Day 1 : Amman
Arrive into Amman airport where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Amman.
Overnight in Harir Palace Hotel, Amman
Meal plan: n/a
11 days
Ask us for pricing
This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Intro
This tour takes in the main highlights of Jordan and a few hidden gems. Petra, with its jaw-dropping rock carvings and landscapes, often steals the show, but Jordan offers much more, and is crammed with ancient and geological treasures. From the Roman amphitheatres and temples of Jerash, and the mosaics of Madaba, to the unreal sand dunes of Wadi Rum. Float effortlessly in the Dead Sea looking across to Israel, and spend a night in the eco-friendly Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest nature reserve.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The ancient ruins of Jerash
- Madaba`s famous mosaics
- Dana Biosphere Reserve - amazing natural beauty
- Petra - stunning carvings and landscape
- A night under the desert sky
- Float in the Dead Sea - the lowest point on Earth
Places Visited
Amman - Jerash - Ajloun - Desert Castles - Madaba - Crusader’s Castle of Kerak - Petra - Shobak Castle - Wadi Musa - Wadi Rum
What's Included
Airport pick-up & drop-offGround transport
Accommodation
Entrance fees to sites
Breakfasts and most other meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
Drivers and guides
Day 2 : Amman - Salt
After breakfast you will board private transport and drive through the old part of the city of Amman, visiting the Citadel and the Roman Amphitheatre. Drive through the old souk before stopping for a typical Lebanese mezze lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch drive to the ancient city of Salt (1 hour), the first capital of Jordan. Return to Amman for overnight.
Overnight in Harir Palace Hotel, Amman
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Now Jordan’s rapidly-developing capital, and the wealthiest in the Middle East outside the gulf, Amman can be dated back to Pre-Neolithic Times, and is referred to in the Bible as ‘Rabbat Ammon’. In the past, conquered by the Assyrians, the Persians and the Macedonians, Amman’s most impressive ancient sites date to Roman times. The old citadel area, situated on a hill overlooking the city, boasts the Temple of Hercules, originally constructed by Marcus Aurelius in the late 1st century and modelled on the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey. However, some of the temple remains are thought to date to the Bronze Age.
Salt, the first capital of Jordan. It houses the tomb of the biblical Job, a wealthy, righteous man from the Land of Uz as well as the tomb of the prophet Jethro, who was Moses' father-in-law. Take a walk through the streets of the old city of Salt where you will be surrounded by splendid yellow sandstone buildings incorporating a variety of local and European styles - typically with domed roofs, interior courtyards, and characteristic tall arched windows.
Salt, the first capital of Jordan. It houses the tomb of the biblical Job, a wealthy, righteous man from the Land of Uz as well as the tomb of the prophet Jethro, who was Moses' father-in-law. Take a walk through the streets of the old city of Salt where you will be surrounded by splendid yellow sandstone buildings incorporating a variety of local and European styles - typically with domed roofs, interior courtyards, and characteristic tall arched windows.
Day 3 : Ajloun - Jerash
Drive to Ajloun (1.5 hours) and vist the site. Drive to Jerash (1 hour). After lunch visit the site of Jerash. Overnight in a local family homestay in Jerash.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Jerash is one of the biggest preserved Roman cities outside of Italy.The history of Jerash is a blend of the Greco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient. A close contender to Petra for Jordan’s favourite destination, this ancient city has survived for a staggering 6,500 years, boasting an unbroken chain of human occupation. First established by Alexander the Great, Jerash had its golden age under Roman rule and most of its ruins date to this time. Hidden for centuries in sand, Jerash has been excavated and restored over the past 70 years, and now stands almost as it would have appeared in its former glory. A fascinating example of the grand style of provincial Roman urbanism found throughout the Middle East, beguiling Jerash is composed of elaborately paved and colonnaded streets, handsome theatres, public squares and plazas, baths and fountains, and overlooked by striking hilltop temples. Surrounding the city are the old city walls, pierced by the remains of ancient towers and gates.
Hilltop town Ajloun is best known for its impressive 12th century crusader castle, Qailat Al Rabat. Dominating a stretch of the Jordan Valley, the fortress was the site from which Saladin launched his successful campaigns against the crusaders. Originally boasting four towers, parts of the castle, including the battlements, were destroyed by the Mongol’s attack in the 13th century, and two earthquakes in the 19th and 20th centuries did further damage, but today Jordan is committed to a restoration program. Aljoun is also allegedly the birthplace of the Prophet Elijahand, and the site of Tell Mar Elias is located just outside the city, boasting some exquisite Byzantine Church mosaics. Also nearby is the serene Lady of the Mountain Church.
