Archaeology beyond Petra
Shipwrecks, salt baths and ruins
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Amman
Straddling seven hills, Jordan’s capital is both a modern metropolis and a testament to the region’s rich history... -
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Dana Biosphere Reserve in south-central Jordan is the country’s largest nature reserve and is home to the remote valley of Wadi Dana... -
Wadi Rum
Spend a day exploring the rose-red desert sands and meandering through the sandstone and granite siqs (canyons) of the Wadi Rum in a pickup truck... -
Petra
Take in the key architectural features of Petra — Jordan’s hidden city carved into stone - with a short but steep trek along the Al Khubtha trail, which provides stunning views of the amazing ancient metropolis, culminating with a view of the Treasury — one of the city’s most elaborate temples... -
Aqaba
A dive into the Red Sea from Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba, will give you the chance to see the colourful marine life it’s famous for, including incredible coral reefs and exotic fish, as well as spooky sunken shipwrecks, the most famous being the 74 metre-long Cedar Pride... -
Jerash
The Roman city of Jerash, with its border marked by the imposing Hadrian’s Arch, gives a remarkable insight into life in an ancient civilisation... -
Umm Qais
In the hills above the Jordan Valley lies Umm Qais, the home of the ancient Roman ruins of Gadara...
See the best of Jordan including its amazing archaeological sites. Start in Amman where you can get a taste of the Middle East at its excellent falafel and kunafa stalls. Then venture south through the desert canyons and sunsets at Wadi Dana and Wadi Rum (you’ll want to schedule a couple of days to take in the famous city of stone, Petra, en route). Aqaba is the perfect spot for some archaeological sightseeing of a different kind, with a dive into the Red Sea where you can snorkel through a submerged shipwreck. From here, return north, via a Dead Sea salt bath, and visit the ancient ruins of Jerash and Umm Qais.
SeasonSuggested itinerary
Amman
Day 1–2
Straddling seven hills, Jordan’s capital is both a modern metropolis and a testament to the region’s rich history. Visitors can find a restored 2nd-century Roman stone theatre dug into one of the many hillsides of Amman’s downtown, while the Citadel, a sprawling archeological site, looms from the city’s highest hill. Alongside the Citadel’s most impressive sight, the Temple of Hercules, which dates back to 162AD, the city also boasts newer sights, such as the mosques, souqs and coffee shops which are central to contemporary Jordanian culture.
Don't miss
Get a taste of Jordan at Amman’s famous falafel stands and kunafa stalls
Work up an appetite with a sight-seeing stroll around Jordan’s capital of Amman before sampling some of the city’s mouthwatering street food. The many falafel stands and stalls selling the traditional Middle Eastern dessert kunafa are great places to try delicious, safe and authentic Jordanian dishes.
Day hike with a Bedouin shepherd in Wadi Dana
Day 3 in Dana Biosphere Reserve
Dana Biosphere Reserve in south-central Jordan is the country’s largest nature reserve and is home to the remote valley of Wadi Dana. Join a Bedouin shepherd for a hike through its chiselled sandstone cliffs to experience the area the way the locals do.
Fly through Wadi Rum on a pickup truck safari
Day 4–5 in Wadi Rum
Spend a day exploring the rose-red desert sands and meandering through the sandstone and granite siqs (canyons) of the Wadi Rum in a pickup truck. If you can, spend the night in a desert camp for an unforgettable experience.
Hike the Al Khubtha trail for views of Petra
Day 6–7 in Petra
Take in the key architectural features of Petra — Jordan’s hidden city carved into stone - with a short but steep trek along the Al Khubtha trail, which provides stunning views of the amazing ancient metropolis, culminating with a view of the Treasury — one of the city’s most elaborate temples.
Snorkel through a submerged ship in the Red Sea
Day 8–10 in Aqaba
A dive into the Red Sea from Jordan’s only coastal city, Aqaba, will give you the chance to see the colourful marine life it’s famous for, including incredible coral reefs and exotic fish, as well as spooky sunken shipwrecks, the most famous being the 74 metre-long Cedar Pride.
Wander the chariot-rutted streets of Jerash
Day 11–12 in Jerash
The Roman city of Jerash, with its border marked by the imposing Hadrian’s Arch, gives a remarkable insight into life in an ancient civilisation. The ruins here are well-preserved and archaeological treasures plentiful, including an incredible oval plaza lined with 56 limestone columns.
Explore the archaeological ruins of Umm Qais
Day 13–14 in Umm Qais
In the hills above the Jordan Valley lies Umm Qais, the home of the ancient Roman ruins of Gadara. The area also offers an array of outdoor activities and stunning views encompassing three countries, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee.
