Side Trip to Jordan

(5 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Wadi Rum, Petra, King’s Highway, Dead Sea & Jerash, Amman

This fast-paced private tour of the cultural and scenic highlights of Jordan is ideal for travelers planning to be in Israel or fly into southern Jordan. 
 
From the southern border with Israel or the Aqaba Airport in Jordan, travel to Wadi Rum, a spectacular landscape of monumental stone mountains, red sand dunes, rock bridges and petroglyphs. During a private four-wheel drive tour, see highlights of this otherworldly, UNESCO-inscribed region—also known as the Valley of the Moon—that has served as locations for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other films. Spend a night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum to appreciate the sublime beauty of the area as the sun sets and the stars emerge.

Continue to Petra, an awe-inspiring archaeological complex carved into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk (or take a golf cart) through the atmospheric Siq (gorge), and see the iconic Treasury. Explore the impressive Royal Tombs and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans, the ancient people who created Petra. If desired, venture to other parts of Petra, such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, for unforgettable views over the region. 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 along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and 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. Next, 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.

Continue to a resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lush grounds and many facilities, including an extensive spa, multiple swimming pools and a private beach that provides access to the Dead Sea, where you can float in mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.

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.

Conclude in Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During flexible private touring in the city, visit the hilltop Citadel to see ancient Roman ruins, the eighth-century Umayyad Palace complex and the archaeological museum. Browse the Jordan River Designs and Turquoise Mountain showrooms, and visit other favorite shops selling high-quality, handmade Jordanian crafts. Also visit the Jordan Museum, lively souks, sweets shops, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city according to your interests.

This tour is great in conjunction with Israel, Egypt, Dubai, Turkey, London and other countries. For travels combining this with Israel, Artisans of Leisure will arrange VIP border assistance. We can also arrange tours, transfers and accommodation in other countries before and after this tour.

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