Hilltop town Ajloun is best known for its impressive 12th century crusader castle, Qailat Al Rabat. Dominating a stretch of the Jordan Valley, the fortress was the site from which Saladin launched his successful campaigns against the crusaders. Originally boasting four towers, parts of the castle, including the battlements, were destroyed by the Mongol’s attack in the 13th century, and two earthquakes in the 19th and 20th centuries did further damage, but today Jordan is committed to a restoration program. Aljoun is also allegedly the birthplace of the Prophet Elijahand, and the site of Tell Mar Elias is located just outside the city, boasting some exquisite Byzantine Church mosaics. Also nearby is the serene Lady of the Mountain Church.
Day 4 : Qasr Amra - Azraq - Shumari - Madaba
Transfer to visit the Desert Castles, Qasr Amra and Azraq. Afterwards, have lunch with a local family before a visit to Shumari reserve, including a short safari trip (1 hour). Continue to Madaba for overnight. NOTE: safari is dependent on weather conditions.
Overnight in Dalilah Hotel, Madaba
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
Jordan’s Desert Castles are some of the most spectacular examples of early Islamic architecture and their remains bring to life this fascinating period of Jordan’s rich historical past. Boasting striking examples of early Islamic art, the castles are littered with ancient mosaics, frescos, stone and stucco carvings and illustrations, which depict life as it was in the 8th century and are inspired by Greco-Roman traditions. Interestingly these desert complexes were only called castles thanks to their imposing structure, and actually served multiple purposes as caravan stations, trade and agricultural centres, or even resort pavilions and outposts that enabled rulers from neighbouring cities to forge ties with local Bedouins.
Day 5 : Madaba - Um ar-Rasas - Karak - Dana
Early in the morning we will take a tour of Madaba visiting the Church of St. George in the middle of town. The church is the home of the Mosaic Map of Palestine, which represents the Holy Land and its surrounding regions. We then will be transported to Um ar-Rasas. The highway twists and winds its way through the heart of Jordan, connecting Madaba, Karak, Tafileh, Shobak and Petra. The King's Highway is the world's oldest continuously used communication route. This royal route will lead us to Karak. We will then drive towards Dana Biosphere Reserve where we will be spending the night. Overnight in the Guesthouse in Dana.
Overnight in Dana Guest House, Dana Biosphere Reserve
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
The Church of St. George in Madaba is the home of the Mosaic Map of Palestine, which represents the Holy Land and its surrounding regions. The mosaic, made around 560, measures a staggering 25 by 5 meters and was originally composed of over 2.3 million pieces.
Madaba, located 30 kilometres southwest of Amman, is most famous for its exquisite 6th-century mosaics. Its history dates back at least 3500 years, however. Madaba, which was known in the Bible as the Moabite town of Madaba, is mentioned in the Old Testament account of Moses in Exodus (Numbers 21: 30). Its most well-known mosaic lies on the floor of St George’s Church, depicting a map. However, the city is home to a number of tiled art displays, which many believe are even more complete and vibrantly colourful than the latter. Join a walking tour of the market town to discover these rarely visited works of art and listen to the bells summoning Christians to pray before dawn and bid Orthodox Christians to rise at first light, in this surprisingly religiously tolerant town.
Kerak lies on the ancient caravan routes that used to connect Egypt to Syria and its' commanding position almost 1000 meters above the Dead Sea Valley made it a strategic asset of great importance. The city was the ancient capital of Moab and was also used by the Greeks and Romans. Kerak reached its full splendor in the 12th century with the arrival of the Crusaders. The major attraction at Kerak is the magnificent Crusader fortress of Kerak, which made Kerak the new capital of the province; superbly situated on the King's Highway where it could control all traffic from the north and the south and grow rich by the imposition of road-tolls. This castle soars above its' valleys and hills like a great ship riding waves of rock; an excellent example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius.
Um ar-Rasas is a UNESCO World Heritage site located south of Madaba, off the King's Highway. The site contains Roman, Byzantine and Muslim ruins including churches and a military camp. The Church of Stephen has the largest perfectly preserved mosaic floor in Jordan. This mosaic depicts hunting and fishing scenes and the most important cities of the region (including Kastron Mefaa, Philadelphia, Madaba, Esbounta, Belemounta, Areopolis, Charac Moaba, Jerusalem, Nablus, Caesarea and Gaza).
Madaba, located 30 kilometres southwest of Amman, is most famous for its exquisite 6th-century mosaics. Its history dates back at least 3500 years, however. Madaba, which was known in the Bible as the Moabite town of Madaba, is mentioned in the Old Testament account of Moses in Exodus (Numbers 21: 30). Its most well-known mosaic lies on the floor of St George’s Church, depicting a map. However, the city is home to a number of tiled art displays, which many believe are even more complete and vibrantly colourful than the latter. Join a walking tour of the market town to discover these rarely visited works of art and listen to the bells summoning Christians to pray before dawn and bid Orthodox Christians to rise at first light, in this surprisingly religiously tolerant town.
