A Week in Jordan

Name: A Week in Jordan
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4 (552 reviews)

Award Winning Adventures

Covid Clear Groups

100m rewilded per person

Expert Local Guides

9 Days from

1 679 €

4/5 from

Culture

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Activity Levels :

2 out of 10 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

4 - 20

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AXW

Visit the stunning highlights of Jordan

Jordan is an ideal destination for a one-week adventure. Bursting with things to see and do this trip includes the best of what this magnificent country has to offer, visiting all the major sites of interest. We will have two full days to explore the so called 'rose-red city' of Petra and to take a guided visit around Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. There is time to 'float' in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and snorkel (optional) over the beautiful coral reefs of the Red Sea. We will also experience the fabulous scenery in the desert at Wadi Rum, where we take a 4WD excursion into the more remote regions and camp out like the Bedouin.

Highlights

Discover Petra's secrets, with two full days at the rose-red city
Experience Bedouin life at a desert camp in Wadi Rum
Stroll through the ancient streets of Roman Jerash
Put your feet up and float in the tranquil Dead Sea
Visit Mt Nebo, claimed to be Moses' burial site

Key Information

7 nights 4 - 5 star & comfortable hotels,1 night private desert camp
Travel by air-conditioned bus and 4WD in Wadi Rum
Group normally 4 to 20 plus leader. Min age 16 yrs

Countries visited: Jordan

Whats Included

All breakfasts, 2 dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
Arrival & departure transfers

Whats Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

In Jordan we are very proud to work with a local partner who received the Travelife Partner award in July 2021. Travelife is a certification system dedicated to achieving sustainable practices in the global tourism industry. In order to receive the award our Jordanian partner had to comply with over 100 criteria related to Corporate Social Responsibility. The Travelife standard is formally recognised for full compliance with the UN Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

The use of a local guide means our customers will be well informed about local traditions, and cultural and social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally-owned hotels and restaurants, the emphasis on eating locally produced food and support of other local enterprise.
The hotels we stay in are dedicated to hiring local staff, this helps to benefit the surrounding community by providing employment opportunities and income alternatives where they may be otherwise hard to come by.
This trip stays one night in Wadi Rum desert at the Exodus Private camp which is owned and managed by a local Bedouin family. This not only provides a source of income for the family but is a wonderful opportunity for our guests to interact with local people and share aspects of their traditions.
In Wadi Rum we also do a jeep safari which provides another source of income for local people.
This tour encourages guests to visit local cafes and restaurants and use markets to purchase traditional crafts.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
On this trip we visit 8 national heritage sites and the entrance fees included generates income which is used for the upkeep and development of these important monuments and nature parks.
Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices with regard to working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
In Petra we do not recommend that guests ride horses or mules as we are not convinced their treatment is in line with industry-leading animal welfare guidelines.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste, for example eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles and instead providing refills for re-usable bottles.
It is standard practise in Jordan to distribute left-over restaurant food to people in need.
Where possible on this trip paper bags are used as an alternative to single-use plastics.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
The Exodus Private camp in Wadi Rum uses solar power.
This trip favours locally-owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, we’d ask you to consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; filtered water will be provided where tap water is not drinkable.
Cultural respect:
- Some Jordanians especially women and the elderly object to being photographed so please ask first.
- Jordanians are very proud of their country and can be offended if you take pictures of anything ‘negative’ or suggestive of poverty. Photography in military zones and strategic areas like public buildings is prohibited.
- Handshaking is only between members of the same sex.
- It's polite to use only your right hand when eating something without cutlery and when handing money and small objects to someone else.
- It is common practice to remove one’s shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home and you should tuck them under if sitting on the floor. It is respectful for women to cover their heads with a scarf when entering a mosque. Please note many mosques are not open for tourist visits.
- Generally men’s and women’s clothing should cover shoulders and be on or below the knee.
- During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours. Even chewing gum is considered haram. (forbidden). Although foreigners are not expected to follow these practises it is respectful to be discrete and not eat, drink, or smoke in general public.
- Making the effort to fit in is invariably appreciated so being aware of these aspects of cultural respect will assist you during your travels in Jordan.

