JORDAN
THE PEARL OF THE MIDDLE EAST
8 DAYS
20 PEOPLE
2790 EURO
8 days
1.06 - 8.06.2026
Flying off to Jordan for adventure is like traveling to another world. Yes, the country has no oil or gas, but it is rich in natural and historical sights that will simply blow your mind! It seems that Jordan has gathered together the canyons of America, the deserts of Namibia, the ruins of Greece, and the reefs of Egypt and the Red Sea. And there is something here that cannot be found anywhere else in the world!
This is the rock city of Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, and the healing Dead Sea (Israel is not taken into account). In addition to everything else, we guarantee you an unforgettable gastronomic tour! The local Eastern cuisine, which is included in our program, will make you not just savor, but lick your fingers!
Jordan is definitely a unique country! Even the air here is 8% more oxygen-rich than in any other country in the world, despite the fact that less than 1% of its territory is covered by forests. However, there are four times more olive trees growing on these desert lands than there are people living in the country. It is also interesting that, according to some assumptions, the biblical Eden, the “Garden of Paradise,” was located in the territory of modern Jordan, beyond the Jordan River.
Our enchanting tour will begin with a journey back to ancient times. We will visit the ruins of the ancient capital of Jordan – the ancient city of Philadelphia, as well as the magnificent ancient city of Jerash, known as the “City of a Thousand Columns.” Unlike Philadelphia, Jerash is one of the best-preserved provincial cities of the Roman Empire. The spirit of the ancient city will transport us back in time. We will walk along the cobblestone streets among colonnades, temples, amphitheaters, baths, spacious squares, and plazas once traversed by Roman legionnaires.
After traveling back several centuries, we are greeted by healing adventures at the Dead Sea. Despite the fact that no living organism can survive in this sea, its salty water heals cuts, helps with musculoskeletal disorders, and treats many other ailments.
After the healing procedures, feeling healthy and energetic, we will embark on a super adventure through the Wadi Mujib Sik Canyon. This is a magnificent canyon where the Mujib River flows among the rocks and flows into the Dead Sea. It is the lowest nature reserve in the world! The million-dollar views are breathtaking, and the water and waterfalls are refreshing. This is truly a fabulous adventure, after which even the Sik Canyon leading to Petra will seem less memorable! And if Petra is a wonder of the world, then Wadi Mujib is a true natural wonder of the world! At the end of the three-kilometer trail, an unforgettable swim in the waterfall awaits us!
In addition to canyoning, the sacred waters of the Jordan River await us. Not only will we find ourselves in the holy place where Jesus was baptized, but we will also be able to immerse ourselves in the waters of the Jordan River!
Next, we will head to one of the seven wonders of the world — the ancient Nabataean city of Petra! It was discovered relatively recently, in 1812 (not 1821, as is commonly mistaken), by Swiss explorer and true adventurer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. He was on his way to Africa to discover the source of the Niger River when he stumbled upon Petra. It was in Petra that the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed.
Then, we will take a ride in “space” jeeps to explore the Moon Valley. Ninety percent of Jordan's territory is covered by beautiful deserts and semi-deserts, the most famous of which is the Wadi Rum desert. It is no coincidence that the films “The Martian,” “Transformers,” “Red Planet,” “The Last Days on Mars,” “Star Wars,” and “Aladdin” were filmed here. The landscapes here are truly fantastic, and they will enchant you in Jordan!
At the end of our trip, we will spend a few days relaxing and snorkeling in the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. This gulf is home to about 100 species of soft corals and as many hard corals. Many different fish swim around them. We will see some of them while snorkeling on the Japanese Garden reefs.
We will also dive near a wonderful location — a sunken American self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, which now serves as an artificial reef, as well as near an airplane and army jeeps. Here we will take incredible underwater photos. And, of course, we will just lie on the beach, relax in the pools, and have fun on the water slides.
Well, the main part of the program will be the Zhangjiajie National Park, which has already become a cult for lovers of natural beauty, known to the general public as the Avatar Mountains and, of course, the famous colored or “rainbow” mountains of China.
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Meeting and assistance from a representative at the airport.
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Accommodation in the specified hotels. All hotels are 5*.
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Breakfast and dinner included (buffet in most hotels).
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All transfers specified in the program. Wi-Fi on the bus.
