18-Day Ultimate Luxury Jordan: From Ancient Ruins to Desert Sands
Jordan is a land of timeless wonders, where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through rose-red canyons and vast, silent deserts. This 18-day luxury itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks the perfect balance between adventurous exploration and refined relaxation, ensuring every moment is spent in the lap of Middle Eastern hospitality.
Your journey takes you from the bustling, hilltop vistas of Amman to the restorative waters of the Dead Sea, eventually leading to the architectural marvels of Petra and the cinematic landscapes of Wadi Rum. With private chauffeurs, exclusive guided tours, and stays at the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, this is Jordan experienced at its absolute finest.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Luxury Transition
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Enjoy a seamless VIP meet-and-greet service that whisks you through customs and immigration into a private luxury sedan.
Check-in at The St. Regis Amman
Settle into your sophisticated suite in the heart of the city's prestigious Abdoun district.
Sunset Cocktails at High Garden Rooftop
Take in panoramic views of the Amman skyline while enjoying artisanal cocktails and light bites.
Dinner at Fakhreldin
Indulge in an exquisite Levantine feast at one of Amman's most iconic and prestigious fine-dining establishments.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - The White City's Heritage
Private Tour of the Amman Citadel
Explore the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace with a private archeologist to uncover layers of Roman and Islamic history.
Roman Theater & Folklore Museum
Visit the remarkably preserved 6,000-seat theater and learn about Jordan's traditional heritage.
Lunch at Wild Jordan Center
Enjoy organic, locally sourced cuisine with an incredible view overlooking the old city center.
Rainbow Street Promenade
Stroll through the historic Jabal Amman district, browsing upscale boutiques and charming art galleries.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - Decapolis Splendor
Chauffeur to Jerash Archeological Park
Travel north to one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, often called the 'Pompeii of the East'.
Guided Walk through Hadrian's Arch
Walk the Cardo Maximus and marvel at the Oval Plaza with a specialized private guide.
Traditional Lunch in Jerash
Enjoy fresh Lebanese-style mezze at the elegant Artemis Restaurant overlooking the ruins.
Ajloun Castle Exploration
Visit the 12th-century fortress built by Saladin’s forces to protect the region against the Crusaders.
Day 4: Madaba & Mt. Nebo, Jordan - The King’s Highway
Depart for Madaba
Head south toward the 'City of Mosaics' to witness the famous 6th-century map of the Holy Land.
St. George’s Church
View the intricate Byzantine mosaic floor that has captivated historians for centuries.
Mount Nebo Vistas
Stand where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, offering views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea.
Arrival at the Dead Sea
Check into your luxury resort at the lowest point on Earth (430m below sea level).
Day 5: Dead Sea, Jordan - Ultimate Rejuvenation
Floating in the Dead Sea
Experience the unique sensation of weightlessness in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea.
Dead Sea Mud Wrap Spa Treatment
Indulge in a signature therapeutic mud treatment at the award-winning Ishtar Spa.
Salt Crystal Beach Walk
Explore the shoreline to find natural salt formations that look like otherworldly sculptures.
Fine Dining at The Grill
Savor premium cuts of meat and fresh seafood under the stars at your resort's signature restaurant.
Day 6: Ma'in, Jordan - Thermal Springs & Canyons
Drive to Ma'in Hot Springs
A short scenic drive takes you to a lush valley where thermal waterfalls cascade into natural pools.
Thermal Bathing Experience
Relax in the hyper-thermal waters known for their healing properties since the Roman era.
Lunch at Olive Terrace
Dine amidst the dramatic cliffs of the Ma'in canyon.
Return to Dead Sea
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the resort's infinity pools.
Day 7: Dana Biosphere, Jordan - High-End Eco-Adventure
Transfer to Dana Biosphere Reserve
Travel through rugged landscapes to Jordan's largest nature reserve.
Dana Village Walk
Explore the 15th-century stone village perched on a precipice with a private naturalist guide.
Picnic Lunch in the Reserve
A gourmet picnic spread prepared by local chefs in a secluded scenic spot.
Check-in at Feynan Ecolodge
Experience candle-lit luxury in this world-renowned sustainable lodge (Suite upgrade recommended).
Day 8: Shobak & Little Petra, Jordan - Crusader Castles
Shobak Castle Exploration
Visit the lonely, atmospheric ruins of the Crusader castle Montreal, built in 1115.
Traditional Lunch in Wadi Musa
Taste the national dish, Mansaf, at a highly-rated local establishment.
Visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
See the 'suburb' of Petra, featuring incredible Nabataean frescoes and a smaller, more intimate Siq.
Check-in at Old Village Resort
Stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century village converted into a luxury resort near Petra's gate.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - The Rose-Red City Revealed
Early Entry through the Siq
Avoid the crowds with an early morning walk through the narrow gorge leading to the Treasury.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Marvel at the iconic facade as the morning sun illuminates the sandstone.
The Street of Facades & Theater
Continue your private guided tour through the central city ruins.
