Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
A Long Weekend in Jordan World Wonders, Ancient Kingdoms & Desert Horizons
Jordan – Madaba – Petra – Wadi Rum Desert – Dead Sea
Your journey kicks off with a night in Amman before you embark on a road trip to Petra along the King’s Highway (with a local driver at the wheel). One of the world’s oldest trade routes, this legendary road winds through the heart of Jordan and was once travelled by camel-riding Bedouins and (as the name suggests) kings.
Then comes the star attraction: Petra. This UNESCO World Heritage site dazzles with rock-carved tombs, ancient temples, Roman theatres and lavish Byzantine mosaics that reveal the legacy of the Nabataeans, Edomites and Romans. Explore its winding pathways and marvel at Al-Khazna (The Treasury), set off for a hike along the monastery trail and w ander Siq al-Barid (Little Petra), where hidden passageways and carved banquet halls pack plenty of charm. Let the oohing and aahing commence.
The adventure ramps up in the Wadi Rum desert, where you’ll climb aboard a 4x4 and bound across the rust-red expanse of sand and stone. With no roads to follow and vast horizons ahead, it's Jordan at its most wild and wonderful.
And for the grand finale? The Dead Sea. A splash of turquoise among Jordan’s sun-scorched landscapes, it’s the perfect place to spend your last evening, toasting to a long weekend well-spent.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Bags packed, passports at the ready and excitement levels officially sky-high, today’s the day you’re off to Jordan.
Head to the airport, whizz through security, pick up a holiday read and settle into the lounge for some fizz and nibbles before boarding your five-hour flight to Amman. Try to nab a window seat for sweeping views over Jordan’s lunar-like landscapes below as you begin your descent.
When you land, you’ll be met at the airport and whisked away to your hotel in the heart of Madaba – your home for the night.
Flights to Amman touch down late in the evening, so grab a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant (which may feel like more of a midnight snack), then dive straight under the covers for some well-earned Zs. Tomorrow, the adventure truly begins.
Rise and shine early this morning and follow Madaba’s mosaic-embellished streets to a corner café for some traditional breakfast.
Then, meet your local driver for the three-hour private transfer to Petra, travelling via the King’s Highway. Once a vital trade route, this historic road threads through desolate ravines, arid mountains and sleepy villages where donkeys outnumber cars. Pass Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land, Al-Maghtas, believed to be the site of Jesus' baptism and the imposing Crusader stronghold of Al-Karak – all bound to have you glued to the window.
When you arrive in Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra, check in for two nights at a comfortable guesthouse. As per tradition, start your stay with a cup of Bedouin tea, then cool off with a dip in the pool.
Feeling peckish after the journey? We can arrange a p rivate dinner at Siq al-Barid, also known as Little Petra, where you’ll dine on traditional dishes beneath the stars.
Today’s the day you officially tick Petra off the bucket list.
Carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago, this ancient Nabataean city is bound to leave you wide-eyed as you and your guide weave through its maze of tombs, temples, Roman theatres and intricate Byzantine mosaics. Finally, marvel at the star of the show – Al-Khazneh, better known as The Treasury – and picture Petra in its heyday, complete with traders bartering over spices, silks and incense and camels laden with precious goods.
Then, lace up your walking shoes for a guided h ike along Petra’s main trail before joining the monastery trail, passing iconic landmarks such as the Lion Fountain and the Garden Triclinium en route. A few hundred steps later, you’ll reach Ad Deir (the monastery), where far-reaching views across the rock-carved city make every puff and pant worthwhile.
Another day, another adventure. Before leaving Petra behind, make your way to Siq al-Barid (better known as Little Petra) and admire carved banquet halls and hidden chambers etched into the rock.
Next, you’ll be privately transferred to the Wadi Rum desert, a two-hour drive from Petra. Here, bundle into the back of a 4x4, bouncing across a Mars-red wilderness and keeping score of all the weird and wonderful rock formations you discover along the way. It all feels like something straight out of a film – quite literally featured in Dune and The Martian.
Suitably wowed (and a little dusty), hop back in the car for the four-and-a-half-hour transfer to the Dead Sea, a dreamlike expanse of shimmering waters and salt-flecked shores. When you arrive, check into your hotel and let our Concierge work their magic with one last restaurant recommendation – your final night in Jordan deserves something special.
Time flies when you’re having fun and, sadly, your journey across Jordan has come to an end.
After one last aromatic ahwa (Jordanian coffee), you’ll be privately transferred back to Amman Airport, a one-hour drive away. Stock up on any last-minute souvenirs and indulge in a spot of duty-free shopping before boarding your flight back home.
You’ll spend five hours in the air – plenty of time to flick through your holiday photos, relive the highlights and start dreaming up your next bucket-list adventure...
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
LITTLE PETRA, BIG APPETITE
All that World Wonder exploring is bound to work up a hefty appetite, so feast like royalty with a private dinner at Siq al-Barid, better known as Little Petra. As the sun begins to dip and the sandstone glows gold in the fading light, sink your teeth into a feast of Jordan’s most beloved dishes, from mansaf (slow-cooked lamb) and meze plates piled high with falafel, hummus and freshly baked flatbreads to knafeh, a gloriously gooey combination of sweet cheese, crisp pastry and a generous drizzle of sugar syrup. And just when you think the setting couldn’t be any more magical, turn your eyes to the skies – with barely any light pollution here, the stars put on quite the show. Who’ll be the first to spot Orion’s Belt?WITH A FEW MORE DAYS... DISCOVER AMMAN
Fancy a little more time in Jordan? Extend your stay with some time in Amman, the country’s historic capital city. Spend your days exploring religious and historic landmarks, such as the King Hussein Mosque, King Abdullah Mosque, the hilltop Citadel and the remains of the Temple of Hercules, before stepping back in time at the Roman Theatre and its neighbouring Odeon. Then amble around the Jabal Amman district, where the streets buzz with the chatter of marketeers, the distant call to prayer, the clink of tea glasses and the aroma of spices drifting through the air. While you’re here, be sure to browse an old souq – just don’t be surprised if you find yourself testing out your haggling skills in pursuit of the perfect trinket.
Why visit Jordan with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Jordan
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
