Ultimate Jordan

You begin by flying into Jordan’s capital, Amman. You will be met by your driver at Queen Alia International Airport, and transferred to your luxury hotel located just steps from the city centre.

After breakfast the following morning, you will set out on a privately guided tour of Amman’s atmospheric old quarter, uncovering traditional souks, coffee shops, churches and mosques along the way. You’ll also visit the mighty Roman Theatre and Nymphaeum, dating back to the Roman period when Amman was known as Philadelphia, as well as the magnificent ancient Citadel.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll venture to the age-old city of Jerash, which has been continuously occupied for more than 6,500 years. Within the city’s walls lie an incredible collection of ruins, second only to Petra in magnificence, that include Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Artemis and the Oval Plaza.

Stay: Two nights in a Fairmont Room at Fairmont Amman

Today you’ll be picked up by your driver and begin your journey to the ancient town of Madaba. Here you’ll find the huge Madaba Map, a beautifully restored 6th-century floor mosaic depicting Jerusalem and other holy sites in the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George. You’ll then drive to historic Mount Nebo, visiting its church and Moses Memorial and taking in a stunning view across the Jordan Valley.

You’ll then head south to your award-winning eco-lodge in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a stunning wilderness comprising 320 square kilometres of spectacular mountains and wadis, diverse wildlife and thousands of years of history.

Stay: One night in a deluxe room at Dana Guest House – half board

This morning you’ll have time for a half-day guided trek in the reserve, as well as the chance to get a deeper insight into the daily lives of the area’s traditional Bedouin communities, before beginning your drive to Petra.

Carved into the sheer cliff face by the industrious Nabataeans some 2,000 years ago, the ‘lost city’ of Petra is a World Heritage Site that needs little introduction. Accessed by the narrow canyon known as the Siq, you’ll discover much of the city’s magnificent rock-hewn architecture including Al-Khazneh (the Treasury), Ad Dier (the Monastery) and the Street of Facades. Your hotel stands at the gateway to Petra, making it the ideal base for exploring.

Today you journey to Little Petra, another magnificent Nabatean site with buildings carved into sandstone canyons, before continuing to the Wadi Rum. Aptly known as the Valley of the Moon, this lunar-like desert landscape boasts towering sandstone mountains, natural arches, steep chasms and rocky caverns lined with prehistoric inscriptions. The area also boasts a history that includes the exploits of Prince Faisal Bin Hussein and Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy a fascinating 4×4 jeep tour, before spending the night at the heart of the desert in a romantic tented camp.

You now arrive in the bustling port city of Aqaba overlooking the Red Sea. You will have your days here at leisure, which you can spend relaxing on your resort’s 150-metre-long private beach, taking advantage of the incredible diving opportunities, wandering colourful souks and visiting nearby historic sites like the 16th century Aqaba Fort.

Stay: Three nights in a superior room at Movenpick Resort & Spa Talabay Aqaba

Today you’ll be transferred to the Dead Sea, staying at an upscale resort on the edge of this iconic salt lake. Sitting at 430 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on the planet and famously buoyant, making for a truly unique swimming experience. You’ll also be able to enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

Stay: One night in a classic room at Movenpick Resort, Dead Sea

Today you’ll be transferred to Queen Alia International Airport for your return flight home.