Itinerary

Include Flights

Amman Dead Sea London London

We start at our hotel in Amman on day 1 of the itinerary. Those on the group flights from London will arrive in the evening. Land only clients need to provide their flight details if they would like to receive a FREE arrival transfer. Your leader will leave instructions for you at the hotel.
Hotel Toledo (4-star) or similar

This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around we head back to Amman for a city tour including the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and the old city.
Hotel Toledo (4-star) or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway which takes us up and down huge 'wadis' (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mt Nebo and Kerak, which is a magnificent fortified town. Further south we reach the magnificent city of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the world's most outstanding ancient cities.
Amra Palace (3-star) or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Two days to explore Petra, the so called rose-red city, 'half as old as time'. Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the 6th century BC. Building at Petra began in the third century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight.

To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Unveiled at the end of the Siq is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. A optional walk can then be done up 750 steps to El Deir, the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn.

On the second day your guide will take you into the site for either a hike up to the High Place of sacrifice or for free time to explore the city further. Only a few people attempt to visit the High Place as it can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness or are uncomfortable with heights. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day.
Amra Palace (3-star) or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way south to Wadi Rum. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear however archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the silk route may have stayed. Today we enter the natural world heritage site of Wadi Rum where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot.

After checking into our private Exodus camp our Bedouin hosts take us for around a 2-hour 4x4 jeep trip to explore some of the highlights of the protected area. We go to the main popular sights, have time to sample bedouin tea and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. From here we return to our camp where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional dinner called Zarb which is cooked underground. After dinner we learn about Bedouin culture and music through interacting with the family who run the camp.
Exodus Private camp (permanent Bedouin camp)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We wake amidst the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a local beach resort with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience by hiring snorkelling equipment and swimming over the coral reef looking out for colourful fish. This can be arranged and paid for on the day at the resort. (10 JD at time of publishing) You will walk along a jetty and get in from a small ladder to ensure you don't walk on the coral. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.
La Costa Hotel (4-star) or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving the Red Sea behind we will head to the Dead Sea (approximately 4 hours 30 minutes) which is one of the most fascinating places on earth and so called because its high salinity prevents most forms of aquatic life. There' plenty of free time to experience floating in these waters and trying the dead sea mud before cooling off in the swimming pool.

There's also the chance to visit Bethany beyond the Jordan, the site of Jesus Christ's baptism by John the Baptist marking the beginning of the new era of Christianity. This is an optional trip that can be booked and paid for locally. The drive to the Baptism site is 10-15 minutes from the hotel at the Dead Sea and the entire visit usually lasts 1 hour 45 minutes in total, including the driving to/from the hotel. Those who do not wish to visit the site will check into their hotel in the Dead Sea.

This evening there will be a group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells.
Holiday Inn Dead Sea (5-star) or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Trip ends after breakfast.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities, including British, and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport. At time of print, visa fees (usually 40JOD) have been waived for all nationalities travelling to Jordan with a tour operator and spending a minimum of 2 nights in country. Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. He will be carrying an Exodus sign.

For more information on the free Jordan Visa, please see the link below:
http://international.visitjordan.com/MediaCenter/News/JordanianGovernmentEasesRegulationsonEntryVi.aspx

Saudi Arabia

Visas are required to visit Saudi Arabia.

Travellers from 49 countries can now obtain an eVisa online, including travellers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Please see the Saudi eVisa Portal for more information: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ . Further information is available here: https://www.visitsaudi.com/en/about-e-visa . The eVisa is typically processed in around 30 minutes.

Currently (July 2022) an eVisa costs 535 SAR (approximately £120 / US$145 / CA$185 / AU$210).

Passports must be valid for six months from the date you enter Saudi Arabia.

Vaccination

Jordan

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid.

Saudi Arabia

If you arriving from or have recently visited a country where there is risk of transmission of yellow fever, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 2 dinners. The dinners are included at the Wadi Rum camp and the Dead Sea resort.

When not half board we usually eat in local restaurants and the leader arranges bookings for those in the group who would like to join. We suggest you budget around 15- 20 JOD pp ( GBP £16-21, USD $21-28, CAN $27-36, AUD$30-40 at time of writing) for non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, mezze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling vegetarian choice. There is a good choice of seafood available when at the Red Sea. At the camp in Wadi Rum we enjoy a traditional dinner called Zarb which is cooked underground. This consists of rice with a selection including chicken, lamb and vegetables. Vegetables are cooked separately to the meat.

