This 8-day shoestring tour is the perfect introduction to Jordan and includes the county's most notable and famous sights. Our tour will also venture to some less touristy places to give you a real taste of Jordan.
The tour kicks off in the capital city of Amman, beginning with the Baptism Site on the River Jordan and continues along the 'Harmony Trail' through the hillside town of As-Salt. When you are here you can learn about the different religions that are practiced by the residents. The tour will give you a thorough excursion of Amman and you will get to view the remarkable Roman ruins at Jerash. You will then be taken south into the desert and along the picturesque King's Highway, crossing over vast wadis and by quaint villages, olive groves and farmlands.
You will get the chance to see some well preserved mosaics in Madaba, take in the vista over Israel from Mount Nebo and venture into the Crusader Castle in Kerak. Petra is another highlight in Jordan and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is spectacular. You will have a day to meander around the site with a guided tour and some free time to walk up to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice.
The tour will then go further into the desert of Wadi Rum and you can sleep in a Bedouin camp under the craggy cliffs and a starry sky. To enjoy more of the desert, the tour will travel via jeep safari and then head back to Amman, stopping off at the banks of the Dead Sea. You will be able to float on the surface of these famously salty waters.
The last day will be spent outside of Amman, exploring a collection of Jordan's Umayyad 'Desert Castles'. You must remember that these buildings resemble forts and merchant houses on ancient trade routes rather than castles. The tour will then visit the Azraq Wetland Reserve and the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve - two nature reserves positioned in the desert landscape and home to an assortment of wildlife, migratory birds and herds of endangered Arabian oryx.
This Jordan tour is based in comfortable 3-star hotels in Amman and Petra. However, you have the option to upgrade these to the local 4 or 5-star hotel levels if you want a little more comfort. The tour also integrates with our Egypt and Israel tours which start/finish on Sundays, and a flight or overland transfer is available at your request. Extra extensions are also available for more relaxation time or snorkeling and scuba diving at the Red Sea in Aqaba
Private tour option: If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
Discover the wonders of Jordan on this 6-day adventure from Amman to the Dead Sea. Explore the capital’s citadel, souks and street food before journeying via Mount Nebo, Madaba and Umm ar-Rasas to the rose-red city of Petra. Wander through the Siq to the Treasury, hike to the Monastery and enjoy optional evening experiences. Travel by 4x4 through Wadi Rum’s spectacular desert, then visit Crusader-era Shobak Castle. Trek Wadi Mujib’s dramatic canyon (seasonal) before floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. A perfect mix of history, landscapes and culture in one unforgettable journey.
Witness the incredible Perseids Meteor Shower from our desert camp at Wadi Rum, where you will spend a night star gazing at the Meteor Shower at its very best! Combine this amazing celestial event with Roman ruins, floating in the Dead Sea and exploring the ruins at the Rose City of Petra. All of this in eight totally amazing days!
We enjoyed our first trip with Explore on the Jordon Discovery tour . It covered everything thing that we wanted to experience in Jordan and the 2 days in Petra were essential as there is a lot to see and do.
The tour leader Saleh was knowledgeable, caring and very entertaining. He gave us an insight into Jordanian / Bedouin culture.
He and the driver paced the route / schedule very well.
Jordon is a safe and friendly country and the people were welcoming. The food was very good
This is our signature Jordan small-group tour, mixing the classic sites of Jerash and Petra with more active hikes in Petra and Wadi Mujib, a Wadi Rum jeep safari and Bedouin experience, a Dead Sea swim, Red Sea visit and much more!
We start by heading out of Amman to discover the northern city of As-Salt where we'll take a walking tour along the Harmony Trail, a local initiative demonstrating the friendship between the local Muslim and Christian populations. We'll then return to the capital city, Amman to explore downtown, including the Citadel and Roman Theatre. We'll also sample some local cuisine with a food tasting experience.
As we begin our journey to the south of the country, we'll make a stop at the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where a short hike takes us around the restored Dana Village in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest nature reserve. You'll then have some free time in Aqaba to relax, explore the reefs or even take a morning boat trip.
Leaving the coast behind, we turn our focus towards the desert, as we head to the beautiful scenery of Wadi Rum where we'll spend the night in a comfortable Bedouin camp against the towering cliffs. The next morning we take a jeep safari through the sand dunes and past amazing rock bridges before spending some time with a local Bedouin shepherd, learning about their nomadic way of life and how they look after their animals in the desert.
