Jordan’s Legendary King’s Highway

Begin the day by exploring some of Amman’s principal historic attractions. Visit the hilltop Citadel for panoramic city views and continue to the remarkably preserved Roman Theatre.

Leave Amman and drive south toward Madaba, famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. Its best-known treasure is the ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land inside St George’s Church.

Continue to Mount Nebo, traditionally associated with Moses, and enjoy extensive views across the Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea.

Descend to the lowest land elevation on Earth and check in at your selected Dead Sea hotel. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing and experiencing the remarkable sensation of floating in its mineral-rich water.

Overnight: Dead Sea
Driving: Approximately 90–75 mi (120 km) / 56–75 miles
Driving time: Approximately 2–2½ hours, excluding stops

Leave the Dead Sea and begin one of the most memorable drives of your journey.

Travel through the dramatic landscapes surrounding Wadi Mujib, often described as Jordan’s Grand Canyon. Stop at designated viewpoints before continuing toward Kerak.

Visit Kerak Castle, an imposing Crusader fortress constructed during the 12th century. Explore its stone passageways, underground chambers and commanding views across the surrounding countryside.

Continue south along the historic King’s Highway toward Wadi Musa, the modern town situated beside Petra. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in for two nights.

Overnight: Petra/Wadi Musa
Driving: Approximately 250–180 mi (290 km) / 155–180 miles
Driving time: Approximately 5–6 hours, excluding sightseeing stops

Dedicate the entire day to Petra, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.

Walk through the narrow Siq, a dramatic sandstone gorge that forms the principal entrance to the ancient city. At the end of the passage, the magnificent Treasury appears between the towering cliffs.

Continue through the Street of Facades toward the Theatre, Royal Tombs and remains of the ancient city centre. Travellers with sufficient energy can climb to the Monastery, one of Petra’s largest and most impressive monuments.

Petra is extensive and involves considerable walking, so comfortable footwear, sun protection and sufficient drinking water are essential.

Return to your hotel in Wadi Musa after an unforgettable day.

Overnight: Petra/Wadi Musa
Driving: Minimal local driving

After breakfast, leave Wadi Musa and visit Little Petra, also known as Siq Al Barid. This smaller Nabataean settlement contains rock-cut buildings, narrow passageways and ancient dining chambers.

Continue south toward Wadi Rum, where enormous sandstone mountains rise from the desert floor.

Park your rental car at the Wadi Rum Visitor Centre or another prearranged meeting point. Your camp representative will collect you in a suitable 4WD vehicle and transport you into the protected desert area.

Join a guided desert experience visiting selected rock formations, canyons, ancient inscriptions and panoramic viewpoints. Watch the colours of the landscape change as the sun sets before enjoying dinner at your desert camp.

Overnight: Wadi Rum desert camp
Driving with rental vehicle: Approximately 115–84 mi (135 km) / 71–84 miles
Driving time: Approximately 2 hours, excluding stops

Wake early to experience sunrise over Wadi Rum before enjoying breakfast at the camp.

Return by camp vehicle to the designated meeting point and collect your rental car. Continue south to Aqaba, Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea.

After checking in, spend the afternoon relaxing beside the water. Depending on your interests, visit Aqaba’s waterfront, explore the local markets or reserve a snorkelling or glass-bottom boat excursion.

Aqaba provides a relaxing contrast to the archaeological sites, mountains and desert landscapes experienced earlier in the journey.

Overnight: Aqaba
Driving: Approximately 70 km / 43 miles
Driving time: Approximately 1 hour