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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
  • 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Stay in hand-picked 3-5 star hotels
  • We offset 0.51 tCO2e (carbon) per person on this trip
  • Private minibus
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip

Flashpackers are required to produce proof of COVID-19 vaccination 30 days before departure OR proof of a negative test within 72 hours of their adventure starting. Flashpackers must also provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

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.

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A five-star welcome

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.

Float on the Dead Sea

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.

 

CANYONING THRILLS

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…

Secret passage to Petra

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…

Jeeps & desert glamping

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.

Red Sea snorkelling

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. 

Amman farewell dinner

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.

Goodbye, Jordan

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

The latest from Flashpackers in Jordan on #picsworthsharing

OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS

Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go. Please note that Feynan Ecolodge in Wadi Rum is only available in the winter months of November to April, due to high temperatures in the desert.

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InterContinental Jordan, Amman

This five-star hotel is an iconic city landmark on one of Amman’s seven hills. With top-notch facilities, including six restaurants and a signature spa, it’s within easy walking distance of the Citadel and other downtown sights.  

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Wadi Rum UFO

Nothing quite beats star-gazing in the desert, but to be able to do it to your heart’s content before retreating to your bed in a futuristic glamping pod in the middle of the Wadi Rum is an experience on another level entirely. The food and picturesque location make this spot even more special.

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Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa

Sitting in the Jordan Valley at the lowest land point on Earth, you’ll have direct access to the Dead Sea beachfront here.  Our favourite way to while away the hours? Lounging on the sundeck of the floating pontoon (it’s the only one in the area).

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Feynan Ecolodge

How could we ignore Nat Geo naming Feynan as one of the best eco-lodges in the world? The nightly three-course vegetarian meals are a memorable experience, served up alfresco and by candlelight, and the rooftop is great for stargazing.

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Wadi Rum UFO

Nothing quite beats star-gazing in the desert, but to be able to do it to your heart’s content before retreating to your bed in a futuristic glamping pod in the middle of the Wadi Rum is an experience on another level entirely. The food and picturesque location make this spot even more special.

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Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa

Sitting in the Jordan Valley at the lowest land point on Earth, you’ll have direct access to the Dead Sea beachfront here.  Our favourite way to while away the hours? Lounging on the sundeck of the floating pontoon (it’s the only one in the area).

Important Notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Amman International Airport (AMM).

Flights into Jordan can arrive at rather unsociable hours, so don’t worry if your flight arrives at around midnight. You won’t be the only one and our friendly team can assist you in booking a pre-night at the hotel so you can check in as soon as you land.

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

You should ideally arrive before 3 pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 40 minutes away from the airport.

On this adventure most travellers tend to arrive a day early, which we can help you organise. Please do get in touch if this is something you would like to add on.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from the hotel, and your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Do you include airport transfers?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Do I need a visa?

You will need a visa if you are from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada which can be purchased upon arrival at the airport and the Jordan/Israel land border for approx 40 JOD / £45 for up to one month. This is only for a single-entry visa. 

If you’re travelling into Jordan via the Wadi Araba border, Allenby/King Hussein Bridge border or any other land border, you may need to pre-arrange a visa as these borders don’t provide visas on arrival. 

Some nationalities are required to purchase a pre-issued visa prior to travel and other nationalities are exempt. Please check with your local consulate and the Jordan government website.

We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Jordan?

Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travellers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.

What other vaccinations and medication will I need?

We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

Approximately 30 JD, the equivalent of £31 per day. Pack Leader tips and driver tips are included in the cost.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness here. Overall, Jordan is one of our more active adventures with a few lengthy hikes, so we recommend joining us on this one if you are fit enough to hike for five+ hours, and don’t mind doing so in temperatures of 20-30 degrees. You will have to walk in desert-like heat at some points. The 15-kilometre hike to Petra is moderate to difficult, but the views along the way are totally worth it. Canyoning is also a great, adventurous activity requiring some upper body strength to pull yourself up rocks. Those with a fear of water may not want to take part.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.

In the case of this particular itinerary, there are some key things to note:

1. Canyoning is only available between the summer months of May to October due to safety reasons. As an alternative activity between November and April, travellers will enjoy an award-winning, immersive cooking class with a family in Amman.

2. The Feynan Ecolodge experience in Wadi Rum is only available in the winter months of November to April, due to high temperatures in the desert. At this time of year, we will spend an extra day at Aqaba on the Red Sea. 