Our next stop is the jewel in Jordans crown, the 'lost' Nabataean City of Petra, which we reach via the lesser known back-route hike. Before embarking on our hike into Petra, we'll explore the small but equally interesting site of Little Petra, or Siq al-Barid. From here we'll take a short jeep ride to the start of the mountail trail which links Little Petra to the Monastery and main site of Petra. The back-route into Petra makes for an interesting and much less crowded way of visiting, and what's more, you'll be rewarded with incredible mountain views towards the Holy Land. Whilst hiking the back-route you'll still have the opportunity to see all of the same monuments visited on the normal route, with the addition of Little Petra and the Monastery.
Time for another change of scenery as we drive along the scenic Dead Sea road this morning, you'll have some great views of the salt-flats at the Southern end of the Dead Sea. Our first stop of the day will be Wadi Mujib, where you'll have a day of adventure, hiking through water, a climbing up small waterfalls, along the famous Siq Trail. After a day of activities, we'll make our way down to our resort right on the banks of the Dead Sea, where you have some free time to swim - or rather float - in its incredibly salty waters and to relax by the hotel pool. Don't forget a newspaper or magazine for your iconic Dead Sea photo!
On our final day of sightseeing, we'll visit the Roman mosaics at Madaba, the amazing views towards Jericho and Israel from Mt. Nebo follow and the amazing Roman site of Jerash, one of the very best preserved in the whole of the Middle East.
This was a full on bucket list trip for myself and my family and it did not disappoint in any way. We got to see all the incredible sites of Jordan such as Petra and the Dead Sea and then a number of others we had no expectations of, such as Jerash, which we found absolutely fascinating. It was a very busy trip - especially as we went on all the extra excursions that we could and I would highly recommend it. The people were incredibly friendly and our guide and driver were incredible.
Rock-hewn amphitheatres, desert dunes and coral reefs – this trip may be quick, but it packs in a lot of action! Take a nine-day adventure through the best of Jordan and Egypt to discover layered histories and striking landscapes. Wander the ancient city of Petra (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), camp in the desert, visit the sacred St. Catherine Monastery and finish up among the souqs and pyramids of Cairo. As you travel this land of mighty pharaohs and biblical prophets, you’ll be greeted by the legendary hospitality of local Bedouin people in Wadi Rum and discover the underwater worlds that lie beneath the azure waters of the Red Sea.
Marvel at the wonders of Jordan and Egypt on a cultural adventure.
Explore Jordan’s rich history including the ruins of Jerash and Ajloun. Camp overnight in the desert of Wadi Rum and float in the Dead Sea. Be awestruck by the Red Rose City of Petra before heading to bustling markets of Cairo. Cruise along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor in a 5 star Nile Cruiser. Soak up the Egyptian history as you discover the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel and more.
Travel back to ancient era and marvel at some of the finest wonders of the world.
Discover Amman's spectacular architecture and rich history before staying overnight in a desert camp in Wadi Rum. Visit the crown jewel of Jordan, the breath-taking city of Petra, and soak up the rich mineral waters in the Dead Sea. Pose with the Pyramids, walk the Valley of the Kings, and roam temples of Abu Simbel.
Take an epic adventure through Jordan and Egypt and see not one but two of the Seven Wonders of the World – now this is a trip for the bucket list! Wander the ancient city of Petra and be greeted by the legendary hospitality of local Bedouin people at a Wadi Rum desert camp. Discover the underwater worlds beneath the azure waters of the Red Sea, visit the legedary Mount Sinai and St. Catherine's Monastery, explore bustling Cairo and cruise along the Nile in a traditional felucca. Wander through Luxor, Alexandria and coastal Hurghada. Gaze at the grandeur of the pyramids, step back in time at magnificent tombs and chill out on deck while you watch rural Egyptian life pass you by along the Nile. If you want a trip packed with unforgettable experience, this one’s for you.
Your adventure kicks off in Amman, Jordan! We'll sort your airport transfer, and you'll have a free evening to settle in. Next up, you'll explore the amazing Roman ruins at Jerash and discover Amman's highlights like the Citadel and Roman Theatre. You'll also get a taste of local life with a street food experience and pop into the unique Wild Jordan Centre in the evening. After Amman, you'll travel south along the scenic King's Highway. Along the way, you'll stop at Madaba (home of a famous mosaic map), take in the incredible views from Mount Nebo, and check out the old Shobak Castle before reaching Petra. Once in Petra, you'll have the evening free – maybe try the magical Petra by Night experience or join a fun Jordanian cooking class?