Petra by Night
Experience the Treasury lit by over 1,500 candles for a magical, exclusive evening atmosphere.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The Monastery & Beyond
Hike to Ad-Deir (The Monastery)
Climb the 800 steps (or take a private mule) to Petra’s largest and most imposing monument.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant
Enjoy a high-quality buffet lunch managed by the Crowne Plaza inside the archeological site.
The Royal Tombs
Explore the Urn Tomb and Silk Tomb, showcasing the vibrant colors of the natural rock.
Petra Kitchen Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic Jordanian dishes in a fun, high-end culinary environment.
Day 11: Petra, Jordan - High Place of Sacrifice
Ascent to the High Place of Sacrifice
Take the back route for stunning views and a visit to the ancient sacrificial altars.
Afternoon Tea at Cave Bar
Relax in the world's oldest bar, set inside a 2,000-year-old Nabataean tomb.
Leisure Time & Hammam
Enjoy a traditional Turkish bath at your resort to soothe your muscles after hiking.
Dinner at Al Iwan
Savor gourmet Middle Eastern cuisine in a lavish, tent-style setting.
Day 12: Wadi Rum, Jordan - The Valley of the Moon
Drive to Wadi Rum
Head into the vast, red desert made famous by Lawrence of Arabia.
Check-in at Luxury Martian Dome
Experience ultra-luxury glamping in a futuristic dome with panoramic desert views.
Private 4x4 Sunset Tour
Visit the red sand dunes and Lawrence’s Spring in a private, well-equipped off-road vehicle.
Zarb Dinner Experience
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground in a sand-pit oven.
Day 13: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Desert Adventures
Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise
Soar over the dramatic rock formations and crimson sands for a bird's-eye view of the desert.
Camel Trekking Experience
Follow the ancient caravan routes on a private camel trek through the canyons.
Bedouin Tea & Culture
Visit a local Bedouin family for tea and learn about their nomadic traditions and hospitality.
Stargazing with Astronomers
Use high-tech telescopes to view the Milky Way in one of the world's best dark-sky locations.
Day 14: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Canyons & Arches
Burdah Rock Bridge Hike
A guided trek to one of the highest natural arches in Wadi Rum for spectacular views.
Alameleh Inscriptions
View ancient Thamudic and Nabataean rock carvings that tell stories of ancient travelers.
Meditation in the Silence
Find a secluded spot in the desert to experience the profound 'silence of the sands'.
Farewell Desert Feast
A private, candle-lit dinner set in a secluded canyon away from the main camp.
Day 15: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Luxury
Transfer to Aqaba
Drive from the desert to Jordan's only coastal city on the Red Sea.
Check-in at Al Manara
Experience the pinnacle of seaside luxury at this Luxury Collection Hotel at Saraya Aqaba.
Beachside Relaxation
Enjoy the private beach club and infinity pools overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba.
Dinner at Burj Al Hamam
Sample the finest Lebanese seafood in an elegant waterfront setting.
Day 16: Aqaba, Jordan - Coral Reefs & Yachts
Private Yacht Cruise
Charter a luxury yacht for a day of snorkeling and sunbathing on the Red Sea.
Snorkeling at Cedar Pride Wreck
Swim over a famous shipwreck encrusted with vibrant corals and teeming with tropical fish.
Gourmet Lunch Onboard
Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch served by your yacht's private crew.
Shopping at Ayla Oasis
Explore the upscale boutiques and cafes in the modern Ayla development.
Day 17: Aqaba to Amman - The Final Journey
Luxury Transfer to Amman
Take a comfortable 4-hour private chauffeur drive back to the capital via the Desert Highway.
Check-in at Ritz-Carlton Amman
Return to the city for your final night in Jordan's newest icon of luxury.
Souk Al-Sukar Visit
Visit the vibrant spice and fruit market for high-quality saffron and local delicacies to take home.
Farewell Dinner at Roberto’s
Dine at the city's premier Italian restaurant on the 20th floor for spectacular farewell views.
Day 18: Amman, Jordan - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final decadent Jordanian breakfast featuring fresh labneh, honey, and warm pita.
Last Minute Art Shopping
Visit Darat al Funun, a home for Arab artists, for unique contemporary pieces.
Private Airport Transfer
Your chauffeur ensures you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport with ample time for duty-free shopping.
Departure
Board your flight home, carrying the memories of an epic Jordanian luxury escape.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The ideal time to visit Jordan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, temperatures are pleasantly warm (20°C to 28°C), making it perfect for exploring Petra and the desert. Summers can be intensely hot, particularly in the Jordan Valley and Wadi Rum, while winters can be surprisingly cold with occasional snow in Amman and Petra.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of approximately 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. While credit cards are widely accepted in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and major shops in Amman and Aqaba, it is essential to carry cash for smaller purchases in markets or remote areas like Wadi Rum. Tipping (Baksheesh) is a standard practice; 10% is customary in restaurants, and small tips for drivers and guides are highly appreciated.
Getting Around Jordan
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to get around Jordan is via a private chauffeur-driven vehicle. This provides the ultimate flexibility and comfort. While there are no domestic rail networks, high-end bus services like JETT offer reliable intercity travel. For those short on time, seasonal domestic flights occasionally run between Amman and Aqaba, but a private car via the scenic King’s Highway is the preferred method for the best views and cultural stops.
