Best of King's Highway from Amman to Petra

Best of King’s Highway from Amman to Petra

While Petra and Amman are among Jordan’s most famous destinations, the journey between them along the historic King’s Highway is filled with extraordinary landscapes, ancient monuments, and hidden archaeological treasures. This private one-way tour transforms a simple transfer into an unforgettable full-day exploration of Jordan’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Overview

Private tourFull-daySouth of AmmanNabataean · Byzantine · Crusader & Ayyubid

Travelling in comfort, with refreshments and snacks provided along the way, we will visit some of the country’s most remarkable sites. Discover the biblical views from Mount Nebo, explore the stunning mosaics of Umm ar-Rasas, walk through the mighty Crusader strongholds of Karak and Shobak, and admire the remarkable Nabataean temple at Khirbet edh-Dharih. Along the route, we will also pass through the breathtaking landscapes of Dana Biosphere Reserve before visiting Little Petra and the ancient Neolithic village of Al-Beidha.

By the time we reach Petra, you will have experienced some of Jordan’s most fascinating historical and natural landmarks—turning the journey itself into one of the highlights of your trip. At the end of the tour, you will be comfortably dropped off at your hotel in Petra, ready to continue your adventure at the legendary Rose City.

9 stops, door to door

Amman to King's Highway

Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, where we will have a friendly introduction and a brief overview of the day’s itinerary.

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Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or residence in Amman, where we will have a friendly introduction and a brief overview of the day’s itinerary. If you wish, we can make a short stop at Starbucks so you can pick up your favourite coffee before leaving the city. From there, we begin our scenic drive along the historic King’s Highway in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi and phone chargers. Relax and enjoy your coffee and selected snacks while taking in the landscapes along the way. Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks are also provided throughout the journey.

Mount Nebo

Our first stop is the famous Mount Nebo, located about 710 meters above sea level.

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Our first stop is the famous Mount Nebo, located about 710 meters above sea level. According to the Old Testament, this is the place where the prophet Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. For centuries it has been an important pilgrimage site for believers and visitors alike. Today the site is known for its beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics inside the memorial church, as well as its breathtaking panoramic views over the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and on clear days, even Jerusalem.

Site profile

Umm Ar-Rassas

Next we visit the remarkable archaeological site of Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remains from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods.

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Next we visit the remarkable archaeological site of Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remains from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. One of its highlights is the magnificent mosaic floor of the Church of St. Stephen, considered the largest mosaic floor discovered in Jordan. The site is also famous for its mysterious Stylite Tower, once used by early Christian ascetics who lived and prayed atop pillars in isolation.

Site profile

Karak Castle

Continuing south along the King’s Highway, we arrive at the imposing Karak Castle, one of the largest Crusader castles in the Levant.

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Continuing south along the King’s Highway, we arrive at the imposing Karak Castle, one of the largest Crusader castles in the Levant. Construction began in the 1140s, and the fortress soon became a strategic stronghold during the Crusader period. It was famously besieged by Saladin in 1183 before eventually falling to his forces. Today you can explore its massive stone halls, underground corridors, and defensive towers while learning about the dramatic history of medieval warfare in the region.

Site profile Travel guide

Khirbet Al-Dharieh

Our journey continues to the fascinating Nabataean site of Khirbet edh-Dharih, located along the ancient trade routes that once connected Arabia with the Mediterranean world.

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Our journey continues to the fascinating Nabataean site of Khirbet edh-Dharih, located along the ancient trade routes that once connected Arabia with the Mediterranean world. Here you will discover the remains of a beautifully decorated Nabataean temple complex, known for its finely carved stone façade and architectural details that reflect the artistic traditions of the Nabataeans.

Site profile Travel guide 360° panorama

Dana

We then pass through the spectacular landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the largest nature reserve in Jordan.

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We then pass through the spectacular landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, the largest nature reserve in Jordan. Covering more than 300 square kilometres, Dana is home to hundreds of plant species, numerous birds, and a variety of mammals. The reserve’s dramatic scenery—deep valleys, rugged mountains, and colourful rock formations—makes this stretch of the journey one of the most beautiful drives in Jordan.

Travel guide

Shobak Castle

Perched high above the surrounding mountains is Shobak Castle, also known historically as Montreal.

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Perched high above the surrounding mountains is Shobak Castle, also known historically as Montreal. Built in 1115 by the Crusader king Baldwin I of Jerusalem, it became one of the earliest Crusader fortresses in the region. The castle later fell to the forces of Saladin and was expanded during the Mamluk period. Today visitors can explore its impressive ruins while enjoying sweeping views across the surrounding valleys.

Site profile Travel guide 360° panorama

Litle Petra & Al-Beidha

Before reaching Petra, we stop at Little Petra, a smaller but equally fascinating Nabataean site known for its narrow rock-cut canyon and carved façades.

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Before reaching Petra, we stop at Little Petra, a smaller but equally fascinating Nabataean site known for its narrow rock-cut canyon and carved façades. Nearby lies Al Beidha, one of the most important Neolithic archaeological sites in Jordan. The remains of this ancient village date back as early as 7200 BC, offering a glimpse into life thousands of years before the Nabataean civilisation.

Site profile 3D walk-through 360° panorama

Vaux Moise

Our final historical stop is the ruined Crusader fortress of Vaux Moise near Wadi Musa.

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Our final historical stop is the ruined Crusader fortress of Vaux Moise near Wadi Musa. Built in 1116, it served as an outpost connected to Shobak Castle and helped control the surrounding trade routes. Although smaller than other Crusader fortresses, its strategic location and dramatic history make it a fascinating final chapter in the story of medieval Jordan.

At the end of the journey, we will drop you off at your hotel in Petra. After a full day travelling along the historic King’s Highway, you will have explored some of Jordan’s most remarkable archaeological sites, landscapes, and monuments before arriving at one of the world’s greatest ancient cities.

Site profile Travel guide 360° panorama

Best of King’s Highway from Amman to Petra

Overview

Photos from this tour

9 stops, door to door

Amman to King's Highway

Mount Nebo

Umm Ar-Rassas

Karak Castle

Khirbet Al-Dharieh

Dana

Shobak Castle

Litle Petra & Al-Beidha

Vaux Moise

What’s included

Not included

What to bring

Good to know

Cancellation policy

Explore the sites on this tour

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