Jordan Photo Tour – Jordan

Begin the day with a breakfast that draws on the vibrant flavours of the Levant before stepping out into Jerusalem’s ancient streets for a morning exploration. Wander through the Old City’s historic lanes, where every stone tells a story. You will experience the layered spiritual heritage that makes this city unique, from sacred sites to local neighbourhoods where daily life unfolds against an extraordinary backdrop.

In the early afternoon, depart Jerusalem and travel west towards the Mediterranean coastline to explore Tel Aviv, Israel’s dynamic and modern cultural capital. Here, the city’s pace shifts dramatically — from the cobblestone alleys of ancient quarters to the energetic urban grid. In Tel Aviv, you can stroll the restored Jaffa port area, absorbing its millennia of history, or walk along the bustling waterfront promenade where surfers, cyclists, and locals converge against the backdrop of a vibrant skyline.

This contrast between the ancient and the contemporary is one of the day’s defining experiences. Tel Aviv’s art districts, boutique cafés, and coastal breezes offer a refreshing complement to the morning’s explorations. Return to Jerusalem in the late afternoon, where the evening is free for you to dine independently, revisit favourite spots, or simply reflect on a day that spans history and modernity.

Today is dedicated to a deeper immersion in Jerusalem’s Old City and its surroundings — a place where faith, history, and everyday life converge. Begin with an extended walk through its ancient quarters, visiting iconic sites and lesser-known corners where the city’s textures reveal themselves. Morning light accentuates the contours of centuries-old walls, market stalls, and sacred thresholds.

The pace of the day allows you the space to absorb details often missed in a brief visit: the interplay of shadow and stone, the rituals of local life, and the palpable sense of history that envelopes this quarter. Lunch is at your discretion, offering the opportunity to sample regional specialities from local vendors or a café tucked into a quiet lane.

In the afternoon, extend your exploration beyond the core historical heart towards notable viewpoints and precincts connected to the city’s broader story. This period of the day often presents fascinating insights into the rhythms of Jerusalem’s districts, providing context to the places visited earlier. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s modern dining scene or to rest ahead of tomorrow’s desert venture.

Depart Jerusalem after breakfast for a journey that begins with the historic town of Bethlehem, a cornerstone of Christian tradition and rich cultural tapestry. Explore its key sites and absorb the significance of its ancient streets. Bethlehem’s rhythm offers a blend of spiritual reflection and community life that perfectly complements the morning’s itinerary.

Continuing eastward, the landscape gradually shifts from fertile plains to the arid expanses of the Judean Desert. Here, the dramatic topography unfolds in windswept hues and rugged formations, setting the tone for your vantage point at Mar Saba Monastery. Although you will observe this secluded monastic site from a designated overlook rather than enter, the view itself — perched within a desert canyon — embodies centuries of ascetic tradition and architectural ingenuity.

After absorbing the vast desert panorama and capturing compelling photographic perspectives, the return journey to Jerusalem takes you through shifting light and terrain. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or rest, allowing you to decompress after a full and expansive day of cultural and environmental contrast.

Depart Jerusalem early and cross back into Jordan in the direction of Amman. En route to your next flight, enjoy views of the Jordanian countryside and reflect on the breadth of experiences gathered so far — from ancient urbanism to desert silence. Upon arrival at Amman’s airport, board your domestic flight to Aqaba, Jordan’s southern gateway on the Red Sea.

Once in Aqaba, take time to visit Aqaba Fort, a testament to the region’s long and varied history of trade, empire, and coastal life. The fort’s position overlooking the water provides atmospheric views and photographic opportunities before you depart northward toward the desert.

Continue into the expansive Wadi Rum Protected Area, where the landscape begins to feel otherworldly — sandstone silhouettes loom and the desert floor stretches seemingly without end. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where its setting among dunes and rock formations offers a sensory introduction to what Lawrence of Arabia described as the “Valley of the Moon.” Enjoy dinner as the desert’s vastness envelops you, and reflect on the transition from urban heritage to natural spectacle.

Today’s adventure immerses you fully in Wadi Rum’s desert terrain with an extended 4×4 Jeep exploration. The entire day is devoted to traversing varied landscapes — from red-hued sands to towering cliffs and hidden canyons. Each stop is an invitation to observe geology, texture, and light from multiple angles.