Kerak lies on the ancient caravan routes that used to connect Egypt to Syria and its' commanding position almost 1000 meters above the Dead Sea Valley made it a strategic asset of great importance. The city was the ancient capital of Moab and was also used by the Greeks and Romans. Kerak reached its full splendor in the 12th century with the arrival of the Crusaders. The major attraction at Kerak is the magnificent Crusader fortress of Kerak, which made Kerak the new capital of the province; superbly situated on the King's Highway where it could control all traffic from the north and the south and grow rich by the imposition of road-tolls. This castle soars above its' valleys and hills like a great ship riding waves of rock; an excellent example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius.
Um ar-Rasas is a UNESCO World Heritage site located south of Madaba, off the King's Highway. The site contains Roman, Byzantine and Muslim ruins including churches and a military camp. The Church of Stephen has the largest perfectly preserved mosaic floor in Jordan. This mosaic depicts hunting and fishing scenes and the most important cities of the region (including Kastron Mefaa, Philadelphia, Madaba, Esbounta, Belemounta, Areopolis, Charac Moaba, Jerusalem, Nablus, Caesarea and Gaza).
Day 6 : Dana Biosphere Reserve
Free day in Dana Biosphere Reserve. Optional hiking - from a 1 hour gentle walk to a full day strenuous trek (guide in park at additional cost). Overnight in Dana.
Overnight in Dana Guest House, Dana Biosphere Reserve
Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner
Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s most impressive eco-project, ranges in elevation from sandstone cliffs of over 1500m to the Wadi Arabi desert at 50m below sea level. Home to many species of plants and animals, the park is the perfect place to go hiking or just to relax.
Day 7 : Shobak - Petra
Drive to Shobak castle which is known as Mont Realis (Montreal), yet another castle in the great chain of Crusader fortresses which stretches across Jordan. Continue to Wadi Musa. Afternoon free. Enjoy Petra in a unique way on a Petra by Night tour where you will walk through the candle-lit Siq and reach the Treasury where Bedouin music is played and a cup of tea will be ready to warm you up. Learn about Petra and the Nabataeans, before returning back through the Siq. Overnight in Petra.
Note: Petra By Night visit is available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays only
Overnight in Petra Guesthouse, Petra
Meal plan: Breakfast
2000 years ago the town of Shobak was the greatest city of the Arab nation. Today, the remains of the once spectacular Shobak Castle are set in barren surroundings, dominating the landscape on a hill some 1,300 metres above sea level and towering over the valley of fruit-trees below. Isolated from the town of Shobak, Shobak Castle’s appearance certainly captures the imagination. The remains of the castle today are mostly additions and reconstructions made during the Mamluk period, but numerous Crusader features still survive. In the North-East corner, the keep is decorated with Quaranic inscriptions in Kufic script which are thought to date to the time of Saladin. The castle also boasts two churches, the first one with a baptistery and the second with a crusader cross carved into the wall. Beneath the second church are catacombs, containing Christian carvings, Islamic tablets and what are considered to be the remains of Saladin’s throne.
Day 8 : Petra
Full day visit of the site of Petra. Walking into Petra you will quickly realize why this ancient city is one of the world's wonders. The Victorian traveler and poet Dean Burgon gave Petra a description which holds to this day -"Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time". Yet words can hardly do justice to the magnificence that is Petra. Overnight in a hotel in Petra.
Overnight in Petra Guesthouse, Petra
Meal plan: Breakfast
Petra is one of the world's greatest heritage sites and one of the world's seven New Wonders - an ancient rock city that was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Built around 2,300 years ago, the imposing rose-stone palaces are an impressive testament to the power and influence of the Nabateans who controlled trade around the area in the 3rd century BC. Petra is surrounded by hills in which tombs have been carved into the pink sandstone. The site includes some 800 structures.
Day 9 : Wadi Rum
After breakfast we head to Wadi Rum where we will meet our Bedouin host at Rum village. We will take a jeep tour to get acquainted with the surroundings. We will stop for lunch at the foot of the Khazaali Mountain before continuing our desert exploration by jeep. Some of the major attractions include Lawrence Spring, Thamodian Script, the remains of Lawrence House, a Nabatean Temple, Al Khazaali Canyon and Rakabat Um Ishreen. After watching a beautiful sunset we return to our Bedouin camp in the heart of the desert for a feast of Zarb - a traditional Bedouin dish of meat and vegetables cooked underneath the desert's sand, and a night under the Milky Way. Our Bedouin camp for the night is in the heart of Wadi Rum in a secluded area. Facilities are simple. Our host is a local Bedouin native of Wadi Rum.
Overnight in Sun City Camp, Wadi Rum
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south-west Jordan. It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times and is dotted with massive rock formations. It is virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and god-like”. Much of David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum.
