Today we head along the famous King’s Highway, an old trade route which connects Amman and Petra, weaving up and down huge ‘wadis’ (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route, including the ancient town of Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics; the biblical Mt Nebo where Moses was believed to have witnessed the Promised Land; and the crusader castle of Kerak which stands on a rocky outcrop.

Further south we reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra; Jordan’s premier historic site and one of the world’s most outstanding ancient cities. Also known as the rose-red city, Petra is a phenomenal sandstone city made up of ornate palaces, temples and tombs that are carved into the cliffs. Your expert leader will reveal all about the history of this spectacular ancient city.

Enjoy two days exploring the striking Nabatean Kingdom of Petra, known as rose-red city, ‘half as old as time’. Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock – beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which sparkle in sunlight.

To enter Petra your expert leader, Muayad, will take you down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Explore the wondrous Al Khazneh, an elaborate temple known as The Treasury which was once inhabited by the Arabs of the Nabatean Kingdom. This is just the first of many wonderful sites to explore. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and visit the tombs of the rich citizens. Witness the vastness and sheer beauty of this ancient city from various vantage points. There is also an optional walk up 850 steps to El Deir, a monumental monastery carved out of rock.

On the second day your leader will take you into the site either for an optional hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, a clifftop sacrificial altar with immense views over Petra, or for free time to explore the city further. Only a few people attempt a visit to the High Place as it can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness or are uncomfortable with heights. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day.

This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through the intriguing archaeological site of Little Petra or you can relax at our premium accommodation before we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way south to Aqaba, Jordan’s only coastal city, on the Red Sea. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear, however, archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the silk route may have stayed. Aqaba is Jordan’s picturesque port famous for its beautiful coral reefs, ancient ruins and stunning scenery.

Our hotel has a private white-sand beach with direct access to the Red Sea where you can dip your toes in the water and absorb the coastal views. The day is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of this 5-star hotel. Meet for a sundowner overlooking the sea before heading out for dinner at one of the exceptional restaurants in Aqaba. Enjoy a taste of the traditional Jordanian cuisine and sample some of the fresh, local seafood, which is a speciality in the area.

Today we enter the natural and cultural World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot.

After checking into our premium UFO camp, we join a thrilling, 4-hour 4×4 jeep trip to explore some of the highlights of this protected area. The spellbinding Wadi Rum is a favourite of Muayad’s, your expert leader, and his passion and knowledge of the desert landscape is unmatched. Experience an authentic Zarb dinner (cooked underground) at our Bedouin camp and relax beneath the stars above your premium unique dome pod.

Leaving the Mars-like landscape of Wadi Rum we head to the Dead Sea which is one of the most fascinating places on earth. Enjoy free time to experience floating in the saline waters and smothering yourself in Dead Sea mud before cooling off in one of the two infinity pools at our premium accommodation. A totally relaxing way to end your Jordan adventure. This evening there will be a memorable group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells.