Jordan Essentials
Desert & Red Sands 7 days classique

Jordan Essentials

From Roman theatres to the dunes of Wadi Rum, a journey to the heart of an ancient kingdom.

From€890per person
18 years of local expertise4.51/5 (91 reviews including 90 Google)

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, and the enchanting dunes of Wadi Rum desert. To recover from such emotions and end your stay in style, 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 explore places steeped in history where the influences of many civilizations that have crossed the region mingle. The magic of Petra, the spectacular panoramas of Wadi Rum and the warm welcome of Jordanians will make each stop 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 with a thousand facets.

The stages of your journey

D1–2
AmmanHotel
D3–4
PetraHotel
D5
Wadi RumBedouin camp
D6
Mer morteHotel
D7
Amman

Highlights

Pink city of Petra
Majestic Wadi Rum Desert
Roman Ruins of Jerash
Byzantine Mosaics of Madaba
Dead Sea Floating
Authentic Bedouin camps

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Jordan!

Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, where an agency representative welcomes you and assists you with customs and visa formalities. Private transfer to your hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Jour 2
D2

The Remains of the Decapolis

AmmanUmm Qais

2h15120 km

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, then called Philadelphia, was also 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.

Umm QaisTabaqat Fahil

45min35 km

You then head south along the Jordan River toward the city of Tabaqat Fahil which houses the vast ancient site of Pella, also known as Berenice. The wealth of antiquities and Greco-Roman ruins makes the place a paradise for archaeologists.

Tabaqat FahilJerash

1h1545 km

Continuation to Jerash, a modern city built around one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the region: Gerasa. You explore the city accompanied by an English-speaking local guide (private tour of approximately 2 hours).

JerashAmman

1h50 km

Return to Amman for the night.

Hotel
Jour 3
D3

Heading to Petra via the King's Highway

AmmanPetra

4h30300 km

You leave Amman this morning heading south. Your first stop is Mount Nebo, where it is believed that Moses died and where his tomb is located.

Just a short distance away, Madaba is home to many churches featuring beautiful mosaics. The most famous of these can be found in the Church of Saint George: it is the oldest known representation of the Holy Land, notably of Jerusalem and the Decapolis, aptly named Map of the Holy Land.

You continue south on the Kings Highway, along the Dead Sea. The views over the Jordan Valley are magnificent. You are following 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 mythical Petra. Depending on the weather, there is the possibility to visit Little Petra and the Siq el-Barid site, a caravanserai and trading hub from the time of the Nabataeans.

HotelBreakfast
Jour 4
D4

Mythical City of Petra

The entire day is dedicated to exploring the Pink City, an icon of the country, UNESCO World Heritage Site, an exceptional and monumental place, shrouded in mystery, which will amaze you. You have breakfast very early to enjoy the site from its opening at 6 a.m.

Sometimes nicknamed the Lost City, built nearly 2000 years ago by the Nabataeans, "lost" to the West in the 14th century and then rediscovered in the early 19th century by a Swiss traveler disguised as an Arab claiming to want to honor the tomb of the prophet Aaron, Petra is full of tombs, palaces, staircases, troglodytic temples

The spectacle is everywhere and captivates lovers of beautiful stone, history, artists, explorers and ordinary travelers alike. The magic works and emotions run high !

Night in Petra.

HotelBreakfast
Jour 5
D5

In the heart of the desert

PetraWadi Rum

2h120 km

After an early breakfast, a short excursion northward to Little Petra via a lovely scenic mountain road. Discovery of the site and the Neolithic remains of Beidha during a 1-hour hike.
Return to Petra.

You then head due south towards Wadi Rum, 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 its time.

You gain a full appreciation of this landscape of sand, needles and ridges during a 3-hour excursion by 4x4, until the magical glow of sunset.

Settlement at camp and free time to explore the surroundings. Dinner at camp.
Optional: guided hike on foot or by camel.

Bedouin campBreakfastDinner
Jour 6
D6

By the Dead Sea

Wadi RumDead sea

4h30350 km

Head north and the mythical Dead Sea. At the borders of Jordanie, Israël and the West Bank, welcome to the lowest point on Earth! The place is ideal for relaxing at the end of your stay, since beyond its exceptional altitude of -417m, its salinity is such (27.5%) that you float in it! A unique experience in this vast expanse of water where no fish or even algae can survive.

Night by the Dead Sea.

HotelBreakfast
Jour 7
D7

Have a great trip!

Dead seaAmman

1h55 km

Free time at the beginning of the 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.

Breakfast

Price per person

2 pers.€1,170/pers.
3-4 pers.€980/pers.
5-6 pers.€890/pers.

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 that is not mentioned in the inclusions.

Included

  • Welcome and assistance upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
  • Entry visa to Jordan (for European nationals).
  • Transportation on-site in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
  • The services of a professional English-speaking driver for the duration of the circuit.
  • Accommodation in the hotels mentioned or similar ones (subject to availability at the time of booking) with breakfast.
  • Dinners at Wadi Rum under the Bedouin tents and at the Dead Sea.
  • Local English-speaking guidance at Petra (3h) and at Jerash (2h).
  • The entrance fees for the sites mentioned in the program.
  • Our 24/7 on-site assistance

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 partner

Travel 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 insurance

Frequently 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.

Hossam, Jordan's Hidden Gems Guide
18years of expertise

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

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance4.51/5