Adventures with Purpose: Jordan
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Steeped in human history and strategically placed at the heart of Middle Eastern trade and politics since the dawn of civilisation, Jordan has been witness to some of the most pivotal moments in the region’s historical and cultural development. Delve beneath the surface and you will discover a fascinating wealth of tradition and trade in a land that can trace its cultural origins back to the earliest human settlements.
This remarkable journey opens up a world all but lost to the ...
Steeped in human history and strategically placed at the heart of Middle Eastern trade and politics since the dawn of civilisation, Jordan has been witness to some of the most pivotal moments in the region’s historical and cultural development. Delve beneath the surface and you will discover a fascinating wealth of tradition and trade in a land that can trace its cultural origins back to the earliest human settlements.
This remarkable journey opens up a world all but lost to the well-trodden tourist trails, instead taking you along hidden Bedouin trails and old pilgrimage routes. Incorporating part of the Jordan Trail, you'll stay in simple guesthouses and award-winning ecolodges, and have an opportunity to support local initiatives and community-run projects as you discover the hospitality and traditions that are the real Jordan.
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, before continuing on to Ajloun, where you will spend your time hiking the nearby valleys with views of Syria and the West Bank, as well as trying your hand on an organic farm.
From here you head south to the beautiful and remote landscapes of the Dana Reserve before hiking along the Jordan Trail to the magnificent rock-cut temples of Petra, en route enjoying a night under the stars in this remote desert landscape. Explore the famous ‘Rose Red’ city of Petra before returning to Amman via the incredible and lesser-visited mosaics at Umm Al Rasas.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
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 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. It also runs a bed and breakfast and a communal kitchen. Your visit will provide a unique opportunity to meet the women and discover for yourself the work they do here, as well as learn more about the various handmade products. Afterwards, a homemade meal from the kitchen will provide a delicious introduction to Jordanian cuisine. This afternoon is then free to explore at leisure and discover some of the capital's sites.
Day 3 AMMAN - DESERT CASTLES - AZRAQ
This morning head out of the capital towards the desert castles located to the east of Amman including Qasr Kharanah, one of the best-preserved of the Umayyad castles and Qasr Amra, renowned for its 8th century frescoes. Continue on 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
Hop on a bike today and set off from Azraq Lodge to a Bedouin tent, where a local Bedouin guide will provide an introduction to the history of the Bedouin community over a cup of traditional Arabic coffee. Learn about daily activities, such as herding sheep and milking goats, and discover how to make laban makheed, a sour buttermilk created using a traditional leather bag. Then enjoy a delicious Bedouin lunch. The encounter is the creation of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), conceived to not only bridge the gap between our cultures, but also to bring career opportunities and sustainable tourism to the Azraq Wetland Reserve itself.
Day 5 AZRAQ – UMM EL-JIMAL - UMM QAIS
Drive from Azraq to Umm Qais today, visiting the archaeological research, cultural heritage and community development partnership project at Umm el-Jimal along the way. 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 the generations and is still alive today in Umm Qais. A chance to sit and learn with the local artists provides an ideal opportunity to discover the intricate skills needed to weave even a simple design, and provide some support to this less-visited village.
Day 6 UMM QAIS - AJLOUN
Starting with a visit to Yousef’s Honey Farm, located in the village, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at beekeeping this morning. Yousef is a former soldier, who has spent the last 15 years keeping bees and his obvious passion for his craft is infectious. From here you continue on a tour of ancient Umm Qais, a fascinating setting that is home to numerous theatres and temples, a colonnaded street and an aqueduct. After enjoying a local lunch, you’ll set off for 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 savouring a picnic lunch along the way, there are some wonderful panoramic views to enjoy into neighbouring West Bank and Syria. There are a selection of hard or softer trails to choose from, so just discuss your preferences with your hosts and make the most of discovering this captivating and little-visited corner of Jordan.
