Jordan Highlights & Hidden Gems

This 14-day private tour features our favourite ‘hidden gems’ of Jordan. You stay in a combination of small, unique lodges and cabins from local Bedouin tents to comfortable hotels. On this tour we really try and get you away from the crowds and instead take you to the lesser visited national parks of the country.

Of course you also visit the highlights including Jerash, Ajloun, Madaba the City of Mosaics and the most famous site of all – Petra.

Day 1: London Heathrow to Amman

Today you will take a flight from your home airport to Amman, Jordan. Upon arrival at Amman International Airport you will be met and transferred to your city hotel.

Day 2: Amman City Tour / Desert Castles / Azraq Wetland Reserve

Begin with a city tour of Amman, including the Citadel and its viewpoints, the Archaeological Museum, and the Roman Theatre. Then head into the eastern desert for the Desert Castles, visiting Qasr Amra (UNESCO), Qasr Al Kharrana and Qasr Al Azraq. Continue to the Azraq Wetland Reserve and overnight at the Azraq Lodge. Dinner included.

Day 3: Azraq Wetland Reserve / Shaumari Nature Reserve / Ajloun Forest Reserve

This morning you have time to explore Azraq via the Marsh Trail, an easy boardwalk walk through the reserve with bird hides and viewing platforms. You then visit the Shaumari Nature Reserve, a protected breeding area for rare and locally extinct wildlife, before continuing to Ajloun Nature Reserve for an overnight stay in the Ajloun Cabins. Dinner included.

Day 4: Ajloun / Jerash / Amman

Start with the Ajloun Nature Reserve Prophet Trail to Tell Mar Elias, including a locally prepared picnic brunch box. Then continue to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities outside Italy. After your visits, transfer back to Amman for your overnight.

Day 5: Madaba / Mt Nebo / Kerak

We drive south today along the King’s Way to visit Madaba and Mt Nebo. In Madaba, visit the Greek Orthodox church of St George, home to the famous 6th-century mosaic map. Continue to Mt Nebo, traditionally linked with the burial place of Moses, then on to Kerak to visit the Crusader castle. Continue onwards to Dana Village for your overnight in Dana. Dinner included.

Day 6: Wadi Dana Trail to Feynan

Today you hike the Wadi Dana Trail to Feynan: a long, roughly 14 km downhill walk through the sandstone gorge (allow 5-7 hours). A simple packed lunch is provided. Overnight at Feynan Eco Lodge, lit by candlelight and powered primarily by solar energy. All meals included.

Day 7: Feynan / Petra, plus Petra by Night

Spend time exploring the Feynan area before transferring to Petra. In the evening, enjoy Petra by Night, which now includes a 3D projection mapping show at the Treasury. Overnight in Petra.

Day 8: Petra

Begin your first full visit of Petra, walking the main route from the Visitor Centre through the Siq to the Treasury and onwards through the key monuments. There is time for optional independent exploration, including the Monastery for those who wish to climb. This evening includes a Petra Kitchen cooking lesson and dinner. Overnight in Petra.

Day 9: Petra / Little Petra / Wadi Rum

Earlier in the day, you visit Little Petra (Siq Al Barid) before continuing to Wadi Rum. On arrival, head into the desert for a 2-hour 4×4 excursion at sunset, then overnight in a Bedouin-style desert camp. Dinner included.

Day 10: Full Day Wadi Rum

A full day in Wadi Rum, spending more time out in the protected desert landscapes of sandstone and granite mountains, narrow canyons, and ancient rock inscriptions. A 5-hour 4×4 excursion is included, with a picnic lunch. Return to camp for dinner and another overnight in Wadi Rum.

Day 11: Wadi Rum / Aqaba

Transfer to Aqaba on the Red Sea for a change of pace after the desert. The rest of the day is free to unwind by the water, or get active with optional water sports and snorkelling or diving over coral reefs. Overnight in Aqaba.

Day 12: Aqaba / Dead Sea

Drive via the Wadi Araba road to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (around 400 metres below sea level). Spend the rest of the day bathing and relaxing in the gently lapping waters, and experience the unique sensation of floating effortlessly. Overnight at the Dead Sea.

Day 13: Dead Sea / Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve / Dead Sea

Transfer to Wadi Al Mujib Reserve for the self-guided Siq Trail. Follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall, the gorge may hold pools deep enough for swimming, making this an ideal walk to take slowly in the cool water and shade. Return to the Dead Sea for your final night. Dinner included.

Day 14: Departure

Transfer to Amman Airport for your departure flight home.

Price includes:

• Accommodation as specified
• Private guide/driver for your tour through Jordan
• Private or shared transfers throughout
• Meals and touring as specified in the itinerary
• B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• FREE visa
• Meet and assist upon arrival and departure.
• Accommodation in mid-range hotels
• All tours and transfers in AC car with English speaking driver
• All entrance fees to the above-mentioned sites.
• Local English-speaking guide in Petra for three hours during the visit.
• 4×4 excursions in Wadi Rum (2-hour 4×4 excursion at sunset, plus 5-hour 4×4 excursion with picnic lunch)
• Mineral water inside the vehicle with our compliments.

Price excludes:

• International flights & taxes
• Departure tax (Usually included in the flight ticket, and USD 14.00 per person for land departures).
• Tips
• Dinners inside / outside the hotels (Other than not mentioned above)
• Lunches (Other than not mentioned above)
• Personal items such as drinks with meals and telephone calls.

Prices vary according to season and are per person based on two people sharing travelling together. Please ask us for more details and exclusions.

Please note: This tour can be tailored to your exact requirements and if you prefer not to visit Aqaba at the end of the tour, it can be amended accordingly. Please ask us for more options and any further assistance with flights or connecting travel arrangements.