Marvels of Jordan: 12 days tour

Explore the majestic Desert Castles of Jordan. These 8th-century Umayyad hunting lodges Qasr Al Kharraneh, Qasr Amra, and Qasr Al-Azraq showcase a variety of stunning architectural styles. In Azraq you will gather around the family table to share a delicious traditional Druze meal of freshly baked bread, hearty stews, and seasonal vegetables. All served with homemade pickles and aromatic tea. After lunch, return to Amman to explore its rich history. Visit the Roman Theater, the Citadel, and the Jordan Museum to see artifacts from the nation’s past. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the souk al khodra, a bustling market where vendors call out their fresh produce. Conclude your day with dinner at Tawaheen Alhawa, a beautifully restored caravanserai offering an authentic Jordanian dining experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with a Druze family, Dinner at Tawaheen Alhawa.
Accommodation: Kaya Hotel 4* or similar.
Optional upgrade: Hilton Amman 4* superior, Upgrade W Hotel 5*.

Begin your day with a visit to Ajloun Castle, a magnificent 12th-century fortress built in 1184 to guard the trade routes between Damascus and Egypt. Next, immerse yourself in a unique local experience at The Soap House in the village of Orjan. Discover how local women craft high-quality natural olive oil soaps using traditional methods and local ingredients. Enjoy a tour of the workshop and witness the soap-making process firsthand, then refresh yourself with a traditional glass of Melissa. Continue to the remarkable Roman city of Jerash, also known as the "Pompeii of the East." This Decapolis city boasts incredibly well-preserved Roman architecture, including grand colonnaded streets, ancient temples, theaters, and a majestic forum. Finally, visit the historic city of As Salt, the former capital of Jordan. Wander through its charming downtown market street and make a stop at the Al Khader Church, one of Jordan's oldest churches, built in 1682. Your visit will achieved by a local dinner with a specialties from As Salt area. After a day filled with history and unique local culture, you will return to Amman for your last night in the capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Kaya Hotel 4* or similar.
Optional upgrade: Hilton Amman 4* superior, Upgrade W Hotel 5*.

Depart from Amman and journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Umm ar-Rasas. Located in the semi-arid steppe of the Jordanian Desert, this archaeological site, once part of the ancient King's Highway network, is renowned for its remarkably preserved mosaic floors. Next, you will head to the therapeutic hot springs of Ma'in. These natural thermal waters, which have been used for their medicinal properties since Roman times, cascade down the hillside in a series of breathtaking waterfalls. You can relax and rejuvenate in the public bathing pools, where the water temperatures range from 45°C to 60°C. Then, you will visit Mount Nebo, the revered memorial of Moses. From its summit, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Holy Land, just as Moses is said to have seen it. Explore the remains of the Byzantine church and admire the ancient mosaics before continuing to your final destination. Your day of discovery continues in Madaba. A walking tour will take you to St George Church with the famous mosaic of the Holy land. You conclude your day with a delicious dinner in Carob House, a farm-to-fork restaurant where they cook local Jordanian dishes with produce from their own farm.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Mosaic Hotel 4* or similar

Depart from Madaba and travel south to the beautiful oasis of Wadi bin Hammad. Hike through this spectacular gorge, where lush greenery and natural hot springs are nestled between towering sandstone cliffs. After your trek, you'll visit the impressive Kerak Castle, a massive crusader fortress perched on a hill. Explore its dark passageways and grand halls, and learn about the strategic role it played during the Crusades. Continue your journey to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, one of the most stunning landscapes in Jordan. Check in to your accommodation in Dana village, where you can unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the reserve's dramatic valleys and mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Wadi Dana Eco Lodge 2* or similar. Upgrade Dana Guesthouse Ecolodge 3*

We head for Shobak to visit the Crusader castle on the top of the mountain. From this high point you have a panoramic view on the Wadi Araba desert and the Petra mountains. We drive down to Mansoura from where the Wadi Ghweir hike starts.  This 17 km moderate trek is mainly off hill, with some scrambles over big rocks. Depending on the season you will only your feet will get untill your ankles. In spring time the water can be high in certain parts and you won't stay dry. The hike ends in the Feynan area. (In summer you will go back and forth as it's to hot to hike the last low part.) From there you'll travel to Little Petra, a fascinating site filled with ancient tombs, temples, and a first century fresco. A great appetizer for your Petra visit tomorrow.  Finally, arrive at Villa Maria Lodge where you can relax and unwind with a swim. Your day concludes with a delicious dinner prepared by local villagers, giving you a true taste of Jordanian hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Villa Maria Lodge 3* superior or similar.

