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Excursions in
Jordan

Back to Jordan

Ajloun Forest Rasoun Trail

The Rasoun Trail is a guided 2-3 hour walk over a distance of 7km. You begin at the visitor's centre of Ajloun Reserve and end in the village of Orjan. You hike through thick, healthy woodlands filled with oak, pistachio and oriental strawberry trees. The trail then takes you up to 1000m above sea level to Eagle's viewpoint giving you extensive views over the evergreen forest and surrounding villages. At the end of your hike, you may wish to return to the visitor centre where you can visit the soap house where local women follow the traditional process of making Orjan pure olive soap.

Ajloun Guided Trails

There are a number of guided trails available at Ajloun. The Roe Deer trail takes you on a self-guided circuit around the campsite passing the old stone wine press. The Orjan Village trail passes from forest to orchard and includes visits to traditional handicrafts shops. The Rasoun trail passes mainly through the oak forest leading to a viewpoint of 1000m above sea level. The trip can include a visit to the soap house, where local women use traditional processes to produce olive soap. The Prophet's Trail is perhaps the most interesting as it covers the forest landscape and the mosaics of the church at Mar Elias. You can extend this trail onto Ajloun Castle itself, passing by small farmhouses and their orchards and with the offering of extended views across the wooded valley.

Ajloun Forest Reserve

Set up in 1988 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) to facilitate the reintroduction of the roe deer into Jordan, Ajloun Forest Reserve is also the most southerly complete pine forest in the world and brings a very Mediterranean feel to the place. As well as the oak, pine, pistachio, carob and wild strawberry trees, there are also the roe deer, jackals, wild boar and numerous bird species to discover. There are a variety of guided trails through the reserve and surrounding countryside, as well as a short self-guided trail leading from the tents and chalets of the RSCN camp here.

Ajloun Castle

Ajloun Castle should form part of most visits to Jordan for several reasons. On a historic level it is one of very few Crusader-era castles built by the Arabs and not the European Crusaders, and so provides an interesting counterpoint to other castles you'll see on your trip like Kerak and Showbak. It's also in an attractive part of the country, offering views over wooded slopes and near the Ajloun Forest Reserve. But most of all, it reawakens childish excitement as it's a wonderful maze of vaulted ceilings, secret passages and fairy-tale towers and battlements.

Spas

All of the hotels on the Dead Sea have their own spas and health centres. Dead Sea mud has been acclaimed for its healing properties for thousands of years, and is at the heart of many of the treatments on offer. Because of its depth below sea level, the concentration of oxygen in the air is greater here than anywhere else on earth, and this too has health benefits. So whether you are simply looking to relax and be indulged, or to try the curative effects of the Dead Sea and its products, the spas are a great place to do this.

Mukawir Castle

The ground of the lower slopes of the Rift Valley as it nears the Dead Sea is fissured, broken and hilly; atop one of these knolls in a seemingly impregnable position is Mukawir. It was originally a hilltop fort of the Jewish Maccabean revolutionaries fighting the Seleucid Empire, and latterly was also used by the Jews in their First Revolt against Roman rule; the ramp built stone by stone, under fire from the fort walls, by Roman soldiers that allowed them to capture the fort can still be seen today. But Mukawir's most infamous moment came when it was a pleasure palace for Herod Antipas: he imprisoned John the Baptist and beheaded him here at Mukawir, at the behest of Salome. Today it is an energetic climb to the summit, which affords dramatic views over the surrounding countryside, and some interesting ruins to potter around.

Dead Sea Panoramic Complex

The road that winds along the shore of the Dead Sea is an impressive one, crossing ground deeply fissured by riverbeds making their way to the salty waters of the lake. The Panoramic Complex sits on the edge of the Dead Sea and, as the name suggests, enjoys great views over the lowest point on earth. There is a restaurant, and an interesting series of exhibits that explain the geological, ecological, archaeological and industrial history of this famous body of water. If you are heading between the south of the country and the hotels on the Dead Sea, the Panoramic Complex makes for an insightful break in the journey.

Bethany on the Jordan

Around the turn of the 21st Century there was much excitement at an archaeological dig just north of where the River Jordan meets the Dead Sea, as the excavators were able to confirm that they were working on the site of Biblical Bethany, where John the Baptist lived and conducted his baptisms, and therefore by extension the place where Jesus was baptised. The remains of several churches and impressive mosaics have been excavated, as have large basins where it is believed the baptisms took place. Bethany has since become a major pilgrimage site and was visited by Pope Benedict XVI on his trip to the Middle East in 2009. Your tour will be in a small group with a guide who will walk you round the various key sites, including the site of Christ's baptism and right down to the River Jordan itself. As well as the spiritual significance of Bethany, it's also a chance to experience the thick vegetation of the Jordan Valley, which comes as a nice contrast to the arid landscapes of much of the rest of the country. The tour takes about 90 minutes.

A day with a Shepherd

To truly understand the local culture and traditions of a Bedouin Shepherd, you need to be among them. Rising early, follow the Shepherd along with their family’s goats as they graze through the wilderness of Feynan. You share lunch with the shepherd who will make a fire to bake the delicious “Arbood” bread and the sweet Bedouin tea.

Feynan Copper Mine Trail

Discover what an important supply centre Feynan was for the Roman Empire and join this fascinating guided trail, learning how vast deposits of copper were discovered, mined and processed by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago. Explore deep, long-forgotten mine shafts and visit nearby sites to see how the copper was transported and refined, leaving vast slag formations from the smelting process that are still visible today.

White Dome Trail

Rummana Campsite lies at a similar height to Dana Guesthouse and village, separated by the sheer drop into Wadi Dana; the contour line linking them that runs around the edge of the canyon is the basis for the White Dome trail. It can be walked in either direction (ask the staff at the Guesthouse to arrange transport for the non-walking leg), and affords amazing views down the wadi as well as passing through the village's traditional terraced gardens. The trail takes about four hours and is of moderate difficulty.

