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A Week in Jordan

Name: A Week in Jordan
Brand: Exodus
SKU: AXW
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.7 (352 reviews)

352 reviews

Overview

From Amman to the Dead Sea via Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, visit the essential stops in this extraordinary kingdom

Experience star attractions of Jordan in just one week, each illuminated with the expert insight of our local tour leader. Spend two full days exploring the ancient rock-carved city of Petra, rightly named one of the New Wonders of the World, and take a guided tour of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea and unwind by the Red Sea. Experience fabulous desert scenery at Wadi Rum, where we spend an unforgettable night at our private Bedouin camp.

Key Information

Travel Style Classic: The quintessential Exodus adventure, pairing iconic sights and cultural discovery with comfortable stays: Classic
Activity: Culture
Activity Level: Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Trip Code: AXW
Ways to Travel: Classic, Guided Group
Countries: Jordan
Carbon Footprint: 47.4kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 1 Superior Comfort night (hotel), 6 Comfort nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (Bedouin camp)
All breakfasts and three dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport (air-conditioned bus and 4x4 in Wadi Rum) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Experience Jordan’s highlights in one week: ancient ruins, desert landscapes and Bedouin culture

Uncover the secrets of Petra with two full days exploring the New World Wonder

Enjoy Bedouin hospitality at our private desert camp in Wadi Rum

Time travel on an exploration of the Ancient Roman streets of Jerash

Feel weightless as you float in the tranquil waters of the Dead Sea

Itinerary

First Destination: Amman
Next Destination: Dead Sea

Accommodation:Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)
Meals included:None

Accommodation:Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Petra hotel – see Accommodation for more
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Petra hotel – see Accommodation for more
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Exodus private camp (permanent Bedouin camp)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Lacosta Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Holiday Inn Dead Sea (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Amman
Next Destination: Dead Sea

Welcome to Amman, Jordan’s vibrant capital, where your adventure begins. Complimentary transfers are provided today from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to our start hotel. As many flights arrive later in the evening, no activities are scheduled today, allowing you time to get some rest for the experiences ahead.

Want more time in Amman? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)

After breakfast, say salaam (hi) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

We drive north to Jerash this morning, the largest Roman ruins in Jordan. Buried for centuries under blown sand, the ancient architecture here is remarkably well preserved and an exploration of the dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets, two theatres and impressive Temple of Zeus provides a fascinating insight into life in the ancient world.

After a good look around, we head back to Amman for a city tour, which takes in the hilltop ruins of the Citadel, a site occupied by various civilisations from the Bronze Age, plus the 6,000-seat Roman amphitheatre and the old city.

Accommodation:Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a long driving day as we head down the King’s Highway, which takes us up and down huge wadis (valleys). However, we have several stops of interest en route including Madaba, where we visit St George’s Church to admire its mosaic floor, considered the oldest map of Palestine in existence.

We then make the short drive to Mount Nebo, where, 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. It’s then to the magnificent fortified town of Kerak, a Crusader stronghold dominated by a medieval castle.

Further south, we reach Petra, the premier historic site in Jordan and one of the most outstanding ancient cities in the world.

Accommodation:Petra hotel – see Accommodation for more
Meals included:Breakfast

Enjoy two days exploring Petra, an ancient Nabatean city carved spectacularly into sandstone cliffs. Building started here in the third century BCE, but the Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812.

To enter, we walk down a narrow chasm known as the Siq. Dramatically unveiled at the end is El Khazneh (the Treasury), the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the city centre, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. You can also take the optional walk up the 800 or so steps to El Deir (the Monastery), with its superb facade topped by a huge urn.

On the second day, your guide takes 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.

On one of the evenings, you may also have the opportunity to dine at a family home in Wadi Musa, eating traditional Jordanian dishes that you wouldn’t typically find in restaurants. The host normally eats with the group, an excellent chance to gain firsthand insight into the local life and culture in an authentic setting.

Accommodation:Petra hotel – see Accommodation for more
Meals included:Breakfast

This morning, we have the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra (extra cost, payable locally) or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and head 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 Road may have stayed.

It’s then to the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum, where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War and where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot.

After we’ve checked into our private Exodus camp, our Bedouin hosts take us for an approximately two-hour 4×4 ride to explore the protected area. We visit the highlights, have time to sample Bedouin tea, and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. We then return to our camp, where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional zarb dinner, which is cooked underground. After, we learn about Bedouin culture through interacting with the family who run the camp.

Accommodation:Exodus private camp (permanent Bedouin camp)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Wake in dramatic desert scenery and then head to Aqaba, a port and resort by the Red Sea, best known for having beautiful coral reefs. Upon arrival, we sink into the sands of Berenice Beach with three to four hours to relax and enjoy the sea before hotel check in.

