Jordan & Saudi Arabia Encompassed
9 Days Starting in Amman, Jordan and ending in AlUla Saudi Arabia
Visiting: Dead Sea, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Dana Reserve, Petra, Tabuk, AlUla, Madain Saleh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
13128
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Float in the Dead Sea
- Explore Dana Village, the second-largest nature reserve in Jordan
- Hike from Little Petra to Monastery El Deir
- Trek into Petra
- Walk through Wadi Dissah, a 15 km long sandstone massif with beautiful rock formations
- Discover the oasis city of Dedan, the capital of two old Arabian kingdoms in the 1st millennium BCE
- Wander through AlUla’s old town, a traditional Arabian mud brick village
- Admire Madain Saleh, the second largest city of the Nabataean Kingdom after Petra
- Hike the 8km Adventure Trail with clusters of pictographs that are two-thousand years old
A combination of Jordan and Saudi Arabia with a sense of adventure and on foot exploration - layer upon layer of human history and a wealth of natural wonders is waiting to be explored.
Few regions can boast such a rich combination of heritage, culture and natural beauty. Embrace a sense of openness, vastness and quiet that invites you to wander in this living museum of Arabia. From mazes of dramatic rock formations to rolling, sand-swept dunes to a valley cloaked in palm and citrus groves to millennia-old clues in basalt lava flows, journey through this timeless desert and embrace the warm culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival Jordan - Dead Sea Hotel
Location: Dead Sea
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dead Sea Spa Resort or similar
Welcome to Jordan! On arrival in Amman, you will be met and transferred to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea. Check into your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Float on the salty waters, and cover your body with the dark mud from the shores. Since the days of Herod the Great, people have flocked in search of its curative secrets. The area is characterised by high annual temperatures, low humidity and high atmospheric pressure. The air is extremely oxygen-rich. With the highest content of minerals and salts in the world, the Dead Sea water possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and the dark mud found on its shores has been used for over 2,000 years for therapeutic purposes.
Meals
N/A
Accommodation
Dead Sea Spa Resort or similar
Services
Airport transfer
Distance and journey time
Amman airport to Dead Sea Hotel: 65km/ 1hr
Day 2 - Dead Sea Hotel - Mt Nebo - Madaba - Kerak Castle - Dana Biosphere
Location: Dana Biosphere Reserve
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Dana Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mt Nebo
Follow a scenic route towards Petra and make your first stop at the impressive Mt Nebo. Overlooking the Jordan Valley and parts of the Holy Land, Mt Nebo is traditionally believed to be the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death and is also thought to be his burial site.
Madaba
Next, travel to the town of Madaba. Here, you can admire the famous 6th-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St. George’s Church. The Archaeological Park also features other notable mosaics worth exploring. Journey along the renowned ancient caravan route known as the King’s Way.
Wadi Al Mujib
Stop for a brief photo opportunity in Wadi Al Mujib, a vast valley with stunning geological formations that mirror the Arnon River of the Hebrew Bible.
Kerak
Continue to the historical site of the Crusader castle, Kerak. Explore its underground passageways, take in the panoramic views, and imagine the historic sieges by the forces of Salah ad-Din.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Dana Guesthouse or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
Dead Sea Spa Hotel to Mt Nebo: 28 km; 34 mins
Mt Nebo to Madaba: 10 km; 15 mins
King’s Way to Wadi Al Muji: 50 km; 1 hr
Wadi Al Mujib to Kerak: 43 km; 56 mins
Day 3 - Dana Reserve Hike - Little Petra - Petra Hotel
Location: Dana Reserve
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Old Village Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Get to know your local guide and set off from Dana Village, as you explore the second-largest nature reserve in Jordan. Pass by terraced gardens, walk along dramatic mountains and sweeping valleys with changing colours and spectacular views of Wadi Dana. Your guide will share with you about life in the village, the reserve and its fauna and flora. Once returning to the village, it is time to head to Little Petra, which most likely served as a caravan stopping point en route to Petra. Enter the small site through a narrow gorge, known as Siq Al Barid, to see temples, tombs and water channels carved in the sandstone. One of the caves shows the remains of a Nabatean fresco painting.
