Jordan Mosaic

D1: 6 Dec – "First Glimpses & Ancient Echoes"

Arrival in Amman & The Citadel at Sunset
Touch down in Jordan’s sprawling capital and get your bearings. Once settled, head out in the late afternoon to the Amman Citadel. Perched on the highest hill in the city, this open-air museum offers a profound introduction to Jordan’s layered history—spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad eras. Stay until dusk to watch the call to prayer echo over the labyrinth of white-washed houses below as the city lights begin to twinkle.

Good to Know: The Citadel closes around sunset in winter (check the time, approx 4-5 PM). The temperature drops quickly in the evening, so carry a jacket. Try your first Knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry) at a downtown sweet shop afterward.

D2: 7 Dec – "Chariots & Columns: The Roman Frontier"

Jerash Archaeological Ruins
Travel north to Jerash, known as the "Pompeii of the East." Unlike many ancient cities buried under modern construction, Jerash remains remarkably preserved. You will walk through Hadrian’s Arch, watch locals demonstrating the acoustics of the South Theatre, and stroll down the colonnaded Cardo Maximus, where the grooves of ancient chariot wheels are still visible in the stone.

Good to Know: Wear comfortable walking shoes; the site is massive with uneven paving. Jerash is slightly cooler than Amman due to its elevation. Don't miss the small museum near the entrance for artifacts found on site.

D3: 8 Dec – "Baptism, Salt & City Lights"

The Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) + Dead Sea + Rainbow Street
Begin your day with a spiritual detour to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the archaeological site on the east bank of the Jordan River believed to be the exact spot where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Walk among the ruins of ancient churches and baptismal pools, and stand at the river's edge—just meters from the border with Israel. Afterward, descend to the Dead Sea to float in the hyper-saline waters and cover yourself in therapeutic black mud. Don't miss the pink and green lakes—these are the salt evaporation pools just south of the main beaches, colored by algae and high salt concentrations, creating a surreal, photogenic landscape. Return to Amman in the evening to wander down Rainbow Street, the city’s bohemian artery filled with cafes, shisha smoke, and antique shops.

Good to Know: The Baptism Site is a protected area; you must join a guided tour (included in the ticket) to reach the riverbank. Modest dress is required. Do not shave the day before entering the Dead Sea (it will sting!). Keep the water out of your eyes. The pink/green lakes are best photographed from the roadside viewpoint looking down at the pans.

D4: 9 Dec – "Moses’ View & The Road to the Rose City"

Mount Nebo to Wadi Musa (Petra)
Leave Amman behind and drive south along the ancient King’s Highway. Stop at Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land. On a clear day, the view stretches over the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Visit the memorial church to see stunning 6th-century Byzantine mosaics. Continue south through dramatic desert landscapes to Wadi Musa, the modern town that serves as the gateway to Petra.

Good to Know: The drive to Wadi Musa takes about 3 hours from Amman. Arrive early to rest your legs. Tomorrow is a very heavy walking day, so a good night's sleep is crucial.

D5: 10 Dec – "Entering the Lost City & The Climb to the Heavens"

Petra Full Day: The Siq, Treasury, Royal Tombs & The Monastery
Today is the most epic day of the trip. Enter Petra early and walk through the narrow, towering gorge known as the Siq. As the path narrows, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) through the gap—a moment that will stay with you forever. Continue past the Street of Facades, explore the Royal Tombs, and wander down the Colonnaded Street to the ancient city center. After a rest and lunch, summon your energy for the climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). It requires ascending roughly 800 stairs carved into the rock, but the reward is a monumental facade rivaling the Treasury, without the crowds.

Good to Know: Start at 6:00 AM to avoid the midday crowds and the harsh sun. This is a very long day (expect 20,000+ steps). Donkeys can be hired for the climb to the Monastery if you are tired, but walking is safer on the uneven steps. Carry plenty of water.

D6: 11 Dec – "Red Sand & Desert Silence"

Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum
After the physical exertion of yesterday, enjoy a slower morning. You can revisit a specific part of Petra if you have energy or simply sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Wadi Musa. In the early afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours to the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum. Check into your camp, sip Bedouin tea, and settle in to watch the sunset turn the red sand into a glowing canvas of orange and purple.

Good to Know: If you want to re-enter Petra on this morning, your ticket from yesterday is valid. In Wadi Rum, the camps are usually in a remote area—arrive before dark if driving yourself. The desert gets cold at night; pack a warm layer.

D7: 12 Dec – "Landscapes of Mars & The Red Sea Breeze"

Wadi Rum JeepTour to Aqaba Sunset
Buckle up for a 4-hour jeep tour through the Valley of the Moon. You’ll race over red dunes, inspect ancient Nabatean inscriptions at Khazali Canyon, and stand under the massive rock arches. After the dust settles, drive south to Aqaba, Jordan’s window to the sea. In the evening, head to the beach or a rooftop bar. As the sun sets, you’ll see the lights of Eilat (Israel) to the north and the mountains of Egypt (Sinai) to the west, framing the blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.

Good to Know: Wear a scarf/shemagh to cover your face during the jeep ride to protect from dust. Aqaba is a duty-free zone, making it a slightly cheaper place to buy souvenirs or alcohol.

D8: 13 Dec – "The Long Road Home"

Aqaba to Amman Airport
It’s a travel day. The Desert Highway back to Amman Airport is fast and relatively scenic in a stark, minimalist way. The drive takes approximately 4 hours without stops. Reflect on a journey that took you from the Roman Empire, through the Nabatean Kingdom, and down to the shores of the Red Sea.

Good to Know: Leave Aqaba at least 5-6 hours before your flight check-in time to account for bathroom stops and the security checks entering the airport perimeter. If you have a late flight, consider a quick detour to the town of Madaba (the City of Mosaics) near the airport to see the famous map of the Holy Land.

Hotels Details: 4-star or Similar

Amman: Geneva Hotel (4★)
Located in the heart of modern Amman, Geneva Hotel offers comfortable rooms, warm hospitality, and easy access to the city's top attractions including Rainbow Street and the Citadel. Enjoy a relaxing stay with modern amenities, an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and panoramic city views. Perfectly positioned for exploring the capital before your journey south.

Wadi Musa: Petra Legacy Luxury (4★)
Nestled just minutes from the entrance to Petra, this elegant hotel combines modern comfort with traditional Jordanian charm. After long days exploring the ancient Nabatean city, unwind in spacious rooms, enjoy the rooftop terrace views, and savor authentic Jordanian dishes. The perfect base for your Petra adventure.

Wadi Rum: Starlight Camp
Experience true Bedouin hospitality under a canopy of stars. Starlight Camp offers traditional goat-hair tents with comfortable bedding, a communal dining area, and an unforgettable desert atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Zarb dinner cooked underground, sip sweet Bedouin tea by the fire, and wake up to sunrise over the red dunes.

Aqaba: DoubleTree by Hilton (4★)
End your journey in style at this beachfront hotel overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba. Enjoy luxurious rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning views of the Red Sea, Israel, and Egypt. The perfect place to relax, unwind, and reflect on your Jordanian adventure before departure.

Processing Time with document: E-visa

• Passport Copy
• Visa type: Single entry
• Processing time: 10 working days
• Stay duration: 30 days per entry
• Visa validity: Depends on the embassy