Jordan Discovery
Experience Overview
From the unreal beauty of rock-carved Petra to the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan is steeped in bucket-list gems. Journey through the ancient monuments of Amman and beyond, uncover the tombs and temples of the fabled rose-red city, and sleep on the dunes of the desert, all while getting a taste of Jordanian life, both today and long ago.
The Rose Red City of Petra - Spend two full days exploring the tombs and temples of this astounding wonder of the world.
Adventure on the dunes of Wadi Rum - Experience Bedouin living at a traditional camp on the sands of the Wadi Rum desert.
Ancient wonders in Amman - From Roman ruins to Byzantine-era mosaics, explore ancient sites and artifacts in the capital and beyond.
Highlights
A journey through the best of Jordan, from Roman ruins to the Red Sea|Spend two full days exploring the tombs and temples of The Rose Red City of Petra|Experience Bedouin living at a secluded traditional camp on the sands of Wadi Rum
Trip Details
Product Code: 20251
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus4WD
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Explore Worldwide
Supplier Code: JD
Starts: Jordan
Finishes: Jordan
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
- Explore Tour Leader
- Cameleers
- Camp Crew
- Driver(s)
- Local Guide(s)
Accommodation
- Toledo Hotel
- Edom Hotel
- Salim Camp
- My Luxury Hotel
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,710 ($190 /day)
Itinerary
Our tour of Jordan starts in Amman, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Home to almost half of Jordan's entire population, Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern collide. Get lost in the bustling souks of downtown, where you'll be tempted by falafel and baklawa stalls, or visit the hillside Roman Theatre for a taster of the city's varied history. There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive in Amman at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), a 30-minute drive from our hotel. Due to most flights arriving late in the evening, our Explore Leader will meet you for a welcome meeting the next morning. You'll find the meeting information on the notice board in the hotel reception.
After breakfast, we'll gather for an introductory meeting before heading north of Amman to ancient Jerash. Inhabited for 6,500 years, the city's golden age was in Roman times when it became part of the Decapolis League - a confederation of important Middle Eastern cities. One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, only 10% of the city has been uncovered since excavation began more than 100 years ago but you can still get a feel for how life in the city once was. Walk the colonnaded streets, visit the hilltop temples, explore the chariot-racing stadium, and hear your voice amplified in the ancient theatre. After lunch, we'll travel back to Amman and spend the afternoon exploring the city. Our first stop is the Citadel Jabal al-Qal'a, the highest point in Amman, giving us panoramic views across the sprawling capital. Artifacts found here indicate that the area has been a royal city for thousands of years. Whilst earthquakes and invasions have taken their toll, two pillars of the Roman Temple of Hercules still stand strong alongside parts of the 7\super th\nosupersub -century Umayyad Palace. Making our way downtown, we'll weave our way through the winding streets of the souk, soaking up the energetic ambiance and the aroma of spices and delicacies on sale. We'll finish up in an old-style café that transports us back to Amman's early days.
Today, we'll cover a lot of ground on our journey to Petra. Setting off early, we'll stop in Madaba. Aptly dubbed the 'City of Mosaics', Madaba is home to hundreds of Byzantine-era mosaics, the most famous of these is a 6\super th\nosupersub -century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, created with two million pieces of stone. Continuing on, we'll arrive at Mount Nebo, referenced in the Old Testament as the place where Moses once stood to look over the Promised Land. On a clear day, from here you can see out to the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. Next, we'll journey south along the King's Highway to Kerak. This ancient Crusader stronghold is the most famous in a chain of fortresses built for the Holy War against Islam. We'll stop to learn about its history and explore the maze of stone-vaulted halls and passageways. Our day of sightseeing ends in Petra, a short drive from Kerak. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of the world, the ancient 'rose city' is Jordan's most valuable treasure. Depending on the day, we might arrive in time to experience Petra by Night. Follow the candlelit Siq trail and watch how the light plays against the high canyon rocks, blanketed by stars, before coming upon the Treasury, lit up by night. Settle into the sands in front of the ancient temple and listen to a welcome speech from the Bedouin community that still calls the city home.
Today we begin two full days exploring Petra. This ancient city, carved into pink sandstone cliffs, has to be seen to be believed but poet John Burgon beautifully described it as 'A rose-red city half as old as time'. Our Explore Leader will guide us on a tour through Petra's highlights before a free afternoon to wander at our own pace. As you enter the site, you're led down a kilometre-long chasm (known as the Siq) where the towering canyon walls reach up to 200 metres high. At the end of the Siq sits the beating heart of the city, the Treasury - miraculously well-preserved, the façade stands at 43-metres-high. Beyond the Treasury, the ancient city becomes a sprawl of tombs and temples waiting to be explored. The Bedouin community who still live within Petra sell their wares and offer refreshments along the colonnaded streets. As the day goes on, you'll notice the façades change colour with the light as the early morning and late afternoon sun brings out red, pink, and orange highlights in the rocks. Please note: The hotel location will depend on your departure date. All hotels are within a 5-10-minute walk from the visitor's centre or a 25-minute walk away from the site in Wadi Musa. Transportation will be provided for groups based in Wadi Musa on day 4. On day 5 no transportation is provided, but you can take a taxi for around £2-£4 each way. Your hotel will be listed in your final documentation.
