Jordan: Lost City of Arabia (Christmas Departure)
Jordan: Lost City of Arabia (Christmas Departure)
10 Days
Visiting: Jordan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JDN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
Tour Overview
The fabled lost city of Petra needs no introduction… hidden away in the heart of the Jordanian desert for centuries, Petra obtained a mythical status with much speculation as to whether it existed at all. When the Swiss explorer Burckhardt befriended the local Bedouins in 1812, he 'discovered' the magical city, and it finally became known to the western world.
However, there is much more to Jordan than just Petra and on this diverse trip we’ll enjoy a incredible variety of experiences with ample opportunity to experience hikes off-the-beaten-track. Whether it’s exploring the superbly preserved ancient streets of Roman Jerash; camping in the red desert sands of Lawrence’s Wadi Rum; enjoying two incredible days of hiking in and around Petra; floating in the magical waters of the Dead Sea and staying with local villagers in the northern hills, Jordan has so much to offer anyone who has ever dreamt of travelling to this Middle Eastern gem. This is not your standard Jordan itinerary but rather Jordan with a twist.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Amman
Accommodation: Toledo Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Toledo Hotel or similar
A short drive from Amman airport is the hectic capital of Jordan, Amman. Positioned between the desert and the fertile Jordan valley, it is a city of contrasts, offering plenty to encourage you to want to delve further into its downtown and urban areas. Due to the late arrival time of our suggested flights, accommodation for this night is included in the tour cost and those arriving earlier will be able to check-in from mid-afternoon on DAY 1.
Day 2: Amman - Jerash - Ajloun
Accommodation: Village Homestay
Accommodation Name: Ajloun Forest Reserve or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will head out to experience the downtown area of Amman including the many souks leading up to the Roman Theatre and Citadel. The Roman Theatre, cut into the northern side of a hill, is one of the most impressive remnants of Roman Philadelphia in Amman and is a highlight not to be missed. The Citadel, sits on the highest hill in Amman, Jebel Al Qala'a, and is the site of ancient Rabbath-Ammon. The most notable sights are the Temple of Hercules and Ummayad Palace. During the tour, we will also get a chance to experience a lunch spot favoured by locals, Hashem restaurant is famed for its falafel and hummus. For desert we then head to Habiba Sweets one of the most famous food stalls in Amman to indulge the popular Middle Eastern dessert of Knafeh. From here we will then drive to Jerash to explore the extensive ruins of the sprawling Roman provincial city. The city's many monuments still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its time for its magnificent temples, amphitheatres, and oval colonnaded forum. We then will continue to Ajloun where we will overnight with a local host family.
Day 3: Ajloun - As Salt
Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Local Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will have the opportunity to visit a co-operative run by Wild Jordan, here they sell handmade soap and biscuits. The workshops were set up by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) to provide employment for local women in the area. Next we will head off to hike part of the Al Ayoun Trail, a section of the famous Jordan Trail. After working up an appetite we will head to the house of a local family for a delicious homemade lunch on their veranda with an amazing view of the valley. We'll then continue to the only tourist guesthouse in As-Salt, former capital of Jordan, known for its multi-faith heritage. This afternoon we will delve into the city enjoying a walk around its sand-coloured buildings, which has been awarded UNESCO's World Heritage status, with churches, mosques and and souk-like streets. Tonight we will have the chance to contribute to our dinner and help our host make the bread of which we will later enjoy.
*Walking distance: 4-5km approx 2-3 hours.
Day 4: As-Salt – Mount Nebo – Madaba – Dana Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Dana Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Dana Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we will depart for Mount Nebo, one of the reputed sites of the tomb of Moses. The summit of this lonely, wind-swept mountain commands spectacular views over the Dead Sea to the West Bank and Jerusalem and we can see the springs where Moses supposedly smote the ground to bring forth water. Standing amongst extensive ruins is a small church, housing some fine and beautifully preserved 6th century mosaics, which are still being uncovered. Next we head to Madaba, a town once known as one of the most important Christian centres east of the River Jordan. Madaba is home to some of the most extraordinary mosaics in the Middle East including the famous 6th century map of Palestine, believed to be the oldest map of the Holy Land still in existence. After lunch in Madaba we make our way to the Dana for the night.
*Approx 4hrs drive time
Day 5: Dana Nature Reserve – Shobak Castle - Petra
Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we can soak up the stunning scenery of Dana Nature Reserve as we enjoy a hike in the valley, maneuvering between the unique rock formations and making our way over and climbing over boulders to enjoy the unique landscape. We then head South to Shobak Castle, one of the most important crusader castles in Jordan. Shobak was built by the Crusader King Baldwin I in 1115 and sits atop a hill surrounded by valleys. Its defenders withstood an 18-month siege from the armies of Saladin before succumbing in 1189. We then continue on to the ancient city of Petra, where we'll check-in to our hotel. This evening we then visit Petra by night – accompanied by over 1,800 candles that have been set up to light our way through the Siq and to emphasise some of the most remarkable features of this narrow passageway. Our journey culminates at the Treasury, where the facade glows with the soft light of hundreds of candles. Sitting on the cool sand, enjoying a glass of mint tea, we watch the local Bedouins play in this magical atmosphere.
