Hike Jordan and Snorkel the Red Sea
Immerse yourself in the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum and Petra and delve into the famous coral reefs of the Red Sea
Duration
7 nights
Annual Leave
1 week off work
Group Size
Up to 14 people
Season
Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
Location
Jordan
Meeting Point
Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
Classic Accommodation
Hotel · Glamping
Customer Reviews
This trip is brand new
Difficulty
Moderate
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Pass through the sandstone mountains that guard Petra’s ‘backdoor’ before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself
Hop in a desert truck through the dunes of Wadi Rum to climb Jordan’s highest peak, with views all the way to Saudi Arabia
Swap lunar sandscapes for technicolour waterworlds as you snorkel the Red Sea's coral reefs and float in the famous Dead Sea
Fancy just sticking to dry land? Head over to our much-loved Adventure Hiking in Jordan trip instead
Day 1
Welcome to Jordan
You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in central Madaba. You're free to check in after 2pm and the rest of the day is yours to explore the ancient city at your leisure.
Day 2
Dana Nature Reserve
Driving
Hiking
After breakfast and a chance to meet your fellow adventurers, it's time for your briefing. Head south to Dana Nature Reserve, one of Jordan’s often-overlooked gems. Today you’ll be hiking the Shaq Al Reesh trail (or similar). This circular trail traverses from Al-Barrah, through a breathtaking siq, to Shaq al Reesh. After your hike, time permitting, you’ll continue south towards Shobak Castle for a panoramic tour. Pull out your camera and take a few great shots, as the castle is perched on the side of a rocky, conical mountain, looking out over fruit trees below on the way to Petra. Memories captured, you’ll then head to your first Bedouin camp experience of this adventure.
Day 3
The backdoor to Petra
Hiking
After an early breakfast, it's time to start your journey through Petra. You'll cross the desert and pass through Wadi Ghurab amidst the sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Continue via a Nabataean route that skirts the final mountain on a natural rock terrace. You'll soon reach a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. The monastery suddenly comes into view as you follow the steps down to ancient Petra, where you'll have time to soak it all in and learn about its ancient past.
Day 4
Head to Wadi Rum and climb Jordan’s highest peak
Driving
Hiking
Head to the unique desert landscape of Wadi Rum, where you'll hop into a desert truck for the hour’s drive to the foot of Um Ad Dami (1800m) – the highest peak in Jordan. Hike up to the summit, from which the panorama is spectacular – to the south, you can see the border to Saudi Arabia and to the north, Jebel Rum. You'll descend to a remote Bedouin camp to relax and marvel at the stars in the clear desert night. Dinner here is a real experience – you’ll be served zarb, a delicious traditional dish cooked for 4-5 hours on hot coals under the ground.
Day 5
Wadi Rum to the Red Sea
Hiking
After breakfast you’ll bid farewell to your Bedouin hosts and head off for two short hikes through two of Wadi Rum's most beautiful canyons: Um Ishreen and Barrah - with mesmerising multi-coloured cliffs and towers flanking the flat sandy sections, greener plant-rich areas and dunes. Hop back in the van and leave Wadi Rum for the coast, reaching Aqaba in the early afternoon for a well-deserved dip in the Red Sea. Aqaba is a lively, bustling spot and your guide will suggest the best restaurants for lunch and dinner. In the afternoon you'll visit the Berenice Beach Club with full use of the pools and beach where you can swim straight from the shore.
Day 6
Explore the Red Sea's famous reefs
Snorkelling
Head off this morning to the yacht club of Aqaba, hop onboard a specialist diving and snorkelling boat and set off on the glistening Red Sea. Your skipper will take you to several beautiful areas to snorkel over the Red Sea's world-renowned coral reefs with a diverse array of marine life to gaze at. Tuck into lunch on deck before more time below the surface in the afternoon. During breaks from snorkelling and swimming you can sunbathe and relax on the boat ́s sun deck. Enjoy some afternoon downtime and a free evening to take your pick of the local restaurants for a sundowner and dinner as that salty-skin feeling lingers into the night.
Day 7
To the Dead Sea
Swimming
Driving
Tuck into one last breakfast overlooking the Red Sea before hopping in the van for a road trip over to Jordan's other famous body of water - the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Spend the afternoon floating, swimming and relaxing in the waters known for their healing qualities, perhaps try an invigorating mud bath to cleanse the skin or get a spa treatment before driving the final stretch back to Amman. Tonight is the final night of your epic adventure, so find a good restaurant and toast the incredible memories made over the past week.
Day 8
Transfer to Airport
After breakfast and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.
Included
Guides
Local, expert, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
5 nights in hotels and 2 nights in a Bedouin camp
Meals
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 traditional Arabic dinners
Transfers
Airport transfers and everything in between
Equipment
Fully equipped Bedouin tents and all your snorkelling gear
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Some meals as described
Tips for your guides
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
For breakfast, expect a buffet typical of 3-star hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be either a packed lunch or buffet style. Where this isn't included it will cost approx $10pp. Dinner (where not included) will be at local restaurants and will cost approx $15-$20pp. Your guide will be with you to make suggestions of where to eat and when to arrange group meals.
For dinner in the Bedouin camp on Day 2, you'll experience traditional Arabic food: either magloobah (rice with vegetables and chicken prepared in a traditional way with local spices) or mansaf (rice served with lamb and yoghurt). These dishes come with the classic accompaniments of hoummus, mtabbal (fried aubergine) and salad. Dinner at Wadi Rum on Day 4 is a real experience: here, they serve the famous zarb – rice, veggies, lamb and chicken cooked for 4-5 hours under the ground on coals, served with salads and side dishes. On the Red Sea section of the trip, you'll tuck into a delicious lunch onboard the boat in between your snorkelling adventures, while evening meals are not included, giving you some free time to explore Aqaba's many excellent restaurants - your guide will have plenty of suggestions!