Today is free for you to uncover more of Petra. Climb the steep path to the High Place of Sacrifice and take in the panorama over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert or trek up to the Monastery - Petra's largest monument. This evening, we'll gather as a group to visit a family-run restaurant for a Bedouin cookery demonstration. Our chef will show us how to cook a traditional Jordanian meal, including a sweet dessert, before we sit down to dine together.
Leaving Petra behind, today we'll embrace the nomadic lifestyle of the Bedouin and head into the dunes of Wadi Rum. We'll travel to the Wadi Rum visitor's centre by bus, where we'll meet our 4WD vehicles to journey onwards through the desert. Our three-hour drive along the sands will lead us through untouched parts of Wadi Rum and our Explore Leader will stop to tell us more about the history of the desert. Described by T.E. Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and God-like…', Wadi Rum occupies 74,000 acres with its monolithic outcrops of granite rock and sandstone rising out of the blankets of sand. The Bedouins learned to live within this hostile environment 3000 years ago, adapting to the elements to perfect their nomadic way of life. Once we've watched the sun go down, setting the dunes aglow with fiery red and orange light, we'll head back to camp to experience Bedouin hospitality. We'll be served a traditional Zarb, a BBQ of chicken or goat meat (vegetarian options will be available) cooked under the desert sand and served alongside a selection of mezze. Tonight, we'll sleep in a traditional Bedouin tent, crafted from goat hair which offers the best protection against the extreme desert climate. We'll share a communal tent (with gendered compartments) with rugs, mattresses, pillows, and blankets provided. There's a toilet and shower block at the end of the site. You can upgrade to a private tent at no extra cost, subject to availability. Please speak to your leader about arranging one.
After a full-on few days exploring the highlights of Jordan, we'll head to Aqaba for downtime by the Red Sea. A resort town, Aqaba is where local Jordanians come to holiday, lounge on the beach and have a go at water sports. The port city is famous for its preserved coral reefs and sea life and this afternoon there'll be the option to get out on the water for a snorkelling trip. If you don't have your sea legs, you can cool off in the hotel's rooftop pool or stroll through the vibrant souk. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to get a flavour for local life, too.
This morning, we'll depart Aqaba and head to the Dead Sea, around a four-hour drive away. This unique body of water is the lowest point on the earth's surface. With a salt content of 33%, it's almost impossible to sink and we'll take a dip to experience the mysterious floating sensation. While we're there, you can cover yourself in the water's rejuvenating mud, famous for its healing properties. After your dip, feel free to unwind by the pool or at the bar - there are shower facilities to freshen up in, too. Finally, we'll drive onwards to Amman. Arriving around late afternoon, we'll have time to pick up last-minute souvenirs in the souk before toasting to the end of the trip with a Jordanian wine in one of the downtown restaurants.
Our tour of Jordan ends at our hotel in Amman. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).
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Tour Operator
Explore Worldwide
A prominent adventure travel company with over four decades of experience, this business that offers a comprehensive array of unique and thrilling experiences worldwide. Catering to various interests, they provide small group journeys, walking and cycling trips, solo holidays, and family adventures.
In Business Since 1981
Reviews
Ros - Traveled, October 2023
Fantastic group of people plus guide. The size of the group (16) was the maximum we would have wanted.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/09/2023
Paul - Traveled, February 2023
Zaid made the trip with his knowledge what a trip and an excellent host
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2023
Kenya - Traveled, February 2023
The walking trails in Petra, chasing the sunset in the Wadi Rum desert and Jerash.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2023
Anne - Traveled, November 2023
Petra, Wadi Rum, Red Sea snorkeling & Dead Sea floating, mud bath & salt scrub. Excellent trip leader. Very knowledgeable good driver.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/04/2023
Hilary - Traveled, November 2023
Petra and Jerash were simply extraordinary places. Always enjoy a boat trip. A chance for both a Turkish bath - and a mud bath great fun. Finding out great restaurants all part of the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Susan - Traveled, November 2023
Definitely full on. Lots of interesting things to see especially if you’re into history and ruins
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/29/2023
Susan - Traveled, November 2023
Petra I’ve visited before but it still takes my breath away.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
Judi - Traveled, November 2023
Tour of Petra, with such a knowledgeable guide. Snorkelling in the Red Sea Camel riding in Wadi Rum.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Helen - Traveled, November 2023
Wadi Rum was amazing, having a private tent for free was goodas the communal looked a bit grim.. Jerash was a surprise, really stunning. Petra of course and climbing to both the Monastery and Place of High Sacrifice
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/24/2023
Morounke - Traveled, November 2023
Highlight of this trip was the visit to Petra, Petra at night, Wadi rum, Amman and the relaxing boat trip. ... as well as the unexpected extras, watching the sun rise and sun set and star gazing at Wadi rum.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/23/2023
Andrew - Traveled, November 2023
The whole itinerary included highlights but the stand out ones were : Petra, Little Petra, Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp, Aqaba (glass bottomed boat and snorkelling) and the Dead Sea.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Sally - Traveled, November 2023
