World Heritage Sites of Jordan Tour

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World Heritage Sites of Jordan Tour

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Overview

Jordan boasts an impressive array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. This tour rounds out Jordan’s impressive list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s diverse and storied past.

Tour Highlights:

The ancient city of Petra, famously carved into the sandstone cliffs over 2,000 years ago.
Qasr Amra, a remarkably well-preserved 8th-century Islamic fortress and other Desert Castles.
Um Ar-Rasas, with its intricate mosaics and Roman ruins.
Wadi Rum‘s breathtaking natural landscape, dubbed the “Valley of the Moon,” recognized for its unique geological formations and cultural significance to the Bedouin people.
The biblical site of Al-Maghtas, believed to be the location of Jesus’ baptism, also hold significant historical and spiritual importance.
The As-Salt Historic District, with its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture.
Discover the impressive basalt architecture of Umm Al Jimmal.

Itinerary

Welcome to Jordan!

Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport. Your driver will be waiting for you at the arrivals lobby to transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight in Amman.

Driving time:
QAIA to Amman: Approx. 45 minutes.

After breakfast, tour the downtown part of capital city Amman for around 2 hours, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, two of the most popular archeological sites in the city.

Proceed to the Eastern Desert to visit Al Kharraneh and Amra Castles which were built in the early 8th century. Qasr Amra is an exceptionally well-preserved desert castle was both a fortress with a garrison and a residence of the Umayyad caliphs. The most outstanding features of this small pleasure palace are the reception hall and the hammam, both richly decorated with figurative murals that reflect the secular art of the time.

Then head to Umm Al Jimmal which has been recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is home to almost 2,000 years of history and culture, telling stories of Syrian Druze, Bedouin Msa’eid, Nabataeans, Romans of Arabia, and is the best-preserved Byzantine town in the Southern Hauran region. Umm Al Jimal is being archaeologically investigated for over a century now.

Overnight in Amman.

Driving time:
Amman to Desert Castles – Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Desert Castles to Umm Al Jimmal – Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.
Umm Jimmal to Amman – Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.

Pick up from Amman and drive north to Jerash, one of the most preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East.

After enjoying the ruins and souk at Jerash, proceed to Ajloun and visit the castle, dominating the Ajloun skyline. It was built to ward off the Crusader armies at the key trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, and Mecca.

We then head to the village of Orjan for an experience of more traditional life. Meeting our local host, you will be introduced to the culture and daily life of the host community, and sample a delicious feast of traditional food cooked by their family. A great opportunity to ask questions about life in rural Jordan.

Overnight in Amman.

Driving time:
Amman to Jerash – Approx. 1 hour.
Jerash to Ajloun – Approx. 45 minutes.
Ajloun to Amman – Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.

Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Amman and head to the town of Madaba and discover the amazing Byzantine mosaics excavated from throughout the town. See the ‘Madaba Map’, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands. Visit the Shrine of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.

Drive to Mount Nebo and wonder at the view where Moses looked across to the Promised Land and later died and was buried.

Afterwards we will continue our journey to Um Ar Rasas. In 2004, the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is valued by archaeologists for its extensive ruins dating to the Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim periods.

Overnight in Petra.

Driving time:
Amman to Madaba – Approx. 1 hour.
Madaba to Mount Nebo – Approx. 20 minutes.
Mount Nebo to Umm Ar Rasas – Approx. 1 hour.
Umm Ar Rasas to Petra – Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes.

A Masterpiece half as old as time; The Red Rose city of Petra. Marvel at the beauty of the ‘Lost City’, exploring its many caves and tombs. Walk through the Siq and be astounded at the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the ancient Nabatean city, now one of the Modern 7 Wonders of the World. Time to then explore the city further, such as Qasr Al-Bint or the Royal Tombs.

Overnight in Petra.

In the morning after breakfast, drive from your hotel in Petra and head south to Wadi Rum, where you will be taken on a roughly 4-hour jeep tour that will allow you to travel around Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, dunes and deserts; discover rock inscriptions, majestic views of mountains, landscapes and narrow gorges.

A simple lunch will be served in the desert by your Bedouin escort.

In the evening, it’s time to taste Zarb, a delicious Bedouin dish cooked underground. Finish your day watching the stars and the enjoying a quiet night in the desert.

Overnight in Wadi Rum.

Driving time:
Petra to Wadi Rum – Approx. 2 hours

After having breakfast in Wadi Rum you will drive to the lowest point on earth to relax at the Dead Sea. Time to float in the salty water, relax by the pool, enjoy the sunshine and views while trying out the invigorating mud bath to cleanse the skin, and experience the various treatments in the spa.

Overnight at the Dead Sea.

Driving time:
Wadi Rum to Dead Sea – Approx. 4 hours.

Wake up at the lowest point on earth, at 400m below sea level. Enjoy your morning relaxing at the Dead Sea, floating in the salt waters, rest by the pool or pamper yourself with spa treatments.

At an agreed upon time with your driver, proceed to the Baptism site, where you will journey back through Jesus’ life and visit the site where he was baptized. Supported by many biblical, archeological, and historical evidence, Bethany Beyond the Jordan was recognized as the authentic site of Jesus’ baptism.

Then proceed to As-Salt to explore a city that was built on a very hilly terrain. The center of town lies in the middle of a deep valley and the town spreads up the surrounding hills. This trail focuses on the religious harmony of the place. You will visit mosques, churches and heritage buildings.

Overnight in Amman.

Driving time:
Dead sea to Baptism site – Approx. 20 minutes.
Baptism Site to As Salt – Approx. 1 hour.
As Salt to Amman – Approx. 40 minutes.

Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye but return home with wonderful memories.

(You will need to be at the airport 3 hours prior your flight.)

Driving time:
Amman to QAIA – Approx. 45 minutes

FAQs

Good fitness level is required. You will need to be comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach/transport time).

As a general guideline, shoulders and knees should be covered, specially at religious sites – for women and men.

Loose, lightweight, long clothing is a great choice: While being culturally respectful, you also stay cool and protected from the sun.

In Dead Sea, beach wear is totally acceptable.

Jordan is a desert country, and thus usually imagined to be very hot. However, the weather can get quite cold in winter. If you’re travelling to Jordan during that season, make sure to pack warm clothes and some waterproof shoes and jackets.