Your driver and guide will navigate tracks that reveal the subtleties of this desert environment, and there are planned stops for photography, short hikes, and moments of quiet appreciation. Lunch is enjoyed in the heart of the desert, where silence and scale converge with remarkable clarity.

As daylight begins to fade, the desert’s palette shifts, offering dramatic colours for sunset photography. The Jeep returns to camp in the late afternoon, with the evening free to relax by a fire pit, review the day’s images, or simply unwind under the vast canopy of stars that makes Wadi Rum one of the Middle East’s most evocative night skies.

Depart Wadi Rum after breakfast for a scenic drive north towards the ancient city of Petra. Along the way, visit Little Petra — a quieter and fascinating archaeological site that provides insight into Nabataean culture beyond the main city. Its intricate rock-cut facades and shaded valleys reward those who seek out history off the beaten track.

Upon arrival in Petra, check in to your hotel and take time to rest or explore the immediate surroundings. In the late afternoon, prepare for the unique experience of Petra by Night, where the Siq and Treasury are lit by candlelight and the site takes on a very different character from the daytime visit. The play of light and shadow here makes for unforgettable imagery and atmosphere.

This evening visit allows for a more contemplative appreciation of Petra’s most iconic monument, and the soft glow of candles enhances the sense of timelessness that permeates the ancient city. After the experience, return to your hotel where the rest of the night is free.

Today is devoted to a full day experiencing the grandeur of Petra. Begin by walking through the Siq, the narrow gorge that dramatically frames the approach to the Treasury. As the path opens to reveal the rose-red façade, take time to absorb the scale and artistry of this extraordinary site.

Continue your exploration deeper into Petra’s valley, where tombs, temples, and ancient water systems testify to the engineering and cultural sophistication of the Nabataean civilisation. Whether ascending to panoramic viewpoints or discovering secluded façades, each moment reveals another layer of Petra’s story.

Lunch is at your discretion within the Petra area, allowing flexibility to rest or continue exploring. The afternoon offers additional opportunities for photography, wandering off the main thoroughfare to uncover less visited sites. Return to your hotel in the early evening with time to reflect on a day rich in history and visual heritage.

Depart Petra after breakfast and travel north toward Al Karak, home to one of the most impressive Crusader castles in the region. The fortress stands sentinel over winding roads and rolling hills, offering dramatic views that speak to centuries of strategic significance and historical complexity.

After exploring the castle’s ramparts and inner chambers, continue your journey toward the Jordan Rift Valley and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and the scenery shifts to vast, open landscapes. Arrival at the Dead Sea in the afternoon promises a profound sense of place — here, the horizon is broad, the water surreal, and the experience unlike any other.

Take time to float in the mineral-rich waters, an iconic experience that is both relaxing and slightly surreal. The resort setting invites you to enjoy spa facilities, sunset views, or a quiet evening beside the water’s edge.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Dead Sea, where the unique buoyancy and mineral qualities of the water invite extended relaxation. Whether you choose to swim, float, or simply enjoy the resort’s amenities, this serene environment provides a perfect counterpoint to the preceding days of exploration.

After lunch, depart for Amman, a drive that affords one final look at the valley’s varied terrain. Upon arrival, check in to the Amman Marriott Hotel and take the remainder of the afternoon to rest or sample the city’s lively culinary scene.

The evening presents an opportunity to reflect on your journey over dinner — from centuries-old cities to sweeping desert vistas and seaside contrasts — before a restful night in the capital.

Spend the day exploring Amman’s diverse textures — from Roman ruins and the citadel to contemporary neighbourhoods pulsating with café culture and street life. Begin with a visit to the Roman Theatre, then ascend to the Citadel for sweeping views across the city and valley.

In the afternoon, consider wandering the souks, sampling local pastries or engaging with artisans whose crafts have been shaped by centuries of tradition. Amman’s layered identity — both ancient and modern — offers myriad experiences that enrich your understanding of Jordan.

Return to your hotel in the early evening with time to prepare for your departure. Whether you choose a final stroll through the neighbourhood or a relaxing evening at the hotel restaurant, the day is yours to tailor.