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 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 touring the highlights of Wadi Rum, and then spend a night in a desert camp to soak in the incredible scenery and sparkling night skies.
 
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 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 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. 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 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.
 
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.
 
Conclude 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. Artisans of Leisure will make a dinner reservation at one of our favorite local restaurants.
 
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