Detailed Day-Wise Itinerary
Welcome to Jordan - Transfer & City Introduction
Your Jordan family adventure begins with arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman. After clearing immigration and customs, you'll be greeted by your professional guide who will assist with a smooth private transfer to your family-friendly hotel in the heart of Amman. The drive into the city provides your first glimpses of Jordan's unique blend of ancient history and modern development, as gleaming white buildings spread across the rolling hills.
After checking into your comfortable accommodations and freshening up from your journey, take some time to relax and adjust to the local time. If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, consider a gentle introduction to Amman with a walk around the hotel neighborhood. Your guide can recommend nearby family-friendly restaurants serving authentic Jordanian cuisine, where you can sample local specialties like mansaf, hummus, and fresh-baked flatbreads.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome orientation session where your guide will provide an overview of the exciting week ahead, answer any questions about local customs and traditions, and ensure your family feels comfortable and prepared for the adventures to come. Rest well tonight as tomorrow brings your first full day of exploration in this fascinating country.
Ancient Capitals - Amman Citadel & Roman Jerash
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, begin your exploration of Jordan's rich heritage with a visit to the Amman Citadel, perched atop the city's highest hill. This archaeological treasure showcases 7,000 years of continuous human occupation with impressive ruins from Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. Walk among the towering columns of the Temple of Hercules, explore the Umayyad Palace complex, and visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum to see fascinating artifacts including some of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The panoramic views of Amman's sprawling cityscape provide excellent photo opportunities for the family.
Continue to the well-preserved Roman Theater, a magnificent 6,000-seat amphitheater carved into the hillside in the 2nd century AD. The theater's remarkable acoustics still function perfectly, demonstrated by your guide who will show how even whispers can be heard throughout the structure. Adjacent to the theater, explore the traditional souks and experience the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Amman's markets.
After lunch at a local restaurant, journey north to Jerash, often called the "Pompeii of the East" and one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Enter through the magnificent Hadrian's Arch and walk along the Cardo Maximus, the main colonnaded street lined with original columns. Explore the impressive Oval Plaza, the Temple of Artemis, and the South Theater where your family might witness reenactments of Roman military formations. Your guide will bring ancient history to life with stories of daily life in this thriving Roman city. Return to Amman in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
Biblical Heritage & Journey to the Rose City
Begin your day with breakfast before checking out and embarking on the scenic journey south toward Petra. Your first stop is Madaba, the "City of Mosaics," home to stunning Byzantine-era artwork. Visit St. George's Church to marvel at the famous 6th-century Madaba Map, the oldest surviving mosaic map of the Holy Land. This intricate floor mosaic depicts Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and other biblical sites with remarkable detail, using over two million colored stone pieces. Explore the Archaeological Park to see additional well-preserved mosaics showcasing geometric patterns and mythological scenes.
Continue to nearby Mount Nebo, one of Christianity's most sacred sites where Moses is believed to have viewed the Promised Land before his death. Stand at the summit, 817 meters above sea level, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and on clear days, even Jerusalem. Visit the Memorial Church of Moses with its beautiful Byzantine mosaics depicting hunting scenes and exotic animals. Your guide will explain the site's profound religious significance while your family enjoys the peaceful hilltop atmosphere.
After lunch, continue your journey south through the scenic King's Highway, one of the oldest continuously used trade routes in the world, offering stunning views of wadis and desert landscapes. Arrive in Petra by late afternoon, check into your family-friendly hotel near the archaeological site, and enjoy a relaxing evening. Your guide will provide a briefing about tomorrow's exploration of one of the world's most magnificent ancient cities. Rest well tonight in anticipation of experiencing the wonders of Petra.
The Rose-Red City - One of the New Seven Wonders
Today is dedicated to exploring Petra, Jordan's crown jewel and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After an early breakfast, enter the archaeological site and begin your journey through the dramatic Siq, a narrow gorge extending over a kilometer with towering 80-meter-high cliffs on both sides. Watch as your children's eyes widen with wonder when the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh) first comes into view at the Siq's end—a magical moment that families never forget. This incredible structure, carved directly into the rose-colored sandstone cliff face over 2,000 years ago, stands 40 meters high and showcases the Nabataeans' extraordinary architectural skills.
Continue through the ancient city along the Street of Facades, lined with elaborate rock-cut tombs that served as final resting places for Nabataean nobility. Explore the impressive Royal Tombs, including the Urn Tomb and Palace Tomb, which demonstrate sophisticated engineering and artistic achievement. Visit the Roman Theater, carved into the mountainside to seat 3,000 spectators, and walk along the Colonnaded Street to see remnants of the city's commercial heart. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the Nabataean civilization, their advanced water management systems, and the thriving trade routes that brought wealth to this desert capital.
