Untold Jordan
Desert glamping, Dead Sea relaxing and a secret hike to Petra
What's Included
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About your trip
From the lowest point on earth to the starry constellations above; Jordan’s beauty covers all bases.
Think of Jordan and you’ll inevitably think of the Dead Sea and Petra. But what about the secrets of Amman, found hidden down it’s ebullient alleyways? What about the pristine coral reefs that hug the Aqaba coast? Or the exhilaration of exploring Jordan’s own Grand Canyon?
Of course, we’d never let you leave Jordan without ticking off some of the best-known highlights – but this trip has been built to offer something different. From desert glamping in futuristic domes perfectly located for stargazing to hiking through Petra via a secret route that no one seems to know about; this is the Jordan you imagined, and then some.
Welcome to Amman, a city that, unusually for the Middle East, feels young. It’s a place where crumbling monuments stand among sparkling high-rises, art galleries and trendy cafes; a new era fuelled by the progressiveness of the next generation. It’s a safe and highly explorable city, so upon arrival at your hotel, we’ll equip you with the best insider tips for your free time here. Think bustling souks, bohemian tea rooms and the best kunafa in the city.
Having settled in and met your group as they arrive throughout the day or evening, you’ll dine together at an authentic local restaurant. Afterwards, you might have just enough time to bask in the hotel pool and sip a nightcap overlooking the city.
First up today: a back-street exploration of Amman. On this insightful walking tour, you’ll visit the spectacular citadel and Roman amphitheatre then forgo the tourists in exchange for a closer look at the inner workings of the city. From the din of locals haggling in vibrant souks to the delicious smells that will lead you to the best falafel in Amman; your senses will be in overdrive as you explore deeper and deeper into Jordanian life. This afternoon, you’ll be transferred to your beautiful hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea, where you’ll get to experience the incredible sensation of floating weightlessly in the salty water, and watch a vibrant sunset.
You’ll be up early today to transfer to the vast nothingness of Wadi Mujib. Some 410 metres below sea level, Jordan’s answer to the Grand Canyon is a world of rugged gorges and river systems. The perfect spot then, for canyoning*; a challenge made easier by the camaraderie of your group. Expect to wade through water, scramble over rocks and slide down waterfalls. Having dried off, you’ll hike to a lookout point where you’ll enjoy a special picnic lunch with a local Bedouin family. Then, it’s time to begin your journey to Jordan’s most famous icon: Petra. But don’t expect the norm, you’ll be experiencing this beauty from a wholly unique perspective tomorrow…*If you’re travelling in May or October, there’s a chance that the water level will be too high for canyoning. But your foodie alternative won’t disappoint…
This morning, you’ll hike into Petra via its secret back door, a 15-kilometre route the world seems to have forgotten (or not yet found). Relish being the only group in sight as you ascend a steep stairway over the rocks and explore the labyrinth of caves, temples and tombs chiselled out of the dusty-pink cliffs. With huge drops alongside you and endless ruins to discover on this, at times, challenging route, there’s no doubt you’ll feel like Indiana Jones when you finally reach the impressive Monastery. Then it’s on to the Theatre, the Street of Facades and Petra’s famous postcard spot: the spectacular Treasury. After an action-packed day in the Rose City, you’ll get to replenish your stores as the Bedouins do, but that’s all we’ll say, for now…
It’s time. The other-worldly rolling red dunes of Wadi Rum are calling. Jump aboard a fleet of desert jeeps and race through a landscape of jagged mountains and towering sand dunes. As dusk settles in, pick a spot to admire the sunset with your group before setting off to your remote desert lodgings for the night. There’s something almost martian about arriving to the view of futuristic looking pods scattered among the sand and mountains of the desert. With uninterrupted views across the desert and out to a blanket of stars – it doesn’t take too much imagination to feel like you’re on the red planet, millions of miles from earth. As the sun sets, you’ll get to take it all in on a spectacular 4×4 adventure.
Having woken to watch the sunrise over the desert, you’ll enjoy an al fresco camp breakfast before getting back on the road. Today, you’re headed for the small town of Aqaba, gateway to the Red Sea coast and Jordan’s only beach resort. Transferring to a boat, you’re in for a fun day out on the water. Just south of town, the Aqaba Marine Park is one of the world’s top snorkelling destinations, with crystal clear water, colourful marine life and unspoiled coral reefs. Having explored the underwater world, enjoy a BBQ and live DJ on board. Returning to shore, there’ll be time to freshen up before heading out to dinner with your group.
Your final morning is yours to spend as you please. After a leisurely breakfast, you might choose to explore the impressive Aqaba Fort, destroyed by Saladin in 1187, or visit the nearby bird observatory. Alternatively, you might prefer to head back to the beach to swim in the warm clear waters, or try out one of the many watersports on offer. After lunch, it’s time to begin the long drive back to Amman. On arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel to get changed before heading out for your farewell dinner. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a meal of traditional Jordanian cuisine and a chance to toast an incredible adventure with new friends.
After breakfast at the hotel, it’s over to you to make your own way onwards. You’ve hiked across sand dunes, canyoned through rugged gorges, glamped beneath the stars and eaten arguably the best and most traditional food you could find. It’s been an adventure, and when those blues inevitably kick in, just let us know when you’re ready for the next one.
As captured on Instagram
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