What about Ramadan? Will it affect my trip?

Your itinerary is not expected to change during Ramadan or Eid Al Fitr (the Festival of Fast-breaking) as tourists sites will remain open. However, many shops and restaurants will be closed and it will be more difficult to buy alcohol.

If you are in Jordan during this time, we anticipate that you will still be able to buy alcohol at hotels whilst in Amman and at the Dead Sea, however it is unlikely you will be able to buy drinks in other parts of the country.

What should I pack?

If you’re travelling during the summer months (May-September), you’ll need to bring lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for the soaring temperatures. In the evenings, it can get chilly in the desert, so packing some warmer tops and a light jacket will help make sure that you’re prepared. You’ll spend some evenings by a fire, and your clothes may smell smokey, so it’s worth bringing a few spare clothes to change into afterwards.

Generally, it’s a good idea to keep your shoulders and knees covered where possible. This not only fits in with Jordanian culture, but it also keeps the sun and insects off of your skin. If you feel more comfortable in shorts and t-shirts, they are fine to wear as long as they are not too revealing or low cut.

If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Jordan, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.

Baggage

  • A large backpack or suitcase. It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.

  • A day bag. This will need to be big enough for your daily essentials such as water and your camera.

Clothing

  • Light tops with sleeves. Longer sleeves will be very handy for keeping insects and the sun off of your skin during activities. Generally, t-shirts are great for activities, but for cultural reasons, we don’t recommend revealing tank tops or crop tops.

  • Lightweight outdoor trousers. For the more adventurous activities, such as hiking and scrambling, it’s a great idea to bring a pair of outdoor trousers that you don’t mind getting dirty.

  • Activewear. Breathable and lightweight materials will help you stay comfortable when getting active.

  • Linen trousers. On the more relaxing days, linen trousers are a great way to keep cool.

  • Swimwear. You may want to bring one pair for getting muddy and one pair for relaxing.

  • Clothes suitable for getting wet/muddy. During the canyoning, you will get soaking wet, so an old t-shirt and an old pair of shorts would be ideal.

  • Modest clothing. You are required to cover your arms and legs before you enter a temple in Jordan, so please make sure that you have some appropriate clothing.

  • Wrap/head scarf . You can buy these locally in Jordan and they’re great for covering your head and wrapping around yourself when necessary.

  • Fleeces/jumpers/light jackets. Between October and May, evenings can get chilly, so packing warmer clothes is a good idea. If you’re travelling in the summer, just a light jacket will do.

  • Jeans/warm trousers (winter only). During the winter months, you’ll need to bring some warmer trousers for the cold nights.

  • Warm pyjamas/ bedclothes and socks (winter only). During the winter months, it’s worth bringing some warmer clothes to wear to bed.

  • Gloves (winter only). During the winter months, you may find it handy to bring some gloves for the cold desert evenings.

  • Sunglasses/sunhat. The sun is likely to be strong during the day, so protecting yourself is important.

Shoes

  • Hiking shoes. There’s a lot of hiking on this trip, so make sure that your hiking shoes are comfortable and well worn-in before your trip.

  • Comfortable, breathable shoes (trainers/sneakers). For general wear, a pair of trainers/sneakers are perfect.

  • Spare ‘water’ shoes. During the canyoning, your shoes will get soaking wet, so having a separate pair of grippy shoes, like an old pair of trainers/sneakers, is recommended.

  • Sandals/flip-flops. Great for relaxing during the day.

Accessories

  • Electricals and chargers

  • Plug socket adaptor. Plug sockets vary in Jordan, European two-pin plugs and British 3-pin plugs are both widely used. (Types C and G)

  • Refillable water bottle. This will help to reduce our plastic footprint.

  • Torch/head torch. This will be useful for your time in the desert.

  • Beach towel. Your hotels will provide bath towels, but for swimming elsewhere, you’ll need to bring a towel. A travel towel will help to save space.

  • Eye mask and earplugs. If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.

  • Waterproof camera. If you have one, you can capture fantastic underwater footage during the canyoning.

Toiletries/medical 

  • Any personal medication you require.

  • Personal toiletries.

  • Painkillers.

  • Anti-bacterial gel.

  • Insect repellant.

  • Lip balm with SPF.

  • Moisturiser.

  • High SPF factor sun cream.

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