Jordan Discovery tour

Jordan Discovery tour

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11 Days From

$3135

Jordan Discovery tour

11 Days Starting and ending in Amman, Jordan

Visiting: Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, Dana Nature Reserve, Dead Sea, Jerash

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

213

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3135

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Jordan with the Jordan Discovery tour, a captivating adventure designed for singles and small groups. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, taking you to the ancient hidden city of Petra, the mesmerizing Wadi Rum desert, and the rejuvenating waters of the Dead Sea. Explore the well-preserved Roman ruins at Jerash, and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the vibrant Red Sea. Experience the unique charm of desert castles and wildlife reserves, all while staying in comfortable 4-star accommodations. With English-speaking guides and all meals included, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience as you uncover the wonders of Jordan.

Highlights

  • Ancient hidden city of Petra

  • Wadi Rum desert safari

  • Dip in the Dead Sea

  • Desert castles and wildlife reserves

  • Well-preserved Roman ruins at Jerash

  • Swimming and snorkeling in the Red Sea

  • Tour of Little Petra and Dana Nature Reserve

  • Visit to the Baptism Site and swim in the Dead Sea

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Amman, Transfer To Hotel

Location: Amman

Accommodation Name: Amman hotel

Our guide will meet you at Amman Airport and transfer you to your chosen accommodation. Today is free for you to settle into your new surroundings and begin exploring Jordan's cosmopolitan capital.

Day 2 : Visit Desert Castles & Wildlife Reserves

Location: Amman

Accommodation Name: Amman hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we begin our sightseeing tour to visit the 'Desert Castles' many of which date back over 1000 years. Known as 'castles' these sites are actually palaces, fortresses and bath houses and make for a very interesting trip. We concentrate our time on the most impressive sites - Qasr Hallabat, Qasayr Amra and Qasr Hraneh which is visable from miles around. After a short stop for lunch we head to the Azraq Wetlands Reserve which was once home to many buffalo, wild horses and thousands of bird species. Over the last few decades much of this wildlife has been diminished by extensive draining of the lakes. Work is under way at the moment to restore this area to its former glory. Continuing a little further south we reach the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve which is haven for many endangered indigenous species such as the Arabian Oryx, Ostriches, Onagers and Gazelles. Within the area there area viewing towers which allow you to get a good perspective of the area and view the animals from above. Later this afternoon we return to Amman where you can relax within your hotel or visit the many souqs and bazaars which are located throughout the city.

Day 3 : Amman City Tour, Drive To Aqaba

Location: Amman

Accommodation Name: Aqaba hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

One of the best places to begin a days sightseeing around Amman is the Roman Forum and this will be today's first stop. The Roman Theatre is cut into a depression in the hillside and the huge theatre offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. The original structure was built between 169 and 177 AD whilst under the reign of Marcus Aurelius. The theatre originally seated six thousand spectators and it is still occasionally used for concerts. From here we head to the Odeon which is located just beyond the Amphitheatre. The original structure dates slightly earlier than the large theatre and once seated around 500 and was probably used for council meetings or small scale dramas. Following our short tour of Amman we begin our journey south along the desert highway to Aqaba. We will spend the next 2 nights in a luxury beach resort.

Day 4 : Aqaba, Free Day

Location: Aqaba

Accommodation Name: Aqaba hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to relax beside the red sea, explore Aqaba or enjoy the many water sports which Aqaba has to offer. The crystal blue waters and colourful reefs around Aqaba offer some of the Red Seas best diving.

Day 5 : Drive To Wadi Rum, Jeep Safari & Drive To Petra

Location: Wadi Rum

Accommodation Name: Petra hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We drive out of Aqaba to the spectacular desert & mountains of Wadi Rum. The desert here, with its towering rust coloured rocky 'jebels' awed TE Lawrence during his visits during the Arab Revolt of 1917-18, and was later made famous in the film Lawrence of Arabia. After a Traditional Bedouin Lunch, we take a jeep safari through the stunning desert scenery to see more of the sheer cliffs and bizarre rock formations. Later in the afternoon we continue to Petra where you will have a little free time to begin exploring.

