ancient Phoenician port city of Byblos, another UNESCO site, brimming with millennia of history. Enjoy a free morning exploring Byblos' charming markets and harbour before travelling inland. A highlight is the visit to Ksara Winery, Lebanon's oldest, for a tour of its historic caves and a wine tasting session, before continuing to Zahle.
The penultimate day offers a spectacular immersion in history with a visit to the colossal Roman temple complex at Baalbek (Heliopolis), one of the most impressive Roman sites globally. Afterwards, explore the well-preserved 8th-century Umayyad city of Anjar in the Bekaa Valley, showcasing remarkable early Islamic urban planning, before driving back to Beirut for the final night. Your comprehensive tour concludes on day eleven with free time for last-minute exploration or souvenir shopping in Beirut before your included transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Throughout the tour, breakfasts are included daily, along with specific lunches and dinners as detailed in the itinerary.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel, Resort
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Cape Town, Amman, Baalbek, Beiru
Cape Town, Amman, Baalbek, Beirut, Petra, Dead Sea, Qadisha Valley, Byblos