Weather

Spring and autumn are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24ºC in the day and down to 8ºC at night. Rain is more likely, however, protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32ºC in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.
Wadi Rum on average in summer is around 30ºC though it can get as high as 40ºC. At night it is usually around 10ºC cooler. In winter it is much cooler and can get as low as 10ºC during the day. In the evening it is around OºC . There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require it we may need to modify the itinerary or the camp location for your comfort and safety.
Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible.
The Dead Sea air temperatures vary from around 14ºC in winter up to high 30s in summer months. The water temperature however doesn’t drop below 20ºC.

As with many countries in the world seasons can go on longer than usual so it is advisable to always check the weather of the country you are travelling to a week or two before your trip so you can pack appropriately.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. To do the optional 850 steps up to the monastery or the climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader will be able to provide you with further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to do the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo as there are some very steep narrow steps and cliffs. The leader always accompanies any one doing this option.

Whilst camping in Wadi Rum please be aware that although the campsite does have plumbed toilets and showers it is basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is however often mentioned as a highlight of the trip for many of our guests.

In very rare instances where local conditions require we may need to amend the order of the itinerary but we will ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

In very rare instances we may need to amend the order of the itinerary but we will ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.

Please note Ramadan runs from 2 April to 1 May 2022. Ramadan is a special time to visit Jordan as it is one of the most important times on the Muslim calendar. Each evening the streets empty while people return home to break the fast and then there is an air of festivity every evening. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips however please be aware their energy levels may be slightly lower. Tourist sites are still open although closing times may be earlier than usual. Your leader will know how the timings for each day need to be adapted in order to still experience all the inclusions on this trip. Restaurants may close during the day and this is also accounted for in planning meal arrangements for your group. Shops are usually open though their hours may vary and they will definitely be closed during the breaking of the fast. To fully enjoy your holiday experience at this unique time of year we suggest patience and flexibility. (In fact these are useful at any time of year on any overseas holiday.)

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Kenneth Auld

Reviewed June 2022

Jordan is more than you expect

The trip only lasted a week, but Jordan is not a big country, and the itinerary is well planned - busy, but with some down time - so you can fit so much in without feeling rushed. There is so much more than “just” Petra. Wadi Rum - the site for Lawrence of Arabia’s gathering of the tribes, and location for the film (and for “The Martian”, the live action “Aladdin”, and “Dune”) - is spectacular. Floating in the Dead Sea is a unique experience, and the biblical, Roman, and Crusader sites are all fascinating.

Dave T

Reviewed June 2022

Do this trip before it becomes too popular

This was a much more interesting holiday than I thought it was going to be. The main reason I joined this trip was, of course, to see Petra - and that didn't even turn out to be my favourite part! (Wadi Rum was). There was a good mix of everything from exploring historical landmarks to enjoying some more resort-y like rest and activities. I probably can't offer anything new to what has been posted here already but I will say that for most of you this will be your only time in Jordan, so explore every opportunity - sign up for the extras. Little Petra - worth it. Camel ride - worth it. Bethany beyond the Jordan (where Jesus was baptised) - worth it. Do all of it - Jordan is a really interesting country with some great history. It will definitely make you want to get your bible out again as you visit numerous places you've only read about in the Old Testament. I would say that, despite our group getting on really well, a group size of 20 is probably too much. It does become difficult to please everyone and can become a bit frustrating. I have to take my hat off to our guide Nuwar who, over the week, managed the group exceptionally well and remained calm throughout. Top tip - best time for a photo of the Treasury at Petra is towards the end of the day. There's hundreds of people there in the morning and virtually no-one at around 4 or 5 o'clock. Also, use your second day to walk the Al Khubta trail to the viewpoint above the Treasury.