Day 6 : Full Day At Petra, Guided Tour & Free Time

Location: Petra

Accommodation Name: Petra hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The ancient capital of the Nabataean commercial empire until the Romans finally took over in 106AD, Petra was largely forgotten, except by the local Bedouins, until it was 'discovered' in 1812 by a young Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. This was partly due to its remoteness, and its situation on the edge of Wadi Aruba., whose canyon walls and surrounding hills make it almost impossble to approach except through a narrow, winding cleft in the rock, called the Siq. The city itself has very few free-standing buildings, as the Nabateans chose to carve their homes, buildings and tombs into the multi-coloured sandstone cliffs. We have nearly a whole day today to tour this fascinating city, escorted by an expert guide (4 hour tour, then free time to explore yourselves). We start by walking through the Siq, which rises to 200m above us, and narrows to just 2m wide in places. The ancient Nabatean water channel can still be seen on one wall, as well as some remnants of the terracotta pipes that brought water into the city. All of a sudden, a now classic view appears around one corner, and one of Petra's most impressive monuments, the Khazneh (Treasury) comes into view. Our guide will explain how this, and the other buildings here, are mainly elaborate facades carved into the rock from the top down, and also discuss the spiritual significance of the building style. From the Khazneh, the valley opens out, with tombs carved into the rock on both sides. We'll see the ruined Roman amphitheatre, and colonnaded street, and can walk up a steep and narrow winding gorge past beautifully coloured sandstone cliff walls to the huge and imposing 'Monastery'. The biggest of Petra's carved monuments at 50m high and 45m wide, this is truly spectacular, as are the distant views west across Wadi Aruba and the Jordan valley. Another climb can take us to the High Place of Sacrifice, and Lion Fountain. All in all, this is a full & tiring, but hugely rewarding day touring one of the world's most famous ancient sites. We spend the evening and night relaxing at our hotel.

Day 7 : Tour Little Petra, Drive To Dana Nature Reserve

Location: Dana Nature Reserve

Accommodation Name: Dana guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we enjoy a morning guided tour to visit 'Little Petra'. In the afternoon we leave Petra and head to Dana Reserve. Dana Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve, covering approximately 320km². The reserve was established in 1989, and is the only reserve in Jordan which covers the country's four different bio-geographical zones - Irano-Turanian, Saharo Arabian, Mediterranean and Sudanian penetration. Because of this, the reserve is the most diverse in Jordan in terms of habitats and species. The number of species recorded so far exceeds 690 plants (3 of these species were thought to be new to science upon their discovery) and 449 animal species. 25 of the world's endangered species can be found in the reserve, making it an area of international importance. This evening will be spent at the Dana Guest House, where you will be able to witness spectacular views and hopefully a great sunset from your room's terrace. Note: The accommodation here is simple but comfortable with mainly shared bathrooms. As it only has 9 rooms, it also fills up well in advance.

Day 8 : Reserve Walk, Drive To The Dead Sea

Location: Dead Sea

Accommodation Name: Dead Sea hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin today with a guided walk in the reserve where you may be able to view some of the diverse mix of plant and animal species. We then begin our drive to the Dead Sea along the King's Highway (a slower, but much more interesting and beautiful drive than the busy Desert Highway). Our first stop is at the old Crusader town and castle at Kerak, which lies on the ancient Egypt-Syrian caravan routes. Built in 1132AD by the Crusader King, Baldwin 1 of Jerusalem, the castle fell to Saladin in 1188AD. It is still an impressive building with commanding views over the surrounding hills & plains. From Kerak, we head further north crossing several deep Wadis, including the majestic Wadi al-Mujib, where the road winds down, and then up the other side of this 1km deep canyon. Arriving in Madaba, an important Christian town in Jordan, we stop to see some of its famous and priceless Byzantine era mosaics, including one of a 6th century map of Palestine in the Greek Orthodox St. George's church, which was laid out in 560AD on an area of well over 100square metres, using more than 2 million pieces. Close to Madaba is the Mt. Nebo area, used as a memorial to Moses. There are 3 peaks, with spectacular views to the Dead Sea, and on a clear day, all the way to the church spires of Jerusalem. We finish our journey today with a short drive to the Dead Sea.

Day 9 : Visit Baptism Site, Swim In The Dead Sea

Location: Dead Sea

Accommodation Name: Dead Sea hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we will visit the Baptism Site which is one of the most important discoveries made in the middle-east over the last few years. The site is known to be the place where John the Baptist lived and where he most likely baptized Jesus Christ. In the afternoon we return to the Dead Sea where you will be able to enjoy a swim in this strange place, over 200m below sea level. The intense salinity - around 33%, of the waters here - caused by the intense evaporation rate, leads to a very strange swimming experience. In fact, normal swimming is not really possible, and it is easier (and more photogenic!) just to float, sitting or lying in the water. Be careful not to get any water in your eyes, as it will sting very strongly - you'll also discover various tiny cuts you never thought you had. We ensure we bathe where there are clean water springs or shower facilities so that you can wash the salty water off before it dries and starts to itch!

Day 10 : Tour To Visit Jerash & Ajloun Castle

Location: Jerash

Accommodation Name: Amman hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we have a full day tour to visit the Roman Ruins at Jerash and Ajloun Castle. Our first visit to Jerash takes us to what is probably Jordan's second most visited tourist site. As with Petra, this is for good reason, as the Roman ruins here are very well preserved, and an excellent example of a Roman provincial city. Gerasa (Jerash) was founded around 170 BC and it was around this time that the idea of a Decapolis emerged. In 63 BC the Romans liberated Gerasa and the following decade saw a period of unprecedented growth - the original town plan was laid down at this time and this still survives today. At Jerash you have a guided tour and plenty of free time to explore further on your own. From Jerash we head to Ajloun Castle which was constructed between 1184 and 1185 AD by Izz al-Din Usama - the nephew of Saladin. The castle at Ajloun is believed to be one of only a few build specifically to protect the country from Crusader attacks. Following our visit to Ajloun we return to the Dead Sea for our final night in Jordan.

