Jordan Uncovered - 12 Days

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Amman. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, relax after your journey or head out to discover Jordan's vibrant capital at your own pace. Join your group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm, then maybe head out to dinner to get to know your fellow travellers.

Begin your journey by exploring a different side of Amman. Led by local insiders, you'll wander through some of the city's oldest neighbourhoods while uncovering the stories behind its street art, hip-hop culture and creative communities. Leaving the capital behind, travel north to Jerash – home to one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Explore its grand colonnaded streets, temples and plazas before lunch with your group. Continue to the hilltop town of Umm Qais, where sweeping views stretch across Jordan, Syria and the Sea of Galilee. Tonight, settle into your accommodation at a welcoming community-focused guesthouse.

This morning, explore the fascinating archaeological site of Umm Qais, where Roman ruins sit dramatically above the Jordan Valley. Later, you'll meet a local beekeeper and learn why bees play such an important role in the region's ecosystems and livelihoods. Suit up for a closer look at the hives and see some traditional honey-harvesting methods. Finish with a tasting of the seasonal, naturally flavoured honey! Later, as the sun begins to set, head out on an easy hike and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning for a cup of traditional tea before bed.

Today, you’ll travel into the green highlands of Ajloun – a region often overlooked by tourists. Set out on a walk through the Ajloun Forest Reserve, where pine-covered hills and rural landscapes provide a striking contrast to the country's deserts. After, continue to Ajloun Castle – an impressive 12th-century fortress built during the time of Saladin. After lunch, visit a biscuit house where local women preserve and reinvent traditional Jordanian recipes through handmade sweets and baked goods. Then, learn about the history and artistry of Arabic calligraphy. Guided by local women, you'll explore different calligraphic styles and try writing your name in your favourite script.

Today, head to Pella, one of Jordan's most fertile agricultural regions, to spend time with a local shepherd. Walk through the lush landscape – strewn with colourful wildflowers in the spring – and learn about traditional livestock practices, then hear stories of daily life in the countryside over a cup of tea. Later, visit the home of a local cheesemaker to discover traditional cheese-making techniques that have been passed down through generations. Roll up your sleeves and learn step by step how fresh cheese is produced, getting a deeper appreciation for the skills and stories behind every bite. Continue south to the Dead Sea, arriving in time to enjoy the resort facilities and stunning views.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Dead Sea, relaxing at the lowest point on Earth. Float effortlessly in these famously salty waters or simply soak up the unique surroundings. Later, travel to Little Petra – an ancient city also known as Siq al-Barid (‘Cold Canyon’), named for the high canyon walls that block out most sunlight. When you arrive, set out on a gentle 2 km hike to explore Siq al-Barid and stop at the Great Triclinium for a cup of traditional tea. Return to camp and take in the quiet desert landscapes as you settle into your Bedouin-style camp under the stars.

Today you’ll see Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, from a different perspective as you enter via the lesser-known, back-door trail. Beginning near the archaeological site of Little Petra, follow a scenic trail through open desert and sandstone mountains. The trail winds along rocky paths and ancient steps with sweeping views before arriving at the spectacular Monastery – one of the largest and most impressive monuments. Continue exploring the ancient Nabataean city at your own pace, following the trails through temples, tombs and rock-carved facades of this UNESCO World Heritage site. This evening, you can opt to share a home-cooked dinner with locals, enjoying Jordanian hospitality and traditional flavours.

After breakfast this morning, travel south to the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba. When you arrive, settle in, then head out to meet Jordan's first female marine ranger for an environmental awareness session. Learn about her pioneering work protecting the marine ecosystems of the Red Sea and the conservation efforts in the region. Then spend the rest of your day relaxing at local beach club. Perhaps enjoy a beachside barbecue dinner from the comfort of your sunbed, take a swim in the pool, or simply unwind by the Red Sea.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Aqaba with free time to rest or explore the town. After lunch, travel to the rust-red desert of Wadi Rum and settle into your desert camp. As the sun begins to set, go for a gentle walk taking in views of towering sandstone mountains and vast valleys as the landscape changes colour in the fading light. Pause along the way for a cup of traditional tea, then return to camp for a night beneath some of Jordan’s clearest skies.

Rise early this morning for a sunrise walk through Wadi Rum, when the desert is at its most peaceful. Later, head deeper into the protected landscape on a 4WD excursion, exploring the remote corners of this extraordinary wilderness that’s earned the nickname 'the Valley of the Moon.' Stop along the way for a traditional Bedouin lunch and learn how Arbood bread has traditionally been prepared by Bedouin communities – baked directly in hot desert ash using simple ingredients and time-honoured techniques. After dark, discover Wadi Rum’s spectacular night sky during a guided stargazing experience. Learn how to identify constellations and celestial objects, then take a closer look through powerful telescopes beneath the dark desert skies.

Today, leave the desert behind and return to Amman. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant known for its seasonal Jordanian cuisine and focus on locally sourced ingredients. Reflect on the experiences and connections made throughout your journey across Jordan.

Your Jordan adventure comes to an end today after breakfast. If you're not ready to leave, talk to you booking agent about extending your stay in Amman and exploring more of this fascinating city.