Classic Jordan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan lies at the heart of a region whose development and culture has played a pivotal part in the history of the world for the past two thousand years. This short journey provides a stunning introduction to a country whose landscapes and traditions have been influenced by Romans and Byzantines, Crusaders and Arabs for over two millennia. Beginning in Amman, the Jordanian capital, you will travel to the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash and the imposing Saladin fortress ...
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan lies at the heart of a region whose development and culture has played a pivotal part in the history of the world for the past two thousand years. This short journey provides a stunning introduction to a country whose landscapes and traditions have been influenced by Romans and Byzantines, Crusaders and Arabs for over two millennia. Beginning in Amman, the Jordanian capital, you will travel to the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash and the imposing Saladin fortress of Qa’lat Al Rabat, before following the King’s Highway south. Travelling along one of the oldest roads in the world you will then visit Mount Nebo and Madaba and the Crusader fortress of Kerak, before reaching the stunning villages and landscapes of the less-visited Dana Nature Reserve, From here head into the desert as you go in search of the greatest treasure of all - Petra, home to one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Gaze upon the iconic majesty of Petra’s famous Treasury and tour the ‘Rose Red City’ at your leisure, before striking out into the desert to explore the beautifully haunting landscapes of Wadi Rum. After camping out under the desert stars you’ll then turn north, towards to the healing waters of the Dead Sea.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AMMAN
DAY 1: ARRIVE AMMAN
On arrival into Amman you will be greeted by your Wild Frontiers representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check in.
DAY 2: JERASH AND AMMAN
DAY 2: JERASH AND AMMAN
This morning drive north of Amman to the spectacular Roman ruins of Jerash. The city's many monuments still retain the atmosphere of the once thriving metropolis, famous in its time for its magnificent temples, amphitheatres and plazas. Return to Amman where your guide will then take you for a stroll through the city's crowded streets, from the colourful Rainbow Street, Amman's soho like area, to the souk area around the Husseini Mosque. Experience some of Jordan's best street food, before visiting some of the capital's sites.
DAY 3: AMMAN – MADABA – MOUNT NEBO – KERAK – DANA NATURE RESERVE
DAY 3: AMMAN – MADABA – MOUNT NEBO – KERAK – DANA NATURE RESERVE
Leave Amman and drive south to the mosaic-filled city of Madaba. Next head to the nearby 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 you can see the springs where Moses supposedly smote the ground to bring forth water. Continue your journey south to the castle of Kerak, built in 1136 as part of a long line of Crusader mountain top castles that defended the route from Jordan to Turkey. Finally, continue the journey to Dana Nature Reserve, the first in Jordan and an area of spectacular wadis and views.
DAY 4: DANA NATURE RESERVE – FEYNAN HIKE
DAY 4: DANA NATURE RESERVE – FEYNAN HIKE
Today you can soak up the stunning scenery of Dana Nature Reserve as you hike along a beautiful trail to Feynan. En route enjoy a picnic lunch and take in your surroundings as you pass through Bedouin inhabited countryside, also home to over 200 different bird species as well as, season dependent, a multitude of wild flowers. The hike is approximately 15km and takes around 6 hours. After roughly 2 hours of downhill walking, the trail flattens out and becomes a gentle stroll through Bedouin inhabited countryside. Part of the trail is through soft sand to add to the workout, but you will be well-rewarded on your arrival at the beautiful Feynan Ecolodge.
DAY 5: FEYNAN – PETRA
DAY 5: FEYNAN – PETRA
This morning you can enjoy a variety of activities organised in-conjunction with the local Bedouin community, before transferring to the ancient city of Petra. Pay a visit to the interesting Petra Museum, before checking into your hotel. This evening you will then be treated to a very special experience, visiting Petra at night, as you follow the candles through the siq and enjoy local Bedouin music as you sit and admire the Treasury lit up at night, a memory that will stick with you for many years to come.
DAY 6: PETRA
DAY 6: PETRA
This morning you'll drive a short distance to Little Petra, located a few miles away from the main valley, and a less-visited site with a charm all of its own. After visiting Little Petra you'll take a shuttle bus (approximately 20 mins) to the starting point of the walk, beginning with a couple of hours’ walk across open farmland from Little Petra before following the path across the eroded sandstone. Huge views begin to open up across the Great Rift Valley to the west. After another hour 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. You can rest and drink tea here, and explore the ruins, before following the 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 you 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 a long, wonderful day’s hiking around Petra, and means you can experience the two greatest approaches to the city in a single day. Walking distance: 15 km approx 4-5 hours.
