Jordanian Adventure

After breakfast, depart for Jordan’s eastern desert to visit the Umayyad Desert Castles. First, explore Quseir Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an 8th-century royal retreat. Its frescoes, depicting hunting scenes, musicians, and zodiac constellations, highlight early Islamic art. Next, visit the Azraq Wetland Reserve, a vital oasis and sanctuary for migratory birds. Walk the boardwalk trails and enjoy the peaceful wetlands. Continue to Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, established to protect endangered species like the Arabian Oryx and Houbara Bustards. Learn about conservation efforts as you explore the reserve’s enclosures. Afterward, return to Amman.

After breakfast at your hotel, journey north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. A member of the Decapolis, Jerash is often called the "Pompeii of the East" due to its remarkable state of preservation. Walk through its magnificent ruins, including grand colonnaded streets, two theaters, Byzantine churches, the impressive Temple of Zeus, the majestic Temple of Artemis, and an ornate Nymphaeum. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Roman civilization as you explore this ancient city. After your Jerash tour, continue to Ajloun for a guided 2-3 hour walk through the serene Jordanian highlands. Wander through Al Ayoun, a picturesque valley of olive groves, orchards, and limestone cliffs. Starting at a scenic viewpoint in Rasun, explore Bronze Age dolmens, a Roman wine press, and lush woodlands. The trail leads to Orjan, where you’ll enjoy a refreshing cup of tea before walking on a farm track, following the stream down the valley to an abandoned water mill. In the late afternoon return to Amman.

After breakfast, depart Amman for Madaba, the City of Mosaics. Visit Saint George’s Church to see the oldest mosaic map of the Holy Land. Madaba is renowned for its Byzantine mosaics adorning churches and historical sites. Next, head to Mount Nebo, the alleged burial site of Moses, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Jerusalem. Visit the Byzantine church, featuring mosaics of hunting and pastoral life. Continue south to Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest protected area, rich in biodiversity. Spanning 320 square kilometers, it’s home to 700 plant species, 190 birds, and rare animals like the Sand Cat and Syrian Wolf. Upon arrival, check in at the Dana Guesthouse, an eco-friendly retreat. Free time to explore the reserve’s hiking trails and scenic views of its dramatic landscapes.

After breakfast, embark on a 5.5-hour trek from Dana to Feynan. The journey begins with an 800-meter (2,650-foot) descent, offering stunning panoramic views of the rugged terrain. Once the descent ends, the path levels out, leading you through a peaceful valley surrounded by the towering Dana Mountains. Stop for a scenic wilderness lunch (lunch box provided) before continuing to Wadi Feynan, where you’ll be welcomed at Feynan Eco-Lodge, one of the world’s top eco-lodges. This sustainable retreat blends seamlessly with nature, using solar power and candlelight for illumination. With minimal light pollution, Feynan is also a prime destination for stargazing. Spend the night embracing the tranquil atmosphere of this off-the-grid eco-lodge.

Today's 16-kilometer trek (8 hours including sightseeing) follows a spectacular yet little-known Bedouin trail, offering a unique and breathtaking approach to Petra. The hike begins with a few hours of walking across open farmland, gradually transitioning into eroded sandstone terrain. As you ascend, the Great Rift Valley unfolds before you, with sweeping panoramas of the dramatic desert landscape. After an hour’s descent, you will arrive at one of Petra’s most awe-inspiring monuments—the Monastery (Ad Deir). This massive rock-cut façade is even larger than the famous Treasury, standing as a testament to the skill of the Nabataeans. Take time to rest, sip traditional Bedouin tea, and explore the surrounding ruins before continuing your journey. Descending the Nabataean processional steps, you enter Petra’s heart, passing ancient temples, royal tombs, and hidden chambers. The adventure continues through a secret slot canyon, the Dark Siq, before emerging at Petra’s most famous landmark, The Treasury (El Khazneh)—a truly unforgettable sight. In the afternoon depart Petra and journey to Wadi Rum, Jordan’s magical desert landscape. As the sun sets, witness the rock formations and sand shift from golden hues to deep red, creating an otherworldly spectacle. As night falls, the Bedouins prepare a welcoming fire and a traditional feast under the vast, starlit sky. Dinner and an overnight stay at a desert camp, where the silence and beauty of Wadi Rum create an unparalleled experience.

After breakfast, embark on a 4WD tour through the stunning Wadi Rum desert. First, visit Jebel Um Fruth and take a 30-minute walk to explore a rock arch. For a thrill, climb to the top for panoramic views. Continue to Abu Khashaba Canyon, where a 30-minute walk takes you through dramatic eroded cliffs. Afterward, ride to Jebel Burda for a short walk to the summit and its famous rock bridge. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the foot of the mountain, sipping Bedouin tea. Afterward, pass Lawrence House and ancient rock inscriptions, then stop at a large sand dune to climb and run down its soft sands. Return to camp for a breathtaking desert sunset, followed by a delicious Bedouin dinner. Spend another unforgettable night under the stars in Wadi Rum.

After a breakfast at the camp, depart Wadi Rum and drive towards the Dead Sea, one of the most unique places on Earth. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel, and spend the afternoon floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea. The high salinity allows you to effortlessly float, offering a truly relaxing experience. Historically, the Dead Sea region was famous for its natural beauty and resources. Cleopatra is said to have used balsam plants from the area to create perfumes that bewitched men, applying the fragrance to her ankles to make them fall to their knees. Take in the serene surroundings and unwind in the therapeutic waters before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay by the Dead Sea.

Transfer to Amman Airport for departure flight. Our local team will assist you with your departure formalities. MAA AL SLAMAH

• 24/7 local operator support in Jordan
• Meet and assist prior to immigration with Jordanian visa on arrival (valid for NZ and Australian passport holders)
• 9-nights’ accommodation in hotels, lodges and desert camp
• Breakfast daily
• 2 lunches (one lunch box in Dana and a picnic lunch in Wadi Rum)
• 4 dinners
• Daily mineral water inside the vehicle.
• Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
• Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned car with English-speaking driver
• Private English-speaking guide throughout
• Full day trekking in Wadi Rum including sliding on the sand
• Short horse ride inside Petra
• Bedouin jeep tour ride for 2-hours in Wadi Rum
• Entrance fees as mentioned in the program
• VAT taxes
• Jordan Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares

• Meals other than those specified

• Optional tours and excursions

• Porterage

• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)

• Personal Expenses

• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)

• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above