Visit Petra, the rose-hued fortress carved into the rock by the Nabataean people, on this Short Break adventure. Once the capital of a trading empire that dominated the deserts of modern Jordan, Petra showcases the achievements of this ancient Arab society. Explore the rock-cut architecture, float in the Dead Sea and find treasures in Amman’s colourful souqs. Venture into the iconic red sands of Wadi Rum by 4WD and spend the night at a desert camp. This short trip is the ideal way to start off or round up a voyage to the Middle East.
◆Mt Nebo - Site visit
◆Dead Sea - visit and swim
◆Petra - Guided tour
At a glance
Duration
3 days
Route
Amman → Amman
Countries
Jordan
Activity level
easy
Style
City & Short Breaks, Culture & History
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Jordan
Day 1Amman / Dead Sea / PetraAhlan o Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your adventure starts at 8.30 am this morning with a welcome meeting. Then, head straight to the Dead Sea – this is the lowest point on Earth (420 m/1378 ft below sea level) and the water is seven times saltier than the ocean. This means you’re extremely buoyant when swimming and will float on the water rather than in it. The mud here is said to have healing properties, and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe! After, stop at a private beach with a gentle slope to less salty water – you’ll want to have your swimwear with you today! After lunch, drive to the mountains of Petra, where you’ll spend the night.
Amman
Ahlan o Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Your adventure starts at 8.30 am this morning with a welcome meeting. Then, head straight to the Dead Sea – this is the lowest point on Earth (420 m/1378 ft below sea level) and the water is seven times saltier than the ocean. This means you’re extremely buoyant when swimming and will float on the water rather than in it. The mud here is said to have healing properties, and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe! After, stop at a private beach with a gentle slope to less salty water – you’ll want to have your swimwear with you today! After lunch, drive to the mountains of Petra, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2PetraToday, you’ll explore Petra – a site that remained unknown to the Western world until 1812 when it was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. According to Arab tradition, Petra is where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth. Learn all about this Wonder of the World from your local guide as you wander the ancient city. Walk through the narrow Siq to the iconic Treasury and admire this iconic view, continue along the Roman road, passing several impressive tombs and the city’s amphitheatre. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 800 steps to the Monastery. After, you’ll depart Petra and travel by 4WD into the rugged, Mars-like landscape of Wadi Rum. You’ll pass through unique desert scenery, including natural rock bridges, towering sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. There are traces of ancient civilisations in the many carved inscriptions throughout the area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. As the sun sets, arrive at your desert camp for the night.
Petra
Today, you’ll explore Petra – a site that remained unknown to the Western world until 1812 when it was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. According to Arab tradition, Petra is where Moses struck a rock with his staff and water came forth. Learn all about this Wonder of the World from your local guide as you wander the ancient city. Walk through the narrow Siq to the iconic Treasury and admire this iconic view, continue along the Roman road, passing several impressive tombs and the city’s amphitheatre. If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the 800 steps to the Monastery. After, you’ll depart Petra and travel by 4WD into the rugged, Mars-like landscape of Wadi Rum. You’ll pass through unique desert scenery, including natural rock bridges, towering sand dunes and scattered rocky peaks. There are traces of ancient civilisations in the many carved inscriptions throughout the area, from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean and Arabic texts. As the sun sets, arrive at your desert camp for the night.
Day 3Petra / AmmanWake up early for a spectacular sunrise in this otherworldly setting – as the light comes up, the cliffs shift colour and the desert awakens slowly. You’ll depart camp today, making your way to the main entrance of Wadi Rum. It sits opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitors centre here is a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women’s co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Continue your journey to Amman, the White City. When you arrive, grab some lunch at Ezwitti, one of The Intrepid Foundation partners. By dining here, you are helping pay it forward and providing food and opportunity to local community members. Then, join your leader for a city tour to Duwwar Al-Hawooz (also known as Paris Square), The Duke’s Diwan (formerly the Haifa Hotel and Amman’s first post office), and the Al Hussaini Mosque. You’ll also have the chance to practice your bargaining skills at the White City’s bustling souqs. Tonight, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Amman, where your trip comes to an end.
Petra
Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise in this otherworldly setting – as the light comes up, the cliffs shift colour and the desert awakens slowly. You’ll depart camp today, making your way to the main entrance of Wadi Rum. It sits opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitors centre here is a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts, mostly made by a women’s co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Continue your journey to Amman, the White City. When you arrive, grab some lunch at Ezwitti, one of The Intrepid Foundation partners. By dining here, you are helping pay it forward and providing food and opportunity to local community members. Then, join your leader for a city tour to Duwwar Al-Hawooz (also known as Paris Square), The Duke’s Diwan (formerly the Haifa Hotel and Amman’s first post office), and the Al Hussaini Mosque. You’ll also have the chance to practice your bargaining skills at the White City’s bustling souqs. Tonight, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Amman, where your trip comes to an end.
What's included
Included
✓Spend a day walking around Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with your local guide – you’ll be blown away by the iconic Treasury facade.
✓Take in the cinematic sights and landscapes of Wadi Rum on your 4WD ride to your desert camp, then settle in among sand dunes and rock bridges in this lunar-like landscape.
✓Float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth.
✓Explore Amman’s old and new layers, from the artsy neighbourhood of Duwwar Al-Hawooz and the mural-lined Daraj Al Kalha staircase to Habiba’s Alley, where you might grab a knafeh (one of Amman’s famous local desserts).
✓Practice your bargaining skills at Amman’s bustling souqs, perhaps picking up Dead Sea mineral-rich mud masks, handpainted ceramics and traditional Middle Eastern spices.
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