Ella Shum

Reviewed June 2022

A Very Good Trip

The itinerary is well thought out and the pace was good. The beauty of Petra and peacefulness of Wadi Rum have to be experienced. No words can really describe them. Our group also got along very well. It was a pleasure to travel with them. The side trips to Bethany, Little Petra, ...etc. were all interesting. Maybe they should be part of the main itinerary. Water was available on the bus but we were not always with the bus, e.g. when we were in Petra for 3 days. So we ended up buying a lot of bottled water. Hotel in Amman was barely a 3 star hotel if one is kind. Since we spent 3 nights in Petra, it would be nice if the level of accommodation is slightly improved. It was not a problem for me but one has to set the right level of expectation. Two activities that I would have liked to do but was unable to do so were: 1) night visit at Petra: there was no notice about it. When someone asked as we were approaching Petra, the guide mentioned if we were to go, we had to go that night because it was not offered every night. I couldn't go with such short notice. 2) hot air ballon over the desert: I really wanted to do this and kept asking every day about booking it. The guide kept saying he couldn't book until the day before. When he finally called, it was booked out 2 weeks from that day. I hope Exodus would offer this WAY AHEAD of the trip so the guests could book before the trip even began.

Barbara Kinney

Reviewed May 2022

AXW: A Week in Jordan

This trip exceeded my expectations! I have always wanted to go to Petra, but all the other stops proved just as wonderful. It was a fast-paced busy trip but well worth it.

Sarah Fradgley

Reviewed May 2022

An amazing trip in a wonderful country!

Jordan, spectacular Jordan. What a beautiful and fascinating country: ancient and modern history galore, archeology, glorious landscapes, delicious food and wonderful people. And camels. Oh, how I love 🐪. The trip with Exodus was absolutely first-class. Brilliantly organised and with the most superb tour leader (see below). If only the trip had been longer!

Alison Stokes

Reviewed May 2022

So much in a week!

Wow what a trip. I initially booked this trip to see Petra but there is so much more of Jordan to see. Our guide Muayad went beyond expectations, from providing a picnic overlooking the “Grand Canyon” of Jordan, to where to get the best falafels in town. The night in the desert is something else. It’s a busy trip, with lots of 7.30 am starts, but would I have missed anything we did for a lay-in - definitely not. Wonderful fellow travellers as well.

Angela Whitbread

Reviewed May 2022

Magical and Special

Visiting Jordan has been on my wish list for a long time. the days went so fast and our guide Ayyad was amazing he made everything enjoyable and was easy going with lots of breaks. the wide range of amazing food and the lovely people in Jordan always happy and welcoming to us

Zsuzsa Tihanyi

Reviewed April 2022

Simply Superb

Visiting Jordan has been on my bucket list for years. I have been on many trips with Exodus and this has got to be up there with the best ones! There is so much included in the one week, I just wish it had been a little bit longer. Well organised, no overly long travels, brilliant itinerary and amazing local team and leader. It would be very hard to organise a better trip than this. :) The country and the sights we saw were just beautiful, the people we met were the friendliest you could ever meet.

Suzanne Aspinall

Reviewed February 2022

Jordan is safe and beautiful from city to desert to beach

I enjoyed all the trip from Amman street food and amphitheatre, Jerash which reminded me of Rome, Petra which was incredible, the desert camp amazing food and floating in the dead sea. I felt safe at all times and loved seeing the diverse range the country had to offer

Shaun Taylor

Reviewed January 2022

Simply superb

If there is a better, more interesting trip in the whole of the Exodus portfolio, then I would be very very surprise. A week in Jordan is simply superb and I cannot recommend it high enough.

Read All Reviews

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

A Week in Jordan

Visit the stunning highlights of Jordan

People, Places & Planet

Itinerary

Amman Dead Sea London London

Share Your Photos...

Essential Info

Visa

Jordan

Saudi Arabia

Vaccination

Jordan

Saudi Arabia

Eating and Drinking

Weather

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Hotels and Camp

Reviews

Jordan is more than you expect

Do this trip before it becomes too popular

A Very Good Trip

AXW: A Week in Jordan

An amazing trip in a wonderful country!

So much in a week!

Magical and Special

Simply Superb

Jordan is safe and beautiful from city to desert to beach

Simply superb

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to travel with your own group?

You may also like

Hidden Treasures of Jordan

Jordan, Israel & Palestine Discovery

The Five Stans of the Silk Road

The Adventure Begins Here

A Week in Jordan