Best of Jordan (Winter)
Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Amman - Jordan's buzzing capital, packed with bronze age ruins, art galleries and even a restored Roman theatre. AKA the perfect place to begin our adventure. Exchange hellos with your crew before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, we'll head out on a city tour with a Local Guide to fill you in on Amman's story. Check out the Citadel, the iconic Amphitheatre, and even the Archelogical museum. Then it's off to the Iraq Al-Amir Women Association for a hands-on local activity and lunch. History, culture, and connection all in one day — not bad for a capital city, right?
Catch ya' later, Amman. Today we'll roll out of the city and head north. Cue colonnaded streets and ancient drama — after a quick exploration of Jerash. Worked up an appetite? Good. Cuz for lunch, we'll settle in at Bait Al-Khairat, a popular spot famed for its delish local eats. Back in the capital by afternoon with free time to play it your way. Coffee crawl? Last-minute shopping? Feet up and chill? You choose.
Wakey wakey. Today we'll head south and swap city streets for wide-open landscapes. Time to stretch the legs on the Shaq Al-Reesh Trail, walking through rugged canyons and wide valley views. We'll refuel with a packed lunch — simple, fresh, and very welcome mid-walk. As the sun dips, we'll arrive at Little Petra and settle in at Ammarine Camp.
Tonight's dinner will be served Bedouin-style, shared around the table and full of local flavours. Then it's tents, quiet desert skies, and a night that feels a world away from anywhere else.
After breakfast, we'll set off on the backdoor hike into Petra, following quiet desert paths framed by sandstone cliffs and wide-open views. Think changing colours, natural rock formations, and that slow build-up before the main event. We'll continue exploring the site as it opens up in full, entering through the main gates and soaking it all in. Tonight, we'll rest up at our hotel in Petra. Legs tired, camera roll full.
After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to Petra and hit the road south. Next stop: wide-open desert. We'll jump into a Bedouin jeep for a two-hour ride through Wadi Rum, stopping at spots like Siq Um Tawaqi, ancient inscriptions, and a few photo-worthy viewpoints along the way. Dinner and the night are spent at a desert camp — tents, stars, and that quiet-hits-different kind of vibe.
After breakfast, we'll leave the desert behind and settle in for the drive north. Dead sea time. We'll stop by at a resort for lunch and a swim in the Dead Sea — yes, floating is mandatory. By evening, we'll be back in Amman, with an optional dinner at a local favourite if you're keen.
And just like that, our wonderful week in Jordan has come to an end.
Trip Inclusions
- Amman: Explore Amman with a Local Guide, taking in the Citadel and Archaeological Museum before stepping inside the city's ancient Amphitheatre and Folklore Museum. A solid intro to the layers, stories, and everyday rhythm of Jordan's capital.
- Amman: Visit the TreadRight-supported Iraq Al-Amir Women's Co-operative Society to see the work they are doing to make local women financially independent. Plus, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialities.
- Jerash: Get your Indiana Jones hat on and tour this ancient city. See the 2nd Century Hadrian's Arch, Corinthian Columns at Temple of Artemis and the Oval Forum Colonnade.
- Jerash: Sit down to a home-style Jordanian meal featuring dishes like maglouba, mansaf, kabsah, and imsakhan made with locally grown sumac, all served family-style. The restored stone house dates back to 1881 and once brought the local community together. Today, it's a women-led social enterprise supporting local women and young people through food and community collaboration. Expect generous flavours, shared stories, and a setting rooted in heritage, empowerment, and connection.
- Dana Nature Reserve: Head out on an easy hike through the Dana Nature Reserve, following the Shaq Al-Reesh Trail for a few relaxed hours. Expect winding paths through rocky canyons, wide valley views, and plenty of chances to slow down and take it all in. Easygoing, scenic, and well worth the steps.
- Petra: Hike from Little Petra into Petra via the quieter backdoor route, following desert paths framed by sandstone cliffs and wide-open views. A slower, more scenic approach that builds the anticipation before stepping into the main site.
- Petra: It's an archaeology treasure trove! Grab your camera and get to know the ‘rose city': one of the seven Wonders of the World.
- Wadi Rum: Settle in for a desert stay with proper comfort at Amber Camp. Think: spacious rooms with aircon, private bathrooms and your very own balcony for those mountain-and-sand views. Plus, there's a sun terrace and garden space.
- Wadi Rum: Explore Wadi Rum by 4x4 on a two-hour Bedouin-led jeep ride, weaving through desert landscapes and stopping at places like Siq Um Tawaqi, ancient rock inscriptions, and iconic viewpoints along the way. Big spaces, deep history, and desert scenes that don't need a filter.
- Dead Sea: We'll stop at the Holiday Inn Dead Sea for lunch and time to float in the salty water. No swimming skills required — just lean back, relax, and enjoy one of the strangest, most relaxing dips out there.
- 3 Dinners (D)
- 7 Breakfasts (B)
- 4 Lunches (L)
- 5 nights in Hotels
- 1 night in Special Stay
- 1 night in Glamping Tent
- Expert Trip Manager
- Trip Driver
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Download Brochure
Contiki Worldwide (2026-27)
Dates & Pricing
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