Wadi Dana Trail

The hike between Dana and Feynan is best undertaken downhill unless you are particularly fit. It descends (or ascends!) several hundred metres from the Jordanian plateau at the village of Dana, down to the Great Rift Valley at Feynan, which is close to sea level. We recommend you do this with a guide; the path is fairly obvious, but a guide adds more than just knowledge of the route: they are all local and can tell you about the wildlife and fauna of the wadi system, as well as helping you spot them. The remains of ancient copper mines in the walls of the wadi make for an interesting side-trip for the fit. The walk takes 4-6 hours and is a superb way to arrive at Feynan Eco-lodge.

Dana Village

A round trip from the guesthouse through the village and back again is an easy walk and takes an hour or two. As well as the chance to see the traditional architectural techniques up-close, you can also wonder through the terraced gardens that supply much of the food for the village and visit the craft shops set up by the locals to help support themselves and allow them to stay in the village, keeping their traditions alive. There are one or two viewpoints on the edge of the village, looking out over the dramatic slopes and cliffs of Wadi Dana that help make this an enjoyable walk.

Shepherd's Experience

For a truly immersive experience into the daily lives of some of the Jordanian people we highly recommend a morning or afternoon with a local shepherd learning about their daily lives and how they take care of the sheep. You'll break for some tea where you can enjoy the views across Pella’s landscape. Your experience is then completed by a cheese-making experience that is run by the shepherd’s family. The departure time of the experience varies according to the season: May – October at 6 am and 3 pm. November – April at 9 am.

Beekeeping and Honey Harvesting

Honey harvesting occurs four times a year around Umm Qais, with each season producing different tastes of honey depending on the flowers. Yousef, a passionate beekeeper will demonstrate the entire honey production process, including a visit to Yousef's workshop to extract the honey. This 3-hour experience can be combined with a visit to the historical site of Umm Qais to showcase the livelihoods and passion of the local people and that there is more to Jordan than ancient ruins.

As-Salt

As-Salt is a charming town in western Jordan that is steeped in history and culture. The town is located on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. As-Salt has a rich history, dating back to the Ottoman Empire, and is known for its well-preserved historic buildings and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the town, which are lined with historic houses, artisan shops, and local cafes. The town also has several interesting museums and cultural centres, including the As-Salt Archaeological Museum and the Abu Jaber Museum, which showcases the life and works of the renowned Jordanian author, Jabra Ibrahim Jabra. As-Salt is a great destination for those who want to experience the authentic culture and heritage of Jordan, away from the more touristy areas of the country.

Walking tour of Amman

To get a true feel of the city and an understanding of the Jordanian culture, you must walk amongst its streets. Starting at the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (Wild Jordan), you have a quick guide through the reserves of Jordan, some of which you may visit during your tour around Jordan? Wanding your way through the downtown streets you begin to feel the essence of the Jordanian people, passing by shops and reaching the most famous “Hashem” Restaurant. Here they cater to the poor, the middle class; all the way up to the highly rich & famous. His Majesty King Abdullah even ate here along with his family. After delighting in some local flavours you head onto yet another famous food place; the “Habiba”, where Knafeh would be served, a mix of goat cheese covered with dough on top and sprinkled with syrup leaves. After visiting the Hussaini Mosque you continue to the Vegetable Market reaching the Nymphaeum and then onto the Roman Theatre. Your tour ends with a walk around the historical Citadel set upon the highest hill in Amman.

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature as a breeding centre for endangered or locally extinct wildlife. Today, it is a thriving environment for some of the rarest species of animals in the Middle East. Oryx, ostriches, onagers (an Asian wild ass) and gazelles, which are depicted on many local 6th-century Byzantine mosaics, are rebuilding their populations and reasserting their presence in this safe haven, protected from hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped them out. The visitor centre provides visitors with information about the wildlife along with a place from which to observe the Arabian Oryx, Houbara bustards, Reem Gazelles and Persian Wild Onagers in fenced enclosures. The Shaumari breeding enclosures make for a small "zoo-like" experience for visitors and so is a popular spot for children. Once you've explored the visitor centre, why not join the guided 'Oryx safari tour' which takes you further into the Wildlife Reserve for a more in-depth look into the conservation history and desert inhabitants.

Azraq Wetland Reserve

Once a Wetland devoid of much water due to the mass pumping by thirsty Ammani's the Azraq Wetland Reserve is on the rise again, thanks to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) who have worked tirelessly to restore and preserve this stunning wetland. Although for the moment just 10% of the original wetlands remain, it is once again flourishing with resident and migratory birds returning to use the wetlands during their winter migration from Europe to Africa. The best time to see birdlife is in winter (December to February) and early spring (March and April) with large flocks of raptors steadily arriving in May. From the walkways and hides, visitors get the chance to observe birds close at hand, including local, migratory and occasional rare species. But you don't just have to be a bird enthusiast to warrant a journey to the Wetlands, water buffalo are also known to frequent the reserve and there are many different hiking and biking trails to explore from the easy circular 'Marsh trail' to the guided 22km Azraq Village Biking Trail.

Iraq Al-Amir Women's Cooperative

Iraq Al-Amir is not only famous for its ancient archaeological sites (Qasr al Abd), natural caves, and its many springs, but here, you will also find the Iraq Al-Amir’s Women’s Cooperative Society. Established in 1993 by the Noor Al Hussein Foundation (NHF), it is managed and run by women in the local community who are members of the Society, which has created many job opportunities for women in the local community. The Society offers many handicraft-related experiences such as ceramic-making, natural paper-making, hand