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Jordan Uncovered

Jordan Uncovered

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Description

Discover a deeper side of Jordan on a journey from Amman to Wadi Rum. Explore the country’s famous highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, while also spending time in lesser-visited regions such as Umm Qais, Ajloun, and Pella. Along the way, meet local beekeepers, shepherds, cheesemakers and artisans, gain insight into Jordanian culture through community-based experiences, and stay in a collection of character-filled properties, from guesthouses and forest cabins to desert camps. This is Jordan beyond the guidebook – combining iconic landscapes with meaningful local connections.

Trip Name
Jordan Uncovered
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Go beyond Jordan's famous highlights and discover a more local side of the country through community-led experiences in Umm Qais, Ajloun and Pella, where you'll meet beekeepers, artisans, shepherds and cheesemakers.
  • Enter Petra via the lesser-visited, back-door trail from Little Petra, then continue through one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites.
  • Spend two nights amid Wadi Rum's dramatic desert scenery, exploring by 4WD, learning traditional Bedouin breadmaking techniques and discovering the desert night sky on a guided stargazing experience.
  • Meet Jordan's first female marine ranger in Aqaba and hear her story while learning about the work being done to protect the Red Sea's fragile ecosystems.
  • Slow down and soak up the unique landscapes of Jordan with leisure time to float in the Dead Sea, relax by the Red Sea in Aqaba and wander through the forested hills of Ajloun.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Amman
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Amman. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, relax after your journey or head out to discover Jordan's vibrant capital at your own pace. Join your group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm, then maybe head out to dinner to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Umm Qais
Begin your journey by exploring a different side of Amman. Led by local insiders, you'll wander through some of the city's oldest neighbourhoods while uncovering the stories behind its street art, hip-hop culture and creative communities. Leaving the capital behind, travel north to Jerash – home to one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Explore its grand colonnaded streets, temples and plazas before lunch with your group. Continue to the hilltop town of Umm Qais, where sweeping views stretch across Jordan, Syria and the Sea of Galilee. Tonight, settle into your accommodation at a welcoming community-focused guesthouse.
Day 3 - Umm Qais
This morning, explore the fascinating archaeological site of Umm Qais, where Roman ruins sit dramatically above the Jordan Valley. Later, you'll meet a local beekeeper and learn why bees play such an important role in the region's ecosystems and livelihoods. Suit up for a closer look at the hives and see some traditional honey-harvesting methods. Finish with a tasting of the seasonal, naturally flavoured honey! Later, as the sun begins to set, head out on an easy hike and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning for a cup of traditional tea before bed.
Day 4 - Ajloun
Today, you’ll travel into the green highlands of Ajloun – a region often overlooked by tourists. Set out on a walk through the Ajloun Forest Reserve, where pine-covered hills and rural landscapes provide a striking contrast to the country's deserts. After, continue to Ajloun Castle – an impressive 12th-century fortress built during the time of Saladin. After lunch, visit a biscuit house where local women preserve and reinvent traditional Jordanian recipes through handmade sweets and baked goods. Then, learn about the history and artistry of Arabic calligraphy. Guided by local women, you'll explore different calligraphic styles and try writing your name in your favourite script.
Day 5 - Dead Sea
Today, head to Pella, one of Jordan's most fertile agricultural regions, to spend time with a local shepherd. Walk through the lush landscape – strewn with colourful wildflowers in the spring – and learn about traditional livestock practices, then hear stories of daily life in the countryside over a cup of tea. Later, visit the home of a local cheesemaker to discover traditional cheese-making techniques that have been passed down through generations. Roll up your sleeves and learn step by step how fresh cheese is produced, getting a deeper appreciation for the skills and stories behind every bite. Continue south to the Dead Sea, arriving in time to enjoy the resort facilities and stunning views.
Day 6 - Little Petra
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Dead Sea, relaxing at the lowest point on Earth. Float effortlessly in these famously salty waters or simply soak up the unique surroundings. Later, travel to Little Petra – an ancient city also known as Siq al-Barid (‘Cold Canyon’), named for the high canyon walls that block out most sunlight. When you arrive, set out on a gentle 2 km hike to explore Siq al-Barid and stop at the Great Triclinium for a cup of traditional tea. Return to camp and take in the quiet desert landscapes as you settle into your Bedouin-style camp under the stars.
Day 7 - Petra
Today you’ll see Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, from a different perspective as you enter via the lesser-known, back-door trail. Beginning near the archaeological site of Little Petra, follow a scenic trail through open desert and sandstone mountains. The trail winds along rocky paths and ancient steps with sweeping views before arriving at the spectacular Monastery – one of the largest and most impressive monuments. Continue exploring the ancient Nabataean city at your own pace, following the trails through temples, tombs and rock-carved facades of this UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening, you can opt to share a home-cooked dinner with locals, enjoying Jordanian hospitality and traditional flavours.
Day 8 - Aqaba
After breakfast this morning, travel south to the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba. When you arrive, settle in, then head out to meet Jordan's first female marine ranger for an environmental awareness session. Learn about her pioneering work protecting the marine ecosystems of the Red Sea and the conservation efforts in the region. Then spend the rest of your day relaxing at local beach club. Perhaps enjoy a beachside barbecue dinner from the comfort of your sunbed, take a swim in the pool, or simply unwind by the Red Sea.
Day 9 - Wadi Rum
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Aqaba with free time to rest or explore the town. After lunch, travel to the rust-red desert of Wadi Rum and settle into your desert camp. As the sun begins to set, go for a gentle walk taking in views of towering sandstone mountains and vast valleys as the landscape changes colour in the fading light. Pause along the way for a cup of traditional tea, then return to camp for a night beneath some of Jordan’s clearest skies.
Day 10 - Wadi Rum
Rise early this morning for a sunrise walk through Wadi Rum, when the desert is at its most peaceful. Later, head deeper into the protected landscape on a 4WD excursion, exploring the remote corners of this extraordinary wilderness that’s earned the nickname 'the Valley of the Moon.' Stop along the way for a traditional Bedouin lunch and learn how Arbood bread has traditionally been prepared by Bedouin communities – baked directly in hot desert ash using simple ingredients and time-honoured techniques. After dark, discover Wadi Rum’s spectacular night sky during a guided stargazing experience. Learn how to identify constellations and celestial objects, then take a closer look through powerful telescopes beneath the dark desert skies.
Day 11 - Amman
Today, leave the desert behind and return to Amman. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant known for its seasonal Jordanian cuisine and focus on locally sourced ingredients. Reflect on the experiences and connections made throughout your journey across Jordan.
Day 12 - Amman
Your Jordan adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. If you're not ready to leave, talk to you booking agent about extending your stay in Amman and exploring more of this fascinating city.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Chalet (1 night), Resort (1 night), Permanent Desert Camp (1 night), Desert Camp (2 nights)

Transport

4WD Jeep, Private Vehicle

Map