DISCOVER Jordan: Petra, Jerash, and the Dead Sea

Set out for Jordan on an overnight flight to its vibrant capital, Amman. Upon arrival, you’ll be met for the transfer to your hotel. The evening is yours to settle in and unwind.  

Meet your fellow travelers and your Smithsonian Journeys Expert for a morning welcome briefing, then kick off the adventure with a guided tour of Amman. Start with a visit to the King Abdullah I Mosque, crowned by a striking sky-blue mosaic dome. Established by the late King Hussein in honor of his grandfather, it is the only mosque in Amman that allows non-Muslims to enter. Next, step back in time at the 6,000-seat Roman theater, set in the heart of the city and still used to host cultural events after nearly two millennia. Ascend to the Citadel (El-Qala), perched atop one of Amman’s seven hills with sweeping views of the city. Lunch today is a highlight: a home-cooked meal of Jordanian specialties with a local family. You’ll have free time this afternoon to explore Amman as you wish. Then gather tonight for a festive welcome dinner. (B,L,D)

Journey to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Dating back to the second century BC, the city thrived long after the demise of the Roman Empire before succumbing to an earthquake in the late eighth century. As you stroll through colonnaded streets to grand amphitheaters and ancient temples, stories of a bygone era come to life. After exploring the ruins, sit down to lunch at a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, return to Amman, where you’ll have a free evening to try one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. (B,L)

Travel south toward Petra, stopping along the way at some of Jordan’s most important sites. Ascend Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have glimpsed the Promised Land before dying. From the ridge overlooking the Jordan Valley, take in expansive views stretching as far as the Dead Sea and even the rooftops of Jericho and Jerusalem on a clear day. Step into a Byzantine church built to commemorate the death of Moses, then visit a mosaic workshop to see artisans plying this ancient craft. In Madaba, known as the “city of mosaics,” marvel at a sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, created from more than two million colored stones and still beautifully intact today. After lunch at a local restaurant, journey onward to Petra and enjoy your first evening there at leisure. (B,L)

Spend a full day exploring magical Petra, an ancient city carved out of coral-hued sandstone cliffs more than 2,000 years ago. Accessible through a narrow gorge known as the Siq—famously featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade—Petra was once a thriving trade center of the ancient Nabataean civilization. It is now a World Heritage site and considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. On a guided tour of the site, come face to face with the astonishing Treasury and explore the town’s caves and temples. Pause for lunch at the site and enjoy free time to explore further on your own. Return to the hotel and meet for dinner tonight. (B,L,D)

Near the main site of Petra lies Al Baidha, or Little Petra, an eroded canyon that was inhabited as early as 7200 BC and later carved into a town by the Nabataeans. Venture through its narrow passageway to discover beautiful facades and hidden chambers hewn out of the red rock. In the evening, get acquainted with Jordanian culinary traditions at Petra Kitchen, where you’ll prepare a typical meal alongside local women and a chef. The setting is as authentic as the experience—furnishings, textiles, and tableware are all handcrafted by Jordanian artisans. After dinner, you may wish to browse a gallery featuring traditional paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. (B,D)

Rise early for the drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth and one of the most mineral rich water bodies in the world. Arrive in time for lunch on your own, then spend the afternoon relaxing at your spa hotel and floating atop the sea’s famously buoyant waters—a truly unique sensation. Toast your Jordanian getaway at a celebratory farewell dinner tonight. (B,D)

Early this morning, transfer to Amman’s airport to catch your flight home. (B)