Around 4pm-5pm, we join the tour leader for a walking tour of the old market, continuing to Aqaba Castle for a guided tour to uncover its historical significance and role in the Arab Revolt.

We learn more about the Arab Revolt at the neighbouring Bait Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali Museum, before an optional dinner at Dar Ne’meh, a community initiative empowering local women by providing training and helping them to build their own businesses.

After dinner and free time, we can either walk or drive back to the hotel.

Accommodation:Lacosta Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Leaving the Red Sea, we transfer (4hr 30min) to the Dead Sea, where salt levels of around 34 percent keep you effortlessly afloat. There’s plenty of free time to experience this extraordinary phenomenon and to cover yourself with the Dead Sea mud, which is said to have healing powers, before cooling off in the swimming pool.

There’s also the chance to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, said to be the site of Jesus Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist, a moment marking the new era of Christianity. This is an optional trip that can be booked and paid for locally. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Dead Sea hotel and the entire visit usually lasts 1hr 45min, including the drive to/from the hotel. Those who do not wish to visit the site will check into the hotel.

This evening, we have a group dinner to celebrate our time in Jordan and say our farewells.

Upgrade to a sea-view room overlooking the Dead Sea today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Accommodation:Holiday Inn Dead Sea (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast marks our final meal, an excellent chance to reminisce about an adventure packed with excitement. To make your return journey home easier, there’s a free shared transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you’d like further days to relax by the Dead Sea, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels and a private Bedouin camp

On this Jordan adventure, we stay in a range of accommodations: a three-star hotel in downtown Amman, a modest but well-located hotel in Petra, and an unforgettable stay in a simple Bedouin camp in the desert. We end in style, relaxing in a five-star hotel by the Dead Sea. Below are the accommodations typically used on this trip.

Upgrade to a sea-view room overlooking the Dead Sea on Day 8 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Amman: Hotel Khan Khediwe (nights 1 & 2)

A Week in Jordan

In Amman, we usually stay at Khan Khediwe, a three-star hotel in the bustle of downtown Amman. It’s ideally placed for our adventures, close to a market and within walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre and shopping areas.

Petra: Hotel in Wadi Musa (nights 3-5)

A Week in Jordan

We spend three nights in Wadi Musa, the town adjacent to Petra. Demand for rooms near Petra is very high; over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The hotels are modest but well located. Some are within walking distance of the main entrance to the Red Rose City, others are no more than a 10-minute transfer away. Places we stay include Edom Hotel, Petra Plaza, Petra Palace, Amra Palace and La Maison among others.

Wadi Rum: Exodus Private Camp (night 6)

A Week in Jordan

Used exclusively by our groups, this permanent Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum is a highlight for many travellers. We sleep in simple, traditional tents sheltered by rugged stone cliffs and enjoy the warm hospitality of our Bedouin hosts. In the evening, they serve us a zarb dinner, cooked underground in the traditional manner, while the rest of the night is typically spent around the campfire, chatting and sharing an unforgettable experience.

Aqaba: Lacosta Hotel (night 7)

A Week in Jordan

In the heart of modern Aqaba, the four-star Lacosta Hotel is within easy reach of shops, restaurants and the Red Sea. The rooms come with furniture and beds from the Middle East, while the hotel also has a gym and restaurant.

Dead Sea: Holiday Inn Dead Sea (night 8)

A Week in Jordan

A standout stay for many is the Holiday Inn at the Dead Sea. Checking into this five-star property allows us to kick back and relax, perhaps in one of the many pools or with a float in the salty Dead Sea waters from the private beach. There’s also a free-to-use gym and a selection of excellent restaurants and bars.

Worth knowing

Demand for accommodation in Wadi Musa (Petra) is high; this can create problems with hot water and plumbing. In general, the accommodation is more basic compared to the rest of Jordan.
Single supplements are available for this trip but are not applicable at Wadi Rum.
If you are looking for a higher standard of accommodation, you may be interested in our Kingdoms of Jordan Premium Adventure, which follows a similar itinerary and stays at premium accommodation.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Jordan Dead Sea Hotels

Floating effortlessly in mineral-rich waters framed by dramatic desert landscapes, the Dead Sea is one of the world’s most unique natural wonders. Extra nights here give you time to relax, enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the sea and unwind in a truly memorable setting. Here are a few of our favourite hotels to inspire your stay:

Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea: This luxurious resort along the shores of the Dead Sea features cascading infinity pools, private beach access and elegant rooms inspired by ancient Mesopotamian design. With excellent dining and a world-class spa, it offers a refined and indulgent retreat.

