Jordan: Culture & Nature In Depth

12 Days
From CAD 4465
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Unknown

Rating

Experience Overview

This 12-day trip to Jordan is a great way to appreciate all the country has to offer. We visit some of the less explored archaeological sites, stay in lodges and cabins in nature reserves run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature away from the usual tourist centres, try home cooked food and of course visit all the main highlights such as Petra, Wadi Rum and Jerash along the way. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Profile
— Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (lodge/cabin), 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 lodge/cabin), 1 Simple night (Bedouin camp). Cabins are run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. — Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4x4 in Wadi Rum — Citizen Science departures available on this trip — Group normally four to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 years old
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (lodge/cabin), 7 Classic nights (5 hotel, 2 lodge/cabin), 1 Simple night (Bedouin camp). Cabins are run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. — Travel by air-conditioned minibus and 4x4 in Wadi Rum — Citizen Science departures available on this trip — Group normally four to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16 years old
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.   Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. All visits to Petra require a reasonable amount of walking, and to do the optional 850 steps up to the monastery, or the climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice, you should have a good level of fitness. Your leader can provide you with further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to do the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo, as there are some very steep, narrow steps and cliffs. The leader will show where the route to the High Place of Sacrifice starts, but does not accompany people wishing to take this route. While camping in Wadi Rum, please be aware that, while the campsite does have plumbed toilets and showers, it is basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is, however, often mentioned as a trip highlight by many of our guests. In very rare instances, we may need to amend the order of the itinerary, but we will ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration. Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts and five evening meals are included on this trip. When not half board, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around 20 Jordanian dinars (US$28) per non-included meal. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling vegetarian choice. There is a good selection of seafood available by the Red Sea. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat. Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader will be able to tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel which is also open to all.
Transportation
For most of this trip, we use one air-conditioned bus with local drivers. To reach the Wadi Rum camp and to explore the desert of Wadi Rum, we use basic 4WD vehicles owned by the host Bedouin family. The vehicles are appropriate for desert travel but may fall below the normal vehicle safety standards usually expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available, and as we are not travelling by road, we feel they are an adequate means of transport.
Joining Instructions
Key information Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. Catching your return flight Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) from the end hotel. Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
Spring and autumn are popular in Jordan as it is cooler – around 24C (75F) in the day and 8C (46F) at night. Rain is likely, but protracted bad weather isn’t. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (89F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same. Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30C (86F) though it can get as high as 40C (104F). At night, it is usually around 10C (50F) cooler. In winter, it is much cooler, reaching as low as 10ºC during the day. In the evening it is around 0C (32F). There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety. Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible. The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14C (57F) in winter, nearing 40C (104F) in summer. The water temperature doesn't drop below 20C (68F). As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual, so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.
Spending Money
There are various excursions possible on this trip – the leader will provide more details on arrival. Please note that all prices are subject to change. — Petra by night: follow the trail from the Siq to the Treasury in candlelight where you will be offered tea and traditional music by the local Bedouins, 17 dinar (US$24) per person. Please note, this is not possible every evening and it can get crowded. This is low-key entertainment so it is best to go without expectations. — Turkish bath: 22 dinars (US$31) per person — Camel rides in Wadi Rum: camel rides provided by the local Bedouins may be possible in Wadi Rum. Around 1hr 20mins costs 20 dinars (US$28) per person
Tipping
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work with Exodus. However, while tipping may not be common in your home country, in Jordan it is part of the culture and is generally expected within tourism and many other areas of Jordanian life. We have given guidance in US dollars below, but tipping is best done in the local currency (Jordanian dinars). For tipping your driver, hotel staff and other local staff, we recommend the use of a tipping kitty. Your leader can advise on the amount, as a guide, expect it to be US$85 for this trip. This kitty can be placed in the hands of one of the group members to look after and the leader will advise where it is appropriate to tip. If preferred, however, the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to ease confusion and embarrassment by not knowing how much or how little to tip. Most clients also wish to tip their Tour Leader and as a guide we suggest US$55 per person for this trip. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week in an envelope. The amount is at your discretion and our suggested amount is to be used as a guideline only.

