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Trek around Jordan and discover Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum

Experience the beauty and culture of Jordan on this exhilarating trekking adventure. Wander the streets of modern Amman, wind your way through breathtaking shepherd's paths in Mukair, float in the famously salty Dead Sea, get off the beaten track around ancient Petra, be dazzled by the famous Treasury building, join the Bedouins for a magical desert adventure, and marvel at Byzantine mosaics in Madaba. This is Jordan at its active, action-packed best.

Start
Amman, Jordan
Finish
Madaba, Jordan
Destination
Jordan
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
EESA
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Hike the lesser known back-road into Petra and spend a day exploring this awe-inspiring ancient treasure. Glimpsing the Treasury for the first time is a moment you won't forget

  • Experience the best weightlessness this side of outer space with an effortless float in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea

  • Be dazzled by panoramic views across the ocean and the West Bank as you make your way down the scenic shepherd's trail of Mukawir

  • Wadi Rum is a world unto itself. Hop in a jeep and experience its twisted rock scenery and watch the sun set on this rugged moonscape

  • The semi-nomadic Bedouins are renowned for their hospitality, so you're in for a treat. Learn about their semi-nomadic culture over an earthen oven-cooked feast before sleeping under the stars

Is this trip right for you?

  • There is quite a bit of walking involved in this trip and also when visiting Jordan's historic sites, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Most of the time there is no shade, so remember to bring a hat, sun protection, and sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or walking shoes.

  • The distances that you will be trekking vary from 14 kilometres to 20 kilometres over a range terrains, we recommend you consider packing trekking poles for the hikes.

  • The desert camp in Wadi Rum is basic but incredibly memorable. There are tents and shared western bathroom facilities. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night, so remember to bring some warmer layers, especially if visiting outside of the summer months.

Map of Trek Jordan including Jordan
Your local leader will help you explore the ancient city of Petra
Explore the markets of Amman, with your local leader, in Jordan
The food in Jordan is delicious and plentiful
Take a drive through the desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan

Itinerary
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Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan, cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. As there's not much time spent in Amman on this itinerary, it's worth arriving a day or two early to explore the sights. Highlights include the citadel, the Jordan Museum and the Roman Theatre. At any rate, perhaps try an ara’yes while you're here – a toastie filled with spicy mincemeat.

Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the welcome meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

After breakfast, head out for the first part of your trek. Journey to Mukawir, aka ancient Machaerus. Here you will find the citadel of Herod the Great, and the place of the execution of John the Baptist. The shepherd's trail weaves around the hills and a stunning panoramic view presents itself. From here you can see the countryside, the Dead Sea, and the West Bank – even Jerusalem and Jericho on a clear day. Far removed from the tourist circuit, the quiet of this area transports you back to Biblical times, as shepherds and their flocks still find shelter in the myriad caves and grottoes in the area. If you’re lucky you might get a chance to have a chat with them. As your morning trek concludes, hike down to the Dead Sea for a refreshing dip (and effortless float).

Notes: Today's trek takes approximately 4 hours. The trail is quite steep at times, with loose rocks, so you may wish to bring some trekking poles with you if you'd like some extra support.

Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mukawir - Trek
  • Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's trek is appproximately 14 kilometres

This morning we will make our way to Petra (approximately 3 hours). This jewel of Jordan is justifiably on the 'must see' list for many travellers. The lost city of the biblical Nabateans comprises an impressive series of tombs and dwellings hidden behind ornate facades carved directly into rock. After checking into your hotel, head to the entrance of the Siq with your leader. Begin the mile-long walk down the narrow path with towers of rock on either side. At the end of path, get your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury, where you can imagine the armies and traders who made their way down here in ancient times. When it's all over, return to your Petra hotel to rest up before a big day of trekking tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Guided tour of Petra
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning after breakfast we make our way to the site of Little Petra (which is the starting point of the hike on the back-trail that brings you back to Petra). On arrival you will meet with a local guide who will accompany you. The landscape today is ever changing – sandy plateaus, bedouin campsites, goat herds and stone staircases. Your guided tour culminates at The Monastery, a impressive seven-storey structure with a doorway that's eight metres high. Though less ornate than the Treasury, the sheer scale of this building makes it an amazing sight. Reportedly it was used as a temple by Christians in the Byzantine period. From here you have the option to head down into the Petra Basin and make your own explorations of the site of Petra at your own pace. Your leader will also suggest essential sites that are great to visit (as well as how to get back to your hotel).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Petra - Back Trail Trek to Petra
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today's trek is approximately 20 kilometre's

With free time this morning, perhaps return to Petra or simply rest your legs at the hotel. Later we journey to Wadi Rum, our base for the next two nights. On arrival, start with a guided tour by 4x4 vehicle with your camp host. You'll see the amazing sights and landscapes of Wadi Rum, such as the famous Seven Pillars of Wisdom (famed after the book by T.E. Lawrence), sand dunes, and rock bridges. Take it all in as you watch the sunset on the beautiful lunar-like landscape. Tonight you’ll stay in a simple desert camp, with the choice of sleeping in a tent or out under the stars. Enjoy a delicious dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Conditions are basic at the desert camp, but the hospitality of these people is legendary, and the experience of sleeping beneath this desert sky is a memorable one.

Notes: A mattress and blankets are provided tonight. While the desert may be very hot during the day, it will still be cool at night, so warm clothes and a sleeping bag are highly recommended if you're travelling outside of the summer months. Western-style toilet facilities are available.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp, enjoy a trek around the area, covering around 12 kilometres. There will be stops for tea and lunch. Along the way, you might like to scale one of the large sand dunes for sensational views of the surrounding area. The photo opportunities are incredible as great gouts of rock jut out from a carpet of bright red sand. Erosion over the ages has created fantastic gnarled shapes in the landscape. Explore the distinctive rock formations and soak in the vast silence of the desert. Later, return to camp for another night in the desert camp with your new Bedouin friends.

Notes: You'll need strong and sturdy footwear for today's trek.
Accommodation
  • Desert camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Trek, Trail and Lunch
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today's trek is approximately 17 kilometres

Rise early to catch the first sunrays over Wadi Rum. After breakfast, set out on a short canyon trek of around 6 kilometres before driving back to the entrance of Wadi Rum. We then travel to the small town of Madaba. This town is famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces found within churches and the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flora and fauna, as well as scenes from mythology and daily life. Hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to the 7th century are scattered throughout Madaba’s churches and homes. After a big week of exploring, arrive in Madaba for your final night. Maybe gather your travel buddies for a celebratory shisha as this adventure comes to an end.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Wadi Rum - Canyon Trek
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This trip comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart the accommodation at any time.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Jeep, Van

Accommodation

Desert camp (2 nights), Hotel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Mukawir - Trek
  • Dead Sea - Dead Sea visit
  • Petra - Guided tour of Petra
  • Petra - Back Trail Trek to Petra
  • Wadi Rum - Trek, Trail and Lunch
  • Wadi Rum - Canyon Trek

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

LEVEL OF FITNESS
You'll need a good level of fitness for this trip.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Due to local weather conditions we may have need to changes some of the advertised walks.  This decision is made by the local authorities and only occurs from time to time, should this occur then a substitute activity will be planned and advised

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.

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