Undiscovered Jordan
Tailor Made Itinerary
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14 Days From £3,395
Overview
A chance to explore the rich history of the Jordanian capital is followed by a stay with the local Bedouin in the Azraq Wetland Reserve....
A chance to explore the rich history of the Jordanian capital is followed by a stay with the local Bedouin in the Azraq Wetland Reserve. Travelling on to the ancient site of Umm Qais, along the way you will be introduced to some of the traditional trades, such as weaving and beekeeping. Continuing to Ajloun you will spend your time hiking the nearby valleys with views of Syria and the West Bank, as well as opportunities to try your hand on an organic farm.
Travelling on to the beautiful and remote landscapes of the Dana Reserve where you can follow trails along the Wadi Rum escarpments. From here you head to Little Petra where you follow a little known Bedouin trail to the famous ‘Rose Red’ city of Petra where you’ll have time to explore its remarkable rock-cut temples. You will end your trip in Amman, but not before visiting the incredible mosaics at Umm Al Rasas.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover Jordan’s many diverse trades & traditions, from beekeeping & organic farming to basket weaving
- Support locally-run initiatives which have been established to promote & empower local artisans
- Stay in simple guesthouses & experience some of the country’s warmest hospitality
- Escape the crowds & hike through the remote lands of Ajloun as well as the pilgrimage site of Jabal Haroun
- Spend a day getting lost in the peaceful Dana Nature Reserve
- Visit impressive desert castles and admire the beautiful mosaics at Umm Al Rasas
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
Welcome to Jordan! On arrival in Amman you'll be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: AMMAN
DAY 2: AMMAN
Established in 2001 to generate income by the women of a community near Amman, the Iraq Al Amir Women Society Centre offers handicraft workshops such as weaving, pottery, soap making and paper making, and also runs a bed and breakfast and a communal kitchen. Your visit will provide you with the chance to meet the women, to discover their work and learn the art of making various handmade products. Afterwards, the women will serve a homemade meal from their kitchen, a delicious introduction to Jordanian cuisine.
DAY 3: AMMAN - DESERT CASTLES - AZRAQ
DAY 3: AMMAN - DESERT CASTLES - AZRAQ
This morning head out of the capital to the desert castles located to the east of Amman, including Qasr Kharanah, one of the best-preserved Umayyad castles, as well as Qasr Amra, well known for its 8th century frescoes. Continue to Azraq, a unique wetland oasis inhabited since ancient times. Located in the heart of the semi-arid Jordanian eastern desert, Azraq is a seasonally flooded marshland where a wide variety of migrating, breeding and wintering birds stop during their migration between Asia and Africa.
DAY 4: AZRAQ
DAY 4: AZRAQ
Hop on a bike today and set off from Azraq Lodge to a Bedouin tent. Be introduced to the history of the Bedouin community by a Bedouin guide over a cup of traditional coffee. You will learn about daily activities such as herding sheep and milking goats, as well as how to make laban makheed, a sour buttermilk, using a traditional leather bag before enjoying a delicious Bedouin lunch. This activity was created by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) to bring career opportunities and sustainable tourism to Azraq Wetland Reserve, as well as bridge the gap between cultures.
DAY 5: AZRAQ – UMM EL-JIMAL - UMM QAIS
DAY 5: AZRAQ – UMM EL-JIMAL - UMM QAIS
Drive from Azraq to Umm Qais today, along the way visiting the archaeological research, cultural heritage, and community development partnership project at Umm el-Jimal. On arrival in Umm Qais, you will be introduced to some of the local trades. Weaving with banana leaves, palm leaves and straw is a tradition that spans for generations and is still alive today in Umm Qais. Sit with local artists and discover the intricate skills needed to weave a simple design.
DAY 6: UMM QAIS - AJLOUN
DAY 6: UMM QAIS - AJLOUN
Start the morning with a visit to Yousef’s Honey Farm, located in the village, and here you can try your hand at beekeeping. Yousef is a former soldier who has spent the last 15 years keeping bees and his passion for his craft is infectious. From here continue on a tour of ancient Umm Qais, a fascinating site home to many theatres, temples, a colonnaded street and an aqueduct. After enjoying some lunch, set off for Aljoun.
