A Really Close Look: My Honest Thoughts on the 2025 Exceptional Jordan 9-Day Tour

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Jordan, and honestly, that’s a fantastic idea. This place, you know, has a certain pull that’s a bit hard to put into words. It’s basically a country where every stone and every grain of sand seems to tell a story. I recently went on the ‘Exceptional Jordan Tour 9 Days 8 Nights’ trip, and frankly, I have a lot of thoughts about it. You sort of want to know if it lives up to the name, right? Well, this write-up is pretty much my brain dump of the entire experience, from the busy streets of Amman to the unbelievably quiet parts of the desert. I wanted to offer a very real perspective on what it feels like to be on this specific tour. It’s arguably one of the best ways to see the country, but there are things you should know before you book. So, okay, let’s get into the day-by-day of it all.

Day 1-2: Settling into Amman and Exploring Ancient Jerash

Actually, arriving at Queen Alia International Airport was more or less a smooth affair. The tour representative was right there, you know, holding a sign, which was a very welcome sight after a long flight. In some respects, the drive into Amman itself is a good introduction to the country. You see these rolling hills and boxy, sand-colored buildings that seemingly go on forever. The hotel they put us in was frankly quite comfortable, offering a nice place to recover from the travel. My first evening was pretty much spent just settling in, and honestly, grabbing a bite to eat at a local place recommended by the guide was a highlight. That first taste of real Jordanian food—the hummus, the fresh bread, the perfectly spiced meats—is something you really remember. As a matter of fact, you quickly get a sense that the culture here is deeply connected to its hospitality, and of course, its food.

On the second day, we got to see Amman up close, and honestly, it’s a city of layers. We went up to the Citadel, Jebel al-Qal’a, which is this historic site right in the middle of the city. You get these panoramic views that are just incredible, and you can see the ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad history all in one spot. It’s almost like a physical timeline. For instance, standing by the remnants of the Temple of Hercules and looking out over the modern city is a very powerful feeling. Later, we explored the Roman Theatre, which is pretty much built right into the side of a hill. It’s still used today, you know, which is kind of amazing. It really makes you appreciate the continuous line of history that is so present in everyday Amman life. You are literally walking where people have walked for thousands of years.

Frankly, the trip to Jerash on the same day was what really blew me away. You sort of hear people say it’s one of the most well-preserved Roman provincial cities, but you really can’t grasp the scale of it until you’re there. Honestly, walking down the Colonnaded Street, seeing the ruts from chariot wheels still in the stone, is just unreal. The guide was brilliant here, really bringing the old city to life with stories and explanations. You can practically hear the echoes of the past. For instance, we stood in the center of the South Theater and tested the acoustics, which were, by the way, almost perfect even after two millennia. This day is a lot of walking, so, you know, wear comfortable shoes. At the end of the day, you return to Amman completely tired but also, you know, full of a new appreciation for the history you just stepped through. The balance of a modern city and these kinds of ancient wonders is something you’ll find all over Jordan.

Day 3-4: The King’s Highway to Petra’s Grandeur

So, the next leg of the tour involved leaving Amman behind and heading south, and seriously, this is where the scenery begins to shift dramatically. We took the King’s Highway, which is this ancient route that’s been in use for centuries. It’s not a fast road, but that’s sort of the point. You wind through these incredible landscapes and deep wadis, or valleys. Our first main stop was Madaba, often called the “City of Mosaics.” We went to St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church to see the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land on the floor. Honestly, it’s quite something to see this ancient form of cartography. It’s a bit fragmented now, obviously, but you can still make out Jerusalem and other biblical locations. It is really an amazing piece of history to witness in person, and the town itself has a very calm feeling about it.