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0.5 liters of water per person per day.
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Two jeep tours in the Wadi Rum desert (at sunset and sunrise).
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Accompaniment by an English-speaking driver and a local Russian-speaking guide on transfers and all excursions.
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Group Jordanian visa for tourists.
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Entrance tickets to national parks, museums, and nature reserves.
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Accompaniment by a tour leader from the Paganel Studio team.
- International flight to Amman and back.
- Additional excursions not specified in the program.
- Personal expenses, lunches, souvenirs.
- Tips for the local guide, driver, and jeep drivers (40$ per person for the entire trip).
IMPORTANT!
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ITINERARY
Day 1
(01.06.2026)
Arrival in Amman. A local guide will meet you before you go through passport control. He will arrange customs clearance and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, we will have a get-together over a delicious dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation at the 5* Amman Rotana Hotel. Meals: dinner included.
Day 2
(02.06.2026)
In the morning, after breakfast, we will board the “time machine” and travel back to the days of the ancient city of Rabbat Ammon, modern-day Amman. Throughout its history, the city has had many names. We will visit the ancient Citadel of Amman, located on top of Jebel al-Qalaa, one of the highest hills in the city. This territory belonged to the ancient Assyrians, then the Persians, and was finally conquered by the armies of Alexander the Great.
After the death of Alexander the Great, the lands of modern Jordan went to his commander Ptolemy, who ruled Egypt. His son, Ptolemy II, nicknamed “Philadelphus” – “brotherly love” – gave Rabbat-Ammon its Greek name, Philadelphia, in the 3rd century BC.
Here we will explore a whole range of eras. The tallest columns belong to the Temple of Hercules, built in honor of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius but dedicated to Hercules, a demigod whose mission and duty was to protect the city. A huge statue of Hercules stood at the entrance. Judging by the preserved hand and elbow, the guardian of the city was 12 meters tall, making it one of the largest marble statues that ever existed!
In addition, we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica and the gate to the Umayyad palace. The domed building, which is primarily associated with the Umayyad Palace in Amman, is its monumental gate. It was the official entrance to the palace — a place where visitors were checked before an audience and then waited for an invitation to the ruler.
The palace is located on the northern edge of the mountain. If it is open, we will visit the archaeological museum. And, of course, from the remains of the fortress walls, we will admire the panorama of the city and the ancient Roman theater for 6,000 people!
Next, we will visit another wonderfully preserved city of the Roman Empire – the ancient city of Jerash (about an hour's drive away). This city is a true wonder of Jordan, and it is not without reason that it is called the Pompeii of the East. Jerash is one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside Europe. After a series of earthquakes, the city was buried under sand. It was discovered by the Western world in 1806 by the German traveler Ulrich Setz. Thus appeared “Rome far from Rome” – “The City of a Thousand Columns.”
Jerash is a great spot for any movie about ancient Rome. The city really took off after the Romans took it over. Back then, it was called Gerasa. In the Bible, this area is mentioned as the land of Gilead, rich in olives, grapes, and wheat. To this day, the streets with columns, baths, theaters, towers, temples, squares, and fountains, the Triumphal Arch, the hippodrome, the Temple of Zeus, and the Temple of Artemis are surprisingly well preserved. Among the preserved city walls, archaeologists have found evidence that people lived in this place 2,500 years ago.
To get to the ancient city of Jerash, you first have to pass through the “Aladdin's Caves” — a real oriental bazaar with souvenirs. Amazing, bright, colorful goods, like treasures, sparkle, shine, shimmer, smell, beckon and call to you: “Take me, take me...” Your eyes dart around, your hands reach out... And now the salesperson, with a friendly smile, puts something indescribably beautiful on you. He gives you a mirror, and the mirrors here are royal. You look into this magical mirror, and it says to you: “You are beautiful, there are no words...” And now you are already melting and reaching for your wallet... But please be careful not to buy something three times more expensive, because Arab sellers are skilled manipulators. Bargain! They say that in the old days, if a buyer refused to bargain, the seller had to challenge him to a duel. So don't risk your life and money! :)
After exploring the bazaar, we will stroll through Jerash to see and feel the ancient grandeur of the ruins. We will visit the center of the Forum and the Oval Square of the 1st century, walk along an 800-meter street with massive colonnades. We will be surrounded by temples and theaters, baths, a hippodrome, the famous amphitheater, and the remains of 18 Byzantine churches.