For families with energy and adventurous spirits, consider the optional climb to the Monastery (Ad-Deir), Petra's largest monument accessible via 800 rock-cut steps. The journey takes about 45 minutes but rewards visitors with spectacular views and a sense of achievement. The Monastery's massive facade, even larger than the Treasury, sits in a peaceful mountain setting offering dramatic desert vistas. Take breaks at various viewpoints along the way, and pace yourselves according to your family's comfort level. Return to the main area for lunch before spending the afternoon exploring additional sections or revisiting favorite spots. Exit the site in the late afternoon, return to your hotel, and reflect on this extraordinary day spent in one of humanity's greatest archaeological treasures.
Desert Adventures in the Valley of the Moon
After breakfast and checking out from your Petra hotel, embark on a scenic drive south to Wadi Rum, the stunning desert wilderness known as the "Valley of the Moon." The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering changing landscapes as you transition from rocky mountains to the vast desert terrain. Upon arrival at the Wadi Rum village, meet your Bedouin guides who will lead your desert adventure with genuine hospitality and deep knowledge of this protected landscape.
Board a private 4x4 vehicle for an exciting jeep tour through Wadi Rum's otherworldly landscape of towering sandstone mountains, massive rock formations, and sweeping red sand dunes. Your family will visit ancient petroglyphs carved into rock faces thousands of years ago, showcasing early human presence in this region. Explore natural rock bridges and canyons while your guide explains the desert's geological formation and Bedouin cultural traditions. Stop at scenic viewpoints for spectacular photos of the dramatic landscape that has served as a filming location for movies like Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian.
Experience the magic of a Wadi Rum sunset as the desert transforms into a palette of vibrant reds, oranges, and purples. If your family enjoys camping, consider an optional overnight stay in a traditional Bedouin camp under the stars, where you can enjoy authentic Bedouin hospitality, traditional music, and the most spectacular stargazing imaginable in this dark-sky preserve. Otherwise, continue to Aqaba on the Red Sea coast for accommodation at a comfortable seaside hotel. Dinner and overnight in Aqaba or Wadi Rum, depending on your family's preference.
Journey to the Lowest Point on Earth
After breakfast, begin your journey north toward the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at 430 meters below sea level. The scenic drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, following the dramatic desert highway that runs parallel to the Israeli border. Watch as the landscape transforms from sandy desert to the dramatic Jordan Valley, with views of rugged mountains and wadis along the way. Your guide will point out interesting geological features and explain the unique ecosystem of this remarkable region.
Arrive at the Dead Sea by midday and check into your family-friendly resort hotel with direct beach access. After settling in and changing into swimwear, it's time to experience one of Jordan's most unique natural wonders. Walk down to the private beach and carefully enter the hypersaline waters—the sensation of effortless floating will amaze and delight your entire family. The extraordinarily high salt concentration (nearly 10 times saltier than ocean water) creates buoyancy that allows you to float on your back while reading a book or newspaper, creating memorable photo opportunities.
Apply the mineral-rich Dead Sea mud, renowned for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties, for a natural spa treatment. The mud contains beneficial minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that nourish and rejuvenate skin. Children particularly enjoy the fun of covering themselves in the smooth black mud before rinsing it off in the salty water. Spend the afternoon alternating between floating, relaxing by the pool, and enjoying the resort's family amenities. Watch the stunning sunset over the water as the surrounding desert mountains turn golden. Important safety note: Be careful not to splash water in your eyes, avoid shaving before swimming, and rinse off thoroughly afterward. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at the resort and overnight stay at the Dead Sea.
Farewell Jordan - Final Memories & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed final morning at the Dead Sea with one more opportunity to float in the therapeutic waters or simply relax by the pool while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the lowest point on Earth. After a leisurely breakfast at the resort, take time for last-minute swimming, floating, or relaxation before checking out. Some families enjoy purchasing Dead Sea cosmetic products from the hotel shops as thoughtful gifts or personal souvenirs of this special experience.
Depending on your flight departure time, begin your private transfer back to Amman and Queen Alia International Airport. The drive takes approximately one hour, following the scenic route through the Jordan Valley with views of agricultural terraces and desert mountains. If time permits before your flight, your guide can arrange a brief stop at a local souk for last-minute shopping, where you can find traditional Jordanian handicrafts, spices, or souvenirs to remember your family adventure.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight, where your guide will assist with check-in procedures and ensure a smooth departure process. As you board your flight home, you'll carry wonderful memories of Jordan's ancient wonders, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. This journey through Petra's rose-red ruins, Wadi Rum's desert landscapes, the Dead Sea's therapeutic waters, and Jordan's rich cultural heritage will remain in your family's hearts for years to come. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Jordan for more adventures in the future!
