Country(ies): Jordan
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 14
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 8, Lunches - 2, Dinners - 2
Transport: AC minivan/minibus & Bedouin jeep
Highlights: As-Salt, Amman Food Tasting, Dana Hike, Red Sea in Aqaba, Wadi Rum Bedouin Experience, Petra Reverse Hike, Dead Sea and Wadi Mujib Hike, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Jerash
This is our signature small-group tour of Jordan, blending the iconic sites of Jerash and Petra with more adventurous hikes in Petra and Wadi Mujib, a jeep safari in Wadi Rum, a Bedouin experience, a swim in the Dead Sea, a visit to the Red Sea, and much more!
We begin by leaving Amman and heading to the northern city of As-Salt for a walking tour along the Harmony Trail, a local initiative celebrating the friendship between the Muslim and Christian communities. Then, we'll return to Amman to explore the downtown area, including the Citadel and Roman Theatre, and enjoy a food tasting experience featuring local cuisine.
As we journey south, we’ll stop at the Dana Biosphere Reserve for a short hike through the restored Dana Village, located within Jordan's largest nature reserve. Afterward, you'll have free time in Aqaba to unwind, explore the coral reefs, or even embark on a morning boat trip.
Leaving the coast, we head into the desert to the stunning Wadi Rum, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable Bedouin camp beneath towering cliffs. The following morning, we’ll take a jeep safari across the sand dunes and past striking rock bridges, followed by a visit to a local Bedouin shepherd to learn about their nomadic lifestyle and animal care in the desert.
Next, we’ll explore the ‘lost’ Nabataean City of Petra, entering through the lesser-known back-route hike. Before our hike into Petra, we’ll visit Little Petra (Siq al-Barid), a smaller but equally fascinating site. From there, we’ll take a brief jeep ride to the start of the mountain trail, which connects Little Petra to the Monastery and the main Petra site. This route offers a more peaceful visit with breathtaking views of the Holy Land. While hiking the back-route, you’ll see all the major monuments on the usual route, plus Little Petra and the Monastery.
We then switch scenery as we drive along the picturesque Dead Sea road, offering spectacular views of the salt flats at the southern end of the Dead Sea. Our first stop of the day will be Wadi Mujib, where you’ll experience a day of adventure hiking through water and climbing small waterfalls along the famous Siq Trail. After a day full of activities, we’ll head to our resort by the Dead Sea for some free time to float in its incredibly salty waters and relax by the hotel pool. Don’t forget to bring a newspaper or magazine for that iconic Dead Sea photo!
On our final day, we’ll visit the Roman mosaics in Madaba, take in stunning views towards Jericho and Israel from Mt. Nebo, and explore Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the Middle East.
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Upon your arrival at Queen Alia International Airport, located just outside Amman, one of our team members will be there to welcome you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Amman. You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to unwind in your hotel or begin discovering the sights of Amman.
OVERNIGHT:
Amman hotel
MEALS:
EXTRAS:
None
Our first destination today is the hilltop town of As-Salt, located approximately 40 minutes from Amman by car. As-Salt was once a vital trading hub connecting the Jordan Valley to the Eastern Desert and even served as the capital before Amman. The town developed its distinct Islamic architecture using yellow limestone, a high-quality material for the era, and many remarkable structures are still visible today, along with narrow, winding streets filled with shops and stalls. Today, As-Salt stands as a testament to the religious and cultural harmony between its Muslim and Christian communities, and we will explore it on a walking tour along its self-guided 'Harmony Trail' to discover more about the town and daily life in Jordan.
In the afternoon, we will continue our city tour of Amman. Amman boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years. Archaeological findings have revealed traces from the Neolithic era, as well as from the Hellenistic, late Roman, and Arab Islamic periods. Our tour will begin with a visit to the Citadel, the ancient site that once housed the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine Church, before heading to the Roman Theatre, a 6,000-seat structure built during the Roman era, still in use today for various cultural performances.
