Jordan Rediscovered
10 Days Starting and ending in Amman, Jordan
Visiting: Madaba, Jerash, Ajloun, Karak, Dana Nature Reserve, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Amman
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3710
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
- Discover the hot and cold springs of Hammamat Ma'in
- Explore Jerash and Madaba
- Hike through rural villages and enjoy a freshly picked traditional meal in an orchard
- Trek through the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Admire the beauty of Petra and Little Petra
- Dine with a local Bedouin family
- Spend a night under the stars in Wadi Rum
- Float in the Dead Sea
Rediscover the Kingdom of Jordan as you explore ruined Roman cities, elaborate Crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites.
Journey through the timeless desert and sleep under a blanket of stars as you learn the Bedouins way of life. Trek through some of Jordan's lesser known landscapes to witness the raw natural beauty of a country bursting with the history of ancient civilisations.
Venture on foot through the heart of the mountainous Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to one of the top eco-lodges in the world, where you can witness first hand the efforts of the partnership between EcoHotels and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, who are devoted to the protection of the Kingdom’s finest natural landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Amman To Madaba
Location: Madaba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hotel Madaba or similar
Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Madaba. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
The welcoming town of Madaba is a market town best known for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics. The most famous is the mosaic map found on the floor of St Georges Church which you will check out tomorrow.
Spend the afternoon exploring the lively streets on foot, with shops offering everything from pots and pans, shoes and fresh vegetables, to skinned goats!
Meals
N/A
Accommodation
Overnight Grand Hotel Madaba or similar
Services
Airport transfer
Travel time and distance
Amman Airport to hotel: Approx. 21 km/ 28 mins drive
Day 2 - Mt Nebo – Hammamat Ma’In – Jerash
Location: Jerash
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ajloun Cabins or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
St. George’s Church
After breakfast, visit the renowned 6th-century mosaic map of Palestine located in St. George’s Church. This historic map offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient cartography.
Mt. Nebo
Next, head to Mt. Nebo, the site where Prophet Moses is believed to have gazed upon the Promised Land before his death. It is also reputed to be his burial place, making it a site of great historical and religious significance.
Hammamat Ma’in
Continue to Hammamat Ma’in, an exceptional natural site in Jordan. The area is famous for its mineral-rich waters, which feed 109 hot and cold springs in the valley. These waters originate from winter rainfall in the highland plains, creating a unique and rejuvenating environment.
Jerash
Your final destination for the day is Jerash, a prime example of a Roman provincial city in the Middle East. Explore the impressive forum, the Roman colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum, and the Temple of Artemis, which showcase the grandeur of Roman architecture and urban planning.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
2 nights in Ajloun Cabins or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Mt. Nebo to Hammamat Ma’in: 40 km/ Approx. 50 mins.
Hammamat Ma’in to Jerash: 85 km/ Approx. 1.5 hrs drive
Day 3 - Ajloun Forest Reserve (Orjan Trail) – Ajloun Castle
Location: Ajloun
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ajloun Cabins or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Orjan Village and Surrounds
Following breakfast, set off on a scenic 12km hike through wooded valleys to the verdant orchards of Orjan Village. Experience the rural charm and witness traditional rural life. The trail begins alongside a natural spring, framed by poplar trees, providing a striking contrast to the arid mountains. As you hike, pass dramatic rock walls and historic water mills that were once essential for grinding seeds.
Enjoy a traditional meal in the orchard, featuring fresh figs, pomegranates, apples, and apricots, harvested right from the trees. In the afternoon, delve into history with a visit to the impressive 12th-century Islamic castle, built around 1184/85 by the renowned Islamic leader Salah al-Din.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Accommodation
Ajloun Cabins or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Ajloun Cabins to Orjan Village12 km (hiking distance)Approx. 3-4 hours (hiking time)
Day 4 - Roe Deer Trail – Karak Castle
Location: Karak
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dana Guest House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning Trail
Begin your day with a leisurely 2km loop trail departing from your accommodation. The trail offers stunning views over the reserve and an opportunity to discover an old stone wine press. Keep a lookout for roe deer, which are active in the early morning hours.
Travel to Karak
After your morning adventure, return to your accommodation for a freshen up. Then, embark on a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours from northern to southern Jordan.
Karak Castle
Arrive in Karak to explore the renowned Crusader Castle, constructed in 1132/34 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem. The castle’s rich history and impressive architecture are sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Dana Guest House or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Ajloun Cabins to Karak Castle: Approx. 140 km/3 hrs drive
Karak Castle to Dana Hotel: Approx. 80 km/ 1.5 hrs drive
Day 5 - Wadi Dana Trail
Location: Dana Nature Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Fenyan Eco Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dana Nature Reserve
Today, you will set out on foot through the Dana Nature Reserve, characterised by a chain of valleys and mountains extending from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. You will hike for approximately 6 hours (14 km), passing through beautiful sandstone gorges.