I find it really hard to isolate particular moments. Every day brought something new and exciting. Obviously Petra is quite unique as is the desert but I enjoyed the whole week.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Karen - Traveled, November 2023
Every day offered something totally different and fantastic. Petra was a particular highlight. I loved the food and sleeping in the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, where the authentic cooking and star gazing were unique experiences. Our guide Abdullah was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent team leader who manoeuvred us through the full-on schedule without any problems or hiccups. He gave us an insight into the country, its people, attitudes and position in the Middle East and I now have a much clearer understanding of Jordan. The people we met were polite, patient and helpful and I wish more people would visit Jordan.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/14/2023
Cameron - Traveled, November 2023
Difficult to choose. Jerash as a wonderful Roman city, Petra for the extraordinry canyon walk, the carved buildings and appreciation of a sophisticated civilisation and Wadi Rum for the desert, sunset and rock formations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/12/2023
Maria - Traveled, October 2024
We had an excellent holiday in Jordan with the Explore! Jordan Discovery Tour. This has been my best trip so far! Petra is an unbeatable experience, as world wonderous as its reputation says. There is so much more to Petra as well than the well-known Treasury, and our guide opened our eyes to this as we went on the guided tour on the first day in Petra. I am glad we picked this tour with two days in Petra, as this helped orient us before being able to explore more intimately and independently on the second day. The treasures there are incredible, and the hikes to explore them are full of surprises along the way. You really can’t not be wowed by Petra. As animal lovers, being accompanied on the hikes by cats and dogs was cool too. We also really loved the camping (more like glamping!) experience in Wadi Rum, and are very grateful for Saleh’s sharing of his personal and the cultural stories of the Bedouin community in Jordan. Aqaba offered more of a retreat and more sun, with a unique experience floating in the Dead Sea and a fun boat tour. Amman was a great city too. The tour was really well organized, with an introduction in Amman and a spiritual visit to Mount Nebo, followed by the best but more intense part in Petra and Wadi Rum, then the Red Sea and Aqaba to rejuvenate ourselves following those days. I feel like we saw a lot of what Jordan had to offer and at a good pace – enough to experience as much as we can, but at a speed to really experience it. We tried Jordanian cuisine and offerings along the way, and of course the tea and coffee. Rooms were always good quality too. Journey times were never too long and had toilet and tea breaks on route. Weather was pretty ideal mid-end Oct for the nature of activities. A huge thank you to our tour guide, Saleh, who really made this tour the wonderful experience it was. We developed a little family for the week and we all learnt so much from Saleh who clearly loves his country, his faith and his people and was open to sharing this all with us, so that we then fell in love with it all too. Saleh was always there to answer questions, check rooms and excursions were all okay, tie our head scarfs, and helped with ensuring our food was vegetarian suitable too. Saleh also helped to organize a tips kitty which would cover all the suggested tipping along the way, which made that much easier for us as often tourists feel uncertain about what’s appropriate and knowing how much cash to have. Things are quite affordable in Jordan. The people in Jordan are such lovely people, so friendly and welcoming and wanting to share their culture with tourists and help. Jordan is very safe, with us feeling completely happy to wander about at night. Jordan is also safe from the war going on around it – Jordan has made its position clear and its priority is keeping its land and people safe, and we had no feeling of risk in Jordan at all. Please do not be put off travelling there while you are permitted to.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2024
Hope - Traveled, May 2024
Our tour guide Abdallah and driver Mohamed “made a great team. Abdallah was nice and professional and had an endless amount of information about everything concerning Jordan. He made the trip more interesting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2024
Rogene - Traveled, April 2024
The tour included a good number of places I wanted to see.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Shelly - Traveled, April 2024
Well planned and Zuhair was a passionate and caring quide-greatly appreciated the hike he offered on the free day-it was excellent climbing up and down off the beaten edge path in Petra. The predays in Ammon lodging was way too expensive at $132/nite even though I booked through Explore. When I added a last nite more reasonable at $67/nite. Loved eating dinner out together but way too expensive-12jd a person. When we later went out to eat on Rainbow Street the total bill for 3p was only 15jd and the food was exceptional ??, best we had in Jordan. The chef that showed us how to cook a meal did not speak English so he could not share how they cooked or stories. Zuhair stepped in when asked and offered good information about eating in Jordan. The transfer and visa on the early day we arrived was great service!! It would be cheaper to use Uber for transfer back to airport then hotel arranged. Overall Jordan trip was one of adventure and learning, so thankful to meet beautiful people in a historic country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Molly - Traveled, February 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed having 2 days in Petra and the overnight camping in Wadi Rum
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2023
Diane - Traveled, February 2023
So many highlights - the surprise of Jerash, the citadel in Amman, Petra and the fantastic extra walking tours (Monastery and Place of High Sacrifice), Wadi Rum and staying in the desert, boat trip, Dead Sea.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
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