Highlights of Jordan: Desert, Ruins and Beach

Experience Amman’s nightlife on this guided tour. This experience can be tweaked to suit your interests. You could drive past the ‘Circles of Amman’, a series of eight roundabouts that run along the downtown area. From the Roman Nymphaeum in the historic center, visit the Souk Al-Sukar. Here, you will find numerous shops selling fresh produce, dry fruits, perfumes, gold ornaments and brightly colored garments. Continue onward to Jabal Amman, one of the seven hills that originally made up the metropolis and has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. You may hear the muezzin’s beautiful call to prayer, as you proceed toward Rainbow Street. Explore this bohemian area that is lined with art galleries, cafes and boutiques. Then visit the legendary Hashem Restaurant, an Amman institution. Try classic Jordanian street food specialties including falafel, hummus, ful medames and moutabel before the tour wraps up. (Duration: 2-3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs or later; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: traditional snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; Please note that this tour can be combined with an afternoon city tour)

Explore Jordan’s archaeological treasures on this day trip. Journey north of Amman to Jerash, a Roman city, also known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Set in the bowl of a valley, the expansive site of Jerash is reached by crossing a bridge over the River Zarqa. Enter through the South Gate and follow your guide over 2,000-year-old cobblestone paths that lead to Hadrian’s Arch, Oval Plaza and South Theater. Vantage points along the way offer bird’s eye-views of the surrounding eucalyptus and olive groves. Visit the temples of Zeus and Artemis, and the Hippodrome that could seat 15,000 spectators. Pause at the Forum, an oval-shaped plaza encircled by 56 unfluted Ionic columns, which served as a marketplace. Next, drive to Ajloun Castle that boasts a strategic hilltop location. A fine example of Islamic military architecture, it was built as a fortification against invading Crusaders. In the warren of chambers and galleries, learn about this iconic landmark’s history through interactive displays, before heading back. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch at local restaurant; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Learn to prepare an Arabic feast at Beit Sitti, an estate in Amman’s trendy Jabal Al-Weibdeh neighborhood. This family business keeps alive their ancestral culinary legacy. Upon arrival at the villa, your host will introduce themselves and offer you a refreshing beverage. Then, put on your apron, wash your hands and get ready for your class to begin. Under your instructor’s guidance you will make a salad, side dish, main course and dessert, which is easy to replicate at home. Begin by chopping vegetables and crushing garlic. Taste an array of spices and other ingredients, while learning to make local dishes. Finally, head to the terrace to dine al fresco, surrounded by scenic city views. Gain insight into Jordanian culture as you dig into your delicious meal. (Duration: half day; Time: 1000/1500 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Meals included: lunch/dinner; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Explore the Siq Al-Barid, also known as Little Petra. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at a time of your choosing and take you to Little Petra, which is just 10 minutes north of Petra by road. Start with the classical temple that stands guard outside. Follow the narrow path that extends through the 400 m long Siq while your guide tells you about the tombs, temples and houses that line the way. Continue towards the Painted House. The frescoes of vines, flowers and birds on the underside of the interior arch are rare examples of Nabataean painting. Climb the steps at the end of the Siq for great views of the landscape before returning to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activities & transfers; Meals are not included; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman or Dead Sea to Wadi Rum or Red Sea)

Experience the rugged desert landscape of the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum on this jeep tour. Set off in a comfortable jeep to the sandstone and granite valley. Enjoy an off-road drive across the moonscape-like terrain. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the rich history and geology of this protected area. The region is home to pre-historic trails, petroglyphs, and traditional Bedouin settlements. You will pass water holes and dramatic rock formations carved over millions of years. The natural arches, canyons, and mountain tops have featured in numerous movies including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘The Martian’, and ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’. From vantage spots, take in panoramic views of the arid terrain colored in various hues by different oxides. After driving across the undulating terrain for a couple of hours, head back to your hotel. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: morning/afternoon; Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Can be visited en route from Amman, Petra or Dead Sea to Red Sea (Aqaba) or vice versa)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea in Jordan. This beach town is a great location for diving. You can book a dive to explore the world’s first underwater military museum, complete with multiple tanks, a troop carrier, anti aircraft guns, and a combat helicopter. For a more traditional diving experience, head to the Japanese garden dive site. Here, you will find shallow depths, coral formations, Hawksbill turtles and plenty of fish. Golfers can book a tee-time at Ayla Golf Course, Jordan’s first 18-hole par 72 layout that is one of the top three ranked eco-friendly golf courses in the world. Visit the Aqaba Aquarium to discover the marine life of the Red Sea. Explore the collection of Islamic artifacts at The Aqaba Archaeological Museum located in the Aqaba house of Sharif Hussein Bin Al. You can also see the site of a recent archaeological discovery that is thought to be the world’s oldest church, dating to the late 3rd century AD. On Fridays, enjoy the Souq by the Sea, which features over 50 local artisans, live music, and plenty of food and drink. (Duration: half day or full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)