Jordan Dana Trek to Petra and Wadi Rum

Welcome to Jordan. On arrival, take time to settle in, check into your hotel room, and perhaps sample your first taste of Jordanian cuisine - rich in spices, warmth, and tradition. Depending on your arrival time, you may have time to explore a little on your own. Amman, Jordan's capital, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, with roots tracing back to the Bronze Age. Today, it's a dynamic blend of ancient history and contemporary culture. Despite its modern growth, Amman has retained a strong sense of identity. Its winding streets, traditional cafés, and open-hearted hospitality offer a memorable first impression of Jordan. Whether you're relaxing after your journey or heading out for a sunset stroll, your adventure begins here. Overnight: 3-star hotel in Amman

Meals:  Nil

After an early breakfast, we depart Amman at 7:30 AM for a scenic 2.5-hour drive south to Dana - the starting point of your trekking adventure. It's the perfect time to get to know your fellow travellers or simply enjoy the changing landscapes outside your window. Our hike begins in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan's largest nature reserve and a true ecological gem. Home to four distinct ecozones, Dana hosts a rich diversity of plants, birds, and wildlife - from soaring eagles to desert foxes. The trail begins high along the ridgelines with sweeping views over Dana Valley, before we descend into the rugged beauty of Al Khashasha Valley. By afternoon, we reach our wilderness campsite on the edge of the valley, where you'll be welcomed with serenity and the glow of the setting sun. Overnight: Wilderness camping in Mansoura Hiking Distance: 15 kms (9.3 mi) Time: 5–7 hours Ascent: 260 m (853 ft) Descent: 690 m (2,264 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

After a restful night in the valley, we pack up and set off early for a memorable day on the trail. Today's route is more demanding, but it rewards every step with breathtaking scenery and a growing sense of accomplishment. We begin with a steady ascent through the mountains for about an hour, gradually climbing into wide open views. Soon, the striking silhouettes of the Sharah Mountains appear, and beyond them, the vast expanse of the Wadi Araba Desert stretches to the horizon - a dramatic and humbling sight. This stunning panorama accompanies us all the way to our next wilderness campsite at Al Furon. On arrival, relax, soak in the serenity of the desert, and enjoy a well-earned meal under the stars. Overnight: Wilderness camping in Furon Hiking Distance: 16 kms (10 mi) Time: 5–7 hours Ascent: 563 m (1,847 ft) Descent: 170 m (558 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Today's journey takes us deep into some of Jordan's most remote and dramatic landscapes, following a lesser-known route along ancient Bedouin shepherd paths. As we contour the rugged flanks of the Sharah Mountains, the terrain grows more dramatic. Stark black peaks rise sharply above us, while deep canyons plunge below - a thrilling backdrop for one of the most visually stunning sections of the trek. Gradually, we ascend through these raw surroundings, rewarded with sweeping views over the barren desert far below. Toward the end of the day, the harsh landscape gives way to gentler forms - soft hills dotted with surreal, mushroom-like rock formations, signalling our approach to the wilderness camp at Ghbour Whedat. Hiking Distance: 17 kms (10.6 mi) Time: 6–8 hours Ascent: 750 m (2,461 ft) Descent: 920 m (3,018 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

After the solitude of yesterday's remote trails, today brings signs of human life back into view. As we approach Little Petra, we pass Bedouin camps, sheep pens, and small agricultural plots - offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Jordan's nomadic and farming communities. The landscape becomes more storied as we begin to encounter remnants of Nabataean civilization: ancient olive and wine presses, aqueducts, and clever water systems carved into stone. The final stretch takes us up through a narrow canyon of soft sandstone, and down a steep staircase into the hidden enclave of Siq al-Barid - or 'the Cold Canyon.' Known today as Little Petra, this site likely served as a suburban caravanserai for traders along the Silk Road. We continue a short distance to our nearby Bedouin-style camp, where hot showers and a hearty meal await. Overnight: Bedouin camp near Little Petra Hiking Distance: 14 kms (8.7 mi) Time: 5 hours Ascent: 610 m (2,001 ft) Descent: 560 m (1,837 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final trekking day delivers a truly unforgettable experience as we approach Petra the way few travellers do - on foot, through the 'Back Door'. This scenic route winds down Wadi Ghurab and follows a Nabataean path to a narrow rock terrace overlooking the dramatic Wadi Siyyagh. Then, suddenly and spectacularly, Petra's Monastery (Ad Deir) comes into view. After a short break to take in the vista, we descend through Petra's main archaeological site. Along the way, we pass colonnaded streets, rock-cut tombs, temples, and a Roman-style theatre before arriving at the magnificent Treasury (Al-Khazneh). We exit through the towering gorge of the Siq, and transfer to our hotel for the night. Note: You may be offered the option to ride a horse or donkey in Petra. In line with our animal welfare policy, we encourage walking instead. Overnight: 3-star hotel in Petra Hiking Distance: 14 kms (8.7 mi) Time: 4 hours to the Monastery; 4–5 hours exploring Petra Ascent: 496 m (1,627 ft) Descent: 519 m (1,703 ft)

Meals:  B,L,D

After a relaxed breakfast, we leave Petra behind and journey to the red-hued expanse of Wadi Rum, where epic desert landscapes await. On arrival, we meet our Bedouin hosts and embark on an adventurous 4×4 jeep safari, exploring wind-sculpted valleys, narrow gorges, and towering rock bridges. Along the way, we'll visit ancient petroglyphs and climb soft dunes for panoramic views. At each stop, you're welcome to hike, scramble, or simply soak up the scenery. As sunset paints the desert gold and crimson, we return to camp for a traditional Bedouin dinner. With little light pollution, Wadi Rum offers some of the best stargazing in the world - a magical end to the day. Note: Jeeps used in Wadi Rum are basic but purpose-built, operated by local Bedouin families as part of sustainable tourism initiatives. Overnight: Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we leave Wadi Rum and head north to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at around 430 m (1,411 ft) below sea level - a journey of approximately 360 kms (224 mi). Spend the afternoon floating in the salty, mineral-rich waters, slathering yourself in healing Dead Sea mud, or unwinding by the pool. If your legs are still feeling the miles, a spa treatment might be just the thing. Later, we return to Amman for a relaxing final night in the city. Overnight: 3-star hotel in Amman.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the airport for your onward journey. We recommend departing Amman at least 4 hours before your scheduled flight to allow ample time for the journey and airport formalities. Thank you for travelling with us in Jordan.

Meals:  B