Get ready for a fantastic day exploring the incredible ancient city of Petra! You'll start with a guided walk through the stunning Siq canyon to the famous Treasury, and then you'll have free time to explore more sites like the Monastery at your own pace. Later, it's off to the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum! You'll spend the night in a comfy Bedouin camp under the stars, enjoying a traditional dinner. Fancy a camel ride or some stargazing? Those are options too! The next morning kicks off with a thrilling jeep safari through Wadi Rum's amazing landscapes. Then, you'll head north to the Dead Sea for an overnight stay. You'll have plenty of time to experience that amazing floating sensation and maybe even try the therapeutic mud. If you're feeling adventurous and visiting at the right time of year, there's an optional trek through the nearby Wadi Mujib canyon too.
Leaving the Dead Sea behind, you'll fly from Amman to Cairo to start the Egyptian leg of your journey (we'll handle the transfers, but the flight cost is not included). Get ready to be amazed, because once in Egypt, your expert Egyptologist guide takes you to some truly iconic sights – the incredible Great Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx watching over the Giza plateau! It's a real 'pinch me' moment. You'll even get to refuel with a delicious and authentic Koshary lunch, a bustling plate of Egyptian comfort food, before hopping on the overnight train heading south. The train journey itself is an experience, travelling through the night (you can upgrade to the sleeper train for extra comfort). Waking up refreshed, you'll arrive in Aswan, a relaxed city on the Nile. Here, you'll take a boat trip out to the stunningly relocated Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, on its island home. You'll also get a wonderful feel for local life with an overnight stay in a colourful Nubian village nearby, known for its warm hospitality. There's an unforgettable optional trip to see the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser – seeing them at sunrise is magical. Afterwards, it’s time to slow the pace right down as you board a traditional Nile felucca. Spend the afternoon peacefully sailing down the Nile, watching rural life unfold on the banks. Your Nubian crew will sail the boat, cook your meals, and maybe even entertain you with some local songs! You'll sleep on the deck under the stars (mattresses and blankets provided – it's basic but brilliant, though a hotel upgrade is possible if you prefer comfort!). After a final breakfast on the felucca, you'll say goodbye to the crew and travel north towards Luxor, often called the world's greatest open-air museum. On the way, you'll stop at the remarkably well-preserved Edfu Temple. Once in Luxor, you might want to see the grand Luxor Temple, beautifully lit up in the evening. The next day brings more wonders with a fascinating tour of Luxor's West Bank. You'll delve into the tombs of Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, marvel at the unique terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and see the giant Colossi of Memnon. For a truly breathtaking perspective, an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the West Bank is highly recommended! There might also be a chance to explore the vast Karnak Temple complex later on. Then it's time for the overnight train journey back to Cairo. Once there, you'll have a full day to explore this bustling capital. You could relax, wander independently, or perhaps join an optional tour – maybe delve into Coptic Cairo and the Citadel, discover the evolution of pyramids at Saqqara and Memphis, or take a guided walk through the vibrant chaos of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, soaking up the sounds, smells, and sights. On your final day, there's still time for some last-minute souvenir hunting or perhaps a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient treasures including Tutankhamun's famous collection, before we take you to the airport for your flight home, full of amazing memories.
Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range hotels, Bedouin tents with proper beds in Wadi Rum, a friendly local Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, plus one night on board the felucca sailboat on the Nile.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices
Discover the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16 day adventure. Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Nile felucca cruising and Red Sea relaxation. Topped off with Jordan, home to the stunning Rose City of Petra (voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), the red desert of Wadi Rum and the buoyant Dead Sea.
Myth, religion and wonder come together on this expedition across the timeless terrain of Egypt and Jordan. From the mysteries of the Sphinx to the sublime stone structures of Petra, discover ancient sites galore. Travel on a felucca down the mighty Nile, and spend a night with Bedouin locals amid the sand dunes of Wadi Rum – these are just some of the highlights that make this adventure across the sands of time truly memorable.
Basim MubarakTravel Expert in Egypt, Israel & Jordan
Canan KaraarslanTravel Expert in Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Morocco & Turkey
