Perseids Meteor Shower
Witness the incredible Perseids Meteor Shower from our desert camp at Wadi Rum, where you will spend a night star gazing at the Meteor Shower at its very best! Combine this amazing celestial event with Roman ruins, floating in the Dead Sea and exploring the ruins at the Rose City of Petra. All of this in eight totally amazing days!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Jordan
Day 1 Welcome to Jordan
08 August. Welcome to Jordan and the start of an amazing adventure. Arrive in Amman and enjoy an included transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 2 Jerash
Day 2 Jerash
Amman - Jerash - Umm Qais - Amman. Heading north we visit Jerash, the Graeco-Roman city known as the ‘Pompeii of the East’. Built over 2,000 years ago, Jerash is widely regarded as the best-preserved city of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 Roman cities dating from the 1st century! We’ll explore the site taking in a colonnaded street, amphitheatre, nymphaeum, forum and more before continuing to Umm Qais (Gadara), a dramatic black-basalt Roman city of the Decapolis with panoramic views over the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Tonight, we head out for a meal and a stroll along Rainbow Street - Amman's hippest location.
Day 3 Mt Nebo & Umm ar Rasas
Day 3 Mt Nebo & Umm ar Rasas
Amman - Mt Nebo - Umm ar Rasas - Petra. This morning we tour the citadel of Amman, Archaeological Museum and enjoy free time shopping in the local souq, before visiting the Christian market town of Madaba and Jordan’s finest Byzantine mosaics. Next is Mt Nebo - the single most important biblical site in Jordan. Having led the Israelites for 40 years through the wilderness, Moses finally saw from this breathtaking vantage point, the Promised Land, that God forbid him to set foot in. We too can enjoy the excellent views offered of the Jordan River Valley, the northern shore of the Dead Sea, Jericho on the opposite bank and (on clear days) the towers on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Later, we explore Umm ar Rasas, a haunted deserted city on the ancient caravan routes. The village is the site of the now ruinous Roman garrison town of Kastron Mefaa, which was developed during the Byzantine and Umayyad periods into a relatively important city. Large mosaic floors from two of its dozen or more churches have been painstakingly cleaned and protected. The mosaic floor of the Church of St Stephen dates to 785, over 150 years after Muslim rule was established in Jordan, and depicts the cities of the day including Jerusalem, with Palestinian cities below such as Nablus and Gaza and seven Trans-Jordanian cities including Philadelphia (modern-day Amman), Madaba and Karak. Drive to Petra, our final stop for today.
If you'd like to learn how to cook Middle Eastern food and enjoy the fruits of your labour, book our Petra Kitchen Add-on .
Day 4 The Rose City of Petra
Day 4 The Rose City of Petra
Chief among Jordan’s many archaeological riches is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rose City of Petra. The city was first settled around the 6th century BC by the Nabataean tribe from Western Arabia and was rediscovered in 1812. We access the hidden archaeological treasures of the Rose City on our walk through a narrow, deep siq, where the rocks finally give way to reveal the famous facade of Al-Khazneh (the Treasury). Continuing our walk, we then go on to explore parts of this fantastic once-lost city which is full of tombs, temples, an impressive amphitheatre and a Roman colonnaded street. The intrepid can ascend the hundreds of rock-cut steps to Ad-Deir, better known as the Monastery. Ad-Deir has a similar facade to that of the Treasury, but is far bigger and the views from the nearby cliff-tops are splendid.
Consider doing the Petra by Night excursion this evening (approx. USD$25 payable locally), for a tantalizing candlelight stroll through Petra’s Siq…..
Day 5 Wadi Rum & perseids meteor shower
Day 5 Wadi Rum & perseids meteor shower
Petra - Wadi Rum. There is a chance to revisit Petra this morning before leaving at noon to drive to Wadi Rum. Upon arrival in Wadi Rum, we enjoy a jeep safari through the area once favoured by the legendary Lawrence of Arabia and his Arab uprising. Wadi Rum is 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 desert scape of Wadi Rum represents some of the most stunning countryside on the planet.
Tonight, we tuck into our Jordanian dinner before the stargazing begins. The Perseids Meteor Shower occurs once a year and has been observed for the last 2000 years. At its peak the meteors rain down at a rate of about 60 meteors per hour! The clear night sky of the Jordanian desert is the ideal place from which to view these celestial wonders. The Perseids were traditionally known as the “tears of St Lawrence” because they often appeared around the saint’s feast day.
In previous years our groups have enjoyed a spectacular show staying up well into the night and counting well over 150 meteors shooting across the sky and we hope to have the same experience this year.
Day 6 Camel trekking, Wadi Mujib & Dead Sea
Day 6 Camel trekking, Wadi Mujib & Dead Sea
Wadi Rum - Wadi Mujib - Dead Sea. Today we get the chance to experience Wadi Rum as the Bedouins do - by camel. Until recently, the Bedouins were a nomadic people who made their living through looking after their herds of goats. Although most of the Bedouins have now become villagers, they still rely on the goats for the milk, yoghurt and cheese, and some families do return for a part of the year to a wandering existence, minding their flocks. As we ride through Wadi Rum on camel back we have the opportunity to see some of the desert wildlife including many small birds and various Geckos and Agamas, including the striking bright blue Agama.
