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Pillars & ruins of the domed audience hall at the Citadel, Amman - Jordan Explorer, Jordan
Pillars & ruins of the domed audience hall at the Citadel, Amman  | Richard I'Anson
The imposing Treasury at Petra is a sight to behold - Jordan Explorer, Jordan
The imposing Treasury at Petra is a sight to behold  | Richard I'Anson
Wadi Rum's desert landscape at sunrise - Jordan Explorer, Jordan
Wadi Rum's desert landscape at sunrise  | Richard I'Anson
Views from Kerak Castle - Jordan Explorer, Jordan
Views from Kerak Castle  | Rachel Imber
The ancient city of Jerash - Jordan Explorer, Jordan
The ancient city of Jerash  | Rachel Imber
The vibrant colour of the salty Dead Sea - Jordan Explorer, Jordan
The vibrant colour of the salty Dead Sea  | Rachel Imber

Jordan Explorer

Explore Jordan's historical sites and geographical wonders

Jordan
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 3 reviews

8 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: JEX
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • Day Walking
  • 4WD jeep tour
Accommodation
  • 5 nights hotel
  • 1 night Bedouin camp
  • 1 night guesthouse
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
2 / 10

Adventure touring

Carbon Footprint  

80kg of CO2-e PP per day

(563kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Enjoy Bedouin hospitality in the dramatic desert landscape of Wadi Rum
  • Visit the magical hidden city of Petra
  • Explore Kerak crusader castle, and the ancient Byzantine mosaics of Mt Nebo and Madaba
  • Take a dip in the Dead Sea
  • Discover the historical ruins of Jerash and Um Qais
  • Revel in the local hospitality whilst cooking a traditional meal

Overview

For such a compact country, Jordan has an overwhelming array of historical sites and geographical features ripe for exploration. From the magical hidden city of Petra where the Queen of Sheba once showered her gifts on King Solomon, to Wadi Rum where Lawrence of Arabia spent time during the Arab Revolt, and from the Dead Sea to the Crusader Castles dotted throughout the country, this journey manages to encompass all of the highlights. Our day walks in Petra take us to the High Place of Sacrifice at sunrise and the Treasury. We visit Madaba and Mt Nebo, from where Moses is said to have seen the 'Promised Land'; and travel the Kings Highway to the prominent crusader castle of Kerak. We visit Jerash, 'the Pompeii of the East', and enjoy cooking a traditional meal with locals at Um Qais. A 4WD journey into the Wadi Rum allows us to spend time among the local Bedouin people and marvel at the changing colours of this dramatic landscape. We return to Amman via the shores of the Red Sea, a fine finale to this all encompassing trip.

Itinerary

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If you are arriving into Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, on Day 1 you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. If you are not arriving on Day 1, please make your own way to the hotel or ask us for private transfer details (additional cost applies). Amman is the capital of Jordan, and was known in biblical times as Rabbath Ammon, and under the Ptolemies, as Philadelphia. It is situated on a series of Jebels (meaning hills) and is divided by wadi’s (or dry river beds) into modern and ancient quarters. Remainder of day at leisure to explore Amman. Please check at hotel reception for the time to meet your guide tomorrow.

Meals: Nil

After breakfast, we drive to Jerash, where we visit one of the largest and best preserved Graeco-Roman ruins in the Middle East. The grandeur of Imperial Rome is evident from the extensive remnants of this ancient city. We then continue to the village of Ajlun with its fortress and magnificent view into the Jordan Valley. Afterwards we will drive north to Um Qais, a city rich with basalt ruins and perched on a hilltop with excellent views overlooking the Jordan Valley, Golan heights and Lake Tiberius (the sea of Galilee). We will enjoy cooking a traditional meal with locals at Beit Khairat Souf. Dinner and overnight local guesthouse.

Meals: B,D

After breakfast we will visit Um Qais Castle, and afterwards transfer to the Desert Castles. We will visit Kharaneh, Qasr Amra, and Azraq. Scattered throughout the black basalt desert these temples stand as testament to the beginnings of Islamic civilisation and are widely considered the most spectacular monuments to early Islamic art. Continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the earth for a swim in its warm salty waters. Free time at leisure. Overnight hotel.

Meals: B

Madaba is best known for its beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the 'Madaba Map', a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. A remarkably well detailed layout of the region which is made up of two million pieces and shows the Nile, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We make a visit to the nearby Mount Nebo, a high hill overlooking the Dead Sea from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Our last stop before Petra is the well preserved crusader castle at Kerak, where we will also have an opportunity to have lunch (own account) in one of the local eating houses. Overnight hotel.

