Hike the Jordan Trail to Petra

Early morning pick up from Amman (at 7:00am), head south to Dana. We will start hiking from Dana Village, 1,200m above sea level, and head west into Dana valley with our trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve towards the eco-lodge at Feynan. The reserve, Jordan's largest, includes four distinct bio-geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On our way down the valley we may see Griffin Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks; if we're lucky, we might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox, or see the footprint of a wolf in the dust.

Finish the hike at one of the world's best ecolodges for sunset and stargazing; Feynan Eco-Lodge.

• Drive from Amman to Dana takes around 3.5 hours
• Hiking Distance 14Km (under 9 miles). Ascent 230m (750 ft). Descent 1140m (3740 ft). Hiking Level: Moderate.
• Overnight at Feynan Eco-Lodge

After breakfast, we will be transferred from Feynan Ecolodge to Furon where we will hike from Ras Al-Feid towards Ghbour Whedat.

We will experience some astonishing views into the most remote and wild corners of Jordan. We'll be hiking on Bedouin shepherd trails along the Sharah Mountains. On the most remote sections of the trail, we'll be on less-traveled and therefore harder to identify hunters’ paths, which is why our Bedouin guide will be the star of the show. The peaks of black mountains overlooking our trail and steep precipitous drops of the canyons below make this day absolutely spectacular, and we will gradually climb up the hills following these Bedouin paths to uncover more of the spectacular views over the desert below.

• Hiking Distance 17.1Km (10.5 miles). Ascent 750m (2460 ft). Descent 920m (3018 ft). Hiking Level: Difficult.
• Travel distance by Jeep from Feynan to Furon is around 2 hours
• Overnight camping in the wilderness (5-BILLION STAR HOTEL here we come 🤩)

After yesterday's very remote hike, today while we approach Little Petra, we will see signs of increasing human habitation. Along the way we will pass Bedouin camps, sheep pens, and small agricultural plots.

In this region between Ghbour Whedat and Little Petra we will also pass Nabatean ruins, some of which may include wine and olive presses, aqueducts, and other ancient water infrastructures.

Our destination today is Little Petra, believed by archaeologist to be a "suburb" of Petra, and meant to house traders traveling along the silk road connecting Africa to Asia, Europe and Arabia. Touring Little Petra, we will see rock carved facades, houses, and other ancient buildings carved into the sandstone canyon. We'll enter Little Petra through the back door, where local surprises await, taking some time to explore this ancient place before continuing to our brilliant accommodations for the night.

• Hiking Distance 14km (less than 9 miles). Ascent 610m (2000 ft). Descent 560m (1837 ft). Hiking Level: Moderate.
• Overnight at Little Petra Bedouin Camp or similar

After breakfast we'll start our hike, eventually entering Petra via ‘The Back Door,’ avoiding most of the tourists. We'll be on good trails down Wadi Ghurab, amidst sandstone mountains guarding the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirting round the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been ‘improved’ for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh.

Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, ‘The Monastery’ suddenly comes into view, where there is a Bedouin café for refreshments if we would like. Nabataean steps then lead down into ancient Petra; our route then takes us through Um Saihoon village in Wadi Musa and on to our Petra hotel.

Today we have more time to visit other trails and sites inside Petra. If we feel courageous and want to avoid the crowds and discover some less-visited monuments in Petra, we can visit sites such as the Khubtha Mountain, Al Madras, or the High Place of sacrifice.

We will enter Petra early through the incredible Siq, exploring the ancient rock carved ruins of Façades Street before following a steep climb up ancient Nabataean steps to near the summit of Al Khubtha to enjoy the magnificent panorama overlooking the famous Treasury (yes, the one from Indiana Jones), then descend again to Petra's main entrance.

Alternatively, we can continue on and hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice, enjoy spectacular views over the rocky, desert terrain, where breathtaking panoramic views await. Or we can hike the Madras trail, this special route into Petra climbs along the southern cliff of the Siq and involves several scrambles over steep sandstone escarpments. The journey continues along the rugged mountains to the High Place of Sacrifice, where the Nabatean altars, an obelisk, and foundations of the priest’s house are still visible, as well as a splendid panoramic view of the Petra city center below. Descend through Wadi Farasa, passing the Lion Fountain and the Roman Soldier's Tomb. Visit the recently excavated Nabatean Villa and the Great Temple as you return to the center of the ancient site. Whichever route we take, we will be well satisfied with our two-day exploration of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

After a wondrous morning in Petra, we'll feast on lunch and then transfer to Wadi Rum, enjoying the hospitality of the Bedouins, a sunset camel ride, and another night under the stars (oh you just wait... 🤩).

Today we'll enjoy a 4(ish)-hour jeep tour that will allow us to travel around Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, dunes and deserts, discover rock inscriptions, majestic views of mountains and landscapes and narrow gorges. At each stop we have the opportunity to hike and scramble and explore on our own time.

Later on we'll be transferred to the Dead Sea where we can begin to experience the magic of salt and mud.

• Drive from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea takes around 3 Hours.
• Overnight at Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea (we know it's a chain hotel, trust us on this)

After breakfast, we'll drive to Wadi Mujib, for a refreshing hike. The trail starts at the visitor center near the Mujib Bridge, where we will take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. The hike usually takes from 2-3 hours, depending on the walking pace of the group. Visitors must know how to swim. This is a swim/hike/jump (if you want) up a river to a waterfall and then back down, and IT. IS. SO much fun. (Yes, you'll want close-toed shoes for this).

After the water hike, we'll head back to the Dead Sea where we'll have plenty of free time to continue our indulgent exploration of salt and mud. Lunch on own at or near hotel today.

Pick up from the Dead Sea and transfer (included) to the airport to catch your flight. (Time to be set up according to your flight - please send us your flight info once you book).

• Dead Sea to the airport: approx. 1 hour.