Premium Walking and Hiking Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea)

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your hotel, where your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Old Town’s Roman Amphitheatre or the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts or sit down at a local cafe and enjoy a coffee or ara’yes (pita filled with spiced meats). After your meeting, you’ll head to the acclaimed Fakhr El-Din restaurant for a welcome dinner with your group and leader. Sharing food is a big part of Jordanian culture and eating out is always a social affair. Tonight, your leader will introduce you to some of the country’s most beloved dishes like kibbeh nayeh (a dish made with ground lamb or beef mixed with spices and olive oil) and kunafa (a dessert made with pastry and cheese).

This morning, you’ll drive to Wadi Shueib – a Neolithic (New Stone Age) archaeological area. Today you’ll hike through the ruggedly scenic valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, low ochre-hued hills and surprisingly lush vegetation towards the city of As-Salt. When you arrive, sit down for a traditional lunch and hear the inspiring story of local icon Umm Mohammad Amayreh. Then, continue walking through the city streets on the As-Salt City Harmony Trail and learn about the local life and religious harmony renowned to this city. This afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the shores of the Dead Sea. Named for the lack of life in its waters, this lake is so intensely salty that the density makes swimming very difficult (but bobbing on the water's surface is a fun experience!). When you arrive, set off on a short hike with an expert local guide around the Zara Cliff and watch the sunset over the Dead Sea. Then, travel back to your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening on the hotel’s beachfront or maybe take a dip in the infinity pool.

After breakfast, you’ll travel inland to Kerak Castle. Built in the 12th century and sitting at 950 m above sea level, this was a Crusader stronghold – you’ll learn about its history on a guided walking tour. Then, go on a scenic drive to the Dana Biosphere Reserve. When you arrive, it’s time to lace up your walking boots for a circular guided hike on the stunning Rummana Mountain Trail. Here, you’ll traverse Jordan's largest biosphere reserve, filled with desert plains, mountain ridges, steep wadis and shrubs. As you hike, take in panoramic views of the varied landscape as it transforms from limestone to sandstone to granite. After the hike, make the short journey to Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have ample time to freshen up or enjoy a quick swim in the pool before dinner. Perhaps grab a drink at the rooftop bar before enjoying an early night in preparation for tomorrow’s hike.

Today is your day to explore the mythical Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. After breakfast, hop into the vehicle and take the short drive to Little Petra (Siq Al Barid). When you arrive, wander through the rock-hewn remains at your own pace before setting off on the ‘Back Door to Petra’ hike - the perfect way to avoid an uphill 900 step hike and a side of Petra very few visitors ever get to experience. Starting in the village of Umm Sayhoun, you’ll follow the ancient trading route path once used by the Nabataeans, winding through dramatic desert landscapes before arriving at Petra’s famed Monastery (Ed-Deir). Similar in design to the Treasury, but far bigger, this is an incredible first view of what lies below. Take in the inspiring view over a drink at a local Bedouin cafe, then enjoy a downhill hike along the ancient rock-cut path, stopping frequently to take in the views of the rose-red city monuments in the basin below. As the trail levels out, you’ll continue through Petra, passing by the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) – perhaps the most iconic sight in all of Jordan – before heading out through the main gate. Tonight, perhaps experience Petra by night – watching the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays in the night air.

Lace up your boots and head back to Petra today to further explore this incredible ancient city. Having seen the Monastery yesterday, you’ll now have more time to explore the hundreds of rock-cut tombs, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets. Join your leader on a guided hike up the winding stone staircases of the Al Madras Trail to the High Place of Sacrifice, one of the tallest locations in Petra and home to stunning views over the entire region. If you don’t mind heights, maybe climb the steps of the Al-Khubtha Trail for panoramic views over the Treasury from above.
This afternoon you’ll travel to Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon – a protected desert landscape of sandstone mountains, narrow canyons and rock arches. When you arrive, jump in a 4WD and journey into the heart of the desert with your Bedouin hosts. arriving at your second Feature Stay at the comfortable desert camp accommodation. Think high-end permanent tents with air con and private ensuite western bathroom facilities. Get settled in, then head out on a short hike into the red sand dunes for a sunset ceremony over a glass of local wine. Then, head back to camp for dinner and settle in for the evening. Tonight, maybe join an optional stargazing and Bedouin experience, where your hosts will share stories and insights about navigating the desert by starlight.

After waking up in the unique surrounds of your Bedouin camp this morning, you’ll travel back across the desert for the drive back up to Amman. On arrival, set off on one last walk around Jerash – once one of the grandest Roman cities in the world and still one of the best-preserved. Thanks to its location along the ancient spice and incense trade routes, Jerash flourished, reaching its peak around AD 130 when it became a favourite of Emperor Hadrian. Today, the ancient walled city offers a vivid glimpse into life 2000 years ago, with its impressive archways, theatres, public plazas and colonnaded streets. After exploring the ruins, you’ll travel back to the city. Tonight, you might like to join your group for a final dinner to round off your adventure – your leader will be happy to share the best recommendations of where to eat.

Your trip comes to an end today. As there are no activities planned, you are welcome to leave at any time. If you would like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.