Jordan · Archaeology

8-Day Historical and Cultural Jordan Tour with Petra and Wadi Rum

8 Days Round trip from Desert Highway Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the impressive Qasr al-Azraq, the "Blue Castle," an ancient fortress with a captivating history
02 Marvel at Umm al-Rassas, a recently excavated site where remarkable mosaics reveal the past
03 Experience the exceptional beauty of Petra, an archaeological gem carved into magnificent rock formations
04 Float in the fascinating Dead Sea, known for its unique properties and therapeutic benefits

Embark on a captivating journey through Jordan's historical and natural wonders, from the serene waters of the Sea of Galilee and the lush Jordan Valley to the archaeological treasures of the Jordan National Museum and Qasr al-Azraq, the "Blue Castle." Discover remarkable Byzantine mosaics at Umm al-Rassas, explore the exceptional beauty of Petra carved into rose-red cliffs, and venture into the dramatic landscapes of Wadi Rum. The journey ends at the fascinating Dead Sea, famous for its unique properties and therapeutic waters.

Embark on a captivating journey through Jordan's historical and natural wonders, from the serene waters of the Sea of Galilee and the lush Jordan Valley to the archaeological treasures of the Jordan National Museum and Qasr al-Azraq, the "Blue Castle."

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Amman, Jerash, Madaba, Wadi Rum, Umm Qais, Dead Sea (Jordan)

Languages Arabic, Czech, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Flight to Amman and Hotel Transfer

Regular flight from your country to Amman.
Transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay in Amman.

Day 02

Umm Qeis, Jerash, and Amman

This morning, we will visit Umm Qeis, the ancient Gadara of the Decapolis. This Greco-Roman city, strategically located on a hilltop, offers stunning views of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley. It retains numerous ruins, including theaters, a Byzantine Basilica, a nymphaeum, a mausoleum, and an Ottoman village.
Then we will depart for Jerash.
Lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit Jerash, one of the most impressive sites in the Near East. This city is among the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Starting from its majestic oval plaza, bordered by the Temple of Jupiter and the magnificent South Theater, we will stroll along the cardo, flanked by elegant columns and animated by a grand nymphaeum and the spectacular facade of the Temple of Artemis.
Dinner and overnight in Amman.

Day 03

Jordan National Museum and Desert Castles

This morning, we will first discover the Jordan National Museum. This new museum, opened in 2013, showcases archaeological pieces that tell the history and culture of Jordan from prehistory to the Roman period.
Then we will head to the Desert Castles, starting our visits with Qasr al-Azraq, the "Blue Castle," in the oasis of the same name. This was a Roman fortress, remodeled in the 13th century by the Arabs and built with large basalt blocks. Lawrence of Arabia established his headquarters here for several months starting in 1917 during the Arab Revolt.
Lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will reach Kharane, a well-preserved fortress in the steppe. Qusayr Amra houses an extraordinary bathing complex adorned with the richest cycle of Umayyad wall paintings in the Near East from the 8th century.
Dinner and overnight in Amman.

Day 04

Madaba, Mount Nebo, Umm al-Rassas, and Kerak

We will start the day by visiting Madaba, significant during the Byzantine era and known for its mosaics, particularly the famous "Map of Palestine" in St. George's Church, representing the Middle East from Syria to Egypt in the 6th century AD.
Then we will join the King's Highway, referencing the biblical kingdoms of Ammon, Moab, and Edom.
The Franciscans uncovered the Memorial of Moses, a vast monastery and its dependencies, adorned with mosaics from churches dating back to the 6th century. We will visit this site and enjoy the panorama from Mount Nebo over the Dead Sea, Jericho, and the Jordan Valley.
Next, we will visit Umm al-Rassas, a recently excavated site where exceptional Byzantine mosaics can be seen.
Lunch at a restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will cross Wadi Mujeb to reach Kerak, the most important stronghold of the Crusaders in their Outre-Jordan territories, which we will explore.
Continue our journey to Petra.
Dinner and overnight in Petra.

Day 05

Petra Exploration

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is one of those exceptional places that defy description, a creation of both nature and man. Here, 2,500 years ago, the Nabataeans, a small Arab tribe, settled. We will discover this city through the "Valley of Moses," with its sandstone walls pierced by caves and tombs.
Through the Siq gorge, we will reach the Khazneh. A monumental tomb or temple, the most famous monument of Petra retains its mystery.
Then we will visit the lower city: Qasr al-Bint, "the palace of the young girl," a first-century temple that still stands impressively, and the Great Temple, which was likely the seat of the local senate.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Dinner and overnight in Petra.

Day 06

Second Day in Petra and Deir Hike

This morning, we will hike to Deir, "the Monastery" (optional hike), named so because this Nabataean tomb was transformed into a church in the 5th century.
From around Deir, one can overlook Wadi Araba, which extends south of the Dead Sea through the Jordan Valley, and the houses of the royal tombs, among the most complete in Petra, before heading to the Cathedral, where precious papyrus scrolls were discovered.
Dinner and overnight in Petra.

Day 07

Petra to Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea

This morning, we will head to the Wadi Rum desert, where the legend of Lawrence of Arabia was born.
A 4x4 excursion of approximately 2 hours will allow us to admire this desert, where vast sandstone mountains dominate large expanses of colorful sand.
Route to the Dead Sea.
Dinner and overnight at the Dead Sea.

Day 08

The Dead Sea and Departure

Explore the fascinating Dead Sea, an oily mirror with white salt shores bordered by stark limestone cliffs of blinding whiteness, carved by deep gorges. This lowest point on Earth is a wild region, a land of dark and tragic legends.
Free time for swimming.
Transfer to Amman airport and flight to Paris on a regular airline.