Into the Wild: Petra & Wadi Rum

See Greco-Roman culture in Jerash

Jerash is home to some of the finest Greco-Roman ruins in the world. Its colonnaded streets, baths and theatres are so well preserved that it’s easy to imagine life here 2000 years ago. The remarkable Oval Plaza stands at its heart, a place to take in its majesty and hear stories of its past from your expert guide. In Amman, you’ll have time to explore the Old Town’s amphitheatre and the National Gallery of Fine Arts (extra cost).

Float in the Dead Sea

Nothing can match the bizarre experience of wading out into the Dead Sea and lying buoyed on its surface. The salty water here is the stuff of legend. You’ll have the chance to float beneath the blue skies and searing desert sun, your skin left feeling fresh. Take time to loll by your hotel pool or pull up a lounger at its private beach.

Step back in time in Petra

Petra’s ancient tombs and buildings date back to the 6th century BC, and its iconic Treasury is undoubtedly the most famous sight in Jordan. You’ll reach it via the Siq, a narrow cleft deep inside the cliffs, making that mind-blowing view as it first appears even more impressive. You’ll also have the chance to climb to the vertiginous monastery, which has huge views and fewer visitors thanks to its remote location.

Explore Wadi Rum with a Bedouin tribe

Towering sandstone peaks, vast dunes and a remote location make Wadi Rum one of the Middle East’s most fascinating destinations. You’ll learn about the nomadic Bedouin culture here from local tribes, eating a zarb dinner made using an underground oven. All this before spending a night under canvas in an opulent camp with king-size beds. All the better for seeing the sparkling night skies and the beauty of the landscape as day breaks.

Local food in Amman

Amman’s food scene is superb, with dining a social ritual that brings locals out onto the streets every evening to meet with friends and break bread together. Your local guide will be able to tell you the very best places to eat away from the usual tourist hotspots. You could try traditional dishes such as mansaf, a blend of rice, yoghurt, and lamb, or the classic dessert kunafa, a pastry made with cheese.

Suggested itinerary

Explore the rock-hewn wonders and vast landscapes of Bedouin territory as part of an eight-day tour. We've chosen a small group option designed to help you best explore and get to know the locals, full of heart and deep-rooted tradition.

You'll stay at Petra Moon Hotel when visiting Jordan’s most renowned ancient site, located just 150m from the city’s entrance gate (its jacuzzi pool with mountain views is a wonderful place to relax at the end of the day). At Wadi Rum, Mazayen Camp will give you a taste of nomadic Bedouin life without sacrificing basic comforts including king-size bed, air-con, and beautiful handmade furniture inspired by local culture.

Travel style

Jordan is a relatively small country so you’ll be travelling by road,  great for a close-up view of the wilds as you move between destinations. Your driver and guide will be on hand at all times in your luxury private vehicle, with a 4x4 to take you off-road when visiting the more remote areas around Wadi Rum. The latter may be a little bumpy, but it will help you access more remote and authentic areas.