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just let your host know on booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Little Petra
You will spend one night in a Bedouin camp located just 5km from Petra. Each tent is equipped with beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows, with showers and toilets available nearby. You'll be treated to traditional Bedouin cuisine, and the camp is the perfect place for a spot of star-gazing and to watch the sun rise the next morning.
Wadi Rum
The Bedouin desert camp consists of several communal areas for dining, camp fires and chilling outside. The tents are large canvas square style tents with a raised bed, mattress and furniture in each. If you would like to take your mattress outside to a nearby dune to sleep under the stars, let your guide know as this can be arranged.
Madaba, Petra & Amman
During your overnight stays in Madaba, Petra and Amman you will be tucked up in cosy local hotels. The exact hotel you stay in will be confirmed nearer the time based on group size and availability, but all are chosen for their excellent reputation, location and welcoming service.
Aqaba
On the coast of Jordan's Red Sea you'll stay two nights at the 4* My Luxury Hotel. The hotel is blessed with a rooftop restaurant with views over the Aqaba skyline, plus an outdoor pool if you haven't had your fill of swimming the Red Sea during the day. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with as ensuite bathroom, unless you have requested a double room or a private room upgrade.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent 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).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Queen Alia International Airport, Amman
Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1
Ends
Queen Alia International Airport Amman
Depart any time on Day 8
Transfers
Arrival transfers from Amman airport to the hotel in Madaba are included for any time you choose to arrive on Day 1 or Day 2 of the tour (some flights arrive after midnight so fall in the early hours of Day 2). Departure transfers from the final hotel to Amman airport are included for any time you choose to depart on Day 8. If you need a transfer on other days then your host can arrange a private transfer for you, at an additional cost. See the Optional Extras section for prices.
Travel options
There are frequent flights to Amman from airports in the UK and Europe. Choose any flight to arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 8 - or extend your stay if you wish. Some flights arrive shortly after midnight - if you arrive in Amman in the early hours of Day 2 then your room will be ready and waiting for you, but if your flight arrives in the early hours of Day 1, you will need to book an extra night's accommodation before the tour as rooms are not usually available for check-in until the mid-afternoon. Your host can arrange an additional night of accommodation, subject to availability. See the Optional Extras section for prices.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
- Main bag (duffel bag or small suitcase)
- Day pack (15-25 litres) to carry the essentials while hiking
- Light rain or windproof jacket
- Dry fit t-shirts or tops (shoulders covered)
- Hiking trousers or long shorts
- Buff or neck scarf
- Hiking boots (worn in)
- Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)
- Pyjamas/something to sleep in
- Swimwear
- Flip flops or sandals
- Walking poles (optional)
- Water bladder or 2 water bottles
- Sun protection (sun hat, sunglasses and suncreen)
- Insect repellent
- Personal first aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Toiletries (inc. travel towel and hand sanitiser)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, wet wipes and ziplock baggies to carry out)
- Snacks
- Sleeping bag liner for the Bedouin camps (optional)
- Headtorch (optional) for the night in the desert
- Ear plugs (optional)
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Single)
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Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Twin or Double)
Payable Before Departure
Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Twin or Double)
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Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Twin or Double)
Payable Before Departure
Pre-trip accommodation in Madaba (Twin or Double)
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Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Single)
Payable Before Departure
Post-trip Accommodation in Amman (Single)
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Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
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Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)
Payable Before Departure
Private Airport Transfer to/from Amman or Madaba Hotel (one way)
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We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
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.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 444kg 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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.
A moderate level of fitness is needed to enjoy this trip. You won’t need to be super fit, but you should be in good shape and feel comfortable hiking up to 6 hours a day on often unsteady ground. What’s more important is being comfortable with heights. There will be a few exposed sections, so those with vertigo may not be too comfortable. Your guide will never be far away to help you get through it, though. You won't need any snorkelling experience as full guidance is provided, and you are welcome to do as much or as little snorkelling as you like - the rest of the time you can simply chill on deck or on the beach.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
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.
The weather in the summer can get very hot, especially in the desert, with daytime temperatures averaging between 32-36°C. May to October tends to be exclusively sunny, 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.
We recommend going on this trip between September to October or March to April. Where the weather is just a little bit cooler.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. 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 – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small rucksack to carry personal items during each day of activity.
Ramadan will take place from 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).
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
We are monitoring the UK government travel advice closely in response to the conflict over the border in Israel and Palestine. In addition, we are in close contact with our local hosts in Jordan in relation to the situation. Trips in Jordan remain unaffected and are running as scheduled. Last updated: Wednesday 11 October 2023
For current advice about travelling in Jordan, have a read of the FCO pages here.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
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.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that 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.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers 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.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.
TRIP DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday • 19th October 2024
to Saturday • 26th October 2024
Saturday • 16th November 2024
to Saturday • 23rd November 2024
Saturday • 7th December 2024
to Saturday • 14th December 2024
Saturday • 14th December 2024
to Saturday • 21st December 2024
Saturday • 15th March 2025
to Saturday • 22nd March 2025
Saturday • 19th April 2025
to Saturday • 26th April 2025
Saturday • 24th May 2025
to Saturday • 31st May 2025
Saturday • 21st June 2025
to Saturday • 28th June 2025
Saturday • 20th September 2025
to Saturday • 27th September 2025
Saturday • 18th October 2025
to Saturday • 25th October 2025
Saturday • 15th November 2025
to Saturday • 22nd November 2025
Saturday • 29th November 2025
to Saturday • 6th December 2025
Saturday • 13th December 2025
to Saturday • 20th December 2025
