Map of Petra Uncovered including Jordan

Travel to Jordan and experience the ancient city of Petra

Travel to Jordan and visit the rose-hued fortress city of Petra, which was the capital of the ancient Nabataeans - a mysterious people who carved a trading empire from the desert in what is now modern Jordan. Take time to explore the extraordinary beauty of Petra's rock-hewn architecture and discover its history. There's also time to float in the legendary Dead Sea and see Jerusalem shimmering in the distance from mosaic-adorned Mt Nebo. This short break amid ancient wonders is the perfect way to cap off a voyage to the Middle East.


Start
Amman, Jordan
Finish
Amman, Jordan
Destination
Jordan
Style
Original
Theme
Short Breaks
Code
EEAV
Physical rating
Ages
Min 12
Group size
Min 1, Max 6

Why you'll love this trip

  • Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of unforgettable Petra. You will be blown away at your first sight of the Treasury.

  • From the top of Mt Nebo take in the views over Jordan.

  • Later, journey to the lowest point on earth and experience the feeling of being weightless while you float in the super salty Dead Sea.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip packs a lot in. There will be early starts and late finishes. If you prefer to explore at a more leisurely pace this may not be the best trip for you. 

  • Travelling alone? Our Shortbreaks are a group tour with independence, you won’t have a leader with you for the full duration of the tour, but you may be joined by other like-minded travellers to share the experience.

  • Being an independent traveller you won’t mind carrying your own bag, not great distances just off and on the bus or ferry and into the hotel.

Itinerary

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your Short Break adventure starts at 10 am this morning. You will be picked up from the Art Hotel in Amman, or from your alternate hotel (if advised prior to departure) before departing for Mt Nebo (approximately 1.5 hours). After enjoying the magnificent mosaics of Mt Nebo and the amazing views (which, on a clear day, extend all the way to Israel) you'll travel to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is 67 kilometres long and 18 kilometres wide at its widest point. It lies in the Jordan Rift Valley with Israel on its west bank. A Dead Sea float is a must for any trip to Jordan. Here at the lowest point on Earth (420 metres below sea level) the water is seven times saltier than a normal ocean at 30% salinity. The Dead Sea is the second saltiest body of water in the world after Lake Asal in Djibouti. When swimming, this means you are extremely buoyant and seem to float on top of the water rather than in it. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe for a beauty mud bath. Stop at a private beach with less-salty pools and a gentle slope to the water. Don't forget to pack your swimwear for today (towels are available to hire)! After a hearty lunch, you'll continue on to the mountains of Petra where you spend the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
  • Dead Sea - visit and swim
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Hewn out of the rose-coloured rock face, the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is one of the Middle East's most spectacular destinations, and one of the new seven wonders of the world. The site remained unknown to the Western world until 1812, when it was discovered by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, a Swiss explorer. It was once described as 'a rose-red city half as old as time' in a sonnet by John William Burgon and UNESCO has described it as 'one of the most precious cultural properties of man's cultural heritage.' According to Arab tradition, Petra is the location where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth. You will be met by your local guide who will accompany you through the site of Petra. We recommend you start early to avoid the crowds and the heat, and to best appreciate the changing light on the colourful rocks of the Siq (main entrance to the ancient city). The day starts with a mesmerising walk through the narrow Siq to the fabulous Treasury. After admiring this iconic view, continue through the site along the Roman road passing several impressive tombs and the city's amphitheatre. If you are feeling energetic you can take the 800 steps up to the Monastery. The evening is free to enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants in the village.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Guided tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that the site of Petra is huge and it takes at least a full day of walking to fully appreciate all of its attractions. Please also note that when entering Petra a complimentary horse ride is included in the ticket price from the entrance point of Petra down to the Siq. Intrepid recommends passengers do not take this option due to the safety and insurance liability involved.
Today your Petra pass remains valid and you are free to explore more of the ancient city. You must check out of your hotel by 10:00 am. You can store luggage at reception. At 4:00 pm today you will arrive back to the Amman Pasha Hotel in Amman after a transfer of around 5 hours. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be dropped off at a different hotel in Amman or at the airport, please speak to your leader and we can arrange this free of charge. If you require a airport departure transfer after this time, this can be pre-arranged with your booking agent. Accommodation is not included tonight. If you would like to book additional post-trip accommodation please speak to your agent at time of booking. If you would like to return to Amman earlier for a flight departure please also mention this at time of booking.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Mt Nebo - Site visit
  • Dead Sea - visit and swim
  • Petra - Guided tour

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Petra Uncovered trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means you are not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader. Instead, our local representative in your destination will fill this role and the configuration of any fellow travellers in the group might change during the trip. This trip will run with a minimum of one person, so you may be joined by other travellers booked on the same date as you, or you may be on your own.
2. This Short Break Adventure starts at 10.00 AM on Day 1 in Amman and finishes at approximately 5.00 PM back in Amman. If required you can request to be dropped back at the Amman Airport. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. If you require a pick up from another centrally-located hotel in Amman please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.
3. Transport will be by way of air-conditioned modern vehicle, you can expect your driver to speak English and have a good knowledge of Jordan and local attractions.
4. Being one of our short break adventures you will not be accompanied by an Intrepid Leader during this tour. You will have a local English speaking driver to assist you and a local Guide for touring Petra.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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