Jordan and Petra Tour

Location: Amman

Arrival in Amman

Location: Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum - We set off early to make the most of the day, travelling south along the Desert Highway through the sandy heart of Jordan to Wadi Rum – the ‘Valley of the Moon’. Nothing prepares you for the awe-inspiring sight that greets us: the sandstone massif that TE Lawrence described as ‘vast, echoing and god-like’.The magnificent cliffs and stone buttresses rise sheer from the sea of red sand, together forming a timeless panorama of monolithic rocks. The twisted huge bulk of this network of canyons, rock bridges and ravines is one of the world’s most stunning desert environments. Quite apart from the visual experience – the silence is almost unnerving; bizarrely you cannot hear anything at all.After transferring to 4x4 vehicles, we tour the canyons and valleys (Signature experience, for 2026) before arriving at the Wadi Rum Space Village, a Bedouin-style tented camp.This evening enjoy a traditional ‘zarb’ dinner – a delicious barbecue cooked for hours under the hot desert sand. All tents have twin or double beds with private shower and WC.Signature experience (2026 only) -This afternoon, we'll transfer to 4x4 vehicles to explore the canyons and valleys on our way to the Wadi Rum Space Village, a Bedouin-style tented camp.  Our tour allows us to see more of this otherworldly landscape, including naturally carved rock arches and undulating red dunes, accompanied by a local guide who'll tell you more about life in Wadi Rum. You may even spot a few camels wandering across the sand. The further out you travel, the quieter and more isolated it feels, and as the sun sets over the desert, there's a sense of peace. 

Location: Little Petra

Little Petra - First, we see where vast caravans, some with over a thousand camels, gathered for their epic journeys, exploring the mysterious rock-carved rooms of ancient ‘hotels’ in the area, known as Little Petra.We stay two nights, with breakfast and dinner, at the four-star Old Village Hotel and Resort.

Location: Petra

Petra - Petra is one of the world's 'must-see' sights. Famous throughout history, its huge wealth was amassed from its time as the centre of the ancient caravan routes, which traded as far as China and rivalled that of the Romans. A city to match was created, with sophisticated public buildings lavish houses and colonnaded streets.We walk down the increasingly narrow gorge and, just as you think the vertiginous sides could not get any narrower, the incredible vista of the Treasury appears like a mirage through a slit in the rock. The perfection of its proportions and the sheer vastness of this edifice are astounding.Beyond, there’s an entire city waiting to be discovered: the amazing Royal Tombs, the theatre, the Street of the Facades, the Great Temple, early Christian churches, and the main colonnaded road that ran through the centre of this ancient but tremendously cultured city.The afternoon is at leisure, so you may wish to return to your hotel and enjoy its facilities or remain at the site to continue exploring.Signature experience (2026 only) -During our guided tour of Petra, we'll stop to enjoy a traditional Bedouin tea in the company of locals. Typically made with black tea, water, and sugar, you may also find herbs and spices - or a squeeze of lemon added for an extra kick - tea is the staple of Bedouin life in Wadi Rum. Not only does tea offer relief from the hot sun, but it's also a symbol of hospitality and tradition - a way for locals to connect with fellow travellers. 

Location: Dead Sea

King's Highway & Mount Nebo - Heading north towards the Dead Sea we travel on the scenic King’s Highway, following an ancient caravan route. It passes through some of Jordan’s most spectacular scenery with views across arid, rocky peaks. We visit the Crusader castle at Shobak, one of the region’s best-preserved forts, before continuing to Mount Nebo, where Moses first saw the Promised Land. According to Jewish and Christian tradition, the climb was so arduous that this remains his final resting place, leaving Joshua to lead his people over the River Jordan. We also visit nearby Madaba, where St George’s Church houses a superbly intricate, 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land.We stay for two nights at the four-star Holiday Inn Dead Sea, with breakfast and dinner, 400 metres below sea level. It has several swimming pools, spacious air-conditioned rooms, as well as a small beach. You must take a dip in the Dead Sea, it’s one of life’s ‘must-do’ experiences. Due to the salt content being 30 per cent, compared with normal seawater at 3 per cent, you float so easily. You cannot actually swim, but bob around like a cork and even while wading, you physically have to push your feet to the bottom to stand up! 

Location: Jerash

Jerash - Ancient Jerash is the largest and best-preserved Roman city in the region, known as the Pompeii of the east. Its beautifully colonnaded main street and forum, the hippodrome, baths and theatre are a superb example of Roman town planning on a truly grand scale.In the afternoon we return to our hotel and have some free time to enjoy the hotel facilities or take a dip in the Dead Sea.Signature experience (2026 only) -As the sun sets over the Dead Sea, we'll come together one last time to toast a fascinating desert adventure. Join your fellow travellers for a drink overlooking the Dead Sea. 

Location: Amman

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