From Madaba, it was a short drive to Mount Nebo, which, as a matter of fact, is believed to be the spot where Moses saw the Promised Land before he died. Anyway, whether you’re religious or not, the view from up there is absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can apparently see Jericho and even parts of Jerusalem across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. There’s a powerful sense of timelessness standing there. Frankly, looking out at that huge expanse of land makes you feel very small. We also visited Kerak Castle, a massive Crusader fortress. It’s a very different kind of historical site—more rugged and martial. You can explore the dark passages and stone-vaulted halls, and you pretty much get a feel for the tough life that soldiers must have had there. It’s arguably a bit spooky in some of the lower levels, which is actually kind of cool. It really breaks up the drive and adds another layer to the country’s long and complex story.

Finally, we arrived in Wadi Musa, the town that serves as the gateway to Petra. Honestly, the excitement in our group was just palpable at this point. You’ve spent the day soaking in all this history and landscape, and it’s all just a build-up to the main event. The hotel was again very nice, and pretty much everyone was just focused on getting a good night’s sleep before the big day. You can sort of feel Petra’s presence from the town. It’s almost like the mountains themselves are holding this big secret. We had a great dinner where the guide gave us some last-minute tips for the next day, like how much water to bring and what to expect on the walk. At the end of the day, that kind of practical advice is really useful and shows that the tour is well-thought-out for the traveler’s comfort.

Day 5: A Full Day Lost in the Rose-Red City of Petra

Okay, so, waking up in Wadi Musa, you honestly feel a bit like a kid on Christmas morning. This is the day. We started early to beat the crowds and the midday heat, which is absolutely the right call. The experience of Petra begins with the walk through the Siq, and you really can’t overstate how incredible this is. It’s this narrow, winding canyon with towering rock walls that are, you know, streaked with the most amazing colors. Our guide pointed out old water channels carved by the Nabataeans, and frankly, you just marvel at their engineering skill. You are just walking deeper and deeper into the rock, and the anticipation is almost overwhelming. Then, you know, you get that first iconic glimpse of the Treasury through a sliver of darkness. It’s one of those travel moments that is literally etched into your memory forever. You will definitely want to know more about the best time of day to experience this amazing sight.

Stepping out of the Siq and seeing the Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury, in its full glory is just, well, it stops you in your tracks. Honestly, no picture does it justice. The sheer size and the intricate detail carved right into the pinkish-red sandstone are absolutely mind-boggling. We spent a good while there just taking it all in. But Petra is so much more than just the Treasury. We then walked down the Street of Facades, past rows of Nabataean tombs carved into the cliffs. You kind of start to understand that this was a huge, living city. We saw the main theater, which was actually carved by the Nabataeans and later expanded by the Romans. There’s just so much to explore. Seriously, you could spend days here and not see everything. At the end of the day, you have to pace yourself, but understanding the city’s layout helps you make the most of your time.

Now, for those with enough energy, the climb up to the Monastery, Ad-Deir, is a bit of a challenge but so incredibly worth it. It’s about 800 steps, you know, so it’s not for the faint of heart. You can hire a donkey, but honestly, walking it gives you a much greater sense of accomplishment. The path itself offers stunning views back over the main site. And then, you reach the top. The Monastery is even bigger than the Treasury, and because fewer people make the trek, it’s often a little quieter up there. You just feel this sense of peace and wonder. I just sat at a little tea shop across from it, sipping mint tea and just staring. It’s arguably the best spot in all of Petra. As a matter of fact, the full day at Petra is physically demanding, but it’s the highlight for a reason. You just leave feeling completely in awe of what humans are capable of creating, and I feel that’s what makes this day so incredibly special for everyone who does it.

Day 6-7: Desert Landscapes and Bedouin Nights in Wadi Rum

Basically, after the historical deep-dive of Petra, moving on to Wadi Rum is a complete change of pace and scenery. The drive itself is pretty amazing, as the rocky mountains give way to this huge, sweeping red desert. It honestly feels like you’ve just landed on Mars. We transferred from our bus to these open-backed 4×4 jeeps, which, frankly, is the only proper way to explore this place. Our Bedouin driver was fantastic; he knew the desert like the back of his hand and had a great sense of humor. The jeep tour was exhilarating, you know, speeding over sand dunes and weaving through dramatic rock formations. It’s a landscape that has been shaped by wind and time, and it’s just so raw and beautiful. Seriously, it’s a photographer’s dream, and I think I took hundreds of pictures. Choosing a good jeep tour is really key to seeing the best parts of the desert.

