Jerash, Wadi Rum, Petra, and the Dead Sea
Jordan Private Journey
Overview
Fabled Petra, long-lost city of the Nabateans, Jerash, a fabulously preserved Roman city, the great Crusader castle at Kerak—the ancient legacy of Jordan is rivaled only by the stunning beauty of the landscape, exemplified by the stunning desert canyon of Wadi Rum. On this Private Journey, take in the extraordinary wonder of the “rose-red” city of Petra, a desert fortress carved out of craggy rocks in a remote canyon in the 3rd century BC, forgotten by the outside world for 1,000 years, then rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. In addition to Petra, Jerash, and Kerak, your journey also includes an overnight at a tented camp in Wadi Rum, haunt of T. E. Lawrence. Throughout the trip, enjoy the leadership of a private English-speaking guide, wonderful accommodations, air-conditioned vehicles, and lots of wonderful interactions with the Jordanians, among the most hospitable people in the world.
Arrive: Amman, Jordan
Depart: Amman, Jordan
Highlights
- Fabled Petra, an amazing lost city hidden in a desert canyon for 2,000 years
- Spectacular desert canyon of Wadi Rum, haunt of T. E. Lawrence; the legendary Dead Sea
- Jerash, a magnificent Roman city
Itinerary
Explore Amman on a city tour including the Citadel, Byzantine Church, Umayyad Palace, and the Archaeological Museum, then head to the fabulously preserved Roman ruins at Jerash, an archaeological masterpiece framed by the hills of Gilead. Jerash's monuments include a triumphal arch, stadium, huge fountain, temples, and colonnaded streets.
En route to Petra, visit Madaba, whose St. George's Church houses a world-famous mosaic floor, and Mount Nebo, the site where Moses viewed the Holy Land, then continue to Petra, “a rose-red city half as old as time.” This remote city is one of the great treasures of the ancient world (and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World!). Its dazzling desert setting is unmatched and its elaborately carved temples, hewn into the red and golden sandstone cliffs by the mysterious Nabatean people 2,000 years ago, are simply spellbinding. Rediscovered early in the 19th century, this World Heritage Site is a spectacular tour de force of architecture. Walk through the narrow defile called the Siq and set your eyes on the breathtaking Al Khazneh (Treasury), which was featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The landscape of Wadi Rum, with its immensity, ever-changing palette of colors, and awe-inspiring rock spires, creates an other-worldly atmosphere. Enjoy an optional ride by camel (or on foot) to T. E. Lawrence's spring and explore by 4WD to savor the majesty of the desert. Overnight at Wadi Rum Night Camp, a simple desert getaway in a superb wilderness setting.
After a short walk this morning to a small natural arch with inscriptions dating from the time of the Nabateans, the builders of Petra 2,000 years ago, continue to your hotel at the legendary Dead Sea, with the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the 5-star Dead Sea Movenpick Resort & Zara Spa.
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to the Amman airport for departure on homeward-bound flights.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is an overland touring trip with day walks to explore the fascinating temples and wonderful towns of this ancient and modern civilization. It can be enjoyed by anyone in good health who has no mobility restrictions.
The best times to visit are October-December and March-June to enjoy the warm days and cool evenings. Temperatures range from 68-80°F. Summers are hot, with temperatures running 90-100°F. November to March is the rainy season. In the desert, the contrast between day and night temperatures is dramatic.
Client Testimonials
"The trip was excellent. Everyone was very smooth and efficient and the guides were top-notch."
Arne F.
Seattle, WA
"Petra was exceptional. The night walk to the Treasury the night that we arrived was magical and a very special introduction to the site!"
Carol H.
Villa Park, CA
"A wonderful itinerary, excellent tour guide, perfect vacation. Our guide was professional, respectful, friendly, knowledgable, thoughtful, and a delight to be around."
Courtney V.
Frederick, MD
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.