Departing Wadi Rum, we head up the King’s Highway to Wadi Mujib. 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 until the group returns. After our trek we make our way to the Dead Sea.
Day 7 Dead Sea relaxation
Day 7 Dead Sea relaxation
The lowest point on the earth's surface at more than 400m below sea level, the Dead Sea is a natural phenomenon and high on most travellers' bucket lists. Lucky for us we have a whole day to spend here, whiling away the time bobbing in its mineral-rich buoyant waters and lathering up with a detoxifying mud bath. Later today, there will be an optional visit to the Ma'in Hot Springs - a series of waterfalls and hot springs, and a sacred baptism site where Jesus Christ is thought to have been baptised (payable locally).
Day 8 Dead Sea
Day 8 Dead Sea
15 August. Dead Sea - Amman Airport. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to the airport in Amman. Departure transfers are offered on day 8 at 23:00 (evening of day 7), 04:00, 07:00, 09:00 12:00 and 16:00. If you would like a departure transfer at any other time or a transfer with post tour accommodation this can be arranged at 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
We had a wonderful tour of Jordan. Our guide, Hameed, is a true ambassador for the country and is very knowledgeable and open to sharing, often saying “that is a really good question”, he answered all the questions that came to him and was thorough in his explanations. He was challenged with this tour as there were individuals that were not up to the physical demands of this tour and so in many cases he was operating two tours in order to keep everyone happy. This is a true testament to his acumen as a guide. I believe that On the go should look at screening of Participants to ensure that there is clarity around the physical demands. The last few days of the tour are really packed with activity, whereas the front end is a bit slower- that is the set up of the tour- would recommend perhaps tightening up the first few days to give more time to the back half activities. We did choose this tour for the meteor showers and were disappointed that there wasn’t much in the way of meteor activity. I would say that was the biggest draw to the tour and therefore the biggest disappointment. This was a great overall tour of Jordan, and all those we came in contact with as a part of this tour were lovely and hospitable. Our guide is a great asset to On the go and hopefully that will be shared with him. Thank you Hameed and all the On the go staff we interacted with on this tour.
What an amazing adventure! I was greeted by a representative as soon as I was off the plane in Amman and transport to the hotel went smoothly. I felt like On the Go put a conscious effort in pairing single travellers as roommates (same age group, etc.). I found the tour of Jordan extremely well organised. I knew the tour was going to be quite active, and obviously visiting the desert in mid-August kicked it up an extra notch. Visiting Petra was absolutely AMAZING, and canoyoning near the Dead Sea was probably the highlight of the trip. However, you had to be decently physically fit to enjoy those two experiences to the fullest extent. I personally chose the tour because of the meteor shower. The camp in Wadi Rum was so special! People really started to relax and get to know each other with dinner, music, and dancing. There was even an astronomer on site with a telescope who let us view Jupiter, Saturn, a nebula and to teach us about what we were actually looking up at and the history behind it. Our tour guide, Mahmoud, was amazing. He was so friendly, approachable, and extremely knowledgable. I found Mahmoud to be really well organized. He communicates the days sxhddule clearly and made sure we knew exactly what to expect (walking / driving a lot / type of food, etc.) and how to be prepared (clothing / water / hats / shoes to wear). I really couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. Every spot we stopped, Mahmoud was able to teach us so many different facts, and I really felt that I got a true view of the current culture of Jordan as well. I couldn’t be happier with this trip, it was beyond my expectation!
Ogla was an amazing guide. He made Jordan come alive for me in the way he told us the history of the sites we visited, he made each day fun. I really struggled getting to the top of the "steps" at Petra, but he encouraged me all the way, coming back more than once to check how I was getting on. Ogla worked very hard to ensure we were a group and everyone was happy. I loved Wadi Rum - Rainbow camp was so friendly and I would go back just for the camel ride!! Had a brilliant time and would do it again. Am currently trying to persuade everyone at work to take a trip to Jordan! Thank you On the Go, and Ogla.
Excellent local knowledge and an extremely capable guide, I would recommend anyone to take a tour he is guiding.
Hi there, I recently did the Perseids Meteor Shower Tour in Jordan. I am writing in praise of my tour guide Amer Nazami, I found Amer to be extremely knowledgeable, all of the information he gave the group was spot on; He is very well educated. He answered any and all questions myself and the group had asked. Amer made sure the group was safe and comfortable at all times. He went to extra lengths to ensure the tour group had everything they needed. He took members of the group to a few shops in his own time to ensure they had all they needed. I suffer from anxiety and was very nervous to be in Jordan for many reasons, I find it hard being surrounded by large amounts of people, I informed Amer upon my arrival and he ensured I was safe and comfortable throughout the tour; and on a couple of occasions when things got a bit to much for me he kept me calm and moved me away from these situations, to ensure I was safe and comfortable. Amer is a wonderful tour guide and on a personal level a genuinely lovely person. I am genuinely thankful to have had Amer as my tour guide, he is a hard worker and deserves to be praised for his hard work and genuine kindness. Thank you for the experience of a lifetime, it was truly wonderful and I will be recommending On The Go Tours and Amer to my friends and family, whom all do a fair amount of travel. Please pass along this review to Amer as I believe he deserves acknowledgement for his great work.
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.
Tour Upgrades
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