Active Tour of Jordan

(8 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Amman & Jerash, King's Highway, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dana Biosphere Reserve, Dead Sea

This private Jordan tour features the highlights of the country, with an emphasis on the incredible landscapes and cultural sites.

Begin in Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During private touring, see ancient Roman ruins and the impressive 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex atop the Citadel, the Jordan Museum, lively souks and shopping streets, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city. Also explore Amman's best shops selling high-quality Jordanian crafts.

Next, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a homemade lunch of traditional Jordanian dishes prepared by local women.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. Also participate in a private cultural activity such as henna painting or writing Arabic calligraphy. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill.

Continue to Petra, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city by sculpting monuments and tombs into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder, see Petra's most famous ruin—the iconic Treasury—and explore the atmospheric Siq (gorge). Also see impressive Royal Tombs and Roman ruins, and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If desired, venture to other parts of the site such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for unforgettable views over Petra. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange the Back Door to Petra hike.

Next, travel into Jordan's southern desert to explore the spectacular natural environment of Wadi Rum. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this UNESCO-inscribed landscape is filled with red sand dunes, dramatic stone mountains, rock bridges and petroglyphs. The otherworldly landscapes have been used as filming locations in Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other movies. Spend a night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum to appreciate the beauty of the area as the light changes throughout the afternoon and evening. In the morning, rise early for a hot-air balloon ride over the magnificent scenery of Wadi Rum.

En route to the Dead Sea, stop to take in breathtaking views over the hills and canyons of Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse landscape that's home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Continue to a luxurious resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lavish facilities, including a private beach that provides direct access to the Dead Sea where you can float in the mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy the resort's spa, swimming pools, restaurants and lush grounds that spread over acres.