DAY 7: AJLOUN
DAY 7: AJLOUN
Enjoy a wonderful day of hiking today as you explore the surrounding valleys and ridges, passing local villages and orchards and enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. There are panoramic views into West bank and Syria as well, and a selection of harder of softer trails to choose from, just discuss with your hosts and enjoy exploring this less-visited area of Jordan.
DAY 8: AJLOUN
DAY 8: AJLOUN
Another wonderful activity today created by the RSCN, visit an organic farm where you can meet the farmers to learn more about the process of organic farming and its benefits. Take part in daily activities such as feeding the goats, milking or harvesting crops. You will then meet a local chef, who will show you the ingredients to collect from the farm for a tasty lunch. This afternoon then introduces you to the art of calligraphy, as you delve into the beauty of the Arabic language, taught by a local expert.
DAY 9: AJLOUN – SALT – DANA
DAY 9: AJLOUN – SALT – DANA
Leaving the hills and orchards of Ajloun behind, you will drive to the pleasant Ottoman town of Salt. Explore this historic little town with its narrow winding streets lined with the houses of Ottoman merchants, the most beautiful of which is Abu Jaber’s mansion built between 1892 and 1906 with its fine frescoed ceilings. You will also have time to visit Salt’s Handicrafts Training Centre, which is a vocational school for young artisans who receive expert instruction in weaving and ceramics, and its shop, which helps to fund the project. Continue your journey to the Dana Nature Reserve, the first in Jordan and an area of spectacular wadis and views, taking around three hours.
DAY 10: DANA
DAY 10: DANA
The village of Dana is close by with its museum and craft workshops which you may like to visit, or take one of the variety of walks available in the area. The 8km White Dome trail follows the escarpments of Wadi Dana whilst passing through the village terraces and giving grand views of the Wadi.
DAY 11: DANA – LITTLE PETRA – BACKDOOR TRAIL - PETRA
DAY 11: DANA – LITTLE PETRA – BACKDOOR TRAIL - PETRA
This morning, drive to Petra and on to Little Petra, located a few miles away from the main valley, and a less-visited site with a charm all of its own. From here you then travel a short distance to the start of the Back Door Route to the main site of Petra - a spectacular, but little-known, Bedouin trail. This route offers a unique insight into two very different sides of Petra, with dramatic views and the chance to escape the crowds.
DAY 12: PETRA
DAY 12: PETRA
After breakfast hike to Jabal Haroun, a spectacular hike often missed by most visitors. The area is believed to be the biblical Mount Hor, the burial site of the Prophet Aaron, the eldest brother of Moses. A popular site for pilgrimages, this hike also offers some of the best views in the area, perfect for those returning to Petra and looking to experience another side to this vast city.
DAY 13: PETRA – UMM AL RASAS - AMMAN
DAY 13: PETRA – UMM AL RASAS - AMMAN
This morning your driver will pick you up and take you to Amman. En route stop and see the fabulous and much lesser-known mosaics at Umm Al Rasas. The site was originally a Roman garrison town but grew very wealthy in the Byzantine period which is when the finest mosaics date from. Continue to Amman where you should arrive early afternoon – leaving you the rest of day free to explore at your leisure.
DAY 14: DEPART AMMAN
DAY 14: DEPART AMMAN
This morning your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Amman airport in time for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
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.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
UNDISCOVERED JORDAN (14 DAYS) £3,395
MEALS
As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.
TRANSPORT
Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.
ENTRANCE FEES
Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.
EXPERT TEAM
Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.
ACCOMMODATION
As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.
ACCOMMODATION
Ultra - The best of the best, the ultimate indulgence
Luxury - Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium - Excellent standards without the big price tag
Mid-Range - Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple - No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places
CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
If you book international flights through Wild Frontiers.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is 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.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
WHEN TO GO
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
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