The tour took us to some of the iconic spots in Wadi Rum. For instance, we saw Lawrence’s Spring, a small oasis where T.E. Lawrence supposedly washed during the Arab Revolt. We also scrambled up some smaller rock bridges for incredible views. You get out of the jeep a lot to walk around and just soak in the immense silence of the place. Honestly, it’s a kind of quiet you don’t really experience in the modern world. It’s almost deafening at first. The guide pointed out ancient Nabataean inscriptions carved into the rocks, which, you know, reminds you that people have been crossing this desert for thousands of years. It’s not just an empty space; it’s a place full of stories. You kind of get lost in the sheer scale of everything, and it’s a very humbling experience, in a good way.

At the end of the day, we arrived at our Bedouin camp for the night. This was definitely one of the highlights of the whole trip for me. The camps are pretty well-equipped, with comfortable tents and proper bathroom facilities, so it’s not exactly roughing it. But it still feels very authentic. We watched the sunset over the desert, and the colors were just out of this world. Then came dinner, which was a traditional meal called Zarb, cooked in an underground oven. It was absolutely delicious. Afterwards, we all sat around the fire, drinking sweet Bedouin tea while our hosts played music and told stories. And the stars… I mean, with no light pollution, the night sky is just a blanket of stars. You can see the Milky Way so clearly. It’s just one of those very simple, very human experiences that stays with you. Honestly, sleeping under the desert stars is a must-do.

Day 8-9: Floating in the Dead Sea and Heading Home

So, leaving the serene desert behind, our next and final destination was the Dead Sea, which, you know, is the lowest point on Earth. It was kind of a fun way to end the trip, with something completely different and very relaxing. We checked into a resort right on the shores of the sea. The whole atmosphere here is more or less about relaxation and recovery after all the exploring. Honestly, the first thing everyone wanted to do was to experience the floating. It’s a very weird and funny sensation. You literally just lie back in the water, and it holds you up completely. You can’t really swim; you just sort of bob around. You’re warned not to get the water in your eyes because it is incredibly salty, and that is very, very good advice. It’s one of those bucket list things that’s actually as strange as you think it’s going to be, and it’s a pretty fun group activity. There are a few things to know before you go in, and the guides explain them well.

Besides the floating, there’s the famous Dead Sea mud. Frankly, covering yourself in this dark, mineral-rich mud is part of the whole experience. You slather it on, let it dry in the sun until you look like some kind of statue, and then you wash it off in the sea. My skin actually did feel really smooth afterwards, so maybe there’s something to it. Or, you know, it’s just good fun. The rest of the day was pretty much spent enjoying the resort’s facilities. Just lounging by the pool, looking out over the water towards the opposite shore, was a very peaceful way to process the entire trip. After days of so much activity, this day of enforced rest was arguably just what we needed. It gives you a moment to really think about everything you’ve seen and done. For some people, this part of the trip can seem like just a resort day, but frankly, it’s a perfectly placed bit of downtime.

Finally, the last day was mostly about the departure. After a final breakfast at the Dead Sea, it was a fairly straightforward drive back to the airport near Amman. You sort of get a last look at the Jordanian landscape on the way. Honestly, saying goodbye to the group and our guide was a little sad. You kind of form a little community over nine days of these shared, incredible experiences. At the end of the day, you leave Jordan with a camera full of pictures but, more importantly, a much deeper understanding of this amazing country. It’s a place of immense history, dramatic landscapes, and incredibly warm people. This particular tour, in my opinion, does a fantastic job of showing you all the main highlights in a way that feels organized but not too rushed. It’s basically a trip that packs a lot in, and you’ll definitely feel like you’ve had a proper adventure. I think that knowing what to anticipate makes the whole journey smoother.