Wadi Rum Hiker, Jordan
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5.0
| 1 review

Hike Jordan and Snorkel the Red Sea

7 nights
Moderate

Immerse yourself in the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and Petra and delve into the famous coral reefs of the Red Sea

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides

Hotel & Glamping

5 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a Bedouin camp

Meals

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 traditional Arabic dinners

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment

Fully equipped Bedouin tents and all your snorkelling gear

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

5.0
| 1 review
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
May 2024
Amanda L.
Wadi Rum Hiker, Jordan
Getty - 1358254049
Red Sea Snorkelling, Jordan
Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MADyQ9gcCIg-photo-of-a-person-snorkeling/
The end of the Siq, with its dramatic view of Al Khazneh ('The Treasury'), Jordan. Photo: iStock-467158379
Red Sea Coral Jordan
Canva - https://www.canva.com/design/DAFscW5hUjI/p39yEMb3OO0v2VkwJbQ0NQ/edit
Wadi Rum Jeep, Jordan. Photo: Commissioned/Tom Barker
Wadi Rum, Jordan. Photo: iStock-1127575150

Pass through the sandstone mountains that guard Petra’s ‘backdoor’ before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself

Hop in a desert truck through the dunes of Wadi Rum to climb Jordan’s highest peak, with views all the way to Saudi Arabia

Swap lunar sandscapes for technicolour waterworlds as you snorkel the Red Sea's coral reefs and float in the famous Dead Sea

Fancy just sticking to dry land? Head over to our much-loved Adventure Hiking in Jordan trip instead

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Jordan

City view with mosque, Madaba, Jordan. Photo: iStock-1139064490

You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in central Madaba. You're free to check in after 2pm and the rest of the day is yours to explore the ancient city at your leisure.

Day 2

Dana Nature Reserve

Dana Reserve, Jordan. Photo: Commissioned/Tom Barker

Driving

3.5hrs

Hiking

5hrs · 12km · 250m up · 800m down

After breakfast and a chance to meet your fellow adventurers, it's time for your briefing. Head south to Dana Nature Reserve, one of Jordan’s often-overlooked gems. Today you’ll be hiking the Shaq Al Reesh trail (or similar). This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking siq, to Shaq al Reesh. After your hike, time permitting, you’ll continue south towards Shobak Castle for a panoramic tour. Pull out your camera and take a few great shots, as the castle is perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain, looking out over fruit trees below on the way to Petra. Memories captured, you’ll then head to your first Bedouin camp experience of this adventure.

Day 3

The backdoor to Petra

Petra, Jordan. Photo: Commissioned/Tom Barker

Hiking

6 hours · 14km · 500m up · 520m down

After an early breakfast, it's time to start your journey through Petra. You'll cross the desert and pass through Wadi Ghurab amidst the sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Continue via a Nabataean route that skirts the final mountain on a natural rock terrace. You'll soon reach a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. The monastery suddenly comes into view as you follow the steps down to ancient Petra, where you'll have time to soak it all in and learn about its ancient past.

Day 4

Head to Wadi Rum and climb Jordan’s highest peak

Wadi Rum, Jordan, at night. Photo: iStock-504118932

Driving

4.5hrs

Hiking

4hrs · 4km · 400m up · 400m down

Head to the unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where you'll hop into a desert truck for the hour’s drive to the foot of Um Ad Dami (1800m) – the highest peak in Jordan. Hike up to the summit, from which the panorama is spectacular – to the south, you can see the border to Saudi Arabia and to the north, Jebel Rum. You'll descend to a remote Bedouin camp to relax and marvel at the stars in the clear desert night. Dinner here is a real experience – you’ll be served zarb, a delicious traditional dish cooked for 4-5 hours on hot coals under the ground.

Day 5

Wadi Rum to the Red Sea

Aqaba at the Red Sea, Jordan

Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MADGCJcCcb8-view-on-the-aqaba-waterfront-and-aqaba-sea-port-jordan-from-the-red-sea/

Hiking

2hrs

After breakfast you’ll bid farewell to your Bedouin hosts and head off for two short hikes through two of Wadi Rum's most beautiful canyons: Um Ishreen and Barrah - with mesmerising multi-coloured cliffs and towers flanking the flat sandy sections, greener plant-rich areas and dunes. Hop back in the van and leave Wadi Rum for the coast, reaching Aqaba in the early afternoon for a well-deserved dip in the Red Sea. Aqaba is a lively, bustling spot and your guide will suggest the best restaurants for lunch and dinner. In the afternoon you'll visit the Berenice Beach Club with full use of the pools and beach where you can swim straight from the shore.

Day 6

Explore the Red Sea's famous reefs

Snorkelling Red Sea Jordan
Canva

Snorkelling

3hrs

Head off this morning to the yacht club of Aqaba, hop onboard a specialist diving and snorkelling boat and set off on the glistening Red Sea. Your skipper will take you to several beautiful areas to snorkel over the Red Sea's world-renowned coral reefs with a diverse array of marine life to gaze at. Tuck into lunch on deck before more time below the surface in the afternoon. During breaks from snorkelling and swimming you can sunbathe and relax on the boat ́s sun deck. Enjoy some afternoon downtime and a free evening to take your pick of the local restaurants for a sundowner and dinner as that salty-skin feeling lingers into the night.

Day 7

To the Dead Sea

Woman floating in the Dead Sea, Jordan
Canva - https://www.canva.com/photos/MADCAhLNDyo-one-woman-swimming-bathing-in-dead-sea-jordan/

Swimming

2hrs

Driving

5hrs

Tuck into one last breakfast overlooking the Red Sea before hopping in the van for a road trip over to Jordan's other famous body of water - the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Spend the afternoon floating, swimming and relaxing in the waters known for their healing qualities, perhaps try an invigorating mud bath to cleanse the skin or get a spa treatment before driving the final stretch back to Amman. Tonight is the final night of your epic adventure, so find a good restaurant and toast the incredible memories made over the past week.

