Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & the Life of the Bedouin - 9 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Amman: Welcome to JordanArrival Day

  Step into the kingdom of Jordan and walk in the footsteps of past civilizations and modern culture as you explore the country’s abundant natural wonders and ancient sites. We welcome you to Amman, and to Jordan, and we invite you to see this beautiful country in a way that allows you to experience its culture, people and natural beauty. Arrive at any time. After meeting fellow travellers and your CEO during the welcome meeting, share a delicious dinner at the Tawaheen Al Hawa Restaurant and experience a full immersion into Amman and Jordanian cuisine.

• Days 2-1: Amman: Jerash and the North

  Set out on a morning hike in the crisp, fresh air from Ajloun Castle through the local olive fields and farms. After, take a private transfer to Mar Elias Church before continuing on to a group lunch and in-depth visit to our G for Good cafe, Beit Khayrat Souf, owned and operated by a team of women. Visit Jerash before travelling back to Amman for a free evening.

• Days 3-2: Amman: Food and Culture

  Food and culture are one of the best ways to fully understand a city and its people, and you'll see why today in Amman. While historical sites allow you to hear stories of the past, it's the market stalls with freshly prepared dishes and coffee with a host family that allow you to experience the present. Prepare to be immersed in all the great stories Amman has to tell, both past and present. Start the morning with visits to the Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre before a downtown market walk through stalls with spices, vegetables, locally handcrafted goods and freshly made dishes. Lunch like a local and discover cuisine from the best of the food stalls. Head out of the city center to meet with a local family to gain a rare authentic glimpse into the life of a local Bedouin family and enjoy a free evening.

• Days 4-3: Dana Biosphere Reserve: Spectacular Natural Landscapes

  From Mount Nebo it is said that Moses set sight for the first time on the promised land, how beautiful it must have been, and it still is. Wander into the Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to human settlement well before the earliest writing. Here set against the expansive semi desert landscape sits the Feynan Ecolodge, devoted to the protection of the country’s finest natural landscapes. Choose to wander through the lush, elevated terrain surroundings to reveal panoramic vistas of the valley below. Soak in the atmosphere of a forgotten time and spend an evening deep in the heart of the mountains in an idyllic candle-lit lodge. Travel to Mt. Nebo’s ridgeline for spectacular views then drive to St. George Church. See the mosaics of Madaba and enjoy lunch in Dana Village, prepared by members of the local community. Stretch those legs as you wander through the lush, elevated terrain surrounding Fenyan Lodge to reveal panoramic vistas of the valley below.

• Days 5-4: Dana Biosphere Reserve to Petra: Your OMG Day

  One of the best gifts of travel is seeing the world from the perspectives of others. Born naturally curious, we search a special connection and an understanding of the larger world, and today you get to pick how you get that connection. Choose between walking with a Bedouin shepherd to immerse yourself in a truly unique way of life or meet with a Bedouin Family to learn more about their culture, with the opportunity to prepare traditional dishes together. Choose between two different activity options to either spend a day with a local shepherd or to immerse yourself in the daily life of the Bedouins with a cooking class. In the afternoon drive south to Petra and enjoy a free evening.

• Days 6-5: Petra: Hike to the Ancient Back Entrance

  Sprawling over a hundred square miles, the city of Petra is one of the world's most iconic cultural sites-a New Wonder of the World. With only 15% of the site exposed, there are still mysteries and secrets that are destined to remain locked in time. We likely will never witness the site returned to its former glory, when over 20,000 people lived within the city, but that shouldn't stop you from harnessing your inner explorer and following the ancient back trail from Little Petra to Petra, a unique way to enter the site, leaving the crowds behind. Start the morning at Little Petra, a site many skip but unique and charming compared to its famous big neighbour. Then embark on a hike along the ancient trail that leads to the back entry into Petra to the Monastery. Along the way you will take a deserved break to enjoy your packed lunch before continuing on to the front entrance of Petra visiting the site as we make our way to the hotel. Spend free time in Petra City to round out the day in this incredible landscape.

• Days 7-6: Wadi Rum: Desert Landscapes

  Witness the dawn of a new day in the red rose city as old as time itself. Watch as the sun awakens the enigmatic wonder of Petra in its warm golden light, and feel as if you are the one who discovered this carved city built by the Nabateans more than 2000 years ago. The sands of time are no match for this magnificent structure in the Middle-East. Head further south and continue your discovery of Jordan, entering the sandy valley of Wadi Rum. Visit Petra again at sunrise before driving to Wadi Rum for a Jeep tour through the rolling sand dunes and some light hiking. Enjoy the sun slipping beneath the horizon amid the desert landscape and savour a delicious dinner back at camp with the group.

• Days 8-7: Dead Sea: Hike Wadi Himara and Swim

  Like travel, the power of water knows no bounds, which you will see evidence of even in the middle of a desert. Take in the shockingly pink hue of the Pink Lake and Salt Beach then follow it up by submerging yourself in the Dead Sea, making you feel weightless in water that feels lighter than air. Drive to the Dead Sea and walking in pink lake and salt beach before taking a swim in the Dead Sea. In the evening sit down for a farewell dinner with the group and swap stories of your adventures.

• Days 9-8: Dead Sea: Departure

  Your adventure comes to an end today. You may be leaving Jordan behind, but no matter how many miles you travel home, your newfound connection to this Kingdom and your travel mates will never fade. Your adventure comes to an end, please book onward travel no earlier than 12pm.