Day 8 AJLOUN
Enjoying another wonderful RSCN activity today, you’ll visit an organic farm to meet the farmers and learn more about the process of organic farming and its benefits. Taking part in some of the daily activities, you may get a chance to feed the goats or perhaps try your hand at 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 under the expert tutelage of a local artist.
Day 9 AJLOUN – SALT – DANA
Leaving the hills and orchards of Ajloun behind, you travel next to the pleasant Ottoman town of Salt. Explore its historic and narrow winding streets lined with the houses of Ottoman merchants, the most beautiful of which is Abu Jaber’s mansion, whose fine frescoed ceilings can trace their origins back to the late 19th/early 20th centuries. 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. After a chance to visit its shop, which helps to fund the project, you’ll then continue your journey to the Dana Nature Reserve. Around a three hour journey, Dana was the first Nature Reserve in Jordan and can boast an area of spectacular wadis and views.
Day 10 DANA - FEYNAN
Set deep in the mountains of the Dana Reserve, the Feynan Ecolodge has been described as one of the best ecolodges anywhere in the world. Entirely solar-powered, with natural ventilation and water supplied from a local spring, it sits in the heart of perfect hiking country. An array of trails, along with a picnic lunch, provide the ideal ingredients for a day of exploration and scenic majesty. Home to local Bedouin, the surrounding countryside celebrates more than 200 species of birds and, in season, a profusion of wild flowers.
Day 11 IN AND AROUND FEYNAN
Enjoy a free day to relax or make the most of the wonderful activities made available by the eco-lodge.
Day 12 JORDAN TRAIL HIKE (FEYNAN – GHBOUR WHEDAT)
An early start sees you being transferred by road to the trailhead of today's challenging hike. Leaving the stony ‘hamada' desert behind, you begin your steep ascent across rocks and small boulders which eventually leads you up into the mountains through a narrow and dramatic valley, offering stunning views eastwards towards the Wadi Araba Desert, well worth the climb! From here you can enjoy the descent into the dry river valley which leads you through dry wadis and indistinct cols. Be sure to look out for the elusive ibex along the way. Wadi floor is soon replaced by pale sandstone mountains as you make your way ever closer to Petra's dramatic escarpment location. This evening you can enjoy a sheltered wild camping spot, offering some of the best night skies in the world.
Day 13 JORDAN TRAIL HIKE (GHBOUR WHEDAT - LITTLE PETRA)
Today we leave the wilderness of the desert ravines and walk through a gentler terrain of open sandstone hills, interspersed with patches of agricultural land tended by the Bedouin. The rocks here have eroded into distinctive clusters of white domes, especially as you get close to Beida, or Little Petra, an outlying suburb of the ancient city. You’ll get a chance to wander round the carved temples and facades of Little Petra in the afternoon before a short walk to a permanent camp in a secluded valley. The campsite has a generator providing enough electricity for you to enjoy a hot shower, and to recharge your camera batteries for tomorrow’s walk into Petra.
Day 14 JORDAN TRAIL HIKE (LITTLE PETRA - PETRA)
Today’s hike brings you into Petra via a spectacular but little-known Bedouin trail through the mountains. You’ll begin with a couple of hours’ walk across open farmland before the path begins to contour around the mountain, following natural ledges of pale 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. After wandering through the temples and tombs you will leave through another secret slot canyon (‘the Dark Siq’) before turning back towards Petra and following the main siq for the classic entry into the city. This brings you out at Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. This option 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. Finally, in the last light, we leave Petra and walk back down the siq towards the main gate of Petra.
Day 15 Petra - Madaba: Mosaic cities
This morning will be free to explore further independently or relax at your hotel after your exciting hike. Your driver will then pick you up and take you to the mosaic town of Madaba stopping en route to view the fabulous and much lesser-known mosaics at Umm Ar Rasas. The site was originally a Roman garrison town but grew very wealthy in the Byzantine period, from when the finest of these mosaics date. In Madaba visit St Georges Church to see the 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land.
