7-Night Best of Jordan Tour: Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea Overnight

Review of the 7-Night Best of Jordan Tour: Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Dead Sea Overnight

Traveling through Jordan with a carefully curated week-long tour offers a fantastic mix of history, natural beauty, and local culture. While we haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-organized and authentic experience worth considering. From the bustling streets of Amman to the quiet, otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, this journey promises a combination of iconic sights, expert guides, and memorable moments.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the mix of ancient marvels like Petra and Jerash with natural wonders such as the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. Second, the comfort of centrally located hotels that give you a real sense of Jordanian life while traveling between sites. Third, the detailed planning, including knowledgeable guides and included entrance fees, makes this trip feel seamless. The one thing to consider is the pace—if you prefer a very relaxed, slow travel style, this might feel a bit full-on. This tour suits travelers eager to explore Jordan’s highlights with a mix of guided sightseeing and free time, especially those who enjoy learning from local experts.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Covers Jordan’s most famous sites, combining history, natural beauty, and cultural insights.
• Expert Guides & Organized Tours: Guides are knowledgeable and personable, making history come alive.
• Comfortable Accommodation: Hotels are centrally located, providing easy access to sights and local neighborhoods.
• Value for Cost: At just over $1,000, the tour includes entrance fees, all transfers, and most meals, giving good value.
• Flexible & Well-Planned: It balances guided tours with free time, allowing personal exploration.
• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visits to local sites like Madaba and Mount Nebo add depth to the experience.

What We Love About This Jordan Tour

One of the biggest draws is the balance between structured sightseeing and free time. While the itinerary is packed, you get window opportunities to explore on your own, especially in Amman and Petra. The hotels are also a highlight—they’re centrally located, which means less time spent commuting and more time soaking in local life. Plus, the inclusion of key sites like the Dead Sea, where floating is almost obligatory, and the stunning desert scenery of Wadi Rum, makes this tour feel like a well-rounded adventure.

The guides stand out in reviews—participants have praised their knowledge, friendliness, and punctuality. One reviewer mentioned their driver, Bassam Shalabi, as being particularly hospitable and attentive, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. Having local guides at major sites such as Jerash, Petra, and Madaba adds layers of context that you won’t get from a map or guidebook alone.

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, which is vital in a country where daytime temperatures can soar, especially in Wadi Rum. The small group size (maximum of 9 travelers) means you’ll get a more personalized experience, with opportunities to ask questions and connect with your guide. This makes the journey feel less like a bus tour and more like traveling with friends.

Practical Aspects & Value

Cost-wise, the tour’s price of around $1,085.99 per person includes seven nights’ accommodation, most meals, entrance fees, and guided tours. That level of convenience and value is impressive, especially considering the inclusion of major sites like Petra and Wadi Rum Jeep ride. Additional expenses, such as lunches and personal souvenirs, are not included, but that’s typical for this type of tour.

The tour also covers airport transfers, which can be a headache to arrange independently, and the flexible booking policy allows cancellations up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. That added peace of mind is worth noting when planning your trip.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Hotel Check-in in Amman

After arriving at Queen Alia International Airport, you’re met with a meet-and-assist service, which makes the start of your trip relaxed and smooth. You’ll settle into your hotel, with dinner and overnight options nearby. This first evening is perfect for adjusting to the new time zone and soaking in the energy of Jordan’s capital.

Day 2: Exploring Amman and Jerash

The morning kicks off with a panoramic tour of Amman, where you’ll get a snapshot of both the ancient and modern sides of the city. Highlights include the Roman Theater, the Citadel, and the King Abdullah Blue Mosque. One reviewer raved about the city tour, noting the guide’s effective storytelling and the chance to see both the historic and contemporary parts of Amman.

Afterward, you travel approximately an hour to Jerash, often called the best-preserved Roman city outside Italy. Walking its colonnaded streets, you’ll see the oval forum, temples, and theaters that reveal the grandeur of Roman architecture. One reviewer appreciated the free access to sites, which allows for more time to soak in the ruins. The site is expansive and well-preserved, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

Day 3: Leisure & Optional Visits in Amman

This free day is perfect if you want to explore at your own pace. The tour offers suggestions like visiting the Jordan Museum or the Royal Automobile Museum, or simply strolling the downtown markets. We loved the flexibility here, giving space for personal interests or rest.

Day 4: Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Crusader Castle

Traveling through scenic King’s Highway, you’ll visit Madaba, famed for its mosaics, especially the map of the Holy Land in Saint George’s Church. The mountain views from Mount Nebo are spectacular, with one reviewer noting the “magnificent” overlook of the Jordan Valley. Mount Nebo is also reputedly the burial site of Moses, adding a spiritual dimension to the visit.