While in Downtown Amman, we will also embark on a food tasting tour. During this experience, we will sample a variety of dishes (which may change from one tour to the next), starting with a snack of either Manakish, topped with egg, white cheese, or za'atar, or a traditional falafel sandwich. We will then savour Mansaf, the Jordanian national dish of slow-cooked lamb with rice and yoghurt sauce, and finish with one of the city's renowned desserts, such as Knafeh, from one of the popular local sweet shops.
OVERNIGHT:
Amman hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast,Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today, we will journey along the Desert Highway to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, where we will embark on a relatively straightforward hike amidst the stunning landscapes and hills of the reserve. As Jordan’s largest nature reserve, it offers magnificent views of the valleys and hills along the various trails surrounding the restored Dana village. Spring is an especially delightful time to visit, with the land unexpectedly lush and brimming with flowers. We will pause for an included picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely walk before continuing our journey to the coastal city of Aqaba, where you will have free time in the evening (and again in the morning tomorrow).
OVERNIGHT:
Aqaba Resort
MEALS:
Breakfast,Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
This morning is yours to unwind beside the Red Sea, discover Aqaba, or engage in the numerous water sports available in the area. Aqaba's clear, azure waters and vibrant reefs are home to some of the best diving in the Red Sea. You can also embark on morning boat trips to snorkel at the nearby reefs.
After meeting our group arriving from Egypt this afternoon, we depart Aqaba and journey into the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Here, we are warmly welcomed by friendly Bedouin hosts at a cosy camp nestled beneath the towering rocks and cliffs. We will spend the evening and night at the camp, enjoying a delicious traditional Jordanian meal, typically featuring 'Zarb'—a Bedouin-style dish consisting of lamb and chicken slow-cooked underground. This evening's options include a sunset camel ride or star gazing with telescopes.
OVERNIGHT:
Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp
MEALS:
Breakfast,Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast in the camp, we embark on a jeep safari through the vast sands and beneath the towering 'jebels' of Wadi Rum. Along the way, we stop to ascend sand dunes and observe the unique rock formations, including a breathtaking rock bridge.
We will also partake in some traditional activities inspired by Bedouin customs, including walking alongside a local shepherd and his flock of sheep and goats to a Bedouin tent.
Additionally, we can get involved in learning about other authentic Bedouin practices, such as shearing sheep and goats, milking, grinding grains, baking bread, and roasting coffee, all while we await the preparation of lunch. Finally, after immersing ourselves in the nomadic Bedouin lifestyle, we return to the camp by jeep before heading to Petra.
You have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning and atmospheric introduction to Petra this evening with the Petra by Night tour. This involves walking through the Siq to the Treasury, with the entire path illuminated by the soft glow of hundreds of candles.
OVERNIGHT:
Petra hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast,Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
Today’s agenda focuses on discovering the Nabatean site of Petra. Once the heart of the Nabataean trading empire, it remained under their control until the Romans took over in 106 AD. After a long period of obscurity—apart from the Bedouins—Petra was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Petra is located on the edge of the Wadi Araba desert, where the natural landscape of canyon walls and towering hills made it nearly inaccessible, except through a narrow rock passage known as the Siq. Few buildings stand freely in Petra, as the Nabateans carved their homes into the colourful sandstone cliffs. Today, Petra is one of Jordan's key tourist destinations, with the Jordanian Government fully aware of its importance. The tourism infrastructure in the nearby village of Wadi Musa is flourishing. Thankfully, once you pass through the Siq, the site is protected from the usual hustle, and the attractions feel a world apart from the bustle outside.
We have most of the day to explore this ancient city, with the added benefit of accessing Petra via a less-travelled route that starts at Little Petra. Before delving into Petra, we will visit the small but equally fascinating Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid. From there, we will take a brief jeep ride to the beginning of the mountain trail that links Little Petra with the Monastery and main Petra site.
The back-route into Petra offers a more tranquil and less congested way to experience the site, all while rewarding you with stunning mountain vistas towards the Holy Land. As you hike this route, you'll still encounter all the same monuments along the regular path, plus the added bonus of Little Petra and the Monastery. The journey begins with an ascent up rocky steps and paths that cling to the mountain edge. After reaching a plateau, you’ll have the chance to pause for refreshments at a small café, offering fantastic opportunities for photos. The path then continues, leading you to a glimpse of ‘Ad-Deir’ (the Monastery), where you can rest before descending into the main Petra site.