Your two-day adventure in Petra begins today. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient city carved directly into rose-red sandstone, making it one of the most remarkable archaeological wonders on Earth. You will start at the Visitor Center and enter the Siq, a breathtaking 1,200-meter gorge that leads you to the city's most famous monument, the Treasury. Your guide will continue with you along the Street of Facades, past the Roman Theater, and to the impressive Royal Tombs. From there, you'll walk along the Colonnaded Street, where you'll discover the Great Temple and Qasr al Bint. After this guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore more of Petra on your own. After a day of exploration, you will head to your accommodation at Villa Maria Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Villa Maria Lodge 3* superior or similar.

• Optional experience: Petra by Night. A magical evening where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles. (Sunday to Thursday).

On your second day, you'll embark on a unique journey, starting in Little Petra. From here, you will hike the scenic Back Road hike to enter the ancient city of Petra from an alternative route. This path leads you directly to the Monastery (Ad Deir), one of the most magnificent and largest facades, standing at an impressive 48 meters tall. After exploring this incredible monument, and enjoying a fresh mint-and-lemon juice, or pomigranate juice, you will descend into the heart of the city.  Arriving at the Basin near the end of the Colonnaded Street. This gives you the perfect opportunity to revisit your favorite sites or discover what you may have missed on your first day. You can explore the Temple of the Winged Lions or admire the intricate mosaics in the Byzantine Church before continuing your adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Villa Maria Lodge 3* superior or similar.

• Optional experience: Petra by Night. A magical evening where the Siq and Treasury are illuminated by thousands of candles. (Sunday to Thursday).

Depart from Wadi Musa in the morning and travel to the spectacular desert landscape of Wadi Rum, with its impressive sandstone mountains and vibrant red sand dunes. Upon arrival, a local Bedouin guide will welcome you for a three-hour 4x4 jeep tour. You'll stop to see the ancient Anfashieh inscriptions, admire the panoramic views from the remains of Lawrence's House, and explore more inscriptions in Khazali Canyon.  After a lunch, you'll embark on a two-to-three-hour hike, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the silence and breathtaking views of the desert. Your day ends with a magical sunset and a delicious dinner at your desert camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Quiet Village Camp or similar. Upgrade Martian tent in Desert Season Camp.

On your second day in the Valley of the Moon, you'll travel south by jeep to explore more of its dramatic landscapes. You'll be amazed by the towering rock formations of Barrah Canyon and see the world's highest rock arch, Burdah Bridge. For those who are adventurous, you can make the climb to the top of the bridge, which involves a mix of scrambling and climbing. Next, you will have the unique opportunity to share lunch with a Bedouin family in their tent, enjoying their warm hospitality and local cuisine. Afterward, hike up Jebel Hash for breathtaking panoramic views before exploring the Nuqra Valley with its stunning ochre dunes. Your day concludes with a Bedouin dinner at your desert camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Quiet Village Camp or similar. Upgrade Martian tent in Desert Season Camp.

• Optional experience: Sunrise hot air balloon ride
• Optional experience: Camel ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum.

Transfer from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, where you can experience the unique sensation of floating in the mineral-rich waters of the lowest point on Earth. On your final evening, unwind and watch the beautiful sunset over the salty, calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Ramada Hotel 3* or similar

• Optional experience: Exiting buggy ride in the Wadi Araba desert.
• Optional experience: Semi aquatic hike in Wadi al Hassa with a guide (3 hours).
• Optional experience: Aquatic canyoning trail Wadi Mujib (3 hours).

Transfer from the Dead Sea to Queen Alia International Airport Amman.
Meals: Breakfast