Feynan
This hike brings you downhill to Feynan, where copper was mined 3000 years ago. Enjoy an overnight stay in Feynan Eco Lodge, where you will experience the enchanting world of authentic Bedouin hospitality and natural beauty deep in the heart of the mountainous Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Feynan Eco Lodge
Hailed as one of the best 25 ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the award-winning, solar-powered Feynan Eco Lodge offers the most developed eco-experience in Jordan. This experience is made possible by a unique partnership between EcoHotels and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a Jordanian NGO devoted to protecting the Kingdom’s finest natural landscapes. Explore local archaeological sites or simply relax and unwind in the serene courtyards and terraces of the candle-lit complex, knowing that your travels in Jordan are socially and environmentally responsible.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Fenyan Eco Lodge or similar
(Feynan Eco Lodge offers various activities, some are free of charge, and others can be paid directly to the lodge with all funds going to the local Bedouins in Feynan. You will be advised upon check-in what is available today.)
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Dana Nature Reserve to Feynan: 42 km / 1.5 hrs drive
Day 6 - Petra
Location: Petra
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Petra Guest House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fenyan Eco Lodge
This morning, enjoy a leisurely start and take advantage of any of the scheduled activities available at Fenyan Eco Lodge for an additional cost.
Petra – The Red Rose City
Later, transfer to Petra, Jordan’s iconic red rose city. Established around the 6th century B.C. by the Nabataean Arabs, Petra was the heart of a vast commercial empire extending into Syria. With your guide, you will journey through the stunning canyon known as the Siq and marvel at Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. Continue along the Street of Facades to explore the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh’s Castle. Your guide will bid you farewell at the restaurant area, giving you the opportunity to wander through Petra’s streets at your own pace before retracing your steps to the entrance.
Evening Bedouin Experience
This evening, immerse yourself in traditional Jordanian culture with a warm Bedouin family. Enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring local dishes such as Maqlouba or Mansaf, with options for vegetarian and special diets available. Learn about the daily life and traditions of the local people for an authentic Jordanian experience.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight at Petra Guest House or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Fenyan Eco Lodge to Petra – The Red Rose City: Approx. 120 km/ 2.5 hrs drive
Petra – The Red Rose City to Bedouin: Approx. 20 km/ 30 mins drive
Day 7 - High Place & Wadi Farasa - Little Petra
Location: Petra
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Little Petra Seven Wonders Desert Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It is now time to see Petra from above! Early this morning, your guide will lead you on foot to the Al Madras area, where you will see the upper and lower halves of a single monument, the Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium and the Roman Theatre from above. Continue to the High Place of Sacrifice, and pass the Roman Soldier Tomb via Wadi Farasa to Qasr Al Bint. From here, walk back via the regular trail through the Siq to the entrance of Petra.
The terrain on this hike is uneven, with a lot of ‘stairs’ to climb. You must also not be afraid of heights.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight at Little Petra Seven Wonders Desert Camp or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Petra Guest House to Petra’s High Points (including Al Madras area, Obelisk Tomb, Bab as-Siq Triclinium, Roman Theatre, High Place of Sacrifice, Roman Soldier Tomb, Wadi Farasa, and Qasr Al Bint): Approx. 6.5 kilometres (4 miles)/ 3 to 4 hours (including stops for exploration and sightseeing)
Day 8 - Wadi Rum
Location: Wadi Rum
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Rum Stars Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exploring Petra and Little Petra
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a memorable hike through Petra. Your journey will take you to some of Petra’s most iconic sites, including the Treasury, the Amphitheatre, and the Monastery (El Deir).
Little Petra
Begin with a visit to Little Petra, a miniature version of the grand Petra site. Despite its smaller scale, it was once a vital suburb of Petra, accessible through a narrow entrance reminiscent of the Siq. Here, you’ll find tombs, temples, and remnants of water channels and cisterns carved into the rock. Notable is the frescoed cave representing grape vines, highlighting the area’s role in wine production. The Siq Al Barid, or the “Cold Canyon,” showcases the Nabataean irrigation system with its rock-carved channels and reservoirs.
Back Trail Trek to Baida
Embark on a trek along a lesser-known trail crossing mountain ridges to the Baida region. This demanding hike, part of the Jordan Trail, offers spectacular views of the Rift Valley of Wadi Araba and the intriguing landscape of Little Petra. Expect rugged wadis, breathtaking scenery, and archaeological monuments reflecting Jordan’s rich history. A moderate fitness level is required for this trek, which typically takes a minimum of 5 hours.