A comfortable bus will take us from the distant past to the shores of the Dead Sea. Rest and a real miracle await us. The Dead Sea is more than 400 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on the planet. Its salinity of 33.7% makes it one of the saltiest seas on Earth. However, Lake Assal in Djibouti and some salt lakes in Antarctica are even saltier.
We check into the hotel and go swimming! There are many reasons why the Dead Sea has become a center for treatment. For example, the absence of allergens in the water, rich mineral composition, minimal ultraviolet radiation, and high atmospheric pressure at depth. We smear ourselves with healing mud and swim until sunset! We watch the sunset and enjoy ourselves!
Accommodation at the 5* Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea Hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner included.
Day 3
(03.06.2026)
We have ambitious plans for this morning: after breakfast, we will embark on a magical adventure. Canyoning in the Wadi el-Mujib Nature Reserve awaits us! This remarkable canyon stretches for tens of kilometers along cliffs and deserts. In the Bible, it is known as the Arnon River. The El Mujib River originates in the Gilead Mountains east of the Jordan River, has seven tributaries, including hot springs, and flows into the Dead Sea. Its source is located at an altitude of about 850 m above sea level, and the mouth of the river is already at a mark 410 meters below sea level! It is truly the lowest nature reserve in the world, located from Kerak to Madaba and to the shores of the Dead Sea. To see this beauty, we will have to go on a difficult trek not only along the bottom of the canyon, but also along the bottom of the river! We will overcome rapids and small waterfalls, climbing stairs! In some places, we may have to swim! But you will be rewarded with million-dollar views, adrenaline, and the joy of swimming!
This route takes 3-4 hours and requires the ability to swim, and that you are not afraid of water and heights. The minimum age for participation is 18 years. If you are traveling with younger children, you will have to leave them at the hotel!
Next, we go to the Biblical Jordan River! With a 90% probability, we will be able to show you the real place of baptism of Jesus Christ! In addition, you yourself will be able to immerse yourself in the waters of the legendary Jordan River - one of the most sacred rivers on Earth. Not long, not wide, not navigable, but legendary. In ancient times, forests grew along the banks of the Jordan and wild animals roamed: the prophets Jeremiah and Zechariah mention lions, leopards, wild boars.
They say that people who reached the Promised Land - the Kingdom of Heaven, which begins here, stopped being at enmity with animals, and the animals gladly served them. Blessed John Moskh said that back in the 5th century, a monk Gerasim, Saint Gerasim of Jordan, lived in a monastery not far from the Jordan, who had a faithful lion named Jordan. He could not survive the death of Gerasim and died on the monk's grave. Today, however, only foxes, jackals and hyenas remain near the river, and among the beautiful ones - gazelles. But, as before, there are many birds, and in the river - pilgrims and fish.
Next, we go to the Biblical Jordan River! With a 90% probability, we will be able to show you the real place of baptism of Jesus Christ! In addition, you yourself will be able to immerse yourself in the waters of the legendary Jordan River - one of the most sacred rivers on Earth. Not long, not wide, not navigable, but legendary. In ancient times, forests grew along the banks of the Jordan and wild animals roamed: the prophets Jeremiah and Zechariah mention lions, leopards, wild boars.
They say that people who reached the Promised Land - the Kingdom of Heaven, which begins here, stopped being at enmity with animals, and the animals gladly served them. Blessed John Moskh said that back in the 5th century, a monk Gerasim, Saint Gerasim of Jordan, lived in a monastery not far from the Jordan, who had a faithful lion named Jordan. He could not survive the death of Gerasim and died on the monk's grave. Today, however, only foxes, jackals and hyenas remain near the river, and among the beautiful ones - gazelles. But, as before, there are many birds, and in the river - pilgrims and fish.
We return to the hotel, and before dinner you can either go relax by the pool, but it is better, of course, to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is a truly fantastic place, which has no analogues on Earth. According to legend, the biblical queen Cleopatra owed her legendary beauty to the Dead Sea. Its waters contain more than 25 natural minerals. Moreover, about a dozen of them are unique and not found in any other ocean or sea on the planet. It has been proven that the minerals of the Dead Sea have healing and cosmetic properties.
