Highlights
- Discover untouched nature in the Dana Biosphere & Aljoun Forest
- Hike through breathtaking scenery to the lost city of Petra
- Camp under the stars in the "Valley of the Moon"
- Soak in the healing waters of the Dead Sea
- Trek along the Wadi Mujib river canyon
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Jordan! | Amman |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Hike Through the Dana Biosphere Reserve | Dana |
| Day 3 | Full-Day Hike Towards Petra | Petra |
| Day 4 | Explore Petra, Transfer to the Wadi Rum Desert | Wadi Rum |
| Day 5 | Transfer to the Dead Sea | The Dead Sea |
| Day 6 | Hike the Wadi Mujib Gorge, Transfer to Ajloun Forest | Ajloun |
| Day 7 | Hike the Aljoun Forest Reserve, Transfer to Amman via Jerash | Amman |
| Day 8 | Amman Half-Day City Tour | Amman |
| Day 9 | Depart Amman |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Jordan!
Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival at the Queen Alia International Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the capital of Amman. The nation's largest city, Amman has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is full of cultural and historic highlights.
Day 2: Half-Day Hike Through the Dana Biosphere Reserve
After an early breakfast, you'll transfer three hours south to start your trekking adventure in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Jordan's largest natural reserve encompasses four distinct bio-geographical zones and is home to remarkably diverse flora and fauna. Today's half-day trek takes you 5 miles (8 km) along the huge escarpments of Wadi Dana between the Rummana Campsite and Dana Village. Passing through the terraced gardens of the village, the trail offers breathtaking views of the canyon-like Wadi. On your way 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.
You'll spend the night at the Rummana Camp, where dinner and a spectacular sunset await.
Day 3: Full-Day Hike Towards Petra
Today starts with an early transfer to Little Petra, also known as Siq al-Barid. From here you'll set out 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 your hotel in nearby Wadi Musa for the night.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Explore Petra, Transfer to the Wadi Rum Desert
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.
When you've had your fill of Petra, you'll be picked up and transferred into the wilderness of Wadi Rum, an expanse of desert dubbed the "Valley of the Moon" by Lawrence of Arabia. Travel through valleys, rock canyons, dunes, and deserts, stopping to check out rock inscriptions and petroglyphs as well as majestic views. As evening falls, you'll settle into a desert camp for an evening of dinner by the campfire under a twinkling night sky.
Day 5: Transfer to the Dead Sea
Wake to an unforgettable desert sunrise this morning. After breakfast, you'll be picked up for a five-hour drive to the shores of the Dead Sea. Traveling through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel, where you can 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 6: Hike the Wadi Mujib Gorge, Transfer to Ajloun Forest
Meet your driver this morning for an hour's transfer into the mountainous landscape of Wadi Mujib, the "Grand Canyon of Jordan." Here your guide will take you on a refreshing hike through the narrow river gorge along the famous Siq Trail.
Afterward, you'll continue to the RSCN Ajloun Forest Reserve, a protected ecosystem of evergreen oaks, pines, and wild pistachio trees. Go for a stroll among the wildflowers and woodlands, then get settled into one of the beautiful cabins on the edge of the reserve for the night.
Day 7: Hike the Aljoun Forest Reserve, Transfer to Amman via Jerash
Start today with a three-hour hike through the Aljoun Forest, starting from the Visitor Center. Following the Rasoun Trail, you'll cross thick, healthy woodlands filled with oak, pistachio, and strawberry trees. Take a short detour to view the ruins of a wine press on your way down into the valley. The trail climbs to 3,608 feet (1,100 m) above sea level for sweeping views from Eagle's View Point, then descends to the Soap House where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive oil soap.
In the afternoon, you'll transfer 30-minutes east to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend time wandering the extensive site and be sure to check out the well-preserved remains of two amphitheaters, the north-south Colonnaded Street, and the Hippodrome (the site of ancient chariot races). At the end of the day, a short transfer takes you back to Amman for the evening.
Day 8: Amman Half-Day City Tour
Explore more of the capital today with a half-day 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 end your final night in style, sample the best of Jordanian cuisine with dinner in a traditional restaurant.
Day 9: Depart Amman
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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