Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Jordan Hiking & Cultural Discovery with Premier Lodging
Day 1 Arrive in Amman
30-minute to 1-hour private van transfer
Welcome to Jordan! Meet your guide at the Queen Alia International Airport and transfer to your luxury hotel in Amman. Settle in, then meet your group for a welcome dinner and trip briefing at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Amman
(D)
Day 2 Meet Arabian Horses & Go Wine Tasting
Cultural touring
Get your Jordan experience started with a tour of the old city of Amman, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theatre, two of the city's most popular archaeological sites. Afterward, stop by the fruit market downtown and try a sample of local falafel and knafeh. Next, you'll visit the Royal Stables, established in 1968 to preserve the Arabian horse in its homeland. The breed's entire appearance exudes energy, intelligence, courage, and nobility. Jordan's Royal Stables are home to more than 250 Arabian horses, which are considered national treasures. Most of the horses descend from seven mares owned by King Abdullah I. This evening, you'll see another side of Jordan during a wine-tasting session. During a 20-minute screen presentation, learn about Saint George wines' history, vineyards, terroirs, and process. Then, enjoy a meal of local specialties paired with three different wines.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Amman
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike in the Bergesh Forest & Lunch with a Local Family
3.5-hour private van transfer
4-5 hours/5 miles hiking with 3,380' elevation gain and 3,212' elevation loss
Discover delightful Jerash, considered one of the Middle East's most important and well-preserved Roman cities. After touring the area, make your way to Ajloun, where you will hike from the beautiful Bergesh Forest east through the lush Wadi Zubia Forest. These verdant landscapes are rare in Jordan, constituting less than 1% of the country's vast 37,450 square miles. After your hike, continue to the village of Rasoun, where you'll be welcomed by a local family with whom you'll enjoy a mouthwatering traditional lunch. After this taste of authentic Jordanian culture and cuisine, return to Amman for the night.
(B, L)
Day 4 Journey to Petra
4.5-hour private van transfer
Cultural touring
This morning, take a drive to Mount Nebo and marvel at the view Moses saw when he looked across to the Promised Land. Continue to Madaba to explore and discover amazing Byzantine mosaics excavated throughout the town. The Madaba Map is the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Lands. Move on to a special olive-oil tasting and mini masterclass by Maida Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The producer has won numerous international awards for their olive oil and was chosen as the official oil of The Best Chef Awards in the Netherlands. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Carob farm-to-table restaurant, community kitchen, cafe, and cultural space. Taste traditional Jordanian dishes based on the cultivation of tasty, nutritious foods in harmony with nature. Later in the day, drive to Petra to overnight.
Accommodation: Petra Marriott Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Hike to Petra
4-6 hours/8.5 miles hiking with 1,627' elevation gain/1,702' elevation loss (option to take jeep ride instead of hiking)
This morning, you'll transfer to the start of your incredible hike to ancient Petra. Follow a Nabataean route out of the valley with amazing views across the Araba Mountains and all the way to the Negev Desert. Skirt around the final mountain on a natural rock terrace that narrows before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, The Monastery suddenly comes into view. At the end of this "back door" route, steps lead down into ancient Petra, past The Treasury and through the famous Petra Siq to the shops, cafes, and hotels of Wadi Musa. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the magnificent monuments within Petra, an unforgettable experience!
Accommodation: Petra Marriott Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Experience Bedouin Culture & Explore Wadi Rum
2-hour private van transfer
Cultural touring and 2-hour jeep tour
After breakfast, journey to Wadi Rum and visit the Disi women's cooperative, which celebrates Bedouin culture and traditions. Experience authentic activities such as coffee-making and storytelling, gaining insight into how coffee is central to Bedouin hospitality and rituals. In the evening, embark on a jeep tour through Wadi Rum's breathtaking valleys, canyons, and deserts. As you explore, take in ancient rock inscriptions and awe-inspiring views of the rugged landscape. You'll have opportunities to hike and scramble along the way, immersing yourself in the beauty of the desert. Return to your camp as night falls to enjoy the warmth of Bedouin hospitality and sleep under a blanket of stars.
Accommodation: Saraya Rum Camp
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Hike Jebal Al-Hash
1.5-hour private van transfer
3.5 hours/1.7 miles hiking with 255' elevation gain and 262' elevation loss
After a hearty breakfast, hop in a jeep for the ride to the trailhead at Jebel Al-Hash, located in the Al Forah area near the Saudi Arabian border. Start hiking through an interesting rocky valley scattered with vegetation and over easy rocky slabs as the route winds toward a plateau beneath this massive mountain. Enjoy a 360-degree view extending across the desert, then descend to the west through another rugged valley to complete the trip around Jebel Al-Hash. This moderate off-trail hike suits all fitness levels, as there are several routes to the top. At the end of the hike, drive on to Aqaba to spend the night.
Accommodation: Al-Manara Hotel
(B, L)
Day 8 Swim & Snorkel in Aqaba
Boat ride, swimming, snorkeling
Today, set out from Aqaba and enjoy a leisurely boat ride with excellent views across Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Enjoy a swim with vibrantly colored tropical fish and snorkel the Red Sea coral reefs. Lunch will be served on the boat. The afternoon is yours to explore Aqaba on your own or relax at the hotel. Gather in the evening for dinner at the hotel.
Accommodation: Al-Manara Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Float in the Dead Sea
3.5-hour private van transfer
Dead Sea sightseeing
Wake up, have breakfast, and drive to the lowest point on Earth to float and relax at the Dead Sea. Enjoy the sunshine and view while trying an invigorating mud bath to cleanse the skin. Later, gather for the farewell dinner at The Precious, where you'll savor a fresh, seasonal, a la carte menu heavily based on locally sourced organic produce. East meets West with inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine and a reliance on flavors from Jordan and the surrounding region.
Accommodation: Kempinski Ishtar Resort Hotel
(B, D)
Day 10 Depart for Home
1-hour private van transfer
This morning, you'll be picked up at your hotel near the Dead Sea and transferred to the airport in Amman for your homeward-bound flight.
Accommodation: Kempinski Ishtar Resort Hotel
(B)