Day 8

Transfer to Airport

Wadi Rum sunset, Jordan. Photo: Host/Experience Jordan

After breakfast and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Glamping · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Glamping · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 – Day 7

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Adventure hiking in Jordan

For breakfast, expect a buffet typical of 3-star hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be either a packed lunch or buffet style. Where this isn't included it will cost approx $10pp. Dinner (where not included) will be at local restaurants and will cost approx $15-$20pp. Your guide will be with you to make suggestions of where to eat and when to arrange group meals.

For dinner in the Bedouin camp on Day 2, you'll experience traditional Arabic food: either magloobah (rice with vegetables and chicken prepared in a traditional way with local spices) or mansaf (rice served with lamb and yoghurt). These dishes come with the classic accompaniments of hoummus, mtabbal (fried aubergine) and salad. Dinner at Wadi Rum on Day 4 is a real experience: here, they serve the famous zarb – rice, veggies, lamb and chicken cooked for 4-5 hours under the ground on coals, served with salads and side dishes. On the Red Sea section of the trip, you'll tuck into a delicious lunch onboard the boat in between your snorkelling adventures, while evening meals are not included, giving you some free time to explore Aqaba's many excellent restaurants - your guide will have plenty of suggestions!

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just let your host know on booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Little Petra

You will spend one night in a Bedouin camp located just 5km from Petra. Each tent is equipped with beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows, with showers and toilets available nearby. You'll be treated to traditional Bedouin cuisine, and the camp is the perfect place for a spot of star-gazing and to watch the sun rise the next morning.

Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp, Jordan. Photo: Commissioned/Tom Barker
Wadi Rum

The Bedouin desert camp consists of several communal areas for dining, camp fires and chilling outside. The tents are large canvas square style tents with a raised bed, mattress and furniture in each. If you would like to take your mattress outside to a nearby dune to sleep under the stars, let your guide know as this can be arranged.

Madaba, Petra & Amman

During your overnight stays in Madaba, Petra and Amman you will be tucked up in cosy local hotels. The exact hotel you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on group size and availability, but all are chosen for their excellent reputation, location and welcoming service.

Aqaba

On the coast of Jordan's Red Sea you'll stay two nights at the 4* My Luxury Hotel. The hotel is blessed with a rooftop restaurant with views over the Aqaba skyline, plus an outdoor pool if you haven't had your fill of swimming the Red Sea during the day. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with as ensuite bathroom, unless you have requested a double room or a private room upgrade.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

This trip has been rated as Moderate

A moderate level of fitness is needed to enjoy this trip. You won’t need to be super fit, but you should be in good shape and feel comfortable hiking up to 6 hours a day on often unsteady ground. What’s more important is being comfortable with heights. There will be a few exposed sections, so those with vertigo may not be too comfortable. Your guide will never be far away to help you get through it, though. You won't need any snorkelling experience as full guidance is provided, and you are welcome to do as much or as little snorkelling as you like - the rest of the time you can simply chill on deck or on the beach.

What will I need to carry?

You'll only need to carry a small day rucksack with personal items, snacks and water during each day of activity. Your main luggage will be transported for you.

The weather in the summer can get very hot, especially in the desert, with daytime temperatures averaging between 32-36°C. May to October tends to be exclusively sunny, while the nights are cool and balmy. Rain is unlikely but not unheard of, so do be prepared, especially if travelling between November and March.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Queen Alia International Airport, Amman

Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1

Ends

Queen Alia International Airport Amman

Depart any time on Day 8

Transfers

Arrival transfers from Amman airport to the hotel in Madaba are included for any time you choose to arrive on Day 1 or Day 2 of the tour (some flights arrive after midnight so fall in the early hours of Day 2). Departure transfers from the final hotel to Amman airport are included for any time you choose to depart on Day 8. If you need a transfer on other days then your host can arrange a private transfer for you, at an additional cost. See the Optional Extras section for prices.

Travel options

There are frequent flights to Amman from airports in the UK and Europe. Choose any flight to arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 8 - or extend your stay if you wish. Some flights arrive shortly after midnight - if you arrive in Amman in the early hours of Day 2 then your room will be ready and waiting for you, but if your flight arrives in the early hours of Day 1, you will need to book an extra night's accommodation before the tour as rooms are not usually available for check-in until the mid-afternoon. Your host can arrange an additional night of accommodation, subject to availability. See the Optional Extras section for prices.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

  • Main bag (duffel bag or small suitcase)
  • Day pack (15-25 litres) to carry the essentials while hiking
  • Light rain or windproof jacket
  • Dry fit t-shirts or tops (shoulders covered)
  • Hiking trousers or long shorts
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • Hiking boots (worn in)
  • Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)
  • Pyjamas/something to sleep in
  • Swimwear
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Water bladder or 2 water bottles
  • Sun protection (sun hat, sunglasses and suncreen)
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal first aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Toiletries (inc. travel towel and hand sanitiser)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, wet wipes and ziplock baggies to carry out)
  • Snacks
  • Sleeping bag liner for the Bedouin camps (optional)
  • Headtorch (optional) for the night in the desert
  • Ear plugs (optional)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Single)

Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Twin or Double)

Payable Before Departure

Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Twin or Double)

Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Twin or Double)

Payable Before Departure

Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Twin or Double)

Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Single)

Payable Before Departure

Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Single)

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade

Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)

Payable Before Departure

Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)

Amanda L.(May 2024)
Amazing trip with the perfect balance of adventure and chill
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