This is where many religious activities were held, including the Feast of Drink when the king of the Nabataeans hosted celebrations and provided drinks for his guests. There is also a cave with the remains of a fresco painted by the Nabataeans that represented grape vines, which shows that this was the area for wine production. In the Siq Al Barid, the Nabataean irrigation system, which distributed water through long channels, provides evidence of the greatness of this system with reservoirs carved into the rock and dams. Continue to your hotel in Petra for the evening.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box
Accommodation
Old Village Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
Dana Village to Little Petra: 60 km; 1.5 hrs
Day 4 - Petra Back Route Hike To El Deir – Petra
Location: Petra
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Old Village Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
On Foot Adventure in Petra
Today is all about exploring Petra on foot! Start your adventure from Little Petra, a former caravan stop featuring smaller sandstone façades. From here, pass the Neolithic village of Beidah and walk across open farmland, gradually ascending into a mountainous area. The path will lead you to the awe-inspiring Monastery El Deir, a 45-metre-high structure carved into the sandstone rock. Take in the magnificent views over the Wadi Araba as you explore this impressive monument and its surroundings.
To complete the hike, descend the 800 stairs to the lower parts of Petra, following the main trail to the main gate.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box
Accommodation
Old Village Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
The hike is moderate and typically takes around 4 hours to reach the Monastery. Be aware that there is one exposed section that may pose a challenge for those with a fear of heights.
Day 5 - Petra With Al Madras Viewpoint
Location: Petra
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Old Village Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Set off with your local guide and hike / scramble the Al Madras path to the Treasury Viewpoint. Stand in awe, as you soak in the view below and imagine what it must have been like traversing the desert in the Crusader times. Back on the main trail, pass the narrow canyon, the so-called Siq, with its colourful sandstone. At the end, you will be rewarded with a view of the most beautiful monument, the Treasury. Continue via the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh’s Castle. You will have free time to explore Petra on your own this afternoon. For those still feeling active, why not climb the stairs to the High Place of Sacrifice?
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Old Village Resort or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
Al Madras Path to Treasury Viewpoint: 1.2 km, 45 min. (hiking)
Day 6 - Petra - Saudi Arabia Border – Tayyeb Al Ism Walk – Jethro’S Tombs- Tabuk
Location: Tabuk
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ewaa Express Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Al Mudawara Border to Wadi Al Dissah
Start your day with an early morning drive of two hours to the Al Mudawara Border, where you will cross into Saudi Arabia. Following the border crossing, continue your journey with a four-hour drive to the stunning Wadi Al Dissah.
Upon reaching the valley, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared by our team. After lunch, embark on foot on an exploration of Wadi Al Dissah. This impressive 15 km long canyon runs through the Jebel Qaraqir, a sandstone massif with breathtaking rock formations. The cliffs at the eastern entrance rise over 100 metres, while the tallest cliffs at the western entrance soar up to 500 metres. Admire the dramatic scenery from the massive rocky peaks standing on both sides of the canyon.
Take a walking tour inside the valley, where you will encounter water streams and lush vegetation, including palm trees and bushes.
Wadi Al Dissah to Tabuk
After you explore Wadi Al Dissah, drive to Tabuk. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening, taking the time to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Swiss Inn or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
Wadi Al Dissah to Tabuk: 214 Km/ 2.5 hrs
Day 7 - Tabuk - Dedan - Ikma Mountain – Local Farm – Ad Deerah - Alula
Location: AlUla
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Shaden Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
City of Dedan
Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive towards AlUla, where you will delve into the historical treasures between Jabal Ikma and Dedan. Begin your journey in the ancient oasis city of Dedan, formerly known as Lihyan, which served as the capital of two significant Arabian kingdoms in the 1st millennium BCE. The city’s strategic location near trade routes led to the discovery of extensive remains of large fortified cities. Notably, the Lion Tombs, carved into the cliff of Jabal Dedan, are a must-see marvel.
Jabal Ikmah
Continue to Jabal Ikmah, renowned for its open library of inscriptions in Aramaic, Dadanitic, and Nabataean. Set amidst a stunning desert landscape, this site provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Local Palm Farm Visit
A brief drive will take you to a local palm farm in AlUla. Here, your host will offer insights into the farm’s history and its daily operations. Enjoy a tasting session of the local sweet dates and fresh fruit grown on the plantation.
