Jordan Explorer
8 Days Starting and ending in Amman
Visiting: Jordan
Tour Overview
For such a compact country, Jordan has an overwhelming array of historical sites and geographical features ripe for exploration. From the magical hidden city of Petra where the Queen of Sheba once showered her gifts on King Solomon, to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia spent time during the Arab Revolt, and from the Dead Sea to the Crusader Castles dotted throughout the country, this journey manages to encompass all of the highlights. Our day walks in Petra take us to the High Place of Sacrifice at sunrise and the Treasury. We visit Madaba and Mt Nebo, from where Moses is said to have seen the 'Promised Land'; and travel the Kings Highway to the prominent crusader castle of Kerak. We visit Jerash, 'the Pompeii of the East', and enjoy cooking a traditional meal with locals at Um Qais. A 4WD journey into the Wadi Rum allows us to spend time among the local Bedouin people and marvel at the changing colours of this dramatic landscape. We return to Amman via the shores of the Red Sea, a fine finale to this all encompassing trip.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Amman
If you are arriving into Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, on Day 1 you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. If you are not arriving on Day 1, please make your own way to the hotel or ask us for private transfer details (additional cost applies). Amman is the capital of Jordan, and was known in biblical times as Rabbath Ammon, and under the Ptolemies, as Philadelphia. It is situated on a series of Jebels (meaning hills) and is divided by wadi’s (or dry river beds) into modern and ancient quarters. Remainder of day at leisure to explore Amman. Please check at hotel reception for the time to meet your guide tomorrow.
Day 2 : Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais (275 Km)
After breakfast, we drive to Jerash, where we visit one of the largest and best preserved Graeco-Roman ruins in the Middle East. The grandeur of Imperial Rome is evident from the extensive remnants of this ancient city. We then continue to the village of Ajlun with its fortress and magnificent view into the Jordan Valley. Afterwards we will drive north to Um Qais, a city rich with basalt ruins and perched on a hilltop with excellent views overlooking the Jordan Valley, Golan heights and Lake Tiberius (the sea of Galilee). We will enjoy cooking a traditional meal with locals at Beit Khairat Souf. Dinner and overnight local guesthouse.
Day 3 : Desert Castles And Dead Sea (270 Kms Drive)
After breakfast we will visit Um Qais Castle, and afterwards transfer to the Desert Castles. We will visit Kharaneh, Qasr Amra, and Azraq. Scattered throughout the black basalt desert these temples stand as testament to the beginnings of Islamic civilisation and are widely considered the most spectacular monuments to early Islamic art. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the earth for a swim in its warm salty waters. Free time at leisure. Overnight hotel.
Day 4 : To Petra Via Madaba, Mt Nebo And Kerak (405 Kms Drive)
Madaba is best known for its beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the 'Madaba Map', a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. A remarkably well detailed layout of the region which is made up of two million pieces and shows the Nile, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We make a visit to the nearby Mount Nebo, a high hill overlooking the Dead Sea from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Our last stop before Petra is the well preserved crusader castle at Kerak, where we will also have an opportunity to have lunch (own account) in one of the local eating houses. Overnight hotel.
Day 5 : Full Day Visit To Petra
Chief among Jordan's archaeological riches is the soul-stirring, rose-red city of Petra, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. We will approach the city on foot through a 1km long narrow gorge or siq, flanked by towering cliffs. The sudden view of Petra's most spectacular monument, the Khaznah, or Treasury at the end of the Siq, is a dramatic sight. Used in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this towering facade is only the first of Petra's unique structures. Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, facades, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples and haunting rock drawing and reliefs. Overnight hotel.
Note: Your entry ticket into the city of Petra includes a horse ride into the site and you will have the option to ride a donkey to the end of the Siq. In line with our commitment to animal welfare in tourism we encourage you to walk, rather than ride a horse and donkey. There have been a number of instances where travellers have been upset by the treatment of the horses and donkeys by their handlers.
Day 6 : Beidha And Wadi Rum (125 Kms Drive)
Our first stop this morning is Beidha, also known as Little Petra. This is the place where the Nabateans used to entertain their guests in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC but it is believed this ancient settlement had its origins in the 11th century BC. After a short visit here we drive south to the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan’s largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. It is a unique valley of colored sand dunes surrounded by beautiful rugged mountains. We enjoy a jeep safari inside the Wadi to our Bedouin campsite and delight in a traditional dinner.
NOTE - At the time of booking, there is an option to upgrade to a Martian Dome Tent - additional supplement applies; subject to availability.
Day 7 : To Amman Via Aqaba (400 Kms Drive)
It takes around an hour to travel to Aqaba and we should reach the seaside resort by mid morning. Around 2 hours have been set aside to relax by the Red Sea, before returning to Amman. Overnight hotel.
Day 8 : In Amman, Trip Concludes
Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you are departing Jordan today, you will be transferred to the airport. If you require additional nights in Amman or a private transfer on any other day, please ask your Reservations Consultant for details. Additional cost applies.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 nights hotel -
7 breakfasts and 2 dinners
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5 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twinshare basis
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1 night in local guesthouse on a twinshare basis
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1 night in Bedouin camp on a twinshare tent basis (option to upgrade in Wadi Rum to a Martian Dome Tent - additional supplement applies; subject to availability)
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English speaking local driver
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English speaking local guides at the major sites visited (English speaking guide throughout for 6 or more guests)
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airport transfers (day 1 and 8 only)
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private transport
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Wadi Rum 4WD tour
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entrance fees and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
Accommodation
5 nights hotel
We use good quality 3 star hotels (and a local guesthouse), all twin share with private facilities. Please do not expect the hotels to be of a western 3 star standard. In some towns the accommodation is basic, but comfortable, clean, secure and all rooms with en suite bathrooms. Some hotels are clearly 3-4 star, and some are closer to 2-3 star, however they are chosen for their position, cleanliness and comfort.
In Wadi Rum, we stay in a Standard Tent (Bedouin Style) with ensuite bathroom and fan. At the time of booking, for an additional supplement and subject to availability (please ask our office for more details), it is possible to upgrade to a Martian Dome Tent with terrace, ensuite bathroom and air-conditioning. The Martian Dome Tents offer the unique experience of combined luxury and spectacular views. Imagine gazing at the magnificent stars from your own comfortable bed.
Wadi Rum sits on a plateau that is 900 metres above sea level. Due to changing weather patterns in recent times the weather in December, January and February (winter months) has become unpredictable. Accordingly you may experience very cold temperatures at night (down to or below 0 degrees Centigrade), plus rainy and muddy conditions. We strongly recommend that you bring extra warm clothing and waterproof clothing if travelling in the winter.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc.
Grading
Although there is no commitment to extended walking on this journey we nonetheless want to keep the ‘accent on the active’. We therefore advise that any physical training you complete before undertaking the trip will be to good effect. Although the day walks are optional there is no shortage of advantages of packing as much into your time in Jordan as possible. Whether this includes exploring Wadi Rum or Petra, the fitter you are the more this will enhance your experience.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.