Hike the Jordan Trail: Amman, Dana, Petra & the Dead Sea - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Transfer to Dana

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, you will be met by your guide and transferred three hours south to your hotel in Dana Village. Located among one of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the region, you're now in the heart of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses four distinct bio-geographical zones and is home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna. 

Get settled in and rest up for your first day of hiking tomorrow.

Day 2: Trek from Dana to Feynan Ecolodge

After a hearty breakfast, kick off your first day of trekking with a walk to the tourist village of Dana, where you can stop and enjoy a cup of tea with the locals. As you continue down the valley, you may see Griffon vultures overhead, or spot hyrax and copper-blue lizards along the rocky trails. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox. The trail continues towards Wadi Feynan, where you can stop to enjoy a brilliant sunset over the ancient ruins. As night falls, you'll reach Feynan Ecolodge for a well-earned dinner and rest. 

Day 3: Trek from Feynan to Furon

Start this morning with a visit to the ancient ruins and copper mines of Feynan. The trek continues across a flat and stony desert, with the red ranges of Jebel Sharah to your east and the broad expanse of the Wadi Araba to your west. Stop for lunch at the Ghweiba spring, where you can also take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. In the afternoon you’ll reach a wilderness camp, where you'll spend a comfortable night under the stars.

Day 4: Trek from Furon to Wadi Abu Sakakin

On today's trek, you'll experience astonishing views of the most remote corners of Jordan. Skirting the Sharah Mountains and following a trail of Bedouin shepherd trails, you'll make your way to Al-Nakhl for lunch and a rest before heading into the shifting sands and towards this evening's campsite at Wadi Abu Sakakin.

Day 5: Trek from Wadi Abu Sakakin to Ghbour Whedat

Hit the trail this morning for an upwards hike towards Jabal Abu al-Sakakin, through to Naqab and the curved mountain road of Barush, to arrive at the Ghbour Whedat camping site for the evening.

Day 6: Trek from Ghbour Whedat to Little Petra

After an early breakfast, set out on the penultimate day of your trekking adventure. Your destination is Little Petra, the smaller, quieter neighbor of the famous Nabataean wonder. En route, you'll pass many fascinating sites such as the Ba'ajah Ruins, Siq Ba'ajah, and ancient remnants of Nabataean wine and olive presses, water tanks, wells, and carved rock facades. As the sun sets, settle in at your campsite for a final night spent under the desert skies. 

Day 7: Trek from Little Petra to Petra

The final day of your trek takes you on a challenging, full-day hike into the magnificent lost city of Petra, following ancient Nabataean steps to reach the famous Monastery carved into the cliff face. After an awe-inspiring walk through the ancient city to the main entrance, you'll transfer to a nearby hotel for the next two nights. 

Day 8: Explore the Wonders of Petra

Today you'll explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure at your own pace. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained. 

Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabataean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship. Discover the Street of Facades, a row of monumental Nabataean tombs, as you work your way through the archaeological site discovering the amphitheater and caves.

Break for lunch, before climbing your way up the 800 steps to the Monastery, Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument. For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike your way up the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.

Day 9: Transfer to the Dead Sea

After breakfast, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to the lowest point on earth: the shores of the Dead Sea. Traveling through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel, where you can soothe tired legs and spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun.

Day 10: Transfer to Amman, Explore the Capital

Transfer back to Amman today, where you can explore more of the capital with a guided tour. Start in the historic Old City, where you'll find the magnificent Amman Citadel (Jabal al Qal'a) and the 2nd-century Roman Theater, two of the city's most famous archaeological sites. Take a trip through the busy downtown and admire some of the modern city neighborhoods, then stroll amid colorful wares and aromatic spices in Amman's old souks (markets).

To celebrate your final night in style, sample the best of Jordanian cuisine with dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Day 11: Transfer to Airport & Departure

It's time to bid Jordan farewell as you transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels! 

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