One Week in Jordan

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Amman. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm, but until then, you’re free to hit the streets. Why not make a beeline for Rainbow Street for a falafel and a shisha – it’s what the locals do! For something more substantial, maybe have a cultured afternoon at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts or sweat it out in a hammam.

After your meeting, why not get a group together and head out for the night – your trip leader will know all the best bars and restaurants.

This morning, take a walking tour with your leader around Amman, beginning at the hilltop Citadel, then following the edge of the walls down into town to the Roman Theatre. Maybe stop in at some nut shops or a souq for some snacks along the way. Next, embark on an interactive walking tour where you’ll get to know a different side of the city. Visit some of Amman’s oldest neighbourhoods and hear stories from the local hip-hop community including break dancers, beatboxers and street artists who will share the challenges, successes and life experiences they’ve faced here in Amman. After lunch, drive to Wadi Rum. When you arrive, you'll meet your Bedouin hosts, who'll show you around camp and offer you many rounds of ‘Bedouin whisky’ (mint tea), so settle in for a night of traditional hospitality.

This evening, you'll be dining on traditional cuisine and sleeping in Bedouin-style tents. If you choose, you can even sleep in the open air, surrounded by the Mars-like mountains in the background. Fall asleep under a desert blanket of an undisturbed night sky, rich with stars.

You might like to wake up early to take in the sunrise – Wadi Rum rarely looks as fine as in the early morning. Have breakfast at camp, then it’s time to head on a 4WD safari. Jump in one of the jeeps and begin driving around the curious landscapes, passing by Lawrence Spring – a rocky landscape contrasted by a freshwater spring with panoramic views over the valley. You’ll also stop at Lawrence House – supposedly the house where Lawrence of Arabia lived and stored his equipment. Continue to one of the largest sand dunes in Wadi Rum and check out some of the famous rock bridges. The deserts around Wadi Rum have got a real otherworldly feel to them, and many Hollywood blockbusters have been shot in and around the places you’ll visit today. You’ll also go on a hike with a local Bedouin guide, stopping along the way for a traditional Jordanian lunch that you’ll help prepare. This might include kofta – a seasoned minced meat dish served with veggies and fresh salad. After, return to your camp and enjoy a second night of Bedouin hospitality.

Today, farewell your Bedouin hosts and journey to Petra – one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll have two full days to explore Petra and its surrounds, so be sure to take your time. Take a guided tour where you’ll learn about its thousands of years of history and the many films that have used this site as a backdrop. You'll get to follow in the footsteps of movie stars as you head through the Siq (a narrow crack in the mountain) to Petra's tombs, temples and rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those wanting to admire the 'rose-red city' from a different angle, there are tons of hikes to do in the area – just ask your leader for the best trails to tackle.

After a day of exploration, the cave bar is a good place to relieve your parched throat and put your feet up.

This evening, you can opt to join a home-cooked dinner where you’ll learn to prepare magloubeh (one of Jordan’s most beloved dishes made up of layers of rice, vegetables and chicken or lamb cooked in a pot, then inverted onto a serving platter).

Today, you’ve got another day to explore Petra at your own pace. Maybe walk the road to Al Khanzneh (the Treasury) – one of the most impressive structures in the whole site. Or, if you didn’t make it yesterday, head up the stairs to El Dier (the Monastery) – this is a decent climb, but well worth it for the views. Other great options today are to hike to the royal tombs or visit the incredible Byzantine mosaics. Your leader will know all the best things to do, so feel free to ask them for help.

This morning after breakfast, drive down the King’s Highway towards Madaba. You’ll stop along the way to check out the famous Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth – where you’ll go for a swim (or float) in its salty waters. If you’re feeling a bit sore after your Petra expedition, the Dead Sea’s mud is known to have healing properties. After, swing past Mt Nebo – the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the 'promised land' and where he's supposedly buried. Arrive in Madaba – the city of mosaics – and take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings.

This afternoon, visit St George’s Church, where you’ll see the intricate mosaic map containing the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem.

Later, maybe head out with the gang for dinner – there are some awesome places to eat in this city and your leader knows all the best spots.

Your Jordan adventure ends in Madaba after breakfast today. There’s plenty more to see and do in Madaba and Amman! If you would like to spend more time here, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.