Insider Jordan

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Amman, Ajloun Castle, Jerash, Umm Qais, King’s Highway, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Dead Sea

On this in-depth private tour of Jordan, enjoy private insider touring of Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Red Sea, the Dead Sea, and the many fascinating places in between with your own top escort guide and driver.

Begin in Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During private touring, see ancient Roman ruins and the impressive eighth-century Umayyad Palace complex atop the Citadel. Visit the Jordan Museum and explore the lively souks, shopping streets and best shops in downtown Amman. Also enjoy a street food lunch, a tasting of Jordanian wines and a dinner at one of Amman’s best restaurants.

One day, 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. Also visit evocative Ajloun Castle, a hilltop Arab fortress originating in the 12th century.

Another day, enjoy a private excursion to Umm Qais to tour the archaeological ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Gadara. Also visit a local apiary to learn about beekeeping in the area, and have a home-cooked lunch of Jordanian specialties with a local family.

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 sixth-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 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.

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. Enjoy a picnic lunch and a sunset camel ride in Wadi Rum. Then, spend a night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum to appreciate the beauty of the area as the light changes through the afternoon, evening and morning. A hot-air balloon flight in Wadi Rum can also be arranged, upon request.

Continue to Aqaba, a port city and popular resort area on the edge of the Red Sea. During private touring, visit local souks and historic sites such as the Aqaba Fort. One day, enjoy a private charter boat cruise on the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, including the option for snorkeling or scuba diving over colorful coral reefs and wrecks.

Next, visit Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse desert landscape of rocky slopes and deep gorges that harbor a wide range of flora and fauna. Spend the night at a remote eco-lodge deep in the desert, and enjoy hiking by day and stargazing in the dark, clear skies at night.

Conclude your tour at 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. If desired, visit Al-Maghtas for a private tour of the UNESCO-listed archaeological complex (also known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan”) where John the Baptist is believed to have baptized Jesus. Another option is a canyoning adventure in the lower reaches of Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon.

This private Jordan tour can be extended with time in Israel, Egypt and other destinations.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world