Jan Goldstein and Shereen Arendt
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN AMMAN
Welcome to one of the oldest cities in the world! Upon arrival at Amman airport, your guide will collect and transfer you to your hotel.
If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to take a guided tour of Jordan's capital to see ancient ruins and learn how this modern city keeps its history and character.
Day 2
EXPLORE AMMAN, JERASH, AND AJLOUN
Enjoy a delicious hotel breakfast before your private guide collects you for a full-day tour of Amman, Jerash, and Ajloun.
Your day will begin in the old city, where you'll visit Amman's two most notable archaeological sites, the Citadel and the Roman Theater. Following this, you'll have free time to stroll through the bustling market, where you can find almost anything from antiques and vintage furniture to fabrics, spices, and bread. Your guide will bring you to some favorite local restaurants to taste falafel, hummus, and Knafeh, a sweet Arab delicacy often eaten at celebrations.
The next stop is Jerash's ancient ruins, a one-hour drive north of Amman and considered one of the Middle East's most significant and well-preserved Roman cities. On a leisurely walk, your guide will decipher this archeological site for you and share stories of these ruins.
Your day continues with a visit to Ajloun castle, strategically built on top of a hill in the 12th century to prevent the Crusaders' invasion. Finish this active day by visiting a local home to share a traditional Middle Eastern meal.
Day 3
HIKING FROM DANA TO MANSOURA
In the early morning, your driver will be waiting at your hotel for the journey to Dana. The 9-mile trail begins along the mountain ridgeline with stunning views of the Dana Valley before descending 2000 feet into al-Khashasha Valley to Mansoura. The hike will take you through the varied terrain of the Dana Biosphere Reserve with a surprising amount of plant species and wildlife. On the outskirts of the al-Khashasha Valley, a wilderness campsite awaits you, which will be your home for the night.
Day 4
HIKE FROM MANSOURA TO FURON
This morning, leave camp behind and hike with your guide towards Furon. Pass through valleys and take in the view of Wadi Araba before starting the steep ascent. You'll be rewarded for the climb with incredible views as you head into the mountains and through a picturesque valley, opening up views of the Wadi Araba Desert. After 8.5 miles of hiking, you'll reach the overnight camp in Furon to enjoy the peacefulness of the wild.
Day 5
HIKE FROM RAS AL FEID TO GHBOUR WHEDAT
Wake renewed after a night under the stars and start your way towards Ghbour Whedat. Today you'll see breathtaking views as you hike into remote and wild corners of Jordan. The trail begins by retracing your footsteps along the riverbed until you reach a Bedouin trail that crosses the edge of a rocky valley and will require some scrambling. Descend towards a riverbed before continuing along the wadi floor. The trail slowly ascends into the Petra region, recognized for its warm sandstone mountains. As you climb the hills, you'll have sensational views of the desert below. Reach your campsite for the evening in Ghbour Wheidat after this gratifying 10-mile trek.
Day 6
HIKE FROM GHBOUR WHEDAT TO LITTLE PETRA
After multiple days of challenging remote hiking, you'll see civilization on today's more accessible trail to Little Petra, passing Bedouin camps and farmland.
During today's route, you'll also walk past Nabatean ruins, consisting of aqueducts and ancient wine and olive presses.
On arrival at Little Petra, you'll see a variety of ancient structures carved into the sandstone canyon, such as facades, stairs, houses, and other buildings. Archaeologists believe little Petra housed traders traveling along the silk road.
You’ll reach your overnight Bedouin Camp in Little Petra after 8.5 incredible miles of unique landscapes.
Day 7
HIKE FROM LITTLE PETRA TO PETRA
After breakfast, it's time to start the last and most exciting day of your hike. You'll avoid most tourists as you enter via The Back Door of Petra.
Follow a Nabataean trail to make your way around the remaining sandstone mountain between you and Petra and up to the hidden plateau above the impressive abyss of Wadi Siyyagh. As you walk a little further, you'll see the "Lost City" come into view. Enjoy a refreshment as you admire the sight of this iconic carved cliff face.
Carved Nabataean stone steps will lead you down to see Petra up close before continuing through Um Saihoon village in Wadi Musa and, finally, your hotel. You'll have plenty of time to discover Petra tomorrow with fresh eyes.
Have a relaxing night, and enjoy your hotel's amenities. You've deserved it!
Day 8
PETRA AND WADI RUM
Today you'll have time to explore Petra's caves and tombs properly. Wander through the Siq and take in the magnificence of the Treasury, which once protected the ancient Nabatean city. You'll also have the chance to explore more of the city, such as Qasr Al-Bint or the Royal Tombs.
After adventuring through the Lost City, your guide will drive you to Wadi Rum for a 2-hour sunset Jeep tour. Tonight you'll experience the warm hospitality of the Bedouins as you spend the night under the stars in the Wadi Rum desert.
Day 9
DEAD SEA EXPERIENCE
After a special breakfast at the Bedouin camp, head 4 hours north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Enjoy the sunshine and take a moment to relax as you float in the salty water or have a cleansing mud bath.
Relax by the pool at your hotel and reflect on your momentous journey before your flight home tomorrow.
Day 10
DEPARTURE DAY
You'll have the morning to enjoy your hotel before it's time to say goodbye to Jordan as you board your international flight home.
