Overview

Highlights

Enjoy two full days in Petra, the Red Rose City
Take a four hour 4x4 tour of Wadi Rum
Visit desert castles, steeped in centuries of history
Explore the Roman city of Jerash
Take in views of the Sea of Galilee from Gadara ruins at Umm Qais
Spot migratory birds in the Azraq Wetlands
Float in the Dead Sea in a quiet spot away from most hotels
Visit all six of Jordan's Unesco World Heritage Sites

What's this trip about?

This 12-day trip to Jordan is a great way to appreciate all the country has to offer. We visit some of the less explored archaeological sites, stay in lodges and cabins in nature reserves run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature away from the usual tourist centres, try home cooked food and of course visit all the main highlights such as Petra, Wadi Rum and Jerash along the way. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.Visit all of Jordan's Unesco sites, plus nature reserves and hidden treasures along with the classic highlights

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights

Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max

Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49, 18 - 35, 12 - 17

Flights and transport

Start CityAmman

End CityMadaba

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

All breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Amman

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

Day 2 Amman: Roman amphitheatre, Citadel & Jordan Museum

Following breakfast, we have our welcome briefing, then head out to explore Amman around mid-morning. We leave the hotel and head on foot to the Roman amphitheatre. Constructed in the second century, when Amman was called Philadelphia, the amphitheatre is built into ...

Day 3 As Salt, Pella and Umm Qais

We leave Amman early this morning and drive about an hour to the town of As Salt which is built across three hills. The town has been settled since at least the Iron Age and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality. In the final 60...

Day 4 Ajloun Castle and Jerash

We start the day by visiting Ajloun Castle. This atmospheric 12th century Muslim castle was built under the rule of sultan and military leader Saladin. It was originally accessible only by drawbridge. We drive to Jerash and visit the ruins of Gerasa. This was one of ...

Day 5 Azraq Wetlands, Desert Castles, Iraq Al-Amir women's co-op, Bethany & Dead Sea

We start the day with a visit to Azraq Wetlands Reserve, an interesting site managed by the RSCN. The wetlands are an important stopover for migratory birds and there are a series of walkways and hides. We visit Azraq's large, black-basalt castle, which served as Law...

Day 6 Al Numeira Environmental Association and Red Sea. To Wadi Rum

We begin with a drive of about 40 minutes to Al Numeira Environmental Association. The association’s mission includes raising the environmental awareness of the local community and the promotion of water conservation techniques. We’ll spend about 45 minutes here and t...

Day 7 Wadi Rum tour in 4x4s

Our Bedouin hosts take us for an approximately four-hour 4×4 ride to explore some of the highlights of the dramatic landscapes of the Wadi Rum protected area. We’ll sample some Bedouin tea along the way. We have the option of taking a camel ride in Wadi Rum today (ex...

Day 8 - 9 Two days exploring Petra

Enjoy two days exploring Petra. The so-called Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BCE. Building at Petra...

Day 10 Little Petra, Shobak Castle and Dana Village

We begin the day with a short drive to Little Petra. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear; however, archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the Silk Road may have stayed. Today we enter the Unesco World Heritage site of W...

Day 11 Kerak, Umm Ar Rasas, Mount Nebo and Madaba

We leave Dana behind and drive for about two hours along the King’s Highway, a beautifully scenic route through the hills to Kerak. An ancient Crusader castle, Kerak is maze of dark halls and passageways. It rises imposingly above the town. On clear days views stretch...

Day 12 End Madaba

Breakfast marks our final meal, an excellent chance to reminisce about an adventure packed with excitement. To make your return journey home easier, there’s a free shared transfer back to Amman airport.

Dates & Availability

Price from

$3,600

Price per day

$300

Jordan: Culture & Nature In Depth Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5 Excellent

Write a review

Excellent

13,508

Great

3,271

Average

609

Disappointing

146

Terrible

190

Write a Review

Details

Accommodation:

Just like the trip itself, the accommodation is delightfully varied. We stay in four different properties run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN): in Ajloun Forest Reserve, Azraq, at the Dead Sea and in Dana village. These are unique places to stay and support nature reserves and local communities. Typically, we use three-star hotels in Amman, Petra and Madaba. We also spend a night in our private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, a truly memorable experience. Amman: Hotel Khan Khediwe (nights 1-2) In Amman, we usually stay at Khan Khediwe, a three-star hotel in the bustle of downtown Amman. It's ideally placed for our adventures, close to a market and within walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre and shopping areas. Ajloun: Ajloun Cabins (night 3) In the Ajloun Forest Reserve, the RSCN's Ajloun Cabins are surrounded by pistachio, oak and strawberry trees. This peaceful location is very convenient for Ajloun Castle and Jerash. The restaurant serves typical local dishes. Azraq: Azraq Lodge (night 4) RSCN-run Azraq Lodge is partly a former 1940s British field hospital and partly modern brutalist accommodation blocks. The lodge staff are from the local community, which includes Chechen, Druze and Bedouin people. The buffet dinner often features Chechen dishes. Dead Sea: Mujib Chalets (night 5) Another RSCN property, the Mujib Chalets are right on the shore of the Dead Sea. This is a peaceful area away from the Dead Sea resorts further north and a relaxing float in the sea can be enjoyed right from the chalets' own beach. Wadi Rum: Exodus Private Camp (night 6) Used exclusively by our groups, the permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience. Petra: (nights 7-9) We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are modest but well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace and La Maison among others. On a small number of departures we use a Superior (four-star) hotel in Petra. These departures are identified in the Dates & Prices section as 'Superior hotel in Petra'. The hotel we usually use on these departures is the Petra Canyon Hotel (above), which is about a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Petra. Dana village: Dana Guesthouse (night 10) The final RSCN property of our trip, the Bedouin-run Dana Guesthouse has a beautiful location on the side of a cliff overlooking Wadi Dana. There are pleasant walks through the village straight from the door. Madaba: Black Iris II (night 11) Modest but well run, the Black Iris II has modern rooms, a bar and outdoor seating area. The restaurant serves excellent typical Jordanian food. Worth knowing Demand for accommodation in Petra is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation here is more basic compared to the rest of this trip and service levels are variable. Single supplements are available for this trip but are not applicable at Wadi Rum.

Group size:

Small Group - 24 max

Maximum number of people in group:

16

Trip Excludes:

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Meals included:

All breakfasts and five evening meals are included on this trip. When not half board, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around 20 Jordanian dinars (US$28) per non-included meal. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling vegetarian choice. There is a good selection of seafood available by the Red Sea. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat. Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader will be able to tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Design custom trip

Overview

Highlights

What's this trip about?

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

Travelers also viewed

Jordan to Egypt: Nabateans & Pharaohs

Journeys: Explore Jordan

Jordan Discovery

Explore Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Ancient Trade Routes

Highlights of Jordan and Israel

Israel & Jordan: See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

Muscat To Amman (35 Days)

Jordan on the Menu - 8 days

Taste of Egypt with Jordan

Golden Triangle Tour