Day 10 : Bethany - The Dead Sea
In the morning we leave Wadi Rum and head towards the Dead Sea, stopping first in Bethany. Visiting the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth, will give you the opportunity to indulge in a unique floating experience in the warm salty waters of the Dead Sea. Or why not try a mud bath believed to have curative powers? Overnight at the Dead Sea.
Overnight in Dead Sea Spa Hotel, Dead Sea
Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch
The baptism site of Bethany is the place where, as described in the New Testament, Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead, before entering Jerusalem for the final time. Even by the time of the Crusades, the area remained an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Nearby is the biblical site the Mount of Olives.
Without a doubt one of the world’s most amazing places, the Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape which, at the Dead Sea, is over 400m (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela).
Without a doubt one of the world’s most amazing places, the Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape which, at the Dead Sea, is over 400m (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine with some of its finest products. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela).
Day 11 : Amman - Departure
Early start and transfer to Amman airport for onward flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Accommodation
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
Harir Palace Hotel
Amman (2 nights) This hotel is conveniently located in Dahyet Al-Rasheed and is about 30 minutes from the international airport. Many restaurants and shopping centres are also close by and easily accessed. The rooms are comfortable and clean and offer a range of amenities including a TV and free Wi-Fi. Spa treatments are also available, and guests can dine on a large variety of international cuisine in the Sunset Cafe.
Dalilah Hotel
Madaba (1 night) Located in Madaba, Dalilah Hotel offers comfortable accommodation. Room facilities include; Wi-Fi access, LCD TV, mini refrigerator, safety box and air conditioning.
Dana Guest House
Dana Biosphere Reserve (2 nights) Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled building offers a homely atmosphere with breathtaking views of the reserve. It contains 9 clean and comfortable bedrooms (with shared bathroom facilities), each with a private terrace overlooking a 1,000 metre drop to the basin of the Wadi Dana. Traditional Arabic food is also served here. Wi-Fi can be accessed in public areas.
Petra Guesthouse
Petra (2 nights) Petra Guest House is ideally located just a few steps from the entrance of the majestic city of Petra and its famous archaeological sites. From the hotel rooms, you can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains, and all accommodation is fully equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
Sun City Camp
Wadi Rum (1 night)
Sun City Camp is located in the Ramm area of Wadi Rum. It offers luxurious facilities (like a stay in the Martian tent) and is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. There is 24-hour room service, free wifi and an on-site restaurant.
Dead Sea Spa Hotel
Dead Sea (1 night) Dead Sea Spa Hotel is situated on the shores of the Dead Sea, 420 meters below sea level at what is known as the lowest point on Earth. Located within an hour from Queen Alia Airport and 45 minutes from Amman, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the world’s deepest salt lake and the surrounding mountains. Rooms feature a blend of modern and resort-style amenities with sea, pool or mountain vistas.
Trekking in Jordan (3-12 days)
Trek through Jordan's undiscovered trails
Water Sport at the Red Sea (1-7 days)
Discover the Red Sea's exhilarating range of water sports
Jordan Trail: Day Hikes (4 days)
Day trek ideas along the Jordan Trail.
Land of the Bedouins (11 days)
Welcome to Jordan, the gateway to the Middle East
Along Bedouin Trails (11 days)
Walk the Land of the Bedouins
Petra and Beyond (Archaeology Tour) (9 days)
Discover Jordan's archaeological secrets
Hidden Treasures of Jordan (8 days)
Special tour for Uncharted X clients
Classical Jordan (6 days)
The highlights and history of Jordan
Nikki Kemp , Tailormade JordanThank you for organising our Jordan trip. We both had a fantastic time, everything went very smoothly,and this is the first time I have ever used an ‘organised trip’ but it made everything stress free and enjoyable. Very well organised. The driver Bashir, was absolutely brilliant - very friendly, kind,patient, and informative and really made the trip special and memorable for us and we learnt many things on route that would never have known if it wasn’t for local information. Thank you very much for your support for a wonderful trip!
Marie , Along Bedouin Trails, JordanWhat a great trip this was. Jordan is a magical county, the people friendly, the weather marvellous, the sights, sounds and smells unique. The small group got on well and I will definitely be back on one of your trips again soon.
David & Julia McPhail , Tailormade JordanJerash was fascinating, loved the mud at the Dead Sea, Bethany was very interesting. Petra by night... AMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAZZZING, candle-lit all the way to the treasury with two musical instruments being played - the sound echoing around the city was truly mesmerizing, a wonderfully mystical experience. Fantastic guide too. Thanks for all your help.
Ian Shaw , Land of the Bedouins, JordanTravel The Unknown provided me with an excellent opportunity to discover the amazing country that is Jordan. Without their organisation and attention to detail I would have never have experienced so much diversity and interest in such a short time. Thanks so much.