Day 11 : Transfer To Airport For Departure

Location: Amman

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your time in Jordan comes to an end today. You have some free time in Amman today before our guide transfers you to the airport for departure.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    All accommodation in 4-star hotels is included.

  • Meals

    All meals as indicated in your itinerary are included.

  • Airport Transfers

    Airport transfers at the start and end of your trip are included.

  • Tour Escort

    An English speaking tour escort/driver is included.

  • Local Site Guides

    Specialist local site guides in Jerash, Petra, and Amman are included.

  • Private Vehicles

    Private vehicles for all road journeys indicated are included.

  • Pre-departure Material

    Comprehensive pre-departure material is included.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included but can be arranged on request.

  • Visas

    Visas are not included, but a free visa is included as part of your Jordan Pass.

  • Departure Taxes

    Departure taxes are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to sites visited are not included, though the majority are included in your Jordan Pass.

  • Private Escort Guide

    A private escort guide to accompany you throughout the tour is not included but available as an additional option.

  • Additional Meals and Snacks

    Meals, drinks, and snacks not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Other Items

    Any other items not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

More Info

Jordan really is a country of contrasts; from the arid desert landscapes at Wadi Rum, to the Azraq wetlands in the North. Amman's bustling cosmopolitan centre to the historic sites at Petra, Jerash and Madaba (to name but a few!). This 11-day Jordan Discovery private tour takes you on a comprehensive journey through this beautiful country. The tour begins in Amman, the capital of Jordan. From Amman we will take tours around the city and visit the nearby Desert Castles and wildlife reserves. From Amman your tour takes you to the country's southern most point to the seaside town of Aqaba, where you will have free time to relax on the beach or take advantage of the many fantastic water sport and diving opportunities. After a 2-night stay in Aqaba we head north to visit the mysterious canyons of Wadi Rum, the ancient Nabataean town of Petra and many important sites along the Kings Highway including a swim in the Dead Sea.

Mode of Transport

Travel in private vehicles for all road journeys, with airport transfers included at the start and end of your trip. Enjoy a jeep safari in Wadi Rum and explore the scenic King's Highway on your way to the Dead Sea.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable stays in 4-star hotels throughout your journey, with accommodations in Amman, Aqaba, Petra, and the Dead Sea. Experience the charm of the Dana Guest House, offering simple yet cozy rooms with shared bathrooms and stunning terrace views.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    All accommodation is in 4-star hotels, with a stay at the Dana Guest House which offers simple but comfortable lodging with mainly shared bathrooms.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, airport transfers at the start and end of your trip are included in the tour package.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking tour escort/driver will accompany you, and specialist local site guides will be available in Jerash, Petra, and Amman.

  • What is the main mode of transportation during the tour?

    Private vehicles are used for all road journeys indicated in the itinerary.

  • Is the Jordan Pass included in the tour package?

    The tour package does not include the Jordan Pass, but it covers the majority of entrance fees to sites visited, and a free visa is included as part of your Jordan Pass.

  • What activities are available in Aqaba during the free day?

    During the free day in Aqaba, you can relax by the Red Sea, explore the town, or enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Petra?

    You will have a nearly full day to tour Petra, starting with a guided tour through the Siq to see the Khazneh (Treasury) and other monuments. There will be free time to explore further, including the Roman amphitheatre and the Monastery.

  • What is unique about the swimming experience in the Dead Sea?

    The Dead Sea's high salinity, around 33%, makes normal swimming difficult, but it allows you to easily float on the surface. It's important to avoid getting water in your eyes due to its strong sting.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Sadia   USA

Jordan Express

02-Dec-2024

We had a fantastic time exploring Jordan with our knowledgeable and flexible guide, Amer. The tour was tailored to our needs, and Amer's expertise brought the country's history and culture to life. The accommodations were decent, although the first hotel in Amman didn't quite live up to its 4-star rating. However, this was a minor issue, as the tour itself was exceptional. Highlights included a full day in Petra, which was good enough time for us to explore. Wadi Rum had its own unique charm, and we appreciated the comfortable car with WiFi transportation throughout the tour. Jerash was another standout destination, and we're glad we got to experience it. Tips for future travelers: Make sure to get your Jordan Pass, as it will help you save money and time. One day in Petra is sufficient, and I recommend skipping Petra by Night, as it's not covered by the Jordan Pass. Overall, we're grateful for the opportunity to experience Jordan's highlights with Amer as our guide.

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)  

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Sunday

Dec 26, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025
$3135

Friday - Monday

Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 06, 2025
$3135

Saturday - Tuesday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025
$3135

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 08, 2025
$3135

Monday - Thursday

Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 09, 2025
$3135

Tuesday - Friday

Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 10, 2025
$3135

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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