Day 16 Madaba - Amman Airport: Depart
This morning your driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Amman airport in time for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Al Asef House, Ajloun
The oldest house in the Ajloun Valley and once a landmark for traders, the Al Asef house is 180 years old and has four en suite rooms. Fully renovated, the rooms are simple and traditional with views of the garden and mountains. The small dining room serves traditional food and there is the option of eating in the original cave dining room as well as sitting out on the roof top cafe. Guests can walk in the beautiful valley, stroll in the gardens or maybe help with the fruit and olive picking in the nearby orchards.
La Locanda Boutique Hotel, Amman
La Locanda Boutique Hotel is Jordan's first 'themed', boutique hotel. Nestled in Jebel Al Weibdeh, the cultural heart of Amman, it's a great place to integrate into the city. Here you’ll find a warm, friendly welcome and 11 cosy, music-themed rooms. 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 its architectural character. As well as the hotel itself, the surrounding area also has unique architecture to enjoy, reflecting the cultural and historical identity of Amman. The hotel offers a pleasant mix of modern amenities and traditional architectural roots, making it a enjoyable base from which to explore the capital.
Petra Moon Hotel, Petra
Less than a hundred metres from the entrance gates of Petra, is the simple Petra Moon Hotel with fifty rooms spread over five floors. The soundproofed rooms are spacious and classically-styled, each with their own balcony, and include all standard four-star amenities. From the rooftop terrace guests can enjoy views of the surrounding mountain ranges comprising the eastern side of the Arabah valley. Facilities on the garden rooftop terrace include a seasonal outdoor pool, along with a restaurant serving Jordanian food.
Wild Camping, Petra
There's nothing quite like wild camping in the middle of the desert, where the red rocky landscape is set on fire by the sunsets, only to then be soothed by the cool blanket of the glimmering night sky. Your camp will be set up by an expert team who will provide all your necessary camping equipment, including tents, thin mattresses and pillows, as well as some delicious freshly-cooked meals by the fire. We recommend guests bring their own sleeping bag.
Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp, Petra
The family-run Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp offers comfortable accommodation in a priceless location. The fixed Bedouin tents sit in the sheltered rock valley of Little Petra, offering the unique privilege of experiencing the warmth of Bedouin hospitality in one of the most historically significant and physically beautiful locations in the world. Guests are greeted by their local hosts, and can enjoy a cosy night's sleep in their private fixed tent, which offers small but comfortable real beds. Washing and toilet facilities are shared but extremely adequate, housed in a separate and well-maintained building. The communal area welcomes you with an open fire and delicious home-cooked food, and guests can make the most of the magnificent night skies as they settle in for the evening.
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 Ecolodge, 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.
Azraq Lodge, Azraq Wetland Reserve
Originally a British military hospital, Azraq Lodge is a now a comfortable lodge and is the best accommodation option when visiting Azraq Wetland Reserve. The 16 rooms are simply decorated in a 1940s style, and feature private balconies, air conditioning and en suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy local dishes which are served in the restaurant. This is a clean and comfortable option without the frills but a good base from which to explore this unique and less-visited area.
Beit Al Baraka, Umm Qais
This lovely guesthouse offers enviable views of Golan Heights with personable service and locally sourced food. Gain an insight into village life through wonderful activities such as home cooking classes, harvesting olives (seasonal) and basket weaving workshops. For the more active, there are hiking and cycling excursions. The guesthouse and activities have been set up by Baraka Destinations, an initiative that brings sustainable tourism to this remote and less-frequented village. Most of the ingredients served at the guesthouse are locally sourced, creating a delicious, fresh menu of Middle Eastern delicacies. The bedrooms are simply designed using hand crafted beds and rugs and feature shared bathroom facilities. After exploring the ancient site of Gadara, only a short walk away, grab a book in the lounge area and read by the fireplace or watch the sunset over the mountains from the rooftop terrace.
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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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
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.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.
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
OTHER ITINERARIES IN JORDAN
Check out our group tours in Jordan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Jordan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Jordan