Highlights of Jordan
Hidden cities and red desert dunes
Start in Jordan’s capital city of Amman with a step back into an ancient world at its formidable Roman Amphitheatre. From Amman, head south to the canyons of the Wadi Dana. Here you can tackle a section of the Jordan Trail with breathtaking views as your reward. Continue south to the red-rose sands of the Wadi Rum where an overnight camp is the perfect spot for unspoilt desert stargazing. As you head back north, schedule at least a couple of days to see the incredible stone-carved structures at Petra, before finishing as you began, with a step into the incredibly well-preserved Roman city of Jerash.
Key information
| Destinations | Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Dana Biosphere Reserve |
|---|---|
| Activity | Nature & Wildlife, Culture |
| Physical Level | Easy |
 Season |
January - December |
Suggested 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 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 5–6 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.
Wander the chariot-rutted streets of Jerash
Day 7 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.
