A Week in Jordan

Name: A Week in Jordan
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.6 (325 reviews)

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9 Days Excluding Flights

9 Days from

£ 1499

4.6/5 from

Culture

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

AXW

Carbon Footprint :

42kg CO2e per person per day

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

Experience Jordan’s star attractions 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.

Join us to celebrate Exodus’ 50^th anniversary! Select departures of this trip feature extra inclusions to mark the occasion: a star-gazing experience in Wadi Rum, a local birthday celebration and a special edition Exodus kitbag. The selected departure of this trip starts in Amman on 4 December 2024.

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

Key Information

Accommodation: 1 Superior night (hotel), 6 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (Bedouin camp)
Travel by air-conditioned bus and 4x4 in Wadi Rum
Group normally 4 to 20 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Extend your adventure with extra nights at the Dead Sea – speak to your sales representative for more

Countries visited: Jordan

What's Included

All breakfasts and two dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers

What's Not Included

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

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

AXW - A Week in Jordan

Departure Date

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Amman Dead Sea

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, 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

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 section for more detail

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.

Accommodation: Petra hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

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

We 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. 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 (extra cost), which your leader can explain. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.

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.

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

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

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.

Ramadan is expected to run from 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.

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.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)

Getting to the start hotel

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.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides a single timed free transfer from the final hotel to the airport on departure day to align with a flight 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 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.

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

Vaccinations and Health

Jordan

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.

Passport

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.

Visa

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.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and two dinners are included on this trip.

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 but often 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.

Weather

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.

TRIP

AXW - A Week in Jordan

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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:

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.

TRIP

AXW - A Week in Jordan

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Don’t worry about a thing!

Lou Collis

Reviewed May 2024

An amazing trip of a lifetimec

This was a wonderful trip of a lifetime! Because of the unstable political situation in the Middle East I was unsure whether to go or not but I was so pleased that I decided not to cancel.
Jordan is so full of history and sites of religious significance and the people so friendly and welcoming. Ahmad, our guide was wonderful and obviously proud of his country, he not only showed us the unforgettable historic sights but also explained the culture of its people, introducing us to many of his ‘cousins’ who offered us very interesting insights into the foods and locally produced goods available! The added bonus of traveling when we did was that there were very few other tourists at the major sites, for obvious reasons, including Petra.

Most Inspirational Moment

Petra had to be the most awe inspiring point of the trip, it was magnificent! Having walked around all the amazing tombs, monuments and Roman ruins during the day we then went back in the evening to see it by candle light. This was a very moving experience with local Bedouin musicians playing traditional instruments creating a very contemplative atmosphere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmad was wonderful! He was very knowledgeable and obviously proud of his country and its heritage. He went out of his way to make sure that everyone was catered for as we were a very mixed age group with varying levels of fitness. The day we went to Madaba we discovered that the King of Jordan was visiting the same day so it was very crowded and many roads were closed off for the visit. Ahmad made sure we negotiated the crowds and, after seeing the King drive past (and wave to us!) he took us to a restaurant, owned by a ‘cousin’ were we all had coffee and waited for the crowds to disperse. This delay meant that we could not visit Mt Nebo that day but Ahmad made sure we visited on the way to the Dead Sea on the last day. Instead he took us to Little Petra which was lovely in the evening sun. We could not have wished for a better, more knowledgeable and helpful group leader than Ahmad.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When staying at the Bedouin camp overnight you will definitely need a sleeping bag liner, the facilities are very basic and the bed covers not very clean. Also it would be advisable to take walking boots as through the whole week you will be walking on quite rough rocky and/or sandy terrain.

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A Week in Jordan

4.6/5 from

9 Days Excluding Flights

9 Days from

£ 1499

A Week in Jordan

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

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Amman Dead Sea

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Jordan

Passport

Visa

Jordan

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hotels and a private Bedouin camp

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Trip Experts

Robyn Long

Ayyad Jamil Ayyad

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

A wonderful week in Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fabulous

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

An absolutely breathtaking and fantastic trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Incredible week!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Would never book with Exodus again

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Reply from Exodus

I loved my visit to Jordan

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wonderful week in Jordan!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Absolutely fantastic!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fantastic

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

An amazing trip of a lifetimec

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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A Week in Jordan