Al-Ula Heritage Village
Conclude your tour in the heritage village of Al-Ula, also known as Ad Deerah or Old Town. This traditional Arabian mud brick village was inhabited for centuries, with its origins dating back to eight centuries ago. Positioned on a higher part of the valley to avoid seasonal floods, Al-Ula Old Town is a poignant reminder of the past, with its recent inhabitation adding to its historical significance. The village is dominated by the Musa bin Nusayr Castle, a 10th-century citadel offering a commanding view of the surrounding area.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
2 nights Habitas AlUla or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
Tabuk to City of Dedan: 310 km, 3hrs
City of Dedan to Jabal Ikmah: 25 km, 30 mins.
Jabal Ikmah to AlUla: 20 km, 30 mins
AlUla farm to Heritage Village: 10 km, 15 mins
Day 8 - Madain Saleh – Adventure Trail
Location: Madain Saleh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Habitas AlUla or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hot Air Balloon or Helicopter Flight
For the early risers, start your day with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride (not included) over the expansive desert. Alternatively, opt for a 30-minute helicopter flight that offers a bird’s-eye view of AlUla’s seven most famous landmarks. Your aerial journey will take you over Jabal AlFil, Maraya, Jabal Ikmah, Dadan, and AlUla Old Town, providing a unique perspective of these iconic heritage sites.
Madain Saleh
If you prefer a more relaxed start, head to Madain Saleh, Saudi Arabia’s premier historical site and the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once known as Hegra, this was the second-largest city of the Nabataean kingdom, with Petra being the capital. Explore 110 tombs adorned with inscriptions, learn about the ancient Nabataean civilisation, and visit Jabal Ithlib, home to a Triclinium (Diwan) used for councils and rituals. Discover the remnants of Roman influence, including defensive walls, gates, and towers.
Adventure Trail
In the afternoon, embark on the Adventure Trail, an 8 km hike through a historical treasure trove. The trail features clusters of pictographs dating back two thousand years, revealing the stories of the region’s ancient inhabitants. This hike, taking 3-4 hours depending on your fitness level, showcases AlUla’s rich heritage and stunning natural beauty. Traverse through varied terrains, from volcanic rocks to soft sand, and witness water and air erosion effects that shaped the canyon. The flat trail, with a gradual elevation drop of 95 meters, is shaded by the canyon’s long walls, making it ideal for exploration during hot summer days. Be prepared for knee-deep water ponds in winter months, adding an adventurous element to your hike.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation
Habitas AlUla or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Distance and journey time
Habitas AlUla to Madain Saleh: 80 km, 1 hr
8 km hike; 3-4 hours depending on your fitness level
Day 9 - Departure
Location: AlUla
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say goodbye to beautiful Saudi, as you transfer to AlUla Airport for your departure.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport Transfer
Distance and journey time
AlUla hotel to AlUla airport: 54 km, 52 mins.
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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8 nights accommodation
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Meals as per the itinerary
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Services of an English speaking local guide
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National Park fees
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Private air-conditioned transportation
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
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Bottled water
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Entrance fees
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Drinks unless otherwise mentioned
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Optional excursions
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Visas
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Travel Insurance
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Tips
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Inoculations
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Items of a personal nature
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Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private air-conditioned transportation for all transfers and sightseeing, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, an English-speaking local guide will be available throughout the tour to provide insights and assistance.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are provided as per the itinerary, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on various days.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes comfortable stays at various accommodations such as the Dead Sea Spa Resort, Dana Guesthouse, Old Village Resort, Swiss Inn, and Habitas AlUla, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure.
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What activities are included in the tour itinerary?
The tour includes activities such as floating in the Dead Sea, hiking in Dana Reserve, exploring Petra, walking through Wadi Dissah, visiting the ancient city of Dedan, and hiking the Adventure Trail with ancient pictographs.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to all included sites are covered in the tour package.
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Is bottled water provided during the tour?
Yes, bottled water is provided during the tour.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.