Jordan Essentials
From Roman theaters to the dunes of Wadi Rum, a journey to the heart of a thousand-year-old kingdom.
Duration
7 days
From
€890/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
This week-long journey takes you to discover the essential sites of Jordanie. An introduction to the history, culture and geography of a fascinating kingdom, you will discover in particular the capital Amman, some of the countless Greco-Roman remains that the country boasts, such as Pella or Jerash, the extraordinary city of Petra, or the enchanting dunes of Wadi Rum desert. To recover from so much emotion and end the stay beautifully, nothing beats a bath in the iconic Dead Sea!
During this tour, you will be immersed in an exceptional heritage, between ancient cities, desert landscapes and deeply rooted traditions. You will travel through places steeped in history where the influences of many civilizations that have crossed the region blend together. The magic of Petra, the spectacular views of Wadi Rum and the warm welcome of Jordanians will make each stage a unique moment. This journey offers a perfect balance between cultural discoveries, natural wonder and moments of relaxation. An ideal first approach to exploring the unmissable treasures of this kingdom of a thousand facets.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Jordan!
Upon your arrival at Amman airport, obtain your visa before being greeted by your driver at the exit. You will then be transferred to your hotel to settle in comfortably.
A representative from our agency will meet you at the hotel to provide you with detailed explanations about your itinerary. They will also hand over your rental car and a mobile phone equipped with Google Maps to facilitate your travels.
The Remains of the Decapolis
After breakfast, you set off on a long loop north of Amman to discover 3 of the 10 ancient cities of the Roman Decapolis (of which Amman, which was then called Philadelphia, was also a part). The first of these is the ancient city of Gadara, on the site of present-day Umm Qais. You are here at the borders of Jordanie, Syria and the Holy Land, facing the Golan plateau.
You then continue south along the Jordan River, towards the town of Tabaqat Fahil which is home to the vast ancient site of Pella, also known as Berenice. The wealth of Greco-Roman antiquities and ruins makes the place a paradise for archaeologists.
Continuation towards Jerash, a modern city built around one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the region: Gerasa. You explore the city in the company of a local English-speaking guide (private tour of approximately 2 hours).
Founded over 6,500 years ago, Jerash was captured by the Romans in 63 BC. The city is brimming with remnants testifying to a prestigious past, yielding its renown only to Petra as a major attraction in Jordan. Today, Jerash is considered one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the region, having been buried under sand for centuries before being rediscovered and restored over a period of 70 years.
Built entirely in rosy orange limestone, the city illuminates beautifully under the rising and setting sun. The heyday of Gerasa dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Jerash is a perfect example of Roman urban planning in the Middle East, with its paved streets lined with columns, its immense temples, its charming theatres, its vast public squares, its baths, its fountains and its ramparts pierced with towers and gates.
Explore this fascinating city with a local English-speaking guide during a private visit of approximately two hours. Then, enjoy lunch in the open air at a local family home, with stunning views over the Dibbeen forests.
Next, you will head towards Ajloun to explore the majestic Ajloun Citadel. Situated at the top of a hill, it offers breathtaking panoramas over Tiberias and Judea. The city's flagship attraction is its fortress, also known as Qala'at ar-Rabad Castle.
Thanks to its strategic position, it served to protect trade routes between Jordan and Syria, while defending the region against the Crusaders, whose conquest attempts failed.
Heading to Petra via the Kings' Road
You leave Amman this morning heading south. Your first stop is the Mount Nebo, where Moses is believed to have died and where his tomb is located. A short distance away, Madaba is home to many churches featuring beautiful mosaics. The most famous of these is found in the Church of Saint George: it is the oldest known depiction of the Holy Land, notably of Jerusalem and the Decapolis, aptly named the Map of the Holy Land. You continue south on the King's Highway, along the Dead Sea. The views of the Jordan Valley are magnificent. Here you follow the presumed traces of Moses leading the Hebrews during their Exodus. In the Mujib Valley, a visit is a must to the Al-Karak Castle, which overlooks the town and is said to be impregnable.
Arrival at your destination for the day, the legendary Petra. Depending on the weather, possibility to visit Little Petra and the Siq el-Barid site, a Nabataean caravan stop and commercial hub.
