Current as of: April 27, 2024 - 16:16
Current as of: April 27, 2024 - 16:16
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
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 Petra and take a guided visit around Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. We’ll 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 desert scenery at Wadi Rum, taking a four-wheel-drive vehicle into the more remote regions, and camp out like the Bedouin.
Highlights
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 to the High Place of Sacrifice, you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader can provide you with 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.
While 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 a highlight for guests. In very rare instances, where local conditions require, we may need to amend the order of the itinerary. We will ensure that all the elements of the itinerary are still included and site visits are of the same duration.
Please note, 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.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
The group flight from London usually arrives in Amman late tonight or very early in the morning tomorrow. We’ll catch our transfer to the hotel and head straight to bed.
Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)
Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)
We drive north to Jerash this morning, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the 10 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, which takes in the Citadel, Roman amphitheatre and the old city.
Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or similar)
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, Mount Nebo, and the magnificent fortified town of Kerak. Further south we reach Petra – Jordan’s premier historic site and one of the most outstanding ancient cities in the world.
Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail
Enjoy two days exploring Petra. The so-called Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BCE. Building at Petra began in the third century BCE 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 sunlight.
To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq. Unveiled at the end is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just 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. An 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.
Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail
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, archeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the Silk Road may have stayed.
Today we enter the Unesco World Heritage site of 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 also where sections of the 1962 epic film were shot.
After checking into our private Exodus camp, our Bedouin hosts take us for an approximately two-hour 4×4 ride to explore some of the highlights of 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. 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.
Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a two-hour star-gazing experience in Wadi Rum with a local expert, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. For departure dates, see the Dates & Prices tab
Accommodation: Exodus Private Camp (permanent Bedouin camp)
We wake in the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba, Jordan’s port and holiday resort, best known for having beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a beach with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience with optional snorkelling and lunch packages, which your leader will explain. Please note there is a cost for these extras. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.
Accommodation: Lacosta Hotel (or similar)
Leaving the Red Sea behind, we head to the Dead Sea (approximately 4hr 30 min), which is one of the most fascinating places on earth and so called because its high salinity prevents most forms of aquatic life. There’s plenty of free time to float in these waters and try the Dead Sea mud 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 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.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Dead Sea (or similar)
Transfer directly to the international airport for your flight home. This journey takes around an hour or less and does not need to pass through Amman so it avoids the city traffic.
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.
On this Jordan adventure, we stay in a range of accommodations: a three-star hotel in downtown Amman, a simple but well-located hotel in Petra, and an unforgettable stay in a rustic 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:
Amman: Hotel Khan Khediwe (nights 1 & 2)
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)
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 simple 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)
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)
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 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
Single supplement from £ 275
All breakfasts, two 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 20 Jordanian dinars (US$28) per person for 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.
Alcohol is available in Jordan, but not widely. Many hotels do not sell alcohol but will often allow it to be brought in from elsewhere. It is best to plan ahead if you’ll want a drink, your tour leader will be able to 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.
For most of this trip we use an air-conditioned bus with local drivers. Occasionally we will use two vehicles for the group. To reach the Wadi Rum camp, and to explore the surrounding desert, we use basic four-wheel-drive vehicles, owned by the Bedouin family that hosts us. The vehicles are appropriate for local desert travel but may fall below normal vehicle safety standards expected on our trips. As there are no other vehicles available, and as we are not travelling by road, we feel that they are an adequate means of transport.
Spring and autumn 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 on average in summer is around 30C (86F), though it can get as high as 40C (104F). At night it is usually cooler (30C/86F). In winter, it is much cooler and can get as low as 10C (50C) during the day. In the evening, it can hit freezing. 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 months. The water temperature however 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.
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. 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.
Exodus provides a single timed free transfer from the final hotel to the airport on departure day to fit with the group flight time to London, UK. 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 will be 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.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Amman
Location end: Dead Sea
You will encounter a range of temperatures on these trips; in spring and autumn the days are generally quite hot (very hot in July and August), the nights are cool in the desert. Light cotton clothing is suitable for daytime use, but you may need a sweater, and for departures from the end of September onwards you should also bring a warm jacket.
Please note that Jordan is a Muslim country and so modest dress is required on this trip when visiting holy sites and rural areas (ie legs, shoulders and upper arms covered). In the larger cities and more popular destinations this is not necessary.
Please try to bring no more than one main piece of luggage per person. On occasion luggage may be transported separately to the vehicle the group travels in.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Jordan passport information
It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and additionally, has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.
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.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid. Please confirm all requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Jordan's time zone: Asia/Amman (UTC +03:00)
Jordan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins), F (two round pins), G (three rectangular pins, UK standard), and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Jordan's currency: Jordanian dinar (JOD)
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at Amman airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureaux de Change. ATMs can also be found in the major towns and cities, such as Madaba, Petra, Aqaba and Amman. However, some ATMs do not accept every card, so please bring some cash to change if possible. Your leader can advise on changing money and ATMs. Larger shops in the cities may take credit cards, but do not rely on this.
We suggest taking some money in cash (sterling, euros or US dollars), with a mix of denominations. Changing travellers cheques in Jordan can be quite difficult as very few places now accept these. If you do wish to take them we advise using those issued by either Thomas Cook or American Express, as you may find others even more difficult to change. Small denomination cash dollars are useful for times when you want to change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.
Optional excursions
There are various excursions possible on this trip – the leader will provide more details on arrival. Please note that all prices are subject to change.
Our local staff are paid fairly for their work with Exodus. However, while tipping may not be common in your home country, in Jordan it is part of the culture and is generally expected within tourism and many other areas of Jordanian life. We have given guidance in US dollars below, but tipping is best done in the local currency (Jordanian dinars).
For tipping your driver, hotel staff and other local staff, we recommend the use of a tipping kitty. Your leader can advise on the amount, as a guide, expect it to be US$60 for this trip. This kitty can be placed in the hands of one of the group members to look after and the leader will advise where it is appropriate to tip. If preferred, however, the leader can manage this for the group. The kitty is there to ease confusion and embarrassment by not knowing how much or how little to tip.
Most clients also wish to tip their Tour Leader and as a guide we suggest US$40 per person for this trip. Most groups prefer to present the money to the leader at the end of the week in an envelope. The amount is at your discretion and our suggested amount is to be used as a guideline only.
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.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
It is essential that we have your full passport details at least two weeks before the start of your trip (or at the time of booking for late bookings). This is required both for the free visa (see below for eligibility details) and has to be supplied in advance to the tourism police, hotels and sights we’ll be visiting. If we are not provided with accurate passport information in advance, problems may be encountered during the trip and you may incur extra costs.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.