This trip will cover Petra, The Dead Sea, Bethany, Mount Nebo, and Madaba.
On this tour, we connect religious sites such as Bethany beyond the Jordan, Madaba, which hosted pilgrims to the holy land in ancient times, and Mount Nebo, where Moses glimpsed at the ‘Promised Land.’
That being said, no trip to Jordan is complete without visiting the beautiful ancient city of Petra.
We also like to compliment your spiritual journey with a relaxing visit to the lowest point on earth—the Dead Sea.
Queen Alia Airport
Make the most of your time in Jordan on a five-day tour starting from the moment you land at The Queen Alia International Airport. We will take you on a spiritual journey throughout Jordan, from exploring the ancient city of Petra and down to float at the lowest point on Earth at the Dead Sea and traveling with your companions. Transport and accommodations are included in this small-group Jordan tour.
Upon your arrival, one of our team members will be expecting you (with a sign) at the Queen Alia International Airport arrivals hall. After initial greetings, embark on a 30 minutes drive to your designated hotel in Amman. After check-in at the hotel, we will leave you to rest, relax, and freshen up to be ready for the next day to start on your journey.
The British Broadcasting Channel (BBC) has placed Petra as “one of the 40 places you have to see before you die,” and indeed, we agree.
Petra is a city lost for centuries until its founding in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It is a city that inspired many a poet, John William Burgon being no different. Petra inspired him to write, “it seems no work of Man’s creative hand, by labor wrought as wavering fancy planned; But from the rock as if by magic grown, eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!” The rocks seem to have a mind of their own, and you can sense something enchanting as you walk down the rock-lined corridor to the magnificence that awaits you.
On this day, you will be walking the same route many have traveled before you, and you will feel as if you’ve crossed into a different world. You get to explore a city carved into stone, wander through a dim, narrow canyon called The Siq (a sacred path filled with old and ancient relics of gods); a complex water system has been put on both sides of the gorge. Much more will be unveiled to you as you walk until you enter The Treasury. And exactly like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade, you will be hypnotized by what you see.
A whole city, carved from stone, will open up before you once you leave The Treasury. Everything is formed from the rock face—houses, tombs, theatres, and facades. As the sun casts its rays on these places and you observe other travelers roam along exploring the hidden secrets of Petra, you will know what life must have been like for the people living here—peaceful, bustling, and beautiful.
Things to consider:
The Monastery (Al–Dair):
This monastery is a one hour climb up 800 rock steps from the basin museum/restaurant area. Don’t be frightened by the ascent, though; donkeys are available, but the essence of the adventure for many people is in the walk itself.
What to expect:
While it is not as well-known as the Treasury, the Monastery is rated as one of the most memorable views at Petra. It is comparable to the Treasury yet only larger (50m high x 45m wide). While including much less decoration, it is still wonderfully carved and deserving every one of the 800 steps you took to reach it.
Wadi Araba Vantage Point:
If you are a fan of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views, another part of your day should include this location. With just an additional ten minute walk from the Monastery, you will be pleased you took the extra time. Here you will appreciate panoramic views of the Wadi Araba Valley. This walk can be extra satisfying for the bird watchers among the group as eagles populate this area in abundance.
High Places of Sacrifices:
This is another place that is offered that provides the opportunity for both a close look into the faith of the Nabateans priest as it was used for animal sacrifice, and also provides a very spectacular view of the city below. Get yourself ready for 700 steps into the mountain (again, donkeys can be hired for those looking for a ride up). Your trek up will begin in the area by the theatre near the Treasury.
Petra entrance fee: 50 Jordanian dinars.
Things to consider while in Wadi Musa town/Petra:
Petra night tours:
What better way of seeing the Treasury than to see it lit up by hundreds of candles? Picture the rose-colored rock sparkling with hundreds of tiny dancing flames lighting your way throughout. You will enjoy sipping traditional Bedouin tea while traditional Bedouin music plays softly in the background.
The walk starts at the visitor center, with candles lining the way to the Treasury. The candles give the journey a playful effect, while the only sound you hear is that of your own breath echoing in the Siq (gorge).
Petra by Night runs three times a week. Tours start at 8:30 pm and finish at 10:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Ticket: 17 Jordanian dinars.
Turkish bath:
Whether you are tired after a long day of exploring the city of Petra, or if you are preparing for your night tour, a Turkish bath is a must for a true visitor’s experience. Trust us, every muscle in your body will thank you. A renowned local family owns the baths where we will be taking you, so you are guaranteed an authentic Turkish bath experience. Feel free to bring your suit with you, or if you have forgotten yours, one can be provided.
