Start your day with a locally sourced breakfast at Shams El-Balad, one of Amman’s most beloved farm-to-table spots. Their thoughtfully curated spread of Jordanian flavors, made with fresh ingredients, is served in a cozy, artsy space that reflects the creative pulse of the city.

Then we dive into the city’s hidden history with a guided Amman Underground Tour. This walking tour explores some of Amman's oldest neighborhoods and their relationship with street art and graffiti. Take a look into the often hidden or "underground" artistic expression in Amman that will provide you with a new perspective of this ancient city..

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—relax, wander, or dig deeper into Amman’s cafes, shops, and galleries (or nap if the jet lag strikes!).

Inclusions:
Breakfast at Shams El-Balad
Amman Underground Tour
Accommodations at Intercontinental Amman

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out to explore Amman in full. This capital city is a striking mix of old and new, nestled between the agricultural richness of the Jordan Valley and the stark beauty of the desert.

We’ll start with a visit to the Jordan Museum, home to some of the country’s most important archaeological treasures, including the Ain Ghazal statues and the famed Dead Sea Scrolls. Then we head to the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)—a historic hilltop that’s been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years. You’ll walk among ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods, with sweeping views over the city and the nearby Roman Theatre.

After a break back at the hotel, we’ll head out for a standout evening at Dara. Tucked into a beautifully restored villa in the heart of Amman, this intimate restaurant and wine shop is led by award-winning Palestinian-Jordanian Chef Sara Aqel. She and her team spotlight local ingredients and nostalgic flavors.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the hotel
Amman City Tour (including entrance to the Jordan Museum & Citadel)
Dinner and wine experience at Dara
Accommodations at Intercontinental Amman

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head north into the hills to visit Ajloun Castle (Qalʻat ar-Rabad), a stunning 12th-century fortress perched high above the Jordanian countryside. Originally built by the Ayyubids and expanded by the Mamluks, the castle offers sweeping views over lush valleys and olive groves—an unexpected and beautiful side of Jordan.

From there, we’ll continue to the ancient city of Jerash, often called the “Pompeii of the Middle East.” But before we dive into ruins, we’ll stop for a leisurely lunch at Dar Ne’meh, where traditional Jordanian dishes are served in a serene and charming space.

After lunch, you’ll explore the remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash, from colonnaded streets to amphitheaters, temples, and sprawling public plazas. Then we’ll make our way back to Amman, with the rest of the evening free to relax or explore on your own.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit to Ajloun Castle
Lunch at Dar Ne’meh
Tour of Jerash Archaeological Site
Accommodations at Intercontinental Amman

After breakfast and checkout, we’ll leave Amman behind and journey south—first stopping in Madaba, a city famed for its exquisite Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. At St. George Church, you’ll see the renowned Mosaic Map of Jerusalem, an intricate 6th-century floor mosaic that offers a glimpse into the ancient geography of the Holy Land.

We’ll break for lunch at Hikayet Sitti, a warm and welcoming spot where you’ll not only taste one of Jordan’s most iconic dishes—Maqlouba—but also see how it’s traditionally served, flipped straight from the pot in dramatic fashion.

After lunch, we’ll continue to Mount Nebo, a sacred site believed to be the final resting place of the prophet Moses. On a clear day, the view stretches across the Jordan Valley, all the way to the Dead Sea and even Jericho in the distance.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Petra, where you’ll check into the Petra Guest House, your base for exploring one of the world’s greatest wonders.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit to Madaba and St. George Church
Maqlouba demo and lunch at Hikayet Sitti
Visit to Mount Nebo
Accommodations at Petra Guest House

Today is all about Petra—and trust me, nothing prepares you for the moment you walk through the narrow Siq and the rose-red Treasury bursts into view. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the thriving capital of the Nabatean Empire, a key stop along ancient spice routes from the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Carved entirely into sandstone cliffs, Petra is a stunning blend of natural wonder and human ingenuity.

You'll explore the classic trail with your guide, from temples and tombs to theaters and hidden paths. Along the way, you’ll see just how the Nabateans built an entire civilization into these rocks—engineering marvels that have lasted for over two thousand years. And if you're feeling adventurous, you’ll have the option to climb the 900 steps up to the Monastery, one of Petra’s most jaw-dropping sites.

In the evening, we’ll shift from grand history to intimate hospitality with a special dinner in the home of Umm Mohamad, for a true taste of local culture and connection.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit to Petra
Dinner with local family
Accommodations at Petra Guest House

After breakfast and checkout, we trade stone-carved cities for the wide-open wonder of Wadi Rum. Known as the Valley of the Moon, this otherworldly desert is famous for its towering sandstone mountains, wind-sculpted cliffs, and pink-hued sands that stretch as far as the eye can see.

On the way, we’ll visit the Disi Women’s Cooperative, a local initiative that empowers Bedouin women through traditional crafts and cultural preservation—an opportunity to support the community and take home a handmade piece of the desert.

Then it’s time for a 4x4 Bedouin truck ride deep into Wadi Rum. You’ll rumble across the dunes and valleys, pausing to soak in the surreal landscape before arriving at one of the area’s iconic sand dunes for a champagne sunset reception. Sip bubbly and nibble on canapés as the desert sky turns gold, then crimson, then indigo.

After sunset, we’ll arrive at our desert camp, where a Zarb dinner awaits—a Bedouin feast cooked underground in the sand. Watch the food being unearthed, then dig in under a blanket of stars.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit to Disi Women’s Cooperative
4x4 guided desert ride
Champagne sunset reception with canapés
Zarb dinner at desert camp
Accommodations at Saraya Rum Camp

Wake up to the quiet magic of the desert and enjoy breakfast at camp before saying goodbye to Wadi Rum. You’ll transfer out of the desert by 4x4, then hit the road for a scenic drive north to the legendary Dead Sea.

This final stop is all about rest and rejuvenation. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world—meaning you’ll float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters while soaking up healing properties that have drawn visitors since the time of Cleopatra.

You’ll be staying at the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, where stunning views and a bit of indulgence awaits. In the evening, we’ll gather one last time for a farewell dinner to toast the memories made and the magic we’ve shared.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the camp
Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea
Farewell dinner at the hotel
Accommodations at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea

After breakfast, it’s time to say ma’a salama to Jordan. For most travelers, a private airport transfer will be arranged from the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar to Queen Alia International Airport—no need to worry, we’ve got your departure covered.

For those joining the Amman Add-On with Anela, your adventure isn’t over just yet. While the main trip wraps here, you’ll head back to Amman for one more day of food, culture, and connection. Details of that experience are outlined separately in the add-on section.

Inclusions:
Breakfast at the hotel
Private airport transfer (or transfer to Amman for add-on participants)