Next, you’ll stop at Karak Castle, a Crusader fortress built in 1142. The castle’s strategic position offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the site’s history as part of the Silk Road spice trade adds a layer of intrigue.

Day 5: Petra’s Marvels

The highlight for many travelers, Petra, is truly breathtaking. A 2-hour guided tour takes you through the Siq, with its towering walls leading to the Treasury—an iconic photo spot. Several reviews called Petra “the jewel of Jordan,” and the chance to explore the ancient city with a guide enables you to understand the Nabateans’ incredible engineering skills.

Participants have praised the knowledgeable guides and the option to walk up to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice if time allows. The tour provides plenty of free time to explore independently, such as visiting the Petra Museum or climbing for better views.

Day 6: Wadi Rum’s Desert Landscapes

Traveling south, you reach Wadi Rum, a landscape that looks like it’s from another planet. Described as the “Valley of the Moon,” the scenery is mostly dunes, rocky outcrops, and narrow canyons. The jeep ride is a major highlight—reviewers mention it as “exhilarating” and full of photo opportunities.

Much of Hollywood’s desert scenery has been shot here, including Lawrence of Arabia and The Martian. The guides are knowledgeable about the history—T.E. Lawrence’s association with the area is often highlighted—and the landscapes are stunning enough to leave a lasting impression.

Day 7: Relaxing at the Dead Sea

You’ll wake up to the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea‘s salty waters, which contain mineral-rich mud and offer a natural spa treatment. Reviewers loved the float, describing it as “incredible” and “surreal.” You also have access to hotel facilities like pools and beaches for optional relaxation.

The day ends with a transfer back to Amman, giving you a chance to unwind and reflect on the trip.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, it’s time to check out and head to the airport. The included transfer ensures a smooth end to your trip.

Authentic Experiences & Highlights

From the detailed reviews, it’s clear that guides make a difference—whether it’s their local knowledge or friendly approach, guides like Ahmad and others earn high praise. Many travelers appreciated the personalized attention and the ability to ask questions. The included entrance fees and guided tours mean you’re not scrambling for tickets or scrambling to find your way around.

The hotels received positive comments for their central locations, which means you can soak in local life at your doorstep. Plus, the inclusion of meals—breakfasts and dinners—adds convenience, saving you time and money.

The jeep ride in Wadi Rum and the chance to float effortlessly in the Dead Sea stand out as memorable, once-in-a-lifetime moments. The various sites, from the ancient ruins of Jerash to the stark beauty of Wadi Rum’s dunes, showcase Jordan’s diversity and depth.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Jordan without the hassle of planning every detail. It suits those eager to explore major historical sites, enjoy natural wonders, and experience local culture—all in a manageable, well-organized package. It’s perfect for first-timers or those on a tight schedule who prefer guided tours with the comfort of good hotels.

Travelers with a sense of adventure and interest in history will find this itinerary rewarding. If you value expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a balanced schedule, this tour ticks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

This 8-day Jordan tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines history, adventure, and relaxation. The inclusion of top sights like Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum, along with the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea, makes it an attractive package for most travelers. The fact that it’s supported by knowledgeable guides and comfortable hotels enhances the overall value.

The cost reflects the quality of inclusions—guided visits, entrance fees, accommodations, and transportation—making it excellent value for anyone wanting a hassle-free way to see Jordan’s highlights. You’ll be traveling with a small group, which enhances the friendliness and intimacy of the experience.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive, guided journey through Jordan and appreciate cultural insights delivered by local experts. If you’re looking for a trip that combines iconic sights with authentic moments, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes airport transfers, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, 7 nights of accommodation, most meals (breakfasts and dinners), entrance fees to the listed sites, and guided tours at Petra, Jerash, and Madaba.

Are airport transfers provided?
Yes, arrival and departure transfers are included, making arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 3 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 days before will not be refunded.

Are guided tours available at all major sites?
Yes, guided tours with local English-speaking guides are included at Jerash, Petra, and Madaba, providing detailed context and insights.

What hotels will I stay in?
The tour offers 4 nights in Amman, 2 in Petra, and 1 at the Dead Sea, with options for 3, 4, or 5-star accommodation, all centrally located.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, all transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the long drives between sites.

Is there free time during the tour?
Absolutely. The itinerary balances guided visits with free time, especially in Amman and Petra, for personal exploration or relaxing.