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Petra and The Kings Highway

Lining both sides of this 280-kilometre thoroughfare is a rich chain of archaeological and religious sites – prehistoric villages from the Stone Age, biblical towns, Crusader castles, some of the finest early Christian Byzantine mosaics in the Middle East, early Islamic towns, and the rock-cut Nabataean capital of Petra.

The 280 kilometre long King’s Highway is the most ancient and scenic route in Jordan and of great historical and religious significance. It winds its way through forested highlands, open farmland plateaus, deep ravines, the edge of the desert, and the warm Gulf of Aqaba. It is also the back door route to Petra. Not to be overlooked for the more modern Desert Highway which marches through Jordan’s sandy core.

Undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Jordan and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. From here they dominated the trade routes of ancient Arabia, levying tolls and sheltering caravans laden with Indian spices and silks, African ivory and animal hides.

The Garden Hall, Petra, Jordan — Petra, Jordan

Local Bedouin Women and children, Petra, Jordan — Petra, Jordan

The Magic of Petra

The kingdom endured for centuries and became widely admired for its refined culture, beautiful architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels. By the 16th century, however, Petra was completely lost to the western world and remained so for 300 years until it was rediscovered by a Swiss traveller in 1812. Today you can see literally hundreds of buildings, facades, tombs, baths, funerary halls and temples. Our selection of elite guides will make your experience of this impressive sight, one of the most memorable experiences of your visit to Jordan.

Kerak Castle, Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan

View from the Kings Highway, Jordan — Jordan

View from Mount Nebo, Jordan — Amman, Jordan

Travelling the Kings Highway

The King’s Highway starts a short distance outside of the capital sprawl of Amman, at Madaba. Eight kilometres west of Madaba is Mount Nebo, where, in the Old Testament, Moses saw the Promised Land from its peak. The view stretches over the Dead Sea to Israel. Further south is the mighty Crusader castle of Kerak and just short of reaching here is the fabulous lookout over Wadi Mujib Gorge on the way. Shobak Castle is another Crusader masterpiece just ahead of the modern town of Wadi Musa, on the doorstep of Petra.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Treasury Temple (Al Khazneh), Petra, Jordan

Petra Monastery

Hike the 850 steps up to the monastery. Built in the 3rd century BCE as a Nabataean tomb, the monastery is one of the legendary monuments of Petra.

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Crusader Castles

Visit the Crusader castles of Karak and Shobak on the King’s Highway.

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Petra

Rise early and visit Petra just as the sun comes up with beautiful views without the crowds.

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Mount Nebo and Madaba

Visit the ancient Christian sites of Mount Nebo and Madaba, home to a beautiful 6th-century mosaic.

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Jordanian Chicken Mansaf, Arabic Cuisine

Cooking Lesson

Join in an interactive cookery session before dining on your creation.

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Petra by Night

Explore the site of Petra both during the day and at night when it is all lit by candles.

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King’s Highway

Drive along the King’s Highway dropping down into Wadi Mujib — Jordan’s Grand Canyon.

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Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Intercontinental Amman £££££

Jordan
City

Situated at the top of one of Amman’s seven hills, the Intercontinental is in the heart of the business district, within walking distance of the city centre and a short taxi ride from popular sites such as the Citadel. The guestrooms are contemporary and comfortable, and many have views of the city. Facilities include a choice of restaurants plus a spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, both heated.

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Feynan Eco Lodge £££££

Jordan

Located in the heart of the Dana Valley Reserve, Feynan Eco Lodge is a charming retreat that really offers the chance to escape the trappings of modern day life and immerse yourself in Bedouin culture and beautiful mountain terrain. The hotel is solar powered and the 26 guestrooms are simple but comfortable. Some have private terraces which make the most of the views. At night the hotel transforms into a vision in candlelight and the rooftop terrace makes the perfect spot from which to enjoy the night skies, unpolluted by artificial light. Staff at the hotel are from local communities and the candles used at the hotel are all made on site by local women.

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Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea £££££

Jordan
Wellness and Spa

Located on the shores of the Dead Sea, Movenpick Resort & Spa has been built in the style of a traditional Arabic village with the 346 guestrooms connected by walkways, stairwells and courtyards, planted with bougainvillea and plumbago. From the main building, an artificial river runs through the valley gardens towards a central square where shops, a restaurant, pools and the spa converge on the shores of the Dead Sea. Each of the rooms has a balcony or terrace and the vast spa takes full advantage of its location in an area rich in year-round filtered sunshine, ozone-rich air, high barometric pressure and mineral-loaded sea waters.

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Kempinski Hotel Aqaba £££££

Jordan

Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea occupies a wonderful location on the shores of the Red Sea and ensures it makes the most of the sea views. The 200 guestrooms are elegant and minimalistic making full use of the natural light with floor to ceiling windows and private balconies with views out to sea. The hotel also has a choice of restaurants, a large multi-layered swimming pool, spa and plenty of activities on offer.

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Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea £££££

Jordan
Wellness and Spa

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is made up of three properties set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools. Designed in tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon it is built using local stone and the 345 rooms and suites all have sea views with either a balcony or terrace. In total, the hotel has nine freshwater swimming pools including Infinity Edge Pools, a children’s pool, a gymnasium and the longest private beach in Jordan. The keystone of the hotel is the Anantara Spa which is considered one of the largest spas in the Middle East.

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Movenpick Resort Petra £££££

Jordan

Located at the entrance to the site of Petra, the Movenpick Resort combines Arabic and oriental styles with beautiful mosaic features and original antiques and artwork throughout. Some of the 183 rooms have balconies and some have views of the mountains or pool. For the ultimate view over the site of Petra, request the Royal Suite. The hotel includes a wellness centre with indoor pool, steam bath and gym plus several restaurants and bars.

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More luxury accommodation

Idea

Jordan

Jordan with Jerusalem

Combine the wild scenery, fascinating historical sites and Bedouin culture of Jordan with the ancient biblical hub of Jerusalem, a remarkable city home to incredible religious sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This ten-day holiday best suits travellers with an interest…

10 days from £2,875pp

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Idea

Jordan

Family Holiday to Jordan

This holiday to Jordan is designed to appeal to both teenagers and younger children, balancing culture with activities and leisure to ensure that all family members are kept engaged throughout.

9 days from £2,185pp

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Idea

Jordan

UNESCO Highlights of Jordan

There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Jordan. Visit Petra, one of the most famous archaeological sites, with ancient rock-cut architecture; and Wadi Rum Protected Area, a valley cut into from granite rock and sandstone.

8 days from £1,955pp

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Idea

Jordan

Jordan on Foot – Petra to Dana Valley

This holiday to Jordan does not miss the highlights but includes them, where possible, on foot. Head off the tourist trail and trek into Petra from lesser-known Little Petra. Spend a few days hiking and exploring the beautiful Dana Valley with birdlife,…

10 days from £2,645pp

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Jordan holiday ideas.

Our Jordan experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea

Jordan

Jordan with Jerusalem

10 days from £2,875pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Jordan

Family Holiday to Jordan

This holiday to Jordan is designed to appeal to both teenagers and younger children, balancing culture with activities and leisure to ensure that all family members are kept engaged throughout.

9 days from £2,185pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Jordan

UNESCO Highlights of Jordan

8 days from £1,955pp

View Holiday Idea

Idea

Jordan

Jordan on Foot – Petra to Dana Valley

10 days from £2,645pp

View Holiday Idea

View all holiday ideas

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Petra and The Kings Highway

The Magic of Petra

Travelling the Kings Highway