7-Day Cultural Immersion in Jordan for a Student Group
Day 1: Arrival in Amman – Gateway to Jordan
Arrival: Land at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
Activities:
o Orientation with your guide and overview of Jordanian culture, history, and the week’s itinerary.
o Explore Rainbow Street, a lively area filled with cafes, street art, and local shops.
o Group dinner at a traditional restaurant, sampling dishes like mansaf (Jordan’s national dish) and mezze.
Accommodation: Student-friendly hotel in Amman.
Day 2: Amman – Historical and Cultural Highlights
Activities:
o Visit the Amman Citadel, an ancient site with stunning views of the city and relics from Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad civilizations.
o Explore the Roman Theater, a well-preserved amphitheater that dates back to the 2nd century.
o Participate in a cultural exchange workshop, where students meet with Jordanian peers to discuss traditions, education, and life in Jordan.
o Free time to explore local markets like Souk Jara or the Downtown Souk for souvenirs and cultural immersion.
Accommodation: Same hotel in Amman.
Day 3: Jerash – Roman Ruins and Local Traditions
Travel: 1-hour drive to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.
Activities:
o Guided tour of Jerash, exploring its colonnaded streets, temples, and amphitheaters.
o Lunch with a local family in a nearby village, learning about Jordanian hospitality and traditional home cooking.
o Return to Amman for an evening discussion about the day’s cultural and historical insights.
Accommodation: Same hotel in Amman.
Day 4: Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Dead Sea
Travel: Drive south to Madaba (40 minutes).
Activities:
o Visit the Madaba Mosaic Map, the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land.
o Continue to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land, and take in panoramic views of the Jordan Valley.
o Afternoon at the Dead Sea, floating in the mineral-rich waters and enjoying the therapeutic mud.
o Reflective group session by the water, discussing shared experiences and cultural connections.
Accommodation: Resort or lodge near the Dead Sea.
Day 5: Petra – The Ancient Rose City
Travel: Early morning 3-hour drive to Petra.
Activities:
o Full day exploring Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into rose-colored cliffs.
o Walk through the Siq, the narrow gorge leading to the iconic Treasury.
o Explore lesser-visited parts of the site, such as the Monastery or the Royal Tombs.
o Evening return to Petra for a Petra by Night experience, with the Treasury lit by candles and traditional Bedouin music.
Accommodation: Hotel in Wadi Musa (Petra).
Day 6: Wadi Rum – Desert Adventure and Bedouin Culture
Travel: 2-hour drive to Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon.”
Activities:
o Jeep tour through Wadi Rum’s stunning desert landscapes, exploring rock formations and ancient petroglyphs.
o Participate in a Bedouin cultural workshop, learning about traditional music, crafts, and storytelling.
o Dinner under the stars at a Bedouin camp, enjoying freshly prepared dishes like za’atar bread and grilled meats.
o Overnight in a traditional Bedouin tent or a modern glamping dome.
Accommodation: Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.
Day 7: Return to Amman and Departure
Travel: Morning drive back to Amman (4 hours).
Activities:
o Optional stop at Aljoun Castle, a 12th-century fortress built during the Crusades.
o Closing session and group reflection on the week’s experiences.
o Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for departure.