Day 4
(04.06.2026)
We say goodbye to the Dead Sea, and after breakfast we drive towards Petra. The journey will take about 3.5 hours. Our goal today is a 10-kilometer trek through the entire territory of Petra. Upon arrival, we immediately set off to explore one of the new Wonders of the World – the pink city of Petra! We pass through the beautiful narrow Siq canyon between sheer cliffs, rising 120 meters. This canyon serves as a portal to the legendary city hidden from human eyes.
Having passed through the portal, we find ourselves in front of the Treasury - the temple of El Khazneh. Here it is, the world of Indiana Jones! This miracle of ancient architecture is 40 meters high and 25 meters wide. During the decline of the city, robbers who robbed travelers in the desert hid their loot here. The Swiss scientist-adventurer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt was the first to tell about the lost city and its fate. It was he who opened Petra to the Western world in 1812.
Next, we will have a trek through the entire city to the farthest Nabataean rock temple of Ad-Deir. It was built in the 1st century AD. The height of the temple is 45 meters, the width is 50 meters. Already in the 4th century, after the adoption of Christianity, the building became a monastery. During that period, an altar carved into the rock and an ornament in the form of crosses appeared here.
Perhaps our guide will take you along secret paths up to the roof of the Temple. From there, an incredible panorama of the majestic city opens. El Khazneh is the furthest attraction of Petra and the last location we will visit today. We return from Petra, go to check in at the hotel, have dinner, share our impressions.
Accommodation at the 5* Old Village Resort hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner included.
Day 5
(05.06.2026)
Those who want to see Petra again go to the city early. Before breakfast we will visit all the royal tombs. Perhaps on the way we will meet a Bedouin family and drink tea with them.
We have to be at the hotel by 10 o'clock to check out and leave for the Wadi Rum desert. Anyone who sees Wadi Rum for the first time will be haunted by thoughts of the unreality of this place. The red and pink shades of sand and rocks really resemble the surface of the "red planet" of Mars. Probably, deserts, like seas and oceans, always give a feeling of eternity, strength, give peace and introduce you to an almost meditative state. The wind walks over the sand dunes and dunes, creating at its discretion a wide variety of sculptures of intricate shapes and outlines.
There is silence and peace everywhere, wherever you look – everywhere there are only rocks, stones and sand that shimmers and sparkles in the sun. Wadi Rum is translated from Arabic as “Valley of Rum”, although in guidebooks the desert is called lunar. Various tribes lived here, as evidenced by the petroglyphs that have survived to this day – amazing rock paintings.
After settling in the space dome hotel, we set off on an intergalactic journey by jeep to unusual rocks with unique arches, as well as to sand dunes. We will watch the sand change its color over and over again. Here, while sipping delicious tea brewed on a campfire, we will witness a beautiful sunset on Mars. You will understand: Mars exists on Earth too.
Then we get into our spaceship SUVs and, accompanied by the stars, rush to the Martian hotel. Here we are waiting for a traditional zarb-Bedouin dinner of meat baked on a fire. We enjoy a delicious meal under the starry sky by the fire and dream. After all, the Rum Valley is a truly magical place. Here the stars fall right into the palm of your hand. In a word, fabulous beauty!:)
Accommodation at the Mazayen Luxury Camp 5* hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner included.
Day 6
(06.06.2026)
They say that miracles happen at dawn. And this morning we will go to the Wadi Rum desert to follow them. This light show is impossible to miss! The pink desert in the pink rays of the sun, like a girl in a wedding dress, is magical.
And then we will travel to another part of the Wadi Rum Desert, where majestic cliffs form a fault in the earth's crust. We'll also see and study rock paintings and petroglyphs. And drive with the wind along the bottom of the canyon. The local beauty has impressed many directors. A lot of movies from “Lawrence of Arabia” to “Dune”, “The Martian” and “Star Wars” were shot here.
Red sand and stunning weathering reliefs are what set Wadi Rum apart from many other deserts scattered around the world. Most of the desert is rocky, but in some places you can find stunning Martian-colored dunes. The Bedouins say that stones are a representation of eternity, the abode of the gods. In the end, everything becomes stone.
