- All breakfasts and two dinners
- All accommodation (see accommodation section)
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers
9 Days from £999
Jordan is an ideal destination for a one-week adventure. Bursting with things to see and do, this trip includes the best of what this magnificent country has to offer, visiting all the major sites of interest. We will have two full days to explore Petra and take a guided visit around Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. We’ll float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and snorkel (optional) over the beautiful coral reefs of the Red Sea. We will also experience the fabulous desert scenery at Wadi Rum, taking a four-wheel-drive vehicle into the more remote regions, and camp out like the Bedouin.
KEY INFORMATION
Accomodation / Hotels
Food
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Welcome to Amman, the capital and largest city in Jordan. We’ll gather at the hotel today for a welcome briefing – your first chance to meet the group and the tour leader.
Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe or similar
This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the 10 wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets (which remarkably have the drains still intact), two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around, we head back to Amman for a city tour, which takes in the Citadel, Roman amphitheatre and the old city.
Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a long driving day down the King’s Highway which takes us up and down huge wadis (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route, including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mount t Nebo, and the magnificent fortified town of Kerak. Further south we reach Petra – Jordan’s premier historic site and one of the most outstanding ancient cities in the world.
Accommodation: Edom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy two days exploring Petra. The so-called Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BCE. Building at Petra began in the third century BCE and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock – beautiful red-and-yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades, which glow in the sunlight.
To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq. Unveiled at the end is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the city centre, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. An optional walk can then be done up 750 steps to El Deir, the Monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn.
On the second day, your guide will take you into the site for either a hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice or for free time to explore the city further. Only a few people attempt to visit the High Place as it can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness or are uncomfortable with heights. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day.
Accommodation: Edom Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.
We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.
You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).
Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm all requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
All breakfasts, two dinners. The dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and the Dead Sea resort.
When not half board, we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around 20 Jordanian dinars (US$28) per person for non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling vegetarian choice. There is a good choice of seafood available when at the Red Sea. At the Wadi Rum camp, we enjoy a traditional dinner called zarb which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately from the meat.
Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F) in the day and down to 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely, but protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (89F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.
Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30C (86F), though it can get as high as 40C (104F). At night it is usually cooler (30C/86F). In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50C) during the day. In the evening, it can hit freezing. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety.
Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible.
The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14C (57F) in winter up to 37C (98F) in summer months. The water temperature however doesn’t drop below 20C (68F).
As with many countries in the world, seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.
Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. To do the optional 850 steps up to the monastery or the climb to the High Place of Sacrifice, you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader can provide you with further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to visit the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo, as there are some very steep, narrow steps and cliffs.
The leader always accompanies anyone doing this option. While camping in Wadi Rum please be aware that although the campsite does have plumbed toilets and showers, it is basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is, however, often a highlight for guests. In very rare instances, where local conditions require, we may need to amend the order of the itinerary. We will ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.
Please note, Ramadan is expected to run from 22 March-21 April 2023 and 10 March-10 April 2024.
One of the most important events in the Muslim calendar, it is a special time to visit Jordan. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, before refilling with an air of festivity upon their return.
Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time, so we continue to run trips. Please be aware, however, that their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Tourist sites are still open, but may close earlier than usual. Restaurants may close during the day, but this is accounted for in meal arrangements for your group. Shops are typically open, though their hours may vary and they will definitely be closed during the breaking of the fast.
Your leader will know how timings need to be adapted to allow all the trip inclusions to run during Ramadan. To fully enjoy your holiday experience at this unique time of year, we suggest patience and flexibility.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.
Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.
We use premium four/five-star hotels (Egyptian classification) on a twin-share basis. We typically stay at the Basma Hotel in Aswan. It is located on the East Bank on Aswan’s highest hill, directly opposite the Nubian museum. All the rooms have balconies with views of the Nile or the surrounding desert. The facilities in the rooms and in the hotel itself are excellent, including a choice of bars and restaurants, a huge swimming pool and all set amid well-maintained gardens. In Cairo we generally use the Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel. Set in a landscaped garden it offers stunning views over the pyramids.
Cruise boat
We sail the Nile on the M/S Nile Style or a similar cruise boat. Facilities include a swimming pool, sundeck, gift shop, restaurant and lounge bar. Each of the 77 en suite cabins is fully air-conditioned and has a TV. Wifi is also available (though the strength of it in the cabins can be weak). The ship has five decks, is 72 metres long and 14 metres wide. In common with all Nile cruises, ships moor up side by side at night meaning that you may only have a view of the river from your cabin while sailing.
Additional Accommodation
Can be arranged in Cairo pre or post tour. Please speak to a consultant at the time of booking if you would like additional accommodation.
Michael Downey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewed December 2022
The Best Trip
Where to begin with all the superlatives of this trip……..from all the details that Exodus takes care of from the moment you step off the plane until the moment you step back on. They’ve thought of it all!! From authentic experiences, the places you visit, and people you meet, it cannot be beat. Each spot we visited was the perfect amount of time to spend at it with plenty of time to explore. If you go on this trip and are lucky to have Amer as your guide, it only enhances an already fantastic experience. His knowledge, passion, personality and fun-loving nature made this a trip I will never forget!