Discover Jordan: From Petra to the Dead Sea

Welcome to Amman, a city where Roman ruins come face to face with modern Jordanian life. You’ll be greeted at the airport by a private transfer, which will take you to your city hotel. As most flights arrive late, the real adventure will begin tomorrow. If, however, you arrive early, we recommend exploring the city at your own pace, with its ornate mosques and bustling souks. Jordan boasts an enviable food culture, so be sure to head into one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Meet your fellow solo travellers and begin the day with a walk back through time in the city’s ancient citadel, before moving south to the Wadi Mujib for a morning of canyoning. Explore a series of dramatic ravines and gorges, with a chance to wild swim through waterfall pools. The perfect dose of adrenaline. This afternoon’s adventure will then take you to the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, complete with secluded chalets overlooking the Dead Sea. Slather yourself in its mineral-rich mud (an upgrade from your usual skin routine, no doubt) as the sun fades over the lowest point on earth. *Our canyoning adventure will only run between May and October and is a weather-dependent activity.

Today will see you all head over to the Dana Biosphere Reserve, an area steeped in biodiversity bordering Israel and Palestine. Trek 14 kilometres across rocky sand dunes, pink valleys and open plains, passing the sand cats and lizards that call this region home. Arrive at your eco-lodge for the evening, just in time for sunset. As night takes over, don’t miss the spectacular sight of the night skies (this place is a stargazer’s dream).

This morning is yours to explore at leisure. Your ecolodge offers a host of activities: local cooking classes and cultural activities are all options at your group’s disposal. Then, depart for the Rose City of Petra – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and for good reason. Carved into the sheer rock face over 2,000 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was rediscovered in the 19th century (and propelled to 21st-century fame by Indiana Jones). In the evening, watch the ancient sandstone city flicker in the light of a thousand candles to the sound of live Bedouin music.

This morning, you’ll hike into Petra via its secret back door. Ascend a steep stairway over the rocks, before exploring the labyrinth of caves, temples and tombs chiseled out of the dusty-pink cliffs. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Monastery, before uncovering the Theatre, the Street of Facades and the spectacular Treasury. After an action-packed day in the Rose City, sink into a restorative Turkish bath. Then, you’ll gather for a Bedouin feast under the twinkling lights of Little Petra.

The red sands of Wadi Rum are calling. Jump aboard a fleet of desert jeeps, racing through a landscape of jagged mountains and rolling sand dunes. Scattered with unusual rock formations and ancient passages, this is a region of unique beauty – with landmarks boasting appropriately mystical names (the Seven Pillars of Wisdom? Here we come). As dusk settles in, pick a spot to admire the sunset with your group before heading back to your desert lodge.

Savour the desert sunrise as you set out by camel into the vast landscape, the dunes glowing in the delicate pink light. Once the sun is up, return to the lodge for breakfast, and then begin the five-hour drive back to Amman. Upon arrival, spend a few hours exploring the lively city streets, then gather with your group for a farewell feast. Round off your final night with a few drinks in Amman’s vibrant rooftop bars.

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s over to you to make your own way onwards. If you want to extend your Middle Eastern adventure, why not pair this trip with our Oman itinerary? Ancient cities, rugged canyons and vast deserts are waiting.