Meals: B

Chief among Jordan's archaeological riches is the soul-stirring, rose-red city of Petra, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. We will approach the city on foot through a 1km long narrow gorge or siq, flanked by towering cliffs. The sudden view of Petra's most spectacular monument, the Khaznah, or Treasury at the end of the Siq, is a dramatic sight. Used in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this towering facade is only the first of Petra's unique structures. Various walks and climbs reveal literally hundreds of buildings, facades, tombs, baths, funerary halls, temples and haunting rock drawing and reliefs. Overnight hotel. Note: Your entry ticket into the city of Petra includes a horse ride into the site and you will have the option to ride a donkey to the end of the Siq. In line with our commitment to animal welfare in tourism we encourage you to walk, rather than ride a horse and donkey. There have been a number of instances where travellers have been upset by the treatment of the horses and donkeys by their handlers.

Meals: B

Our first stop this morning is Beidha, also known as Little Petra. This is the place where the Nabateans used to entertain their guests in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC but it is believed this ancient settlement had its origins in the 11th century BC. After a short visit here we drive south to the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan’s largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. It is a unique valley of colored sand dunes surrounded by beautiful rugged mountains. We enjoy a jeep safari inside the Wadi to our Bedouin campsite and delight in a traditional dinner. NOTE - At the time of booking, there is an option to upgrade to a Martian Dome Tent - additional supplement applies; subject to availability.

Meals: B,D

It takes around an hour to travel to Aqaba and we should reach the seaside resort by mid morning. Around 2 hours have been set aside to relax by the Red Sea, before returning to Amman. Overnight hotel.

Meals: B

Trip arrangements conclude after breakfast. If you are departing Jordan today, you will be transferred to the airport. If you require additional nights in Amman or a private transfer on any other day, please ask your Reservations Consultant for details. Additional cost applies.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

24 scheduled departures between 2 Nov 2026 and 14 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 2 Nov 2026 – ends 9 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 10 Nov 2026 – ends 17 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 23 Nov 2026 – ends 30 Nov 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 1 Dec 2026 – ends 8 Dec 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 7 Dec 2026 – ends 14 Dec 2026 (8 days)
  • Departs 15 Dec 2026 – ends 22 Dec 2026 (8 days)
  • … and 18 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners
  • 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twinshare basis
  • 1 night in local guesthouse on a twinshare basis
  • 1 night in Bedouin camp on a twinshare tent basis (option to upgrade in Wadi Rum to a Martian Dome Tent - additional supplement applies; subject to availability)
  • English speaking local driver
  • English speaking local guides at the major sites visited (English speaking guide throughout for 6 or more guests)
  • airport transfers (day 1 and 8 only)
  • private transport
  • Wadi Rum 4WD tour
  • entrance fees and sightseeing as listed in itinerary

Not included

  • International flights & airport departure taxes
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature, eg laundry, drinks, spending money
  • Visas
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
  • Medical treatment
  • Excess baggage costs
  • Airport transfers if not arriving/ departing on Days 1 & 8

About your guide

Please note that for groups of 2-5 people, you will have a local English-speaking driver only, and local guides at the major sites visited. For groups of 6 or more people, an English-speaking guide will accompany the group throughout, in addition to a local driver.

Reviews (3)

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An excellent trip and experience.

S. Rose|UK
5 Nov 2019
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We are a widely travelled couple of 70 year olds and both the Egypt and Jordan Explorer trips were absolutely amazing and far exceeded our expectations. The guides and drivers were totally professional, exceptionally knowledgeable and looked after us very well. Both trips covered everything on the itinerary and as we had spare time at the start and end of our Egypt section, our guide offered us a few options such as the Bent Pyramid, Alexandria, Dendara Temple and the Cairo Islamic Quarter visit that we gladly took up. All airport meet/greet and transfers went smoothly and the overnight train trip from Aswan to Cairo was a unique experience. We thoroughly recommend World Expeditions, we have travelled with them previously and will most certainly travel with them again.

R & K Switzer|Cremorne Point, NSW
22 Oct 2019
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Our private tour for 2 of us through Jordan for 10 days was fantastic. We saw many of the highlights of this fabulous country and experienced the hospitality of many locals. It is a very safe country to visit despite its location and both our drivers were very informative and helped us to get a better understanding of the country and its people. Everything ran smoothly and I would not hesitate to book another trip - we're just trying to work out our next destination!

S. Baker|Eltham, VIC, Australia

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?
Martian Dome Tent external views from the balcony

Upgrade to a Martian Dome Tent in the Wadi Rum

Stay in futuristic domes that offer amazing stargazing spectacles and a vista of sand dune valleys and rugged mountains. The Martian Dome Tents offer the unique experience of combined luxury and spectacular views. Imagine gazing at the magnificent stars from your own comfortable bed. The living quarters have individual air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and even your very own viewing terrace.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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