Passage to Petra
Spend two incredible nights in Petra's lost city, camp under the stars in Mars-like Wadi Rum, relax in the otherworldly Dead Sea and explore the Siq Trail of Wadi Mujib in six adventure-filled days.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Amman
Day 1 Amman
Sunday. Welcome to Jordan and the start of an amazing adventure. Arrive in Amman and enjoy an included transfer to our hotel. The remainder of today is at your leisure.
Day 2 Mt Nebo & the Promised Lands
Day 2 Mt Nebo & the Promised Lands
Amman - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Umm ar Rasas - Petra. Today we tour the citadel and Archaeological Museum of Amman, before we take a walk through the bustling local souk to enjoy typical Jordanian street treats of falafel and hummus at the country’s most popular local street stand. As the pictures on the wall will prove, the unglamorous food stand was a great favourite of the late King Hussein.
Leaving Amman we stop first at Mt. Nebo, the site from which Moses saw the Promised Land. Having led the Israelites for 40 years through the wilderness, Moses finally saw them from this breathtaking vantage point. This amazing panorama includes the Jordan River Valley, the Dead Sea, Jericho and the spires and domes of the Mt. of Olives and Bethlehem on the Judean hills just across the wide valley. Later, we visit Madaba en route to Petra where we see the Church of St George, the Madaba Archaeological Park, Apostles Church and Madaba Museum.
Our next port of call is Um ar-Rasas, one of Jordan’s World Heritage sites and once an important stop on the busy caravan routes. The impressive mosaic floor of the St. Stephen Church features medallions commemorating all the early Christian pilgrimage sites of the region, and the extensive ruins also include one of the area’s earliest Stylite towers, where a Byzantine hermit lived atop the tower and preached to the pilgrimage visitors.
Our final stop of the day is Petra. Consider doing the Petra by Night excursion (approx. USD$25 payable locally) for a tantalizing candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq…. a romantic preview of things to come.
Day 3 The Nabatean City of Petra
Day 3 The Nabatean City of Petra
We begin the day with a walk through the mysterious mile-long Siq, the narrow gorge with towering sandstone walls leads into the ancient capital city of the Nabatean trading empire. Explore the Khazneh (the temple of Indiana Jones fame), Theatre, colonnaded street and museum. After lunch, we climb to ad-Deir (the Monastery), Petra’s largest carved façade.
This evening, why not try your hand at our Petra Kitchen Add-on to join fellow travellers for a cuisine course at the local Petra Kitchen, where you help prepare a memorable Jordanian feast.
Day 4 Wadi Rum desertscape
Day 4 Wadi Rum desertscape
Petra - Wadi Rum. This morning we have the opportunity to join our guide for a return visit to Petra along the “secret way” of al-Madras, with visits to the High Place of Sacrifice and Wadi Farasa. At lunchtime, we stop at the Wadi Musa souk to pick up delicious shawarma sandwiches or fruit and veggie snacks from the local produce souk before making the scenic drive to Wadi Rum. A vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds, pastel coloured stretches of sandy desert and amazing rock formations known as jebels that rise from the desert floor, the deserts cape of Wadi Rum represents some of the most stunning countryside on our planet.
This desert is home to the once nomadic Bedouin people who would roam the desert tending to their flocks of goats. Most Bedouins now are village based although they still rely on goats to provide milk, yoghurt and cheese. Quite often Bedouins will return for a period of the year to their original nomadic lifestyle. Boarding 4 x 4 jeeps, we take a safari through the sand dunes, getting up close and personal to the surrounding scenery of Wadi Rum. We enjoy a magical evening under the brilliant stars of the desert night sky, including a scrumptious traditional Jordanian dinner.
Day 5 Shobak Castle, Wadi Mujib Canyoning & the Dead Sea
Day 5 Shobak Castle, Wadi Mujib Canyoning & the Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Shobak – Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. After breakfast at the campsite, we head north along the Desert Highway to visit Shobak Castle, which is perched dramatically on a hill top and was built by the Crusader King Baldwin I in 1115. After exploring the castle we descend some 1300 meters to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth’s surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the mineral-rich Dead Sea is the world’s original health and beauty spa. Drift out and bob in the waters and slap on some of the famous black Dead Sea mud to give your skin an invigorating boost.
