Hiking in Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum

Hiking in Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum

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8 Days From

$2105

Hiking in Jordan: Petra and Wadi Rum

8 Days Starting in Amman and ending in Madaba

Visiting: Amman, Amman - Dana Nature Reserve - Little Petra, Little Petra / Petra, Petra , Wadi Rum, Madaba - Dead Sea, Madaba

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

EEXA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $2105

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Experience the beauty and culture of Jordan on this exhilarating eight-day trekking adventure. Wander the streets of modern Amman, marvel at Little Petra, get off the beaten track around ancient Petra (ticking this Wonder of the World off your bucket list), be dazzled by the famous Treasury building, join the Bedouins for a desert adventure in 4WDs, admire the Byzantine mosaics in Madaba and float in the famously salty Dead Sea. This is Jordan at its active, action-packed best.

Highlights

  • Visit Little Petra and hike the lesser known back-road into iconic Petra, spending a day exploring the secret hiking trails of this awe-inspiring ancient treasure.

  • Explore the spectacular Dana Reserve on foot – this unbelievably diverse reserve was established to protect wildlife and provide local communities with employment.

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

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

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

  • Visit Little Petra and hike the lesser-known backroad into iconic Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Spend a full day exploring the secret hiking trails of this awe-inspiring ancient treasure.

  • See Wadi Rum, a world unto itself. Hop in 4WDs and experience its twisted rock scenery, watching the sunset on a trek through this rugged moonscape.

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

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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Amman

Location: Amman

Accommodation: Hotel

Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As there's not much time spent in Amman on this trip, you might like to arrive a day or two early to explore the sights. If you do arrive early, maybe visit the citadel, the Jordan Museum and the Roman Theatre. Perhaps head out to try an ara’yes (a toastie filled with spicy mincemeat) while you're here. After the meeting, why not head out to dinner with your group and get to know each other.

Day 2: Amman - Dana Nature Reserve - Little Petra

Location: Amman - Dana Nature Reserve - Little Petra

Accommodation: Permanent Camp

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After breakfast, head out for the first trek of your adventure. Journey to the Dana Biosphere Reserve – the largest nature reserve in Jordan. Covering 320 square km, the reserve is made up of mountains, Wadis and sand dunes, and is home to an incredibly diverse display of flora and fauna. The reserve was created to protect the natural environment while generating jobs for the local community. Your trek today takes you in and around this protected area, exploring with the expertise of a local guide. Keep an eye out for the varied wildlife, like falcons, chameleons, foxes, porcupines and more than 700 species of plants. After your trek, transfer to Little Petra. Believed by archaeologists to have housed visiting traders on the Silk Road, Little Petra is every bit as fascinating as its larger counterpart (just a lot quieter!). Take some time to explore the site with your local leader this afternoon, then settle in at your camp for dinner and stargazing.

Included Activities:
-Dana Nature Reserve guided hike
-Little Petra visit

Day 3: Little Petra / Petra

Location: Little Petra / Petra

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning after breakfast, start your hike directly from the camp, following a back-trail leading to Petra. The landscape today is ever changing – sandy plateaus, Bedouin campsites, goat herds and stone staircases. Your guided tour culminates at The Monastery – an impressive seven-storey structure with a doorway that's 8 m 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. Trace your way back to the camp in early afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day as you please.

Included Activities:
-Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra
-Little Petra Backdoor guided hike

Day 4: Petra

Location: Petra

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today you’ll discover the ancient site of Petra – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The lost city of the biblical Nabateans comprises an impressive series of tombs and dwellings hidden behind ornate facades carved directly into rock. Shake off the crowds and spend the day taking on some of the sites’ secret hiking trails, where if you’re lucky, you won’t see another soul. What you will see is the Tomb of the Obelisks, the High Place of Sacrifice, Lion Monument and Wadi Farasa. After, you have some free time to explore at your own pace.

Included Activities:
-Madras Trail guided hike
-High Place guided hike
-Wadi Farasa guided hike

Day 5: Wadi Rum

Location: Wadi Rum

Accommodation: Desert Camp

Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner

After a leisurely morning, journey to Wadi Rum – your base for the next two nights. When you arrive, start with a guided tour in 4WDs. You'll see the sights and landscapes of Wadi Rum on your drive, like the famous Seven Pillars of Wisdom, sand dunes and rock bridges. As the sun begins to set, you’ll explore the beautiful lunar-like landscape on foot, taking in several canyons and the Um Fruth Rock Arch before finishing up at your camp for the night. 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.

Included Activities:
-Wadi Rum desert jeep excursion
-Sunset hike including Um Fruth Rock Arch

Day 6: Wadi Rum

Location: Wadi Rum

Accommodation: Desert Camp

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the Bedouin camp, head out for a trek around the area, seeing the ancient water collection systems, Thamudic inscriptions and many unique rock formations. You’ll be joined by a local guide and a support vehicle, and 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. 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.

Included Activities:
-Desert guided hike including lunch

Day 7: Madaba - Dead Sea

Location: Madaba - Dead Sea

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Rise early to catch the first sunrays over Wadi Rum. After breakfast, 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. Hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to the 7th century are scattered throughout Madaba’s churches and homes.  This afternoon, take a short drive to the shores of the Dead Sea for a weightless dip in its famously salty waters, and a chance to watch the sunset in one of the world’s most spectacular locations. Back in Madaba this evening, you may like to gather your travel buddies for a celebratory shisha as this adventure comes to an end.

Included Activities:
-Madaba visit including St George's Church
-Dead Sea sunset swim

Day 8: Madaba

Location: Madaba

Meals Included: breaksfast

This trekking adventure in Jordan comes to an end today. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart the accommodation at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Permanent camp (1 night), Desert Camp (2 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

  • Dana Nature Reserve guided hike

  • Little Petra visit

  • Petra - Leader-led tour of Petra

  • Little Petra Backdoor guided hike

  • Madras Trail guided hike

  • High Place guided hike

  • Wadi Farasa guided hike

  • Wadi Rum desert jeep excursion

  • Sunset hike including Um Fruth Rock Arch

  • Desert guided hike including lunch

show more

Transport

  • Jeep , Van

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • ACCOMMODATION STYLE
  • Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, three and four-star accommodation in the Middle East (with the exception of Israel)  is often not equal to same-star facilities in some western destinations. Rooms are clean and comfortable, however, you may note some small maintenance issues that have been overlooked, please assist us by bringing these to the attention of your group leader or local representative so that we can follow up with our hosts. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. Breakfast is included in 95% or our hotels, pleaser refer to our daily itinerary for meal inclusions.
  • TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.  Standard check-in time is 1400 hours.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
  • SHOWERS
  • Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
  • HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING
  • As a desert region, this part of the world has extremes of weather. Winter months (approx December to March) can be very cold. All of our hotel accommodation contains suitable bedding, and simple light bedding is provided during camping activities such as an overnight felucca, desert camps or at the Red Sea Beach camp stay. Most of our travellers find the bedding provided here adequate, but for your own comfort and if you are particularly sensitive to the cold, consider bringing your own sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket. Some of our guesthouses/hotels don't supply heating. In many cases, this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and the local towns. Summer (approx June to August) can be very hot everywhere we travel, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Not all our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do, it's not always functioning.
  • ROOM ISSUES
  • If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Important Information

  • 1. You'll need a good level of fitness for this trip.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5 & 6 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. Travellers only have to carry their essential items in a small backpack when hiking, while the main luggage will be transferred.

Mode of Transport

  • Jeep , Van

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    There is good amount of hiking involved in this trip and 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 km to 20 km over a range of 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

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

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

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

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