Highlights of Oman & Jordan

(13 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Muscat & Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar region, Amman & Jerash, King's Highway, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea

This private tour is ideal for travelers wanting to tour the incredible cultural and scenic highlights of Jordan and Oman. With your private expert guides, tour historic Muscat and Nizwa, visit spectacular Petra and Jerash, and see unforgettable natural landscapes, all while staying at the finest hotels.

Begin in Muscat, the seaside capital of Oman. During touring with your private guide and driver, visit the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the landmark Royal Opera House and museums dedicated to Oman's rich cultural heritage. In Old Muscat, see Al Alam Palace (one of several used by the Sultan of Oman) and hilltop fortresses overlooking the Gulf of Oman. Walk along the waterfront corniche in the Muttrah district, and browse the Muttrah Souk (market) for Omani frankincense, jewelry, ceramics, antiques and more.

Next, visit Nizwa, a historic oasis town in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains. Walk along the ramparts of atmospheric Nizwa Fort, take in views of the expansive palm groves, and visit the souk to browse for pottery, textiles and other local handicrafts.

Continue into the mountains to the Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) region and a luxurious mountain resort with spectacular views of the dramatic desert landscapes. During private touring, visit local villages in the surrounding Saiq Plateau, and see gravity-defying cliffside agricultural terraces—the roses, pomegranates and other crops grown here are considered the finest in Oman. During leisure time, enjoy the resort facilities and its incredible views.

One day, take a private excursion to Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain), the highest peak in Oman. En route, visit mudbrick villages set among palm oases, venture into deep desert wadis (valleys), learn about the UNESCO World Heritage-designated aflaj (irrigation canals) that carry water from the mountains to local farms, and perhaps opt for guided hikes such as the legendary Balcony Walk along the steep slopes of Wadi Nakhr.

Fly to Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During flexible private touring in the city, visit the hilltop Citadel to see ancient Roman ruins, the eighth-century Umayyad Palace complex and the archaeological museum. Browse the Jordan River Designs and Turquoise Mountain showrooms, and visit other favorite shops selling high-quality, handmade Jordanian crafts. Also visit the Jordan Museum, lively souks, sweets shops, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city according to your interests.

Next, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a homemade lunch of traditional Jordanian dishes prepared by local women.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating sixth-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill.

Continue to Petra, an awe-inspiring archaeological complex carved into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, walk (or take a golf cart) through the atmospheric Siq (gorge), and see the iconic Treasury. Explore the impressive Royal Tombs and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans, the ancient people who created Petra. If desired, venture to other parts of Petra, such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice, for unforgettable views over the region. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles. 

Next, travel into Wadi Rum, a spectacular landscape of monumental stone mountains, red sand dunes, rock bridges and petroglyphs. During a private four-wheel drive tour, see highlights of this otherworldly, UNESCO-inscribed region—also known as the Valley of the Moon—that has served as locations for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other films. Spend a night in a desert camp in Wadi Rum to appreciate the sublime beauty of the area as the sun sets and the stars emerge.

En route to the Dead Sea, stop for a short hike or to take in breathtaking views over the rocky hills and deep canyons of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse landscape that's home to a wide range of plants and animals.

Continue to a resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lush grounds and many facilities, including an extensive spa, multiple swimming pools and a private beach that provides access to the Dead Sea, where you can float in mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world