As you enter the first chamber, your masseur will greet you. You will then be cleaned with warm soapy water and rinsed off by pouring warm water over your head. Next, it’s off to the steam room. The steam is mixed with a special blend of local herbs that will help your breathing and break down those sore muscles. It’s a unisex bath so you and your friends can enjoy each other’s company while in the steam room.
Afterward, we’re off to the hot stones where you can put your tired feet up, aiding your blood circulation (definitely needed after all those steps!) Once you’re ready, you can head back into the steam room to prepare for your massage. We end our time at the Turkish baths with a cool down, followed by some local herbal tea, before we head back to your hotel or off to dinner. This experience will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated like never before!
Price: 24 Jordanian dinars for the full works.
After breakfast, we will begin on a four-hour journey to the Dead Sea. Driving along, you will witness another side of Jordan and see the land’s diversity around you as we pass by Wadi Araba. Dunes will emerge on both sides of the road as we progress towards the Dead Sea’s fertile land. The rich land of the Jordan Valley, which has been productive for the last 10,000 years, will begin to unfold before you.
We proceed with our journey by descending quickly towards the lowest point on earth (423 meters below sea level). Driving along the Dead Sea Highway, we will cross by the Wadi Mujib Bridge, which faces a gigantic canyon.
Dead Sea: words can hardly express this beautiful place, being one of the world’s first health resorts for kings like Herod the Great and many others.
Now all you have to do is relax and float on your back, read your favorite magazine and take a selfie for your Facebook profile.
Things to consider:
When the sun baking at the Dead Sea, it is common for guests to cover themselves with mud and neglect to use any sun protection. The sun’s damaging UV rays are filtered due to the high atmospheric pressure in the area. Therefore we’d like all our guests to be cautious so that they can enjoy their whole experience.
After breakfast, we will take a short 15-minute drive to the next site that holds a significant value to Christianity and humanity; Bethany beyond the Jordan.
Bethany beyond the Jordan
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan to be baptized by John” (Matthew 3:13)
First, we stop by the visitor center as it is a border zone; only shuttle buses are allowed entry, which runs every half-hour. You will briefly pass by Mar Elias, where it is believed that Prophet Elijah was born and rose to heaven in a whirlwind.
Later, driven closer to the Jordan River, the tour continues on foot, bypassing a small byzantine church. Close by is the site where Jesus believed to be baptized by John.
The walking trail will eventually lead you to the Jordan River. The tour will take approximately 90 minutes, accompanied by a guide and audio guide included in the ticket fee.
Baptism site entrance fee: 12 Jordanian dinars.
45 minutes away, Mount Nebo is where you can stand in Moses’s shoes when he first gazed upon the ‘Promised Land’. The area is located at the summit and where you will undoubtedly feel a surge of calm and peace flow through you. On a clear day, you will be able to see Bethlehem, Jericho and the Holy City of Jerusalem, as well as the Dead Sea. The view is powerful, special, and something you will surely never forget.
Mount Nebo entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.
As we carry on toward Madaba, we will take you to experience Jordan Jewel for Art & Mosaic. Here you will have a chance to visit their workshop and learn about the intricately detailed craftwork that goes into the production of mosaics and other interesting arts of this region.
Madaba (Saint George Church)Madaba is a city known for its spectacular Byzantine-era mosaics. Possibly the most famous of these mosaics lies within the 19th century Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. Unearthed in 1864, this map constructed in the 6th century once contained millions of mosaic pieces and depicts lands from Palestine to Egypt. Today one-third of the map survives and shows the earliest surviving representation of the city of Jerusalem.
Saint George church entrance fee: 1 Jordanian dinar.
Today holds a unique experience, with a focus on faith. We proceed to your hotel to relax and be available for the next day’s departure.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport, where we will say goodbye; a staff member will take your baggage inside for you and wish you a safe and relaxing trip home.
Yes. Hotels impose a single fee on your accommodation. Moreover, most of our tours are private and cater to individuals, couples or families which provides the most flexibility for tour adjustment.
The main currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). We recommend exchanging into local currency, your driver can stop by any exchange office. Card payment is also widely accepted in most stores and restaurants, beside currencies as USD and EUR. Still we recommend USD.
We can arrange for ground transportation only. As a local agency we get favorable rates from the hotels, hence, as package it will be more feasible and also in case any issues occur with the hotel we can assist to ensure your stay as pleasant as possible.
We always try to accommodate any customizations to this tour to fit your current interest. Please consulate us and our Jordanian tour specialist will call or email you to discuss all your ideas and advise accordingly.