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Temple of Artemis in Jerash

Discover Jordan: Active Adventures & Cultural Highlights

Example 8 Day Tour
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Set out on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the heart of Jordan through active exploration and immersive cultural experiences. See UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the millennia-old ruins of Jerash. Experience the dramatic landscapes of the Jordanian wilderness while hiking through wild desert terrain, from the magnificent ruins of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum. Experience the Bedouin culture and enjoy authentic Jordanian cuisine. Throughout your journey, expert guides provide insights into Jordan's history, from its role in ancient civilizations to its modern-day significance. Conclude your adventure with a rejuvenating afternoon at the Dead Sea.
Hikers in the remote area of JordanHiking in Wadi RumAd Deir Monastery TrailThe Nabataean Tomb in PetraThe narrow passage (Siq) to PetraThe Oval Forum and Cardo Maximus in ancient JerashAmman Citadel: One of the most impressive Roman RuinsMud Bath experience in the Dead SeaGhbour Whedat Trails to Little PetraTemple of Artemis in Jerash
Highlights
  • Explore the old city of Amman, visit Citadel and visit the Roman Theatre
  • Visit the Roman ruins and temples in Jerash
  • Experience the diverse landscape on Shaq Al Reesh trail
  • Hike the wild desert terrain from Little Petra to ruins of Petra
  • Experience the Bedouin culture in Wadi Rum
  • Discover the Red Sea coast in Aqaba
  • Enjoy the sunshine and mud bathing in the Dead Sea
Places Visited
  • Middle East
  • Jordan
  • Al-Baydha
  • Amman
  • Aqaba
  • Dana
  • Jerash
  • Little Petra Bedouin Camp
  • Petra
  • Swemeh
  • Wadi Rum
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Amman, Jordan

Welcome to Jordan! Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport and drive to your hotel. The transfer can take 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your arrival time and traffic.

The rest of the day is yours to explore how you wish. 

Day 2: Amman | Jerash | Experience the Bait Khayrat Souf

After a hearty breakfast, depart from the hotel and begin your tour of the old city of Amman, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, two of the most commonly visited archaeological sites. Drive north of Jordan to Jerash, the best example of a Roman provincial city in the entire Middle East. Visit the spectacular Forum, the Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum, and the Artemis Temple.

Then, head to a small town in Jerash called Souf, where you'll spend a few hours in the company of the local women of Khayraf Beit Souf. Bait Khayrat Souf is a unique place that combines the elements of nature and allows visitors to experience some of the natural and tasty pleasures of Jordan. It is the historical and cultural heritage of the Batarseh family. The goal of Bait Khayrat Souf is to create a platform for local women to financially support themselves through opportunities for economic development in the heart of Souf.

The drive from Amman to Jerash takes around 1 hour.
The drive from Souf to Amman takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Day 3: Danna | Hike to Shaq Al Reesh | Little Petra

You'll have an early morning breakfast, and then transfer to Dana to start today's hike. During the hike, you'll pass through one of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the entire region. You'll hike the Shaq Al Reesh trail after passing through a stunning Siq near Al-Barrah. Located amidst stunning natural scenery, Shaq Al Reesh offers a hiking experience unlike any other. Its winding trails, vibrant plant life, and panoramic views invite both adventure seekers and nature lovers to discover its hidden wonders.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker craving a new challenge or a leisurely wanderer in search of a memorable outdoor adventure, Shaq Al Reesh guarantees an unforgettable experience in the wild. The hike is rated moderate, approximately 7.45 miles/12 km (5+ hours) but can be shortened depending on your preferences.

After a great day of hiking with your guide, drive to Little Petra for a good night's rest. 

Transfer time from Amman to Dana: approximately 2:45 hours
Transfer time from Dana to Petra: approximately 1 hour.

Day 4: Hike from Little Petra to Petra Through the Back Door

After breakfast, it's time to start today's hike. By entering Petra through the back entrance, you'll be able to avoid the majority of tourists. Good tracks go pleasantly down Wadi Ghurab amidst sandstone mountains guarding the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley, skirting around the final mountain on a natural rock terrace that has been improved for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Your guide will take breaks with you as you learn about the region and it's significance. 

Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, the monastery suddenly comes into view, where there is a Bedouin café for refreshments if you would like to sit back and relish the sites. Nabataean steps then lead down into ancient Petra, through which the route goes before exiting past the treasury and through the famous "Petra Siq" to the shops, cafés, and hotels of Wadi Musa.

Hiking Distance: 8.69 miles/14 km to 9.94 miles/16 km, Ascent 496m, Descent 519m
Hiking Duration: 4-6 hours (depending on the time spent inside the site of Petra).

Day 5: Petra | Wadi Rum

After breakfast, depart from Petra and head to the impressive desert of Wadi Rum. When you arrive, start your adventure with a camel ride out into the magical mountainous desert. You'll then meet your Bedouin hosts and start a jeep safari exploring this World Heritage site, traveling around Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, dunes, and desert.

Discover rock inscriptions, majestic views of mountains, landscapes, and narrow gorges. You'll be able to hike, scramble, and explore the area at your own pace at each stop. Then, you'll return to the camp to enjoy the hospitality of the Bedouins and enjoy and incredible night sky in Wadi Rum.

Driving Distance: Petra to Wadi Rum is approximately 2 hours

Day 6: Aqaba

Find moments of peace this morning in the desert before continuing to Aqaba. Once there, visit the Bernice Beach Club with full use of the pools and beach access for the day. You can also snorkel from the beach (additional costs apply).

This afternoon is yours to explore or relax as you wish. 

Driving Distance: Wadi Rum to Aqaba takes about 1.5 hours.

Day 7: Dead Sea

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the Dead Sea where it's time to float in the salty water, relax by the pool, and enjoy the sunshine and views while trying out the invigorating mud bath to cleanse the skin, and experience the various treatments in the spa (booked and paid for on-site).

You'll stay overnight at the Holiday Inn Resort in the Dead Sea before your departure tomorrow.

The drive from Aqaba to the Dead Sea is around 3 hours, 30 minutes, or 4 hours.

Day 8: Amman | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll be picked up from the hotel in the Dead Sea and transferred to the airport in Amman to catch your flight. Alternatively, talk to your Trip Planner about extending your stay! 

The drive from Dead Sea to the airport in Amman is approximately 1 hour. (60 km)

Accommodations

Little Petra Bedouin Camp

Little Petra Bedouin Camp

La Locanda Boutique Hotel

Hotel entrance
La Locanda Boutique Hotel
Hotel reception area

Petra Moon Hotel

Petra Moon Hotel
Hotel reception area
Hotel interior

Rum Magic Nights

Campsite tents
Rum tents
Rum Magic Nights

Bratus Hotel

Reception area
Lounge area
Bratus Hotel

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea
Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea
Swimming pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Middle East Cruises & Tours.

Notes

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Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners, 1 Box Lunch
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Snacks
  • All entrance fees as per program
  • 4 Hour Jeep tour in Wadi Rum
  • Camel Ride in Wadi Rum
  • Berenice Beach Club entrance with lunch in Aqaba
  • Water refilling stations are available in transportation vehicles at all times
  • Individual airport Pick up & Drop off
  • English-speaking licensed guide during the trip except on arrival and departure day.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Meals not listed
  • Exit tax from Jordan. Airport tax is usually included on air - tickets. Taxes are subject to change without prior notice.
  • Jordan Pass
  • Health Insurance that covers COVID-related problems, provides emergency medical coverage and treatment while in Jordan
  • Visa fees to Jordan
  • Drinks with meals
  • Any airfares

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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