Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Discover some of the most pristine ruins of ancient civilizations on this journey through Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. Your students will explore the Umm Qais Roman Ruins, discover the bustling streets of Amman, and admire beautiful Madaba, the City of Mosaics. Your group can also look forward to exploring Karak City, riding a horse to visit the ancient city of Petra, and enjoy a swim through the Dead Sea.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Jordan (Amman)
Day 2
Arrive in Amman
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Day 3
Jerash visit
Second only to Petra in popularity, Jerash is one of the best preserved Roman provincial cities in the world. Settled for over 6,500 years, it flourished under Roman rule as Gerasa, a member of the Decapolis League. Buried in sand for centuries, the city now reveals grand colonnaded streets, towering temples, theaters, fountains, and plazas, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman life in the Middle East.
Ajloun Castle visit
Perched on a hill in northern Jordan, Ajloun Castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and stands as a masterpiece of medieval Arab architecture. Built in 1184 by one of Saladin’s generals, it was designed to control the region’s iron mines and protect key trade routes between Jordan and Syria. Though Crusaders tried for decades to capture it, the fortress never fell. Today, Ajloun Castle remains one of the Middle East’s most impressive historic landmarks.
Umm Qais Roman Ruins visit
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Gadara, known today as Umm Qais, boasts an impressive colonnaded street, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theaters, all framed by breathtaking views.
Day 4
Amman guided sightseeing tour
Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has been continuously inhabited for over 7,000 years. Once spread across seven hills and now extending over twenty, the city blends ancient heritage with modern life. Visit the Amman Citadel, home to the Archaeological Museum, Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Church, and Umayyad Palace. Explore the Roman Amphitheater and nearby Folklore Museum, then stroll through downtown’s bustling old markets for a taste of local life.
Desert Castles visit
Step back in time and explore the Desert Castles of Jordan, scattered across the arid landscape east of Amman. Built in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Umayyad dynasty, these fortresses and palaces remain a mystery—historians believe they served as retreats for nobles, hunting lodges, and defensive outposts. Though some have been partially rebuilt, they stand today as remarkable examples of early Islamic art and architecture, offering a glimpse into Jordan’s rich past.
Old Amman city walk
Join your guide for a stroll through Amman’s lively streets and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Wander along Rainbow Street, a trendy hub filled with cafés and shops, and explore the bustling souk near the Husseini Mosque, where the sounds and scents of local life fill the air.
Day 5
Madaba, city of mosaics visit
Madaba is widely known for its unparalleled Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, making it one of the most memorable cities in the Holy Land. Hundreds of exquisite stone mosaics fill the churches and homes in the city. Most notably, you will see the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, which is covered with a 6th century Mosaic Map. Consisting of two million pieces of brilliantly colored local stone this map depicts the hills, valleys, homes, towns, and villages of Jerusalem. A masterpiece, to say the least!
Mount Nebo Byzantine church visit
According to Christian and Jewish tradition, Mount Nebo is where Moses first saw the Promised Land and where he was later buried. At its highest point, Syagha, archaeologists uncovered a 4th-century church built to honor his memory. Visitors can see the remains of the ancient structure, including hollowed tombs and beautifully preserved mosaic floors. One of Jordan’s most sacred sites, Pope John Paul II visited in 2000 and planted an olive tree beside the Byzantine chapel, symbolizing peace.
Um er-Rasas archaeological site visit
Um er-Rasas began as a Roman military camp and later developed into a thriving town between the 5th and 9th centuries. The site preserves traces of Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim history, including a fortified camp and 16 churches, some with remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors. The Church of Saint Stephen is especially notable for its detailed map depicting nearby towns. Two square towers, believed to have been used by stylite monks, still stand amid the ruins, surrounded by remnants of ancient farms in the desert landscape.
Kerak Castle visit
Before stepping into the magnificent Kerak Castle, take a moment to study the map at the entrance to better understand its rich history and the people who once lived here. Bring a flashlight—its dark tunnels and winding passageways are full of intrigue. Though the present castle dates to the 12th century, Kerak’s origins reach far deeper. The Bible records the King of Israel and his allies seizing King Mesha in the fortress of Kir Heres, the ancient name for today’s Kerak.
Day 6
Horseback ride into Petra
Saddle up an Arabian horse and ride along scenic trails to the ancient city of Petra. For safety reasons, weight restrictions apply to this activity.
Petra guided sightseeing tour
Spend a day exploring Petra, the rose-red city known as the Eighth Wonder of the World for its advanced culture, grand architecture, and ingenious system of dams and water channels. Lost to the West for nearly 300 years before its rediscovery, Petra reveals wonders like Bab Al Siq, with its towering Djinn blocks, and the Siq, a dramatic passage leading to the magnificent Treasury (Al Khazna). Standing nearly 40 meters high, its intricate carvings showcase Nabataean artistry, while the nearby Dam once protected the city from flooding.
Day 7
Wadi Rum desert valley safari
Travel to Aqaba
Aqaba is a lively coastal city showcasing some of the best Jordan has to offer. Visitors come to enjoy scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and relaxing on soft beaches along the calm Red Sea. For over 5,000 years, Aqaba has been a vital trading port linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. It’s also believed to be home to the world’s first church, adding to the city’s fascinating blend of history, culture, and seaside charm.
Day 8
Free time in Aqaba
Dana Biosphere Reserve visit
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, spanning more than 300 square kilometers and encompassing all four of the Kingdom’s bio-geographical zones. From the high cliffs rising 1,500 meters in the east to the deep canyons descending toward Wadi Araba, Dana is both biologically and historically rich. It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited regions, featuring Neolithic villages, Roman aqueducts, and Byzantine churches. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views from the Dana Guesthouse or stay at the Rummana Campsite, surrounded by rare wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Travel to the Dead Sea
Day 9
Enjoy a day at the Dead Sea
Spend a day at one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, the Dead Sea. Known for its extreme salinity, four times saltier than regular seawater, it supports no marine life, hence its name. Floating effortlessly on its dense, mineral-rich waters is a truly unique experience and one of Jordan’s must-do activities.
Transfer to Amman in the evening
Overnight flight home
Day 10
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Jordan
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.