Mythical city of Petra
Visit to Little Petra and the Siq el-Barid site, caravanserai and commercial hub from the Nabataean era, as well as the Neolithic remains of Beidah. Abounds with Nabataean ruins. This site is an important stop on the route to Petra and is distinguished by its narrow 400-meter canyon, the Siq, which opens between red sandstone rocks. On site, you will discover a tomb-temple and four tricliniums, the guesthouses where Bedouin merchants made their stops. Little Petra, founded in the 1st century BC, was part of the great city of Petra, but was dedicated to residential and commercial dwellings rather than temples or royal necropolises.
In the Heart of the Desert
After an early breakfast, a short excursion northward to Little Petra by a lovely scenic mountain road. Discovery of the site and Neolithic remains of Beidha during a 1-hour hike.
Return to Petra. You then head due south towards, also called the Valley of the Moon. This enchanting and majestic desert made of dunes and rock formations in ochre tones had already captivated Lawrence of Arabia in his time.
Settlement at the camp and free time to explore the surroundings. Dinner at the camp.
Optional: guided hiking or camel trekking.
You take full measure of this landscape of sand, needles and ridges during a 2-hour 4x4 excursion, until the magical blaze of sunset.
On the Edge of the Dead Sea
Head north to the mythical Dead Sea. At the borders of Jordania, Israel and the West Bank, welcome to the lowest point on Earth! The place is ideal for relaxing at the end of your stay, since besides its exceptional altitude of -417m, its salinity is such (27.5%) that you float there! A unique experience in this vast body of water where no fish or even algae can survive.
Night on the shores of the Dead Sea.
Have a good trip!
Beginning of free day to enjoy as you wish the exceptional setting of the Dead Sea, surrounded by mountains and hills.
It is then time to head back to the Jordanian capital. A multi-millennial city, Amman blends History and modernity. History from the Roman era, as evidenced by its theatre and citadel, modernity of its skyscrapers… The white city, spread over 19 hills, holds many treasures and a fascinating past.
In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Lunches and dinners not mentioned.
- Tips, drinks and personal expenses.
- Supplementary and personal insurance.
- Flights and airport taxes.
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Included
- Welcome and assistance upon arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport.
- The entry visa to Jordanie (for European nationals).
- Transport on site in a modern and air-conditioned vehicle.
- The services of a professional English-speaking driver for the duration of the tour.
- Accommodation in the mentioned hotels or similar (subject to availability at the time of booking) including breakfast.
- Dinners at Wadi Rum under Bedouin tents and at the Dead Sea.
- Local English-speaking guidance at Petra (3h) and at Jerash (2h).
- Entrance fees for the sites mentioned in the program.
- Our on-site assistance 24/7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Jordan for a tourist stay. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Jordan, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay: visa on arrival
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Amman's Queen Alia International Airport as well as at the main land and maritime entry points.
This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is possible to request an extension from Jordanian immigration services on site to extend your stay duration.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
It is also possible to obtain a Jordanian visa in advance online via the official e-Visa portal (e-Visa) established by Jordanian authorities.
Jordan Pass
The Jordan Pass is an official package established by the Jordanian government that combines entry visa and access to over 40 tourist sites, including the archaeological site of Petra.
By purchasing the Jordan Pass before your arrival, visa fees are included in the pass price, provided you stay a minimum of three nights in Jordan. The pass must be purchased online before arrival in the country.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Health and vaccines
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Jordan from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. It is nevertheless recommended to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B).
Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure for personalized advice.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Jordan in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have repatriation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. It can be obtained upon arrival at Amman Airport or included free of charge in the Jordan Pass if purchased before departure. The Jordan Pass is highly recommended. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into the country. Before booking, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities or Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €170 and €280 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€450-750 return) are additional. Jordan concentrates wonders (Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea) across a compact territory.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor every itinerary to match our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize a relaxed pace, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Archaeological North
Jordan's Hidden Gems Guide, based in Amman
Jordan is a country of hospitality and contrasts. You can move from desert canyons to ancient ruins or share tea with Bedouins all in the same day.
— Hossam