Highlights

  • — Enjoy two full days in Petra, the Red Rose City — Take a four hour 4x4 tour of Wadi Rum — Visit desert castles, steeped in centuries of history — Explore the Roman city of Jerash — Take in views of the Sea of Galilee from Gadara ruins at Umm Qais — Spot migratory birds in the Azraq Wetlands — Float in the Dead Sea in a quiet spot away from most hotels — Visit all six of Jordan's Unesco World Heritage Sites

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4046

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: ransport.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: AXD

StartStarts: Amman, Jordan

FinishFinishes: Amman, Jordan

DurationDuration: 12 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Unknown

Includes

  • — All breakfasts, one lunch and four dinners — All accommodation (see accommodation section) — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Arrival and departure transfers

Accommodation

Hotels, lodges, cabins and desert camp
Just like the trip itself, the accommodation is delightfully varied. We stay in four different properties run by Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN): in Ajloun Forest Reserve, Azraq, at the Dead Sea and in Dana village. These are unique places to stay and support nature reserves and local communities. Typically, we use three-star hotels in Amman, Petra and Madaba. We also spend a night in our private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, a truly memorable experience. Amman: Hotel Khan Khediwe (nights 1-2) In Amman, we usually stay at Khan Khediwe, a three-star hotel in the bustle of downtown Amman. It's ideally placed for our adventures, close to a market and within walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre and shopping areas. Ajloun: Ajloun Cabins (night 3) In the Ajloun Forest Reserve, the RSCN's Ajloun Cabins are surrounded by pistachio, oak and strawberry trees. This peaceful location is very convenient for Ajloun Castle and Jerash. The restaurant serves typical local dishes. Azraq: Azraq Lodge (night 4) RSCN-run Azraq Lodge is partly a former 1940s British field hospital and partly modern brutalist accommodation blocks. The lodge staff are from the local community, which includes Chechen, Druze and Bedouin people. The buffet dinner often features Chechen dishes. Dead Sea: Mujib Chalets (night 5) Another RSCN property, the Mujib Chalets are right on the shore of the Dead Sea. This is a peaceful area away from the Dead Sea resorts further north and a relaxing float in the sea can be enjoyed right from the chalets' own beach. Wadi Rum: Exodus Private Camp (night 6) Used exclusively by our groups, the permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.   Petra: (nights 7-9) We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are modest but well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace and La Maison among others. On a small number of departures we use a Superior (four-star) hotel in Petra. These departures are identified in the Dates & Prices section as 'Superior hotel in Petra'. The hotel we usually use on these departures is the Petra Canyon Hotel (above), which is about a 10-minute drive from the entrance to Petra. Dana village: Dana Guesthouse (night 10) The final RSCN property of our trip, the Bedouin-run Dana Guesthouse has a beautiful location on the side of a cliff overlooking Wadi Dana. There are pleasant walks through the village straight from the door. Madaba: Black Iris II (night 11) Modest but well run, the Black Iris II has modern rooms, a bar and outdoor seating area. The restaurant serves excellent typical Jordanian food. Worth knowing  Demand for accommodation in Petra is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation here is more basic compared to the rest of this trip and service levels are variable.Single supplements are available for this trip but are not applicable at Wadi Rum. 

