Explore the most interesting historical sites of Jordan and hike on spectacular nature trails – in canyons and on desert trails. Key attractions of this tour are the unique rock scenery of Petra and the exploration of the magnificent beauty of Wadi Rum. This program also includes the unforgettable experience of floating in the very salty waters of the Dead Sea.
Trip Highlights:
Amman – Dead Sea – Jerash – Ajlun – Madaba – Mt. Nebo – Karak Castle – Dana Biosphere Reserve – Rock Town of Petra – Wadi Araba Desert – Wadi Rum Desert
Day 1: Arrival in Amman
We welcome you at Queen Alia International airport in Amman. Transfer to your hotel in Amman.
Day 2: Amman City Tour
Full day city tour in Amman, including visits to the Citadel, National Archaeological Museum, Roman Theater, Folklore Museum, King Abdallah Mosque and the Souk. Drive to Wadi Seer, a suburb of Amman, for a visit to the ruins of Qasr Al Abd. Hotel overnight Amman. (B)
Day 3: Amman – Jerash – Ajlun – Amman
After breakfast start a short city tour of Amman including visits to the Citadel and Roman Theater. Continue to Jerash, 45 km north of Amman. The city was built in the 2nd century BC. Jerash is a fine example of the grand provincial urbanism found in all Roman cities in the Middle East, consisting of Colonnaded Streets, Baths, Temples and Theatres, Public Squares and Plazas.
After taking in this impressive site we leave for Ajlun Castle. From here we have a splendid view in all four directions. Transfer back to Amman for overnight. (B)
Day 4: Amman – Madaba – Mount Nebo – Dead Sea – Amman
We go to Madaba and visit the St.George Church which became world-famous by an impressive mosaic on the floor that shows the map of the Holy Land. Continue to Mount Nebo where Moses died. From there we have a fantastic view over the steep slopes of the Jordan valley to the Dead Sea and Jericho. After visiting the Moses Church we drive down to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth‘s surface: 400 meters below sea level. Do you like to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea? Today you have the opportunity. The experience is unique! Hotel overnight in Amman (B)
Day 5: Amman – Karak – Dana Biosphere Reserve
We continue our trip on the King´s Highway to Karak. There we explore the immense crusader castle built in the 12th century. Drive on to Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve, it is a system of wadis and mountains which extends from the top of the Rift Valley down to the desert of Wadi Araba. With a specialized local guide you will hike 2 hours through this beautiful landscape. Overnight stay at a basic hotel in Dana Village on top of the mountains with a spectacular view over the rift valley. (B/D)
Day 6: Wadi Dana Trail – Wadi Araba Desert
The only reserve in Jordan that encompasses 4 different bio-geographical zones of the country. Many of Dana Biosphere Reserve’s animals and plants are very rare. A total of 800 plant species and 449 animal species have been recorded in the Reserve. Today we go on a downhill hike through the sandstone gorge of Wadi Dana which connect Dana with Feynan. Distance 14 km, time 6 hrs. After arrival in Wadi Feynan you will be transferred to the dunes of Wadi Araba. The experience of the sunset is especially picturesque. You sit on the ridge of a dune and observe how the sand changes color to a deep orange and watch how the sun slowly sinks in the horizon. Camp overnight (B/LB/D)
Day 7: Wadi Araba – Little Petra
After breakfast we drive about 45 minutes uphill to the Little Petra area. On top we start our hike which takes about 4 hours. First we walk along a wide path through beautiful bright sandstone formations which leads to the Jebel Garoun. After lunch the path is getting narrower and in between the mountains we reach ,Siq al Barid‘ – the old trading station of Petra. We visit the rock tombs, cisterns and frescoes to get the first impression of the unique Nabatean architecture. From there we continue walking about 40 minutes to our camp, a picturesque place between the sandstone rocks of Little Petra. Around the campfire we enjoy dinner, while thousands of stars sparkle in the sky. (B/Picnic/D)
Day 8: Petra via the ,Back Road‘
After breakfast we leave for a hike which leads us on secluded trails through the magnificent mountain world of Little Petra. Some passages are narrow and steep and require caution. Over and over again you have fantastic views of unique rock formations and gorges.
We reach Petra at the Monastery and after a break we walk down into the valley range, passing rocks in numerous red shades. We explore the town with its Temples and Tombs. On our first exploration of the town we pass the Colonnaded Street. Our way leads us again slightly upward to where we reach our camp for the night just outside of Petra. (B/LB/D)
Day 9: Petra
We hike through Wadi Farasa, returning to the city centre of Petra. Stairs lead up to the Royal Tombs with their huge facades. Along the Theatre the path leads us to the most spectacular building of Petra, the »Khazneh«, also called Treasury. We enjoy this amazing example of the Nabatean architecture. An impressive walk through the Siq, a 1.5 km long, narrow gorge, is still in store for us. We reach the town Wadi Musa and our hotel. (B/D)
Here you have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional turkish hammam.
Days 10 – 13: Wadi Rum
We say farewell to Petra and travel to the South. The Wadi Rum is one of the most beautiful deserts in the Middle East. During the next 4 days we explore Wadi Rum by feet. We pass ancient rock drawings, big sand dunes, the ruins of T.E. Lawrence’s House, the Burdah Rock bridge and the big Um Froth Rock bridge. We carry only our day backpacks. At noon we take extensive lunch breaks in the shade of the rocks. In the evening we enjoy the silence and unique landscape around the burning campfire with the mountains lighted up deep-red by the setting sun. Daily hiking 5-6 hours. 4x Camp overnight (B/L/D).Remark: The Wadi Rum Trek is also possible by camel ride.
Day 14: Wadi Rum – Amman
After our camp overnight near the beautiful Barrah Canyon we walk for 3 hours through the desert to Disseh village. Here our Bedouin team leaves us and we also say goodbye to our crew. Then you are transferred to your hotel in Amman. (B/L)
Day 15: Return Flight
Transfer to the airport of Amman for departure. (B)
Services included:
– All transfers by a/c private car or jeep
– 7 nights in 3-star hotels (upgrade possible upon request)
– 7 nights camping in tents or under the open sky
– Hiking with specialized local English-speaking Bedouin guides
– Escort vehicle, camping equipment, chef during the hiking days
– All meals as noted in the program; B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner)
Services not included:
– Flight
– Visa costs and all the entry/user fees for the program and activities as mentioned above. We recommend the Jordan Pass, see www.jordanpass.jo
– Other meals and drinks
– Tips for guide, driver, chef etc.
– Travel and health insurance
Remark: We reserve the right to make program modifications according to weather conditions.
Please contact us for more information.