Active Jordan in Style

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.



Accommodation: Centro Mada by Rotana

After breakfast, we are transported back in time with a tour of the Roman ruins at Jerash.



The day continues at pace, with a hike through the Ajloun Forest Reserve, a haven for roe deer, wild boar and grey wolves. Along the way, we stop at the Soap House to see how local women make Orjan soap from olive oil and herbs. At the House of Calligraphy, we write our names in Arabic letters. Then sample local delicacies at the Biscuit House. Tonight, we check into cabins for a night in peaceful forest surroundings.



Accommodation: Ajloun Forest Cabins

Leaving Ajloun after breakfast, we travel south through desert landscapes and stunning canyons and try local mint tea with spectacular views. Along the way, we stop in Madaba and at Mount Nebo. We visit St George’s Church in the centre of Madaba. After admiring the church’s mosaic floor, considered the oldest map of Palestine in existence, we make the short drive to Mount Nebo. From this 2,295ft (700m) high viewpoint overlooking the Dead Sea to Palestine and Israel beyond, Moses is said to have first seen the Promised Land. There are more impressive mosaics here.



We continue our drive to Wadi Musa, the gateway to the mystical ancient city of Petra. Tonight, there’s the option of trying a Turkish bath. Otherwise, settle into the Movenpick Nabatean Castle and enjoy views of the Rift Valley from this fortress-style hotel.



Accommodation: Movenpick Nabatean castle

We’re up before dawn this morning to see Petra before the peak tourist hours. We start by walking through the Siq, a stunning canyon that leads to the ancient city. We see the Treasury, an imposing ancient tomb, then it’s upwards to the High Place of Sacrifice for fantastic views over Petra. Heading down the mountain on another route, we stop for tea at the Garden Tomb then hike through Wadi Farasa to our picnic lunch stop. Hidden high in the hills is another legendary monument, the Monastery. To get there we climb 850 stone steps – the views are worth the effort. After, it is time to wind back along the city streets passing the Royal Tombs and the 2,000-year-old Nabataean Theatre, carved out of the mountainside. Finally, we return to the Siq. Your time in Petra is sure to be a day you will never forget.



Accommodation: Movenpick Nabatean Castle

Today we head to Wadi Rum, a desert characterised by deep-red sands and a Mars-like landscape. After checking into our luxury camp, we take a jeep safari into the vastness. We arrive at the right spot just in time for sunset, then return to camp for dinner.



Accommodation: Saraya Camp Wadi Rum (or similar)

Take an early morning camel ride across the desert and commit the last of the captivating views to memory before the hour-long drive to the Red Sea. The rest of the day is spent in Aqaba, a small coastal town where we can relax on the beach and snorkel over a coral reef.



Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton

After breakfast, we head to the 15th-century village of Dana for a hike in the biosphere reserve. We have lunch before continuing to the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth (1,415ft/431m below sea level, to be exact). Take time to enjoy the resort facilities but don’t miss the experience of floating in the Dead Sea. The high salt content makes swimming impossible but it’s perfect for floating and letting your skin soak in the mineral-rich mud.



Accommodation: Hilton Dead Sea Resort

Depending on the time of year, we do one or other of the following walks today.



April to October: Wadi Mujib Siq Trail



This morning, we hike the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, which runs parallel to the Dead Sea. We wade and scramble through a gorge to reach a dramatic waterfall. If we’re lucky, we might spot Nubian ibex. The final afternoon is yours to unwind, maybe treat yourself to a spa treatment or another soak in the Dead Sea. This trail is dependent on weather conditions and water levels in the wadi.



November to March: Ibex Trail



This trail begins along the Dead Sea Highway then ascends into the Wadi Mujib Reserve. Heading south, it runs parallel to the Dead Sea, which provides a blue backdrop throughout the hike. We cross some dry wadis to the Raddas Rangers Station where there may be a chance of sighting Nubian ibex. A further hour takes us back to where we began at the visitor centre. Overall, the walk should take around four hours.



Accommodation: Hilton Dead Sea Resort

After breakfast, a transfer will return you (reluctantly, most likely) to the airport.