For departures between April and October we head up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib. Here, we embark on a moderate–paced two hour trek along the Siq Trail. Measuring 500 metres in depth and spanning 4 kilometres across, the impressive Wadi Mujib is one of Jordan’s most remarkable natural features. This dramatic canyon features sheer rocky walls and sparkling waterways that range from puddle height to depths that are perfect for swimming (chest height or deeper) depending on the rainfall. When the water level is high you should be prepared for having to climb up ladders, clamber across boulders and be happy to wade through water. The canyon is just one feature of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, home to a surprising diversity of wildlife and plant species. For those not interested in taking the full hike, you can walk part of it or wait by the Visitor Centre till the group returns. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea.
Day 6 Farewell
Day 6 Farewell
Friday. Dead Sea - Amman Airport. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to Amman Airport. Departure transfers are offered at 04:00, 07:00, 12:00 and 23:00 on day 6. If you would like a departure transfer at any other time or a transfer with post tour accommodation this can be arranged for an additional cost, please enquire.
If you have extra time and wish to head back to Amman, why not book our 2 day end in Amman add on? Perfect for those who wish to spend more time in Jordan's ancient capital, Amman.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Recently refurbished, the Al Qasr Metropole is a modern and chic boutique hotel. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished and include free Wi-Fi connection and luxury en suite facilities. All guests at the Al Qasr gain free access to the on site Fitness First gym as well as a complimentary breakfast. The rooftop restaurant has fantastic panoramic views of Amman and is a great place to spend the evening. The hotel is well located in Shmeisani, one of Amman's most prestigious neighbourhoods.
Located above Wadi Mousa, Old Village Resort has a wonderfully traditional feel about it with open stonework and original architecture. Rooms are full of character, some with delightful archways and all directly accessed from the outside. The hotel boasts an indoor swimming pool and sauna and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. For dinner why not dine al fresco at the restaurant overlooking the mountains. Well located in forested wadis facing Petra’s mountains.
Just 300 ft from the entrance gate to Petra, the Petra Moon hotel features spacious rooms with private balconies and flat-screen TVs. It also has a roof garden with a seasonal outdoor pool. The soundproofed rooms and suites at Petra Moon come with satellite channels, a DVD player and extra-long beds. Each has air conditioning and a private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant serves a delicious selection of international meals in both buffet-style and a la carte.
Desert Season Camp, nestled in the heart of Wadi Rum, offers a serene desert retreat with breathtaking mountain vistas and a range of comfortable accommodations, including tents equipped with air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Campsite facilities include complimentary WiFi in communal areas. Guests can explore the quiet, secluded canyon surroundings, climb a nearby mountain to witness stunning sunsets, and even experience local camel races on the camp's flat sand area. The evenings come alive with traditional music performances by local musicians, complemented by the inviting ambiance of the outdoor seating area.
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum, Sharah Camp promises a desert retreat with a modern touch. Each tent is equipped with air conditioning and en suite facilities. There is complimentary WiFi in communal areas at the campsite. With stunning mountain views, a charming terrace, and a host of modern conveniences, this camp offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition in the heart of the desert.
Graced with interconnecting palm fringed swimming pools leading to the Dead Sea, the Holiday Inn is an Arabesque style hotel. Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and benefit from complimentary high speed internet. The hotel also has an on site fitness centre and a fine choice of Spa facilities. The 24 hour sleek bar is the perfect place for a tipple at any time of the day or night. The accommodation is located on the shores of the world famous Dead Sea.
Tour Reviews
The tour was perfect for me to understand a little more about Jordan. The early start on the Petra day allowed us to experience the majesty of it. The sunrise hike was lovely. Hameed is fantastic. Very knowledgeable, passionate about his country and a great sense of humour.
We had a great trip, the experience was all new to us so it was all very exciting. Our guide was fantastic, very welcoming and a special person who was passionate about his country and wanted to share him knowledge. Amman hotel only let down 2 star.
Brilliant tour and tour guide. I don't usually go for organised tours but was a little anxious not having travelled alone in the middle east before. I needn't have worried and instead learnt a huge wealth of information about the beautiful country of Jordan. The size of group was perfect. I would have been quite disappointed had we been in a huge coach of people but a small minibus was good. There was also enough time to do our own exploring which I really valued. Great tour and would love to return to Jordan soon- thank you!
Excellent. Very good English . Knowledgeable. Easy going . Fun.
Hassle free, informative guide, great pace to the itinerary.
Extras and add-ons
Petra Kitchen
This add-on is an evening Jordanian cooking session that can be booked in conjunction with any of our Jordan group tours. Alternatively, this course can feature as part of a Tailor-made holiday.
Add-on: Dead Sea
A departure transfer from any Dead Sea Hotel to Amman Airport at the time of your choosing. This transfer works well for those extending their stay or where our included transfer times are not a great fit with your flights. Cost is per vehicle with a maximum of 2 passengers.
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