Rainbow over Wadi Rum

Prince Feisal and T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) made their headquarters in this sublime desert setting in World War I as they fought in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

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Jordan Explorer Private Journey

Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum and Aqaba

Jordan’s sites of antiquity are straight out of an archaeologist’s wildest dream, including fabled Petra, long-lost city of the Nabateans, Jerash, a fabulously preserved Roman city, and the great Crusader castle at Kerak. The ancient legacy of Jordan is rivaled only by the stunning beauty of the landscape, from the dramatic desert canyon of Wadi Rum, haunt of T.E. Lawrence, to the legendary Dead Sea. This Private Journey is a comfortable one, with 5-star hotels, private English-speaking guides, air-conditioned vehicles, and lots of wonderful interaction with the Jordanians, among the most hospitable people in the world.

Highlights

  • Fabled Petra, an amazing lost city hidden in a desert canyon for 2,000 years
  • Wadi Rum’s red-rock canyons, Roman cities, Crusader castles, luxury spa on the Dead Sea
  • Optional snorkeling in the Red Sea at Aqaba

Details

  • 11-day trip begins in Amman
  • 10 nights in resorts and hotels (First Class and Deluxe Options available)
  • All meals included except 4 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Overland touring and cultural exploration with easy day walks of 2-4 hours a day

When to Go

October to April

For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Suggested Reading

Reading list, click here.

Tour Costs

First Class Option

$4195 per person, double occupancy (4-5 people)
$4395 per person, double occupancy (2-3 people)
Single Supplement: $1390

Deluxe Option

$4795 per person, double occupancy (4-5 people)
$5095 per person, double occupancy (2-3 people)
Single Supplement: $1690

Internal airfare: $140 per person (subject to change)
Holiday Surcharges: Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners may be compulsory for a supplemental fee. Please call us for details.

Prices good through October 2010
Includes all land transportation and private guides from Days 2-8

Itinerary at a Glance
Jordan Explorer Private Journey route-map

Days 1-4
Roman Ruins, Crusader Castle, and the Dead Sea

Visit the striking Roman ruins at Jerash, an archaeological masterpiece framed by the hills of Gilead, and the impressive Al Rabad Castle, built in defense against the Crusaders, then journey to a luxury spa on the Dead Sea to enjoy the therapeutic secrets of its legendary waters.

Days 5-6
Petra, Lost City of Stone

En route to Petra, explore the great Crusader fortress at Kerak. This monumental building soars above its surroundings and is filled with galleries and secret passageways. Its thick defensive walls are pierced by narrow arrow slits where Crusader archers held out. Continue to Petra, “a rose-red city half as old as time” and one of the great treasures of the ancient world. Petra’s stunning desert setting is unequaled and its elaborately carved temples, hewn into the cliffs by the mysterious Nabatean people 2,000 years ago, are spell-binding.

Day 7
Wadi Rum

This was Lawrence of Arabia’s headquarters during World War I, and he named his book, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom, after Wadi Rum’s natural landmark of seven jagged rock columns. Explore the canyon by 4WD and enjoy dinner served under Bedouin tents before returning to Petra.

Days 8-11
Snorkeling in the Red Sea

In the tranquil haven of Aqaba, swim and snorkel along pristine coral reefs in the Red Sea. Return to Amman on Day 10, with an afternoon to explore its Roman theater, art galleries, and the bazaars of the Gold Market. Depart on Day 11.

This is the Itinerary-at-a-Glance. For the complete trip description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Grand Hyatt Hotel (First Class Option)

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights),
Day 10 (1 night),
Amman, Jordan

The Grand Hyatt Hotel, located in the heart of Amman’s central business district, features spacious rooms and suites, three restaurants, ...
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The Four Seasons Hotel (Deluxe Option)

Days 1 to 3 (3 nights),
Day 10 (1 night),
Amman, Jordan

The stylish Four Seasons Hotel, with its hilltop location (and unparalleled views of the city), is an oasis of calm after a busy day exploring ...
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Dead Sea Movenpick Resort (First Class Option)

Day 4 (1 night), Dead Sea, Jordan

Set among lush gardens on the northern shores of the Dead Sea, this resort is built of traditional local stone and handcrafted woods, and features ...
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Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea (Deluxe Option)

Day 4 (1 night), Dead Sea, Jordan

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, a luxurious enclave on the shores of the Dead Sea, is set amidst lagoons, waterfalls, and private pools. Each ...
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Petra Movenpick Resort

Days 5 to 7 (3 nights), Petra, Jordan

The best thing about the Petra Movenpick Resort is its prime location: just steps from the entrance to one of the most magical sites in the world. ...
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Aqaba Movenpick Resort

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Aqaba, Jordan

Set right on the shores of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba with its own private beach, the Aqaba Movenpick Resort features beautiful Arabesque ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.