Everything on this planet will disappear, only rocks and stones will remain. This is a whole world of life unknown to us, the rocks here are truly the fruit of the Earth's history! They contain the remains of bacteria that are millions of years old. They contain not only the past of the Earth, but also the future of the planet!
Return to our camp, breakfast, gathering. We say goodbye to the Martian landscapes and move towards Aqaba, to the Red Sea coast. In the city we will visit the market. Then we go to the settlement in Tala Bay, a very cool complex away from the city, consisting of three hotels. Today we have earned a vacation on the Red Sea. So we will have the opportunity to relax, sunbathe on the beach and, finally, swim in the warm sea. We will meet the sunset not in the sands of Wadi Rum, but in the gentle and salty waters of the Red Sea.
Accommodation at the Movenpick Tala Bay 5* hotel.
Meals: breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7
(07.06.2026)
The luxurious hotel where we stayed has a system of swimming pools, slides, sun loungers, a beach. In general, everything you need to relax and enjoy life.
And lovers of the underwater world are invited to dive into the mysterious world of the Red Sea depths. Believe me, there is much to see and wonder! One of the days, in the morning, we will go snorkeling to the best reefs called “Japanese Garden”. These are labyrinths of fantastic corals that gave this reef its name. The rich flora and fauna of the reef will give everyone who wandered into its labyrinths an unforgettable experience. Among the colorful fish there are sometimes octopus, crabs and if you are very lucky, you can even meet a turtle.
The reef is 700 meters long. We will walk along the entire fabulous reef maze with bizarre formations. Here we will encounter clownfish, pufferfish, hunting sargans and flocks of small fish.
And next we will be snorkeling on a reef - a tank! The m/42 tank, which was in service with the Jordanian army, was sunk in 1999 at a depth of 5 meters by the Jordanian Ecological Royal Society of Divers. Now it is a beautiful coral reef, which is perfectly visible for snorkeling, snorkeling and flippers. This place is favored not only by people, but also by a variety of tropical fish that consider it their refuge and enjoy people. This place is also called Oliver's Canyon. Here, in addition to the sunken tank, there is a reef, sharply going to a depth of 12 meters, living its underwater multicolored life, and at the end of the reef is a military transport plane!
After lunch, we will spend time snorkeling at another location – the underwater museum of military equipment. At the depths, in the depths of the sea, military equipment has frozen forever. Now these exhibits are full-fledged inhabitants of the sea. The equipment has grown with bright corals and has become a haven for many inhabitants of the underwater world. This is a favorite place for divers.
The tanks are submerged at a depth of about 15 meters, so we will observe and photograph them from above. But the jeeps are only 4-5 meters away and those who wish can dive in and take selfies against their background. Sunken tanks, jeeps, airplanes and ships create a certain areole of mysticism and mystery, attracting fans of diving and snorkeling from all over the world. And now we have seen these incredible underwater locations with our own eyes and can boast wonderful photo memories:)
But this is not all wonders! An absolutely fantastic underwater natural picture awaits you - a garden of eels! Have you heard of this phenomenon? No? Then welcome!;)
On the loose sandy bottom off the coast of Aqaba, eels of the subfamily Heterocongrinae have found refuge. These amazing creatures live in colonies and very rarely come out of their burrows, which they dig with their tails in the soft sandy soil, covering it with a slime from destruction that resembles cement. They spend almost all their lives in their homes, occasionally popping out of their burrows to eat zooplankton and small crustaceans brought to them by the sea. So thanks to this peculiarity of theirs, we can observe this impressive underwater sea picture. However, you should be very careful, because eels are fearful and quickly hide in their holes when they feel threatened.
Day 8
(08.06.2026)
Unfortunately, everything comes to an end, and our adventure is no exception! In the morning, a group transfer from Aqaba to Amman airport awaits you. The journey takes about 4 hours, so your departure from Amman should be no earlier than 12:00. Say goodbye to Jordan and fly home!
Attention! If you wish, you can additionally book a hotel for one or two days on the Red Sea or in Amman.
Accommodation at the Movenpick Tala Bay 5* hotel. Meals: breakfast included.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for organizing a trip – air tickets and travel documents for other modes of transportation, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. – are made by us in advance, long before the trip, the prepayment or payment for the trip is non-refundable in the event of cancellation.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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