Ahlan o Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your adventure starts at 8.30 am this morning with a welcome meeting. Then, head straight to the Dead Sea – this is the lowest point on Earth (420 m/1378 ft below sea level) and the water is seven times saltier than the ocean. This means you’re extremely buoyant when swimming and will float on the water rather than in it. The mud here is said to have healing properties, and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe! After, stop at a private beach with a gentle slope to less salty water – you’ll want to have your swimwear with you today! After lunch, drive to the mountains of Petra, where you’ll spend the night. Your adventure begins bright and early with a welcome meeting at 8.30 am at the joining point hotel. To ensure you don’t miss this important start, we highly recommend arriving in Amman City the day or evening before. Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours. The optional activity Petra by Night runs every Sunday to Thursday, beginning at 8.30 pm from the Petra Visitor Centre and finishing back at the Visitor Centre around 10.30 pm. Please ensure you check your departure date if you are planning to book this activity as it is not available on all departures.

Today, you’ll explore Petra – a site that remained unknown to the Western world until 1812 when it was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. According to Arab tradition, Petra is where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth. Learn all about this Wonder of the World from your local guide as you wander the ancient city. Walk through the narrow Siq to the iconic Treasury and admire this iconic view, continue along the Roman road, passing several impressive tombs and the city’s amphitheatre. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 800 steps to the Monastery. After, you’ll depart Petra and travel by 4WD into the rugged, Mars-like landscape of Wadi Rum. You’ll pass through unique desert scenery, including natural rock bridges, towering sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. There are traces of ancient civilisations in the many carved inscriptions throughout the area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. As the sun sets, arrive at your desert camp for the night. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. When entering the ancient city of Petra, a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point to the Siq. Tuuur recommends passengers do not take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved.

Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise in this otherworldly setting – as the light comes up, the cliffs shift colour and the desert awakens slowly. You’ll depart camp today, making your way to the main entrance of Wadi Rum. It sits opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitors centre here is a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women’s co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Continue your journey to Amman, the White City. When you arrive, grab some lunch at Ezwitti, one of The Tuuur Foundation partners. By dining here, you are helping pay it forward and providing food and opportunity to local community members. Then, join your leader for a city tour to Duwwar Al-Hawooz (also known as Paris Square), The Duke’s Diwan (formerly the Haifa Hotel and Amman’s first post office), and the Al Hussaini Mosque. You’ll also have the chance to practice your bargaining skills at the White City’s bustling souqs. Tonight, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Amman, where your trip comes to an end. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Please do not book flights earlier than 7 pm today. If you wish to spend more time in Amman, just speak to your booking agent.