*Walking distance in Dana: Approx 4-5km
*Please note for some departures Petra by Night will occur on Day 6.
Day 6: Petra
Accommodation: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Petra Moon Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we'll drive a short distance to Little Petra. This site is much less visited than the main site at Petra, however is still fascinating and has a charm all of its own. Once a suburb of Petra, entry is through a narrow siq. The site is thought to have been a commercial area, caravans would have paused here, attracted by the huge cistern. Today’s hike will bring us into Petra via a spectacular, but little-known, Bedouin trail through the mountains. After visiting Little Petra we'll take a open-air 4WD shuttle (approximately 20 mins) to the starting point of the walk. We follow an ascending path where huge views begin to open up across the Great Rift Valley to the west. The trail descends towards Petra and opens onto one of the city’s most impressive sights: the immense rock-cut façade of Ad Deir, the Monastery. We can rest and drink tea here, before descending the 800 stone steps of a Nabataean processional way down into the heart of Petra. Along the way there are traces of ancient stone steps, and eroded relief carvings of deities or ‘god blocks’ cut into the rock walls. This old Nabataean processional route will then lead downwards, turning back towards Petra and following the main siq for the classic entry into the city. This will bring you out at Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. This itinerary offers long, wonderful hiking around Petra, and means you can experience the two greatest approaches to the city in a single day.
*Walking distance: 15km approx 4-5 hours.
Day 7: Petra – Wadi Rum
Accommodation: Salem Mutleq Camp or similar
Accommodation Name: Rum Planet or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we'll return to Petra via the "secret road" the Al Madras Trail. We will begin the walk following the crowds through the main gates but then immediately leave them behind and strike out on our own into silent, unspoilt desert landscape. The trail follows an old Nabataean processional route towards what was once the city’s sacred centre, the High Place of Sacrifice. Along the way there are traces of ancient stone steps, and eroded relief carvings of deities or ‘god blocks’ cut into the rock walls. The route brings us out above the High Place of Sacrifice, from where we can see down across the whole of Petra and west towards Jebel Harun, Petra’s highest peak. From here we will descend through the Wadi Farasa, which has some of best temples in the city (including the Garden Tomb and the Roman Soldier’s Tomb), emerging right in the heart of Petra. This wonderful walk takes us away from the crowds and leaves plenty of time to explore the tombs and temples of Petra before leaving the site through the main siq. After another day of hiking we leave Petra behind us as we strike out into the desert of Wadi Rum in open-air 4WD jeeps. With sheer sandstone cliffs and multi-coloured shifting sands this beautiful area is steeped in history. We enjoy a short sunset drive before arriving at our camp for two nights under the stars.
*Walking distance: 15 km approx 4-5 hours.
Day 8: Wadi Rum
Accommodation: Salem Mutlaq Camp or similar
Accommodation Name: Rum Planet Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our day in the desert will be a combination of desert hiking and driving in our open-air 4WD jeeps to points of interest such as unique rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. In between our desert sights, we will find a shady spot for our lunch. On return to our campsite there will be opportunity for an optional camel ride at sunset.
*Walking distance: Approx 3-4km
Day 9: Wadi Rum - Dead Sea
Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing Wadi Rum after breakfast we set off for a visit to the crusader castle of Kerak, before continuing on towards the saline waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. Rich in minerals and high in salt content (around 33%), the Dead Sea is one of the most remarkable bodies of water on earth and we will have a chance to bathe in its saline waters. This evening we enjoy our final night and dinner as a group, a perfect place to reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days.
*Driving time: Approx 4-5hrs.
Day 10: Tour Ends At The Dead Sea
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning at the hotel. Those on the suggested group flight will be transferred to Amman Airport.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts8 x Lunches8 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses and open-air 4WD vehicles whilst in Wadi Rum.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Jordan, and this can be obtained on
arrival in Amman.
Currently the cost for single entry visa is 40JOD, but if you
submit the below information to us, we can obtain the necessary documents
that waiver this fee. To obtain the free visa, please send us a copy
of the following as soon as possible:-
- Scanned colour copy/photo of your passport photo/details page
- Arrival and departure
flight details including flight numbers
- Details of any additional pre/post tour accomodation
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Jordan.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour.
On this tour several walks have been included. While none are particularly challenging, they do require a certain level of fitness and completing them will allow you to get the most out of the trip. You should be comfortable walking in rough, open countryside as some parts of the walks are on rocky and uneven terrain and there will be some light scrambling in parts. However it goes without saying that the fitter you are the greater you will enjoy the trip.
This tour has a couple of medium driving days, these will be no longer than approx. 4.5 hours driving time (around 240km), regular breaks will be provided.
Please note also that if travelling during the winter months (Nov - Feb) nights in the desert can get very cold so please be sure to pack accordingly. Rain is also possible during this period.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone! Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except for the Ajloun village homestay on Day 2 and the night at the local guesthouse in As-Salt on Day 3.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone! Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except for the night at the local guesthouse in As-Salt on Day 3.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Dec 24, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.