DAY 7: PETRA – WADI RUM
DAY 7: PETRA – WADI RUM
Today you will experience not only history but the unique landscapes of Wadi Rum as you go on a two-hour four-wheel drive adventure through the desert, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs. Wadi Rum is a vast, silent desert, both romantic and extremely beautiful, where massive mountains rise vertically out of the pink desert sand, eroded by the wind into shapes of men, animals and monsters. Finally, reach your desert camp for a night under the stars.
DAY 8: WADI RUM – DEAD SEA
DAY 8: WADI RUM – DEAD SEA
Discover the wonders of Wadi Rum on an optional camel trek this morning. Leaving the magic dunes behind, later in the day drive north to the Dead Sea, where the afternoon is free to enjoy a dip in the salty waters or to relax at your hotel.
DAY 9: DEAD SEA – DEPART AMMAN
DAY 9: DEAD SEA – DEPART AMMAN
This morning your driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to Amman airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
La Locanda Boutique Hotel, Amman
La Locanda Boutique Hotel is Jordan's first themed boutique hotel. Nestling in Jebel Al Weibdeh, the cultural heart of Amman, La Locanda is the perfect place to unwind. Here you’ll find a warm, friendly welcome, cozy music-themed rooms. Enjoy the unique architecture of the surrounding area, which reflects the cultural and historical identity of Amman. First converted into a hotel in the 1970s, the property is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the area, and more recent renovations made the conscious decision to maintain the architectural character of the building. It is the perfect mix of urban and traditional and a great base from which to explore the capital.
Petra Guesthouse, Petra
Located close to the entrance of Petra, this great mid-range hotel is immersed within the ancient landscape of Petra. The guestrooms and chalets are tucked in the stone, seamlessly blending into the arid environment, yet have modern facilities and spectacular views of the mountains. Step out onto the courtyard to find the Cave Bar, an original Nabatean Tomb with carved Nabatean stonework, best enjoyed at night illuminated blue. Take a walk through the basin yard where the torrents meet the ascent monastery and enjoy a delightful dining experience in the restaurant surrounded by the beautiful Petra Mountains.
Holiday Inn Resort, Dead Sea
On the edge of the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea lies the Arabesque- style, four star Holiday Inn Resort. Here you can relax in the trio of palm-fringed swimming pools, in the health and fitness centre and in the luxury dead sea mineral spa. All rooms are stylishly designed, light and airy and are equipped with state of the art facilities. There is a good selection of restaurants and bars that cater for all cuisines and tastes. Surrounded by mountains and the sea the resort offers a tranquil place from which to explore the area.
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, Wadi Rum
With Wadi Rum reachable in 700 metres, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp features accommodation, a restaurant, barbecue facilities, a garden and a terrace. There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries, and the most fantastic views of the desert and stars.
Dana Guesthouse, Dana Nature Reserve
Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled guesthouse offers breath-taking views of the reserve, comfortable accommodation, traditional Arabic food, and friendly service. The stone building contains nine comfortably furnished bedrooms, most with private terraces. Noted for its local food and warm welcome, the guesthouse actively helps to support the Nature Reserve. A Wild Jordan guesthouse, the building was originally built to house researchers, adding character and authenticity to your stay, however this does mean most rooms do not have private bathroom facilities. There is a restaurant at Dana Guesthouse serving home-made traditional local meals.
Feynan Eco Lodge, Feynan
In the middle of the mountainous, desert landscape of Wadi Feynan and the Dana Biosphere Reserve lies the Feynan Eco Lodge. Lit by candlelight with serene courtyards and terraces on which to relax and watch the sunset this is one of the most unique eco-experiences in Jordan. Set up by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in partnership with Eco Hotels this 26 roomed lodge is solar powered and offers economic opportunities for the local inhabitants as well as raises funds to protect the local environment. The rooms all have private balconies and views over Wadi Feynan and the restaurant provides three meals a day using local herbs, preserves, homemade jams and teas from the Dana Biosphere.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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ACCOMMODATION
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258