Jordan
Jordan Tour – Desert and History – an 8 day Small Group Tour.
Jordan’s relatively small area belies its wealth of cultural, archaeological and natural sights, while allowing succinct exploration. Nabatean Petra tops many wish lists, and for once the reality exceeds the hype. Roman Jerash too surprises in terms of scale and preservation. However, for some the wonder of Wadi Rum’s epic natural landscape easily surpasses any manmade monument.
Memorably excellent cuisine, surprisingly good white wine and genuine hospitality are all aspects of Jordan missing from headlines that seem only to feature the Middle East in the event of bad news.
Right now, the region’s tourism languishes in the doldrums, normally popular sights are devoid of crowds… which means it’s a great time to tour Jordan.
In a region of geopolitical turmoil, Jordan is a safe and welcoming land of remarkable contrast.
Dense with history, full of natural wonders and historical sites, a bridge between sea and desert, east and west and linking ancient and new civilisations. It is essentially an open air museum in almost all its entirety. On this comfortable small group tour, marvel at astonishing Roman amphitheatres, Crusader castles and Christian mosaics. Imbibe the splendid desert isolation of Wadi Rum Protected Area and wander open mouthed amongst the pink sandstone and rock-hewn antiquities of the Lost City of Petra (UNESCO).
Spend time in the village of Dana allowing for opportunities to experience the legendary warmth of the Jordanian people and assist in the preparation of tasty local dishes with the Iraq Al Ameer Women’s Association. No visit to Jordan is complete without a float, rather than a dip in the ultra-saline Dead Sea set against an other-worldly backdrop.
This tour through Jordan is a must for those that wish to experience an exciting combination of rich history and stunning landscapes.
Itinerary.
Day 1 - Arrival Amman
Arrive in Amman and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, there may be time to explore the city at leisure. No guided services are provided today. Overnight Hotel Larsa Hotel or similar.
Day 2 – Amman – Jerash
(Approximate driving time: two-and-a-half-hours)
After a breakfast tour briefing at the hotel, depart for a tour of Amman which includes the outstandingly preserved and restored Roman amphitheatre, the Citadel and the Jordan Museum. Visit the atmospheric souk before this afternoon continuing to Jerash to explore the incredible ruins of the remarkably well preserved Roman complex. Overnight Olive Branch Hotel or similar (B)
Day 3 – Jerash – Kerak – Dana Biosphere Reserve – Petra
(Approximate driving time: five-hours)
Today is a busy day and so we have en early breakfast. Travel the King’s Highway, the world’s oldest continuously used communication route to Kerak and on arrival explore the fortress, a fine example of Crusader architecture. Continue to Dana and enjoy a short and easy but picturesque hike above Dana village, walking amongst terraced gardens and local craft workshops, meeting local residents, observing Ottoman architecture and learning about Dana’s rich history. We will have a picnic lunch today in this beautiful environment. Later we continue to Petra in anticipation of experiencing one of the new Seven Wonders of the World tomorrow. Overnight Petra Guesthouse or similar (BL)
Please Note – The walk is around 1 hour and is of an easy grade.
Day 4 – Petra
Spend a full day of exploration at the incredible and wondrous site of Petra. The feeling of winding through the atmospheric ‘Siq’ to then be faced with the stunning 40 metre façade of the iconic Treasury is likely to live long in the memory. During the day you will have ample opportunity to explore the site. Continue through the Red Rose City passing by the Nabataean Theater, and other fascinating tombs, until you reach the central zone next to the Museum. For those that wish there will then be the opportunity to continue through the site ascending a nearly 800 step path (approx. 40 minute walking time) from the basin to reaching the exquisite Monastery “El Deir”, a quite astonishing building carved out of rock, arguably one of the most iconic monuments of the whole site. At the end of your visit, make your way back to the entrance. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed! Overnight Petra Guesthouse or similar (B)
Day 5 – Petra – Wadi Rum Protected Area
(Approximate driving time: two-hours, not including Wadi Rum jeep tour)
Travel to the timeless desert space that is Wadi Rum, also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’. The beauty of this place is breathtaking, natural sunlight offering an every changing kaleidoscope of colour against the remarkable rock formations. On arrival we will meet a local Bedouin native and enjoy the local hospitality over some tea. Later soak up the desert by way of a 4WD jeep tour where we can take in some of the astonishing natural vistas of the protected area culminating in what hopefully will be an unforgettable sunset. Overnight Captains Camp (BLD)
Please Note – The Wadi Rum camp in this magnificent desert wilderness comprises of Bedouin style tents which are furnished and comfortable inside but basic. It is possible to have your own tent if you are paying the single supplement but bathrooms facilities are in a separate unit and are shared.
Day 6 – Wadi Rum – Madaba – Mount Nebo – Amman
(Approximate driving time: five-hours)
Travel this morning from Wadi Rum to Madaba and visit the Church of St. George in the middle of town. The church is the home of the Mosaic Map of Palestine, which represents the Holy Land and its surrounding regions. From here we then drive to Mount Nebo (the spot from where Moses is believed to have been shown the Promised Land just before his death). Continue to Amman. Overnight Larsa Hotel or similar (B)
Day 7 – Amman – Dead Sea – Iraq Al Ameer Cooking Experience – Amman
(Approximate driving time: two-hours)
After a leisurely breakfast continue to the Iraq Al Ameer Women Association and take part in preparing traditional dishes which you will then enjoy for lunch. After lunch, continue to the area known as al Aghwar reaching the lowest point on earth at around 410 metres below sea level. Take the opportunity to float in the exceptionally salty water in this most dramatic of barren landscapes. Return to Amman where any remaining time will be at leisure. Overnight Larsa Hotel or similar (BL)
Day 8 – Depart Jordan
The final day is at leisure until your airport transfer. If you flight is late evening do let us know if you require any further additional guided services. (B)
Dates & Price.
Tour Notes
Single Supplement
Single Supplement from £325 per person.
Flights
Flights from London to Amman on direct flights start from £350. Please contact us for a quotation. At busy times of year around holidays prices of course may be much more for flights.
Download PDF.
Download the full tour dossier for this trip here.
For expert advice get in touch now with our passionate,
well-travelled team.
+44(0) 191 296 2674 from THE UK
1-800-614-2967 from THE US & CANADA
1-300-956-415 from AUSTRALIA
Tour inclusions.
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All accommodation as per the itinerary or similar
- Land transportation in minibus/minivan or similar vehicle
- Services of an English-speaking guide/tour leader – note smaller group sizes have driver and local guides
- Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Jordan Pass (includes all entrance fees and also waives visa on arrival fee)
Tour exclusions.
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks
- Tips (discretionary)