Upon entering Petra, the valley opens up, revealing tombs carved into the cliffs on either side. You will also catch sight of the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre and colonnaded streets. Continuing through the ancient city, we will eventually reach the Khazneh (Treasury), arguably Petra’s most iconic monument.
Although the back-route hike is not overly challenging, it does involve some ascents and descents, along with a fair number of steps. Therefore, it is suitable only for those who are comfortable hiking this type of terrain for at least 2-3 hours as far as the Monastery, followed by several more hours of walking on sandy paths through Petra’s main site.
For those with limited mobility or concerns about the distance, horse-drawn carriages are available for approximately 20 JD (USD 28) for a set period of time (these are available only within the main Petra site, not on the hiking route). However, we do not recommend using the available horses.
OVERNIGHT:
Petra hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast in Petra, we will travel north along the Dead Sea road to Wadi Mujib, where we'll embark on an adventurous hike along the Siq Trail. Along the way, we’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Salt Flats at the southern end of the Dead Sea. Continuing along the Dead Sea's shores, we will eventually reach the Wadi Mujib visitor centre. You’ll have some time for lunch here (not included) before we dive into the water for the hike.
Descending into the gorge, we enter the Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve, where, between the months of April and October (see note below for the off-season), you can enjoy a thrilling hike through the shallow waters filling the gorge. During the hike, you’ll scale small waterfalls with installed steps to help you, until you reach the gorge's end, where you can unwind beneath a large waterfall. The whole hike typically lasts 2 to 3 hours in total.
We strongly recommend bringing a dry-bag (to keep your camera or mobile phone dry) and water shoes. You can hire a dry-bag at the visitor centre for around US$7.00 and purchase water shoes for approximately US$7.00.
Note: Between November and March, when the Siq Trail hike is not possible, we will arrange a visit to the Baptism Site in Bethany. This relatively recently discovered site is believed to be the biblical ‘Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan,’ where John the Baptist baptised Jesus Christ. Several churches, caves, and pools from the Roman and Byzantine periods have been uncovered here. Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have visited. An electric minibus will take you from the visitor centre to the three key sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools, and the Church of John the Baptist.
After a day full of activities, we will head to our resort by the Dead Sea, where you'll have some free time to float in its extremely salty waters or relax by the hotel pool. Don't forget to bring a newspaper or magazine for the iconic Dead Sea photo!
OVERNIGHT:
Dead Sea hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
After a peaceful night’s rest, we journey to the nearby town of Madaba, renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and the famous 'Madaba Map'—the oldest surviving depiction of the Holy Land. From Madaba, we proceed to Mount Nebo, the site where the prophet Moses is said to have gazed upon the Promised Land, and where he is believed to be buried. On a clear day, which is typical, the views towards Jericho and the surrounding areas are stunning.
Our last stop of the day takes us to the ancient city of Jerash, famed for being one of the largest and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside of Europe. Upon arrival in Jerash, we will visit the Forum, stroll along the Roman colonnaded streets, see the Nymphaeum, and explore the Temple of Artemis—perched on one of the city’s highest points.
We conclude the day with a drive back to Amman, where we’ll spend our final night in Jordan.
OVERNIGHT:
Amman hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
You have free time in Amman today until we collect you from your hotel and transport you to the airport for your departure. If your flight is later in the day, additional sightseeing tours are available, such as a visit to the Baptism Site at Bethany on the Jordan River. This tour also aligns well with various tours to Egypt and Israel; feel free to reach out for suggestions and assistance with connecting journeys.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
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If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Egypt Uncovered, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
We organise regular small-group departures for this tour all year round. Each departure is guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 14. Departure dates and prices are available on our website (please refer to it for the latest prices and special offers).
The tour is also available for private bookings on other dates for a slight additional charge, with the itinerary being adaptable to suit your specific needs and budget.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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