Jordan Nature & History

Head north Jordan to Jerash (50 Mins 51 KM) ; Pompeii of the east, visit the Theatre, Temples, and colonnaded street. Proceed to Ajloun (37 Mins 23 KM) , where you will visit Al Rabad Castle; built in the 12th century by one of Saladin’s lieutenants in the campaign against the Crusaders.

Generally easy walking today, often on country lanes through the rural villages of Al Ayoun with opportunities for a pre-arranged lunch in one of Al Ayoun’s homestays. RSCN’s Soap House and Calligraphy house are also nearby for an interesting visit. (1 – 2 Hours 2 KM)

Our Driver will meet you in the village and drive up over increasingly high semi-forested hills and past the ruins of the ancient church of Mar Elyas to the Islamic castle of Ajloun on its dominating hilltop with a Visitor Centre.

Overnight in Ajloun Reserve

After breakfast, your first visit today is to Al-Salt, ( 1 Hour 24 Mins 65 KM)

The city has many old yellow limestone buildings, as well as small narrow streets full of shops and stalls.

It is also an example of good understanding between the local Muslim and Christian population.

You will take a walk on the “Harmony Trail” to learn more about the city and local life in Jordan.

You will also have lunch with the locals to taste the delicious Jordanian cuisine.
After lunch, you go down to Bethany (50 Mins Driving from Salt 40 KM), where John baptized Jesus Christ, Several churches, caves and swimming pools dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods have been discovered here. Visit by electric minibus then return to Amman.

Breakfast at your Amman hotel then check out. Drive to Madaba (45 mins, 38 km) to visit Saint George’s church, where you will see the Mosaic of the Holy Land. Continue to Mount Nebo (15 mins, 9.5 km) to visit the site where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. Head south to the ancient Crusader castle of Kerak (2 hours, 127 km) and explore the maze of stone vaulted halls and passages. Kerak was the capital of Moab, and its castle dominates the skyline. The Crusaders castle provides an impressive insight into the architectural and military skills of the Crusaders. Continue further south to Dana Biosphere Reserve (1 hour 43 mins, 89.2 km)

Overnight: Dana Guest House

Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering some 320 square kilometers of spectacular mountains and wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley. Such a combination of natural communities in a single area is unique in Jordan and many of Dana’s animals and plants are very rare. So far, a total of 700 plant species, 190 bird species, 37 mammal species and 36 reptile species have been recorded in the Reserve, of which 25 are known to be endangered, including the Sand Cat, the Syrian Wolf, the Lesser Kestrel and the Spiny Tailed Lizard. Today we will have a full day hiking down to Feynan.

Time: 6–7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Feynan Eco Lodge

After breakfast we will head to Shobak (2 hours, 83.2 km). Set on top of a mountain, Shobak Castle is an enchanting castle that was built in 1115 under the rule of King Baldwin I. It’s particularly striking due to its remote location in the desert which will make visitors feel a world away from home. Within the castle grounds, visitors can explore the churches, historic ruins and a secret passageway that leads to a charming spring. The castle also boasts a watchtower, catacombs and a number of Christian carvings and Islamic tablets. After Shobak we will continue further south to Petra (40 mins, 33.5 km)

Overnight: Petra Edom Hotel

*Optional in Petra*

Petra By Night: Experience a guided tour through the ancient city of Petra. Walk through the candlelit Siq leading up to the treasury, truly a romantic experience.

Monday – Wednesday – Thursday Evening, 8:30-10:30 pm

After breakfast you will visit the legendary site of Petra, the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Inhabited by the Nabateans, Edomites and Romans, Petra brought together the knowledge and skill of these civilizations to create this world wonder. Caravans laden with incense, silks, spices and other exotic goods would rest at Petra. The traditional way through the Siq (Canyon) is a guided tour through the Siq to the Treasury. We will visit the Treasury, city center, the Royal tomb, the theater, the High Place of Sacrifice and the Roman soldier tombs and many others. After your tour you will have lunch with a local family.

Overnight: Petra

After breakfast we will visit Little Petra before heading to Wadi Rum. Siq Al Barid (Cold Canyon) is colloquially known as Little Petra and is well worth a visit. It was thought to have served as an agricultural centre, trading suburb and resupply post for camel caravans visiting Petra. The surrounding area is picturesque and fun to explore, especially as it is home to some of the oldest settlements in the world, including Al Beidha.

After your visit we will transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum (1 Hr 47 mins, 113 km). On arrival in Wadi Rum you will meet your Bedouin Guide at the Visitor Center and then we will board 4×4 jeeps and start our jeep safari to explore the desert. Enjoy a locally made lunch by your Bedouin Guide during your tour. Then head to your campsite for dinner and overnight.

Overnight Camping: Wadi Rum (tented accommodation, tents & mattresses will be provided)

Morning start from Siq Al Barrah heading to Jabal Burdha. Located south east of Rum Village, Jebel Burdah is home to the Burdah Bridge or ‘High Bridge’ which is a naturally formed rock arch providing impressive views. During our hike we will pass Jabal Al Fetreh (Mushroom Mountain) and have lunch by Jabal Um froos. Stop at Laurence’s House to watch the sun set while drinking a cup of tea. Continue to Rjood Al Matalgah for dinner and overnight.

Time: 6–8 hours
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Rjood Al Matalgah

After breakfast we will depart Wadi Rum and head to Wadi Mujib (3 hours 41 mins, 272 km). At Wadi Mujib (valid April – Oct) the trail starts at the Visitor Center near the Mujib Bridge, where you will take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. Depending on seasonal rainfall levels, the gorge may contain pools deep enough for swimming. This is an ideal walk to take slowly and enjoy the cool water and shade, especially in the heat of the summer. Afterwards we head to Mai’in Hot Springs (33 mins, 27.5 km).

Overnight: Min Hot Springs Hotel

Breakfast at Mai’in hotel then enjoy a free day at leisure in Mai’in.

Overnight: Min Hot Springs Hotel

After breakfast, transfer to Queen Alia International Airport will be arranged for your departure. (57 Mins 50.5 KM)