Premium Wonders of Jordan

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by an Intrepid representative and transferred to your hotel in Amman. Your adventure officially begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers.

If you arrive early, take time to explore the city’s lively atmosphere. You might visit a local café for traditional ara’yes – warm pita bread stuffed with spiced meat – alongside freshly brewed Jordanian coffee. Perhaps wander through the historic Old Town, discover the impressive Roman Theatre of Amman or explore the collections at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.

This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and experience Jordan’s rich food culture, where sharing meals is an important social tradition. Your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most iconic dishes, including mansaf – tender lamb served with rice and yoghurt sauce – and the famous sweet dessert kunafa, made with delicate pastry and cheese..

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, travel north from Amman to explore the remarkable ancient city of Jerash, home to some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins in the world. Walk beneath the impressive Hadrian’s Arch, built to honour the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 129, and discover a fascinating collection of theatres, bathhouses, temples and colonnaded streets that once formed a thriving Roman city. As you explore, your local leader will bring the ruins to life with stories of Jerash’s rich history and daily life in ancient times. Don’t miss the spectacular Oval Plaza, surrounded by towering columns and considered the heart of the city.

Later, return to Amman for an immersive culinary experience at a local cooking school. Step behind the scenes of Jordanian cuisine during a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare beloved traditional dishes such as maqlubeh, mutabbal and baba ghanouj. Afterwards, sit down with your group to enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created together.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today, journey from Amman to the legendary Dead Sea, one of the most unique natural wonders in the world. Along the way, stop at Mount Nebo, where, according to tradition, Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. Take in the sweeping views across the Jordan Valley and learn about the site’s deep religious significance. Continue to Saint George's Church to admire its famous Byzantine mosaic map of the Holy Land, one of the region’s most important historical treasures.

Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, enjoy time to experience its famously mineral-rich waters. The intense salt concentration makes floating effortlessly on the surface an unforgettable experience. Afterwards, relax on your hotel’s private beachfront or unwind with a swim in the infinity pool overlooking the dramatic desert scenery.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Today, leave the Dead Sea behind and travel south through Jordan’s dramatic desert landscapes to the ancient Crusader fortress of Shobak Castle. Your leader will share the fascinating history of this hilltop stronghold, originally built to defend the eastern frontier of the Latin Kingdom and protect important trade routes before it was captured by Saladin in 1189.

Continue through breathtaking scenery with a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the stunning Dana Biosphere Reserve, known for its rugged mountains and vast natural beauty. By late afternoon, arrive at your accommodation near Petra – Jordan’s most famous archaeological treasure, dating back to the 6th century BC.
With free time on arrival, you can begin exploring Petra at your own pace. Wander through the narrow canyon known as the Siq and catch your first unforgettable glimpse of the Treasury’s magnificent rock-carved facade – one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sights in the Middle East.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Petra is a small and busy city with limited hotel options, so it is often difficult to secure a preferred hotel here. If you would like to confirm in advance which hotel is included on your trip, please check with your booking agent 30 days prior to departure.

Today, discover the wonders of Petra on a guided walking tour through one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. Begin by walking through the dramatic Siq – a narrow sandstone canyon with towering cliffs rising up to 180 metres high – before emerging at the breathtaking Treasury, Petra’s most iconic landmark. Continue exploring the ancient city’s rock-carved tombs, temples and hidden pathways while your guide reveals the fascinating history of the Nabataean civilisation.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll also have the option to climb to the Monastery, where sweeping views over Petra’s vast desert landscape await.
This evening, enjoy a truly special cultural experience as you visit the home of a local Bedouin family for a traditional homemade dinner. Share stories, learn about daily life in Petra and experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality firsthand. Later tonight, you may choose to experience the magical atmosphere of Petra by Night, when the Treasury Plaza glows with candlelight and traditional Bedouin music echoes through the ancient city.

The optional activity Petra by Night runs every Sunday to Thursday, beginning at 8.30 pm from the Petra Visitor Centre and finishing back at the Visitor Centre around 10.30 pm. Please ensure you check your departure date if you are planning to book this activity as it is not available on all departures.

This morning, travel to the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum – a protected wilderness famous for its towering sandstone mountains, dramatic canyons and vast open valleys. After lunch in the small village of Rum, climb aboard a local jeep and venture deep into the desert alongside your Bedouin hosts. Explore remarkable rock formations and experience the peaceful silence of this otherworldly landscape, where traditional Bedouin communities continue to live among scattered desert camps.

As the sun sets across the red sand dunes, gain insight into Bedouin culture and hospitality during a traditional zarb dinner, cooked underground beneath the desert sands. Tonight’s Feature Stay offers a unique blend of wilderness and comfort, with spacious tents equipped with king-sized beds, air conditioning and private ensuite bathrooms. End the day beneath a spectacular canopy of stars and wake tomorrow to an unforgettable sunrise over Wadi Rum’s glowing red landscape.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
In Wadi Rum, you’ll stay in permanent Bedouin style tents with modern ensuite bathroom facilities. Electricity is provided in the guest tents in the evenings via solar power. On occasion, an alternative Feature Stay Camp may be used. Please see the Important Notes section for more information.

Wake up to the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum this morning and enjoy some time to explore the peaceful surroundings of your Bedouin camp. Take a short walk through the desert landscape and climb one of the towering sand dunes for panoramic views across the endless red valleys and sandstone mountains.

Later, journey back to Amman for your final evening in Jordan. Tonight, you may choose to join your group for a farewell dinner and celebrate the end of your adventure with authentic local cuisine. Your leader can recommend some of the city’s favourite restaurants loved by locals for the perfect final taste of Jordanian hospitality.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you will be advised of the pick-up time. If you would like to spend more time in Amman, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.