4.8
Explore Jordan and Sleep in a Martian Dome
- Jordan
- 5 nights
Marvel at ancient Petra, float in the Dead Sea, snorkel the Red Sea and count shooting stars from your bed in the desert
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
- All Accommodation3 nights in cosy local hotels, 1 night in a spectacular guesthouse and 1 night in a Martian dome in the desert
- MealsAll breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 traditional Arabic dinners
- TransfersBoth airport transfers and everything in between
- PermitsAll your permits and entry fees
- Maximum group size: 14Join small n’ sociable groups of like-minded, active and outdoorsy people – designed to be solo-friendly
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Marvel at the Milky Way and tuck into a Bedouin barbecue feast at an otherworldy desert camp
Spend the night in a sustainable guesthouse perched above the canyons and wadis of the Dana Biosphere, Jordan’s biggest nature reserve
Bounce through the dunes of Wadi Rum in a desert jeep and catch the kaleidoscope of colours at sunset
Hike the mountains that flank the approach to Petra’s ‘backdoor’, before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself
Itinerary
Day 1
Touchdown in Jordan
HotelTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the ancient city of Madaba. You're free to check in after 2pm and the evening is free for you to explore the city, your briefing will be tomorrow morning.
Day 2
The Dead Sea to Dana
Driving3.5hrsHiking2hrs · 2mi · 820ft up · 2625ft downHotelTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
After breakfast, you’ll hit the road south to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, for a float in the salty water and an optional beachside scrub with the famous mud. Then it’s onto the Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve for a short hike along a circular trail that traverses Al-Barrah, through the Siq, to Shaq al Reesh. The distance is not far but the rocky trail undulates and you'll climb 250m in just 3km. Check into your lodge and soak up the scenery from your perch on the edge of the precipitous cliffs of Wadi Dana.
Day 3
The backdoor to Petra
Hiking4 hours · 6mi · 1640ft up · 1706ft downHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Today you’ll start the journey to Petra. Hiking shoes at the ready, you'll approach via the less crowded 'backdoor' (negotiating the many steps requires some physical effort but the reward is most definitely worth it). You'll cross the desert and pass through Wadi Ghurab amidst the sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Continue via a Nabataean path onto a natural rock terrace before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Following the steps (almost 900 of them) down to ancient Petra and The Treasury, you'll have plenty of time to soak it all in and learn about its ancient past.
Day 4
Channel your inner Martian
Driving2hrsHiking2hrs · 2mi · 1312ft up · 1312ft downMartian DomeTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Today you’ll head south to the expansive Wadi Rum desert. You’ll start with a short hike through the 5km Barrah Canyon, one of the most spectacular corners of Wadi Rum, where multi-coloured cliffs and towers flank enormous sand dunes, desert oases and gorges. You’ll pause for an al-fresco hummus-based lunch before hopping on a desert truck to your Martian Dome accommodation. The area has been used in many films such as The Martian and Star Wars so expect it to feel a bit sci-fi as you bed down in your dome for the night.
Day 5
Wadi Rum to the Red Sea
Driving5-6hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
After waking up to the desert sunrise, you'll head to the Red Sea in Aqaba, a port town with views across to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It’s relaxed today with time to swim or snorkel (rental available) in the balmy waters straight from the beach. Vitamin-D fuelled, you’ll jump back on the bus for the road trip to the capital, Amman. Be sure to wander down Rainbow Street, packed full of places to eat, drink and people watch - the perfect place to kick back with your crew and reminisce about your Jordan adventure.
Day 6
Say your farewells
Breakfast includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
After breakfast and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.
Practical Stuff
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
- Pick up
- Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1 - Drop off
- Queen Alia International Airport Amman
Depart any time on Day 6
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Visit the Dead Sea for a swim
- Guided circular hike in the Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve
- Guided hike to Petra
- Guided hike through the Barrah Canyon
- Swim in the Red Sea at Aqaba
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 3 nights in cosy, local hotels
- 1 in a spectacular lodge in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- 1 in an unforgettable Martian dome in the desert
- All (5) buffet breakfasts
- 3 buffet-style lunches
- 2 Arabic dinners including zarb, a traditional dish cooked underground on hot coals
- Arrival transfer from Amman Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Amman Airport at any time on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
- All permits and entry fees
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Some small tips are included in your trip cost, and your guide will handle these on your behalf, although tips for your guide and driver are not included - we suggest budgeting in the region of at least $50 per person (in total). These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation in Jordan to tip for good service. Your guide can help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:
- Guide: $5+ per person, per day
- Driver: $3+ per person, per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - while often expected, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Private room upgrades are not available on this trip due to the nature of the accommodation.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Martian Dome
Madaba, Petra & Amman
What You'll Eat
For breakfast expect a buffet typical of hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be buffet style and, where not included, will cost around $10 per person. At dinner times, you'll get to experience traditional Arabic food – such as…
Optional Extras
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and dome 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).
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Ratings & Reviews
4.865 reviews
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Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 5.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
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Before You Travel
What to Pack
Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Can I book last minute?
We recommend booking more than 31 days in advance to guarantee your spot on the trip. If requesting to book less than 31 in advance the host will need to check accommodation availability before accepting your booking (please do not book flights until your booking has been confirmed by the host). Due to high demand in Jordan, if requesting a spot within two weeks of departure chances are that there won't be any availability – so the sooner you can make plans, the better.
Are Jordan trips running as normal since the Middle East conflict?
Yes. Trips to Jordan have been running as normal throughout the conflict – check out our latest customer reviews! Much Better Adventures operate trips in line with the British FCDO travel advice and also consult with security advisors, both of whom have confirmed that trips are safe to run. We continue to receive real-time updates from the FCDO and our local host in Jordan will also inform us immediately should anything change locally. In case you have any questions, we have prepared some additional information about travel to Jordan during the Middle East Conflict.
If you’re based in the United States, you can check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For travelers from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your government, as guidance may vary.
How will Ramadan affect my trip?
Ramadan will take place from 22nd March to 20th April 2023 and 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. However in hotel restaurants and tourist areas food and drink are served as normal and Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip. Liquor stores are likely to be closed for the month but in tourist enclaves bars stay open (although some may not allow alcohol outdoors - but inside is generally okay).
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
As you will be travelling with a vehicle, your luggage will need to travel with you so we advise keeping it reasonably small and light.
How much should I tip?
Some small tips are included in your trip cost, and your guide will handle these on your behalf, although tips for your guide and driver are not included - we suggest allowing in the region of at least $50 in total per person. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guide: $5+ per person per day Driver: $3+ per person per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - while often expected, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
Jordan is a very sunny country, with over 310 days of sunshine a year. May to October tends to be exclusively sunny with temperatures from the late teens to approx 25°C in the daytime, 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 plus point being that you are out of the main tourist season so although likely to be a little cooler, you are guaranteed less people at the key sights. The weather in the height of summer (July-August) can get very hot, especially in the desert, with daytime temperatures averaging between 32-36°C
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 278kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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