Jordan Off the Beaten Track

Begin your tour with an orientation of the Jordanian capital Amman, including its markets and ruins, then drive to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Jerash, also called the ‘City of 1,000 Columns’, was visited by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD. Its stunning remains are the equal of Ephesus in Turkey and are prized by UNESCO as an ‘ancient meeting place of East and West’. After your visit, drive north to the remote village of Umm Qais where you’ll stay at a community-based guesthouse.

Umm Qais is known principally for the ruins of ancient Gadara – the site of a biblical miracle – and has a dramatic location overlooking three countries. Today, you’ll participate in a series of uniquely immersive experiences connecting you with Jordan’s culture. After a breakfast laden with local delicacies, set off into the countryside on a foraging excursion. Next, hone your culinary skills during a cookery workshop and learn about beekeeping. The day concludes with a tour of ancient Gadara with a local guide. Meeting local people and listening to their stories and insights will make this beautiful and little-visited part of Jordan come alive.

Cross the basalt plain of the Hauran to Umm al-Jimal (‘mother of camels’ in English!). This abandoned and seemingly lost ancient city on the caravan route between Damascus and Amman is known for its signature black stones that stand out against the tan-coloured desert. Further on, visit the Umayyad period ‘desert castles’ of Qasr Hallebat and Qasr Amra, then conclude the day’s sighting at Azraq castle – where TE Lawrence and Sharif Hussein bin Ali based themselves during the winter of 1917-18.

Start the day at Azraq Wetland Reserve, where you’ll walk through the lagoons and tall reeds on the 1.5km Marsh Trail. Then, drive to the nearby Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, home to some of the rarest fauna in the Middle East. Arabian oryx, Persian onagers (an Asian wild ass), ostrich, and gazelles all now thrive in Jordan’s eastern desert, and there’s a chance you might spot these magnificent animals during the course of your 3 to 4-hour jeep safari. Arrive at Wadi Rum late this afternoon.

Today’s full-day combined jeep and walking tour will reveal Wadi Rum’s magnificent landmarks, including Khazali Canyon, Lawrence’s Spring, and the rock bridges of Jabal Burdah and Umm Fruth – one of the most photographed places in the desert. You’ll also hike (90 minutes) through the vast multi-coloured towers and cliffs of Barragh Canyon. The day concludes with sunset over the ‘vast echoing and God-like’ desert scenery.

Set off on foot across the desert sands with your Bedouin guide on the Makharas Canyon hike. This scenic walk near Wadi Rum’s famed ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ combines a magical canyon, red sands and grand views of Jebel Barrah and Umm Nfoos. Then, drive north to see the tombs of Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) – a tantalising foretaste of the archaeological wonders to come.

A full day to discover the rock-hewn ruins of ancient Petra, Jordan’s foremost tourist attraction. Once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs who controlled the lucrative trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean coast, Petra or ‘Rekem’ as the Nabataeans called it, was ‘lost’ to the outside world for a thousand years until its rediscovery in 1812. The site is approached through a hairline crack in the mountain known as the Siq, where, on emerging into the ancient city, you are greeted by the breathtaking sight of the vestiges of long-forgotten kings and once a fabulously wealthy empire – a spectacle that is unequalled in the Middle East.

Journey north along the ancient trade route known as the King’s Highway. The first stop will be Kerak where you will visit the huge Crusader and Mamluk, then admire the view over Mujib Canyon, before arriving at the little-visited UNESCO-listed ruins at Umm er-Rasas (ancient Kastrom Mefa’a), where you will see some beautiful mosaics. After lunch in Madaba, view the famous Byzantine map, visit the archaeological park, and continue to the Dead Sea.

A private transfer will bring you to Amman International Airport. On arrival, check in for your onward flight.