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4465 (CAD 372 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Start Amman

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

2
Day 2: Amman: Roman amphitheatre, Citadel & Jordan Museum

Following breakfast, we have our welcome briefing, then head out to explore Amman around mid-morning. We leave the hotel and head on foot to the Roman amphitheatre. Constructed in the second century, when Amman was called Philadelphia, the amphitheatre is built into a hillside. We then continue by vehicle to the ruins of Amman Citadel, which sits on the city’s highest hill. The site has been inhabited by various civilisations from the Bronze Age onwards and there are Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad structures visible today. We’ll continue to the Jordan Museum. The largest museum in the country is dedicated to the history and cultural heritage of Jordan. Permanent exhibits include the Ain Ghazal statues, the earliest large-scale human figures and some of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Accommodation: Khan Khediwe (or similar)

3
Day 3: As Salt, Pella and Umm Qais

We leave Amman early this morning and drive about an hour to the town of As Salt which is built across three hills. The town has been settled since at least the Iron Age and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality. In the final 60 years of the Ottoman period, the region was settled by merchants from Syria, Nablus and Lebanon. The lack of segregation between Christians and Muslims as the city developed forms part of the reason behind its UNESCO status. While in As Salt, we’ll visit the As Salt Archaeological Museum, Abu Jaber Museum – one of the most significant historic buildings in Jordan and Al Hammam Street – famed for its shops and architecture and named after a popular 19th century bath house. After a drive of about an hour and a half we reach Pella, an important city in Roman times. Most of the remains date to the Byzantine period. Following a fairly short visit, we continue our journey north to Umm Qais, about another hour away. On arrival in Umm Qais, we will have lunch (included) cooked by a local family and served in their home. This a feast of food from northern Jordan. After lunch, we visit the ruins at Umm Qais, Gadara. In a spectacular situation with views to the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights, Gadara is a Decapolis city with many monuments covering a large area. It is a fascinating place to explore. From Umm Qais, we drive for a bit over an hour to Ajloun where we stay the night in comfortable cabins in Ajloun Forest Reserve, part of Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) Wild Jordan Project. Accommodation: Ajloun Cabins

4
Day 4: Ajloun Castle and Jerash

We start the day by visiting Ajloun Castle. This atmospheric 12th century Muslim castle was built under the rule of sultan and military leader Saladin. It was originally accessible only by drawbridge. We drive to Jerash and visit the ruins of Gerasa. This was one of the 10 wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis, and was famous throughout the Roman empire for the luxurious lifestyle of its inhabitants. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is Jordan’s largest and most impressive Roman site. There are colonnaded avenues, theatres and temples. The temple of Zeus is particularly impressive. From Jerash, we drive for about two hours into Jordan’s eastern desert to the small town of Azraq and Azraq Lodge where we stay for the night. Part of the lodge was originally a 1940s British military field hospital. The staff at the lodge reflect the diverse population of Azraq and include Chechens, Druze and Bedouin. The buffet dinner is prepared by a local Chechen family. Accommodation: Azraq Lodge

5
Day 5: Azraq Wetlands, Desert Castles, Iraq Al-Amir women's co-op, Bethany & Dead Sea

We start the day with a visit to Azraq Wetlands Reserve, an interesting site managed by the RSCN. The wetlands are an important stopover for migratory birds and there are a series of walkways and hides. We visit Azraq's large, black-basalt castle, which served as Lawrence of Arabia’s headquarters during the Arab Revolt. This is the first of several sites we visit today which together are known as the Desert Castles. Qasr Amra is a Unesco site and is noted for its extensive fresco paintings, which cover virtually all the interior walls. The paintings include themes such as hunting, dancing, musicians, bathing, cupids, and personifications of history, philosophy and poetry. Next stop is at Qasr Kharana, thought to have been constructed during the Umayyad Dynasty. The purpose of the building is still the subject of debate with theories including a Crusader castle and resting place for travellers. We head onwards to Iraq Al Amir. Here we visit Qasr Al-Abed, a pre-Roman construction thought to have been built by the Jewish Tobiad family as a villa or fortified palace. We will also visit the Iraq Al-Amir women's co-operative. Established by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation, the aim of the co-operative is to make the women involved financially independent. Hand-made paper, woven fabrics, ceramics and food are produced. We travel onwards to our second Unesco World Heritage Site of the day - Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where Jesus of Nazareth is believed to have been baptised by John the Baptist. There are Roman and Byzantine remains including a number of chapels and churches and this is a site of Christian pilgrimage. We end the day by driving along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, to Mujib Chalets where we stay the night. The chalets are right by the shores of the sea and offer a calm and peaceful place for a dip in the salty waters away from the large hotels elsewhere along the Dead Sea shoreline. There are approximately four hours of driving today. Accommodation: Mujib Chalets

