Classic Jordan tour: Amman, Petra & the Dead Sea

This morning, your driver takes you to the Roman site of Jerash, where a local guide shows you around the ruins. You'll see the 2nd-century Hadrian's Arch, the Forum's oval colonnade and the columns of the Temple of Artemis. In the afternoon, you have a private walking tour of Amman to appreciate its history, from the Byzantines to modern day. Visit downtown Amman, Husseini Mosque, and the Roman theatre. Your tour concludes at the citadel, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

An early start this morning as your private driver escorts you on a five- to six-hour drive down the 5,000-year-old King's Highway to Petra. En route you stop to see the Christian mosaics of Madaba, Mount Nebo, with its spectacular views over the Dead Sea; and the crusader castle of Kerak. Settle into Petra Guesthouse Hotel on arrival. You may want to head to the hotel’s Cave Bar, literally a bar in an ancient cave, for a quiet drink and some local entertainment.

Today, you have a full-day tour of Petra. For the first two or three hours, you have a private, local guide to show you the city's main highlights and tell you about the ancient city's history and the lives of those who made it their home. You then have some time to explore further on your own. Bring your walking shoes and be prepared for an inspiring but energetic day.

One day is never enough to fully take in Petra's wonders, so you have an extra day to explore under your own steam. Admire the intricacy of the rock carvings, explore the Royal Tombs cut into the dusty pink rock face and see the mosaics at the site of the Byzantine church. If you have the energy, we recommend climbing to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for the best views. In the evening, wander through the canyon at nighttime for the Petra by night show. The city’s most iconic façade, the Treasury, comes alive as it is lit up by candlelight, a magical experience.

After breakfast, you are collected by your driver from the hotel for the drive to the Dead Sea. The journey will take most of the day as you enjoy a private guided tour of the vast, red rock and sand landscape of Wadi Rum en route. You'll see the remains of a Nabataean temple, pass through the settlement of Rum and walk in a narrow canyon whose walls are etched with ancient Thamudic inscriptions.

You have the day free to relax by the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. A visit wouldn't be complete without spending time floating almost weightless on the water, famous for its high salinity levels. Afterwards, you could indulge in a massage or spa treatment at your hotel, or take a mud bath covered in sea salt mud. The area is well known for its healing practices.

You have an early start today, ready for your private transfer to Queen Alia International Airport, where you board your onward flight. We have also included fast-track assistance through the airport on departure, so you can skip the queues at customs once again. Your return flight will arrive the same day.