Marriott Dead Sea: Perched on a hillside overlooking the Dead Sea, this stylish resort combines modern comfort with sweeping panoramic views. Multiple pools, a private beach area and a well-equipped spa make it a relaxing base in an extraordinary location.

Mövenpick Dead Sea: Designed to resemble a traditional village, this welcoming resort sits directly on the Dead Sea shoreline and is surrounded by lush gardens. With a wide range of dining options, a large spa and easy access to the water, it’s ideal for a restorative and comfortable stay.

This is just a glimpse of what’s possible. Speak to your sales representative, who can guide you through the options and arrange everything for you.

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Ayyad Jamil Ayyad

Expert Leader: Jordan

Introducing Ayyad Ayyad is a fully qualified Jordanian guide, has a BA in history and has been leading trips in Jordan since 1994.

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Although this is a cultural trip, some days (such as those in Petra) can be long and tiring. To do the optional 800 or so steps up to the Monastery or the climb to the High Place of Sacrifice, you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader can provide further advice about these hikes. It is not advisable to visit the High Place of Sacrifice if you suffer from vertigo, as there are some very steep, narrow steps and cliffs. The leader will show where the route to the High Place of Sacrifice starts but does not accompany people wishing to take this route.

Wadi Rum camping: Although the campsite has plumbed toilets and showers, they are basic and hot water may be limited. Our private Exodus camp is, however, often a highlight for guests.

Petra accommodation: Demand for rooms near Petra is extremely high. Over the years, we have built relationships with several accommodations, which allows us to secure spots even during peak season. The limited amount of accommodation and high demand can result in varying quality in both the accommodation and service. However, we stay at these hotels as they are well-located for our trip to Petra.

Key information

Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm, there are no activities planned for Day 1 of this trip so you can arrive at any time. Our welcome briefing takes place on the morning of Day 2.
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfer will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel on the date on which the tour starts; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Catching your return flight

We provide a single timed free transfer from the final hotel to the airport on departure day to align with a chosen flight. You may use this if travelling on other flights but check the timings with us before you book to see if it is suitable for you. If you book post-tour accommodation with Exodus in Madaba, we can arrange free drop-off as a stop on the group transfer. If arranging a post-tour stay in Amman, a private transfer at additional cost is needed, either from the Dead Sea or Amman airport. On departure, a transfer from Madaba or Amman to the airport would be at extra cost.

Please speak to your sales representative for more information on arrival and departure transfers.

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport.

We will arrange a free visa (usually 40 Jordanian dinars) for travellers booking a tour and any pre-tour arrangements through us, provided we receive full passport and flight details at least two weeks before arrival.

You will need to pay for the visa if we do not have these details two weeks before arrival or you are making your own pre-tour arrangements (ie extra nights before the tour that are not booked through Exodus).

Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. They will be carrying an Exodus sign.

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 20 Jordanian dinars (US$28) per person per non-included meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however, meze 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 Wadi Rum camp, 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 from the meat.

Alcoholic drinks: Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol and do not allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader can tell you what’s possible and may be able to arrange a stop at a supermarket or liquor store (depending on location). In Petra, the unique Cave Bar in Petra Guesthouse is open to the public. A less expensive option is the bar in the Petra Palace Hotel, which is also open to all.

October to November and March to April are very popular in Jordan as it is cooler, around 24C (75F) in the day and down to 8C (46F) at night. Rain is more likely, but protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32C (89F) in Amman. Jerash temperatures are the same.

Wadi Rum is around 30C (86F) on average in summer, though it can get as high as 40C (104F). It is usually cooler (30C/86F) at night. In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50C) during the day. In the evening, it can hit freezing point. There are occasions when there is rain or even snow in the desert. If weather conditions require, 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 14C (57F) in winter up to 37C (98F) in summer. The water temperature doesn’t drop below 20C (68F).

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.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, you can:

Opt to dine at a family home in Wadi Musa, eating traditional Jordanian dishes. The host normally eats with the group, sharing firsthand insight into the local life and culture in an authentic setting.
Choose to eat at Dar Ne’meh, a restaurant dedicated to empowering women by providing extensive culinary training and a platform to build their own businesses.

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Trip Notes

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£ 1179

9 Days Excluding Flights

0800 643 997 dates & prices

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A Week in Jordan

Overview

From Amman to the Dead Sea via Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, visit the essential stops in this extraordinary kingdom

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Hotels and a private Bedouin camp

Extend Your Trip

Jordan Dead Sea Hotels

Essential Information

Trip Expert

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Jordan

Reviews

Adventures in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful Jordan but rushed

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Amazing trip, Jordan is a must see!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

A Week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

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