6
Day 6: Al Numeira Environmental Association and Red Sea. To Wadi Rum

We begin with a drive of about 40 minutes to Al Numeira Environmental Association. The association’s mission includes raising the environmental awareness of the local community and the promotion of water conservation techniques. We’ll spend about 45 minutes here and then drive south towards Aqaba, a journey of about four hours. We’ll visit Berenice Beach, where we can spend a couple of hours at the Red Sea, before heading onwards to Wadi Rum, a further hour away. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Rum consists of dramatic sandstone mountains rising from a sandy desert floor. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot. We stay in a private Bedouin camp used only for Exodus guests where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. After dinner, we learn about Bedouin culture and music. Accommodation: Exodus Private Camp (permanent Bedouin camp)

7
Day 7: Wadi Rum tour in 4x4s

Our Bedouin hosts take us for an approximately four-hour 4×4 ride to explore some of the highlights of the dramatic landscapes of the Wadi Rum protected area. We’ll sample some Bedouin tea along the way. We have the option of taking a camel ride in Wadi Rum today (extra cost). We leave Wadi Rum behind and drive to Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to the Petra archaeological site. The journey takes about two hours. On arrival, we’ll visit the Petra Museum in preparation for exploring the site itself tomorrow. Hotel rooms in Petra are in high demand. As a result, standards and service levels tend to be more hit and miss than in places we stay elsewhere on this trip. Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail A small number of departures use a superior (4 star) hotel for the three night stay in Petra - these are identified in the Dates and Prices section: "Superior hotel in Petra".

8
Day 10: Little Petra, Shobak Castle and Dana Village

We begin the day with a short drive to Little Petra. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear; however, archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the Silk Road may have stayed. Today we enter the Unesco World Heritage site of Wadi Rum, where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot. Next stop is Shobak Castle, about 45 minutes’ drive away along the King’s Highway. This Crusader castle was built in 1115 by King Baldwin I. The castle has catacombs, a watchtower, Christian carvings and Islamic tablets. We continue along the King’s Highway for another 40 minutes to Dana Village. The village sits in the Dana Biosphere Reserve and dates to the 15th century with a mix of ruined and restored buildings. We take a walk through the village, through terraced gardens, passing craft workshops and seeing original Ottoman architecture. We stay the night in RSCN run accommodation in the village. Accommodation: Dana Guesthouse

9
Day 11: Kerak, Umm Ar Rasas, Mount Nebo and Madaba

We leave Dana behind and drive for about two hours along the King’s Highway, a beautifully scenic route through the hills to Kerak. An ancient Crusader castle, Kerak is maze of dark halls and passageways. It rises imposingly above the town. On clear days views stretch to the Dead Sea and Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. We drive onwards for about an hour and a half to Umm ar-Rasas. This little-visited Unesco World Heritage site was initially developed as a Roman military camp and grew into a town from the fifth century. It is unexcavated and has remains from the Roman, Byzantine and early Muslim periods. The ruins contain several churches and the impressive mosaic floor in the Church of St Stephen is a highlight. From Umm ar-Rasas, we head to Madaba, about 45 minutes away where we visit St George’s Church. Here we admire the mosaic floor, considered the oldest map of Palestine in existence. We then make the short drive to Mount Nebo; from this 2,295ft (700m) high viewpoint overlooking the Dead Sea to Palestine and Israel beyond, Moses is said to have first seen the Promised Land. Accommodation: Black Iris II

10
Day 12: End Madaba

Breakfast marks our final meal, an excellent chance to reminisce about an adventure packed with excitement. To make your return journey home easier, there’s a free shared transfer back to Amman airport.

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

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