Wadi Rum Desert Adventure
In the afternoon, drive approximately 1.5 hours to the protected area of Wadi Rum, renowned for its striking desert landscapes. Explore the vast desert in a 4×4 vehicle with a Bedouin driver, witnessing the rugged terrain, changing colours of the sands, and majestic rock formations. Discover canyons, red sand dunes, Nabatean rock inscriptions, and a natural rock bridge formed over centuries. The area’s serene atmosphere and dramatic scenery have made it a popular filming location for Hollywood.
Arrive at your campsite, Rum Stars Camp, where a delightful dinner awaits, and enjoy a night under the starry desert sky.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch box, Dinner
Accommodation
Overnight Rum Stars Camp or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Little Petra Seven Wonders Desert Camp to Petra and Little Petra: Approx. 10 km/ 30 mins drive
Petra and Little Petra to Back Trail Trek to Baida: Approx. 15 km/ 45 mins drive
Back Trail Trek to Baida to Wadi Rum Desert: Approx. 110 km/ 1.5 hrs drive
Wadi Rum Desert to Rum Stars Camp: Approx. 10 km/ 20 mins drive
Day 9 - Dead Sea & Amman
Location: Dead Sea
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Al Qasr Metropole Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wadi Rum Camel Ride
End your stay in Wadi Rum with a memorable camel ride. Arabian camels, also known as dromedaries, are perfectly adapted to desert life with their single hump and ability to go without water for days. Historically, they were essential for Bedouins and caravan routes across the desert. Riding a camel is easy, with a Bedouin handler guiding you through the experience. Enjoy the unique perspective and leisurely pace as you traverse the stunning landscape of Wadi Rum. After approximately an hour, your camel ride concludes at Rum Village.
Journey to the Dead Sea
From Wadi Rum, embark on a four-hour drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, situated 400 metres below sea level. The Dead Sea has attracted visitors since the time of Herod the Great due to its remarkable therapeutic properties. The area is known for its high temperatures, low humidity, and rich atmospheric oxygen. The Dead Sea is famed for its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic dark mud, which have been used for over 2000 years for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Transfer to Amman
Following your Dead Sea experience, transfer to Amman for the night.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Overnight Al Qasr Metropole Hotel or similar
Services
Private vehicle with English-speaking guide
Travel time and distance
Rum Stars Camp to Wadi Rum Camel Ride: Approx. 10 km/ 10 mins drive
Wadi Rum Camel Ride to the Dead Sea: 330 km/ 4 hrs drive
The Dead Sea to Amman: Approx. 60 km/1-hour drive
Day 10 - Departure
Location: Amman
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours at leisure until it is time for you to be transferred to the airport for your onward destination.
Meals
Breakfast
Services
Airport transfer
Travel time and distance
Al Qasr Hotel to Amman Airport: Approx. 32 km/ 36 mins drive
What's Included
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Return airport transfers
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9 nights accommodation
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9 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners
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Services of an english speaking local guide
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National park fees
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Private air conditioned transportation
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
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Bottled water
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Entrance fees
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Visas
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Travel and medical insurance
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All services, meals other than those indicated above
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Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program.
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All items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides private air-conditioned transportation, including return airport transfers and a 4x4 vehicle for desert exploration.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
Accommodations include stays at the Grand Hotel Madaba, Ajloun Cabins, Dana Guest House, Fenyan Eco Lodge, Petra Guest House, Little Petra Seven Wonders Desert Camp, Rum Stars Camp, and Al Qasr Metropole Hotel, or similar options.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking local guide are included throughout the tour.
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What activities are included in the Wadi Rum visit?
In Wadi Rum, you will explore the desert in a 4x4 vehicle with a Bedouin driver, witnessing the rugged terrain, changing sands, and rock formations. You will also enjoy a camel ride and spend a night under the stars at Rum Stars Camp.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Petra?
The highlight of the visit to Petra includes a guided journey through the Siq to see the Treasury, exploring the Royal Tombs, and experiencing a traditional Bedouin dinner with a local family.
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What can I expect during the hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve?
The hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve is approximately 6 hours long, covering 14 km through beautiful sandstone gorges, ending at the Feynan Eco Lodge.
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What is unique about the Feynan Eco Lodge?
Feynan Eco Lodge is an award-winning, solar-powered ecolodge offering an eco-experience in Jordan, with activities that support local Bedouins and conservation efforts.
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What is the significance of the Dead Sea visit?
The Dead Sea visit offers a chance to experience its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic mud, known for their anti-inflammatory benefits, at the lowest point on earth.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.
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What sort of transportation is used for your tours?
Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels
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Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?
Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.
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What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?
Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.
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Who do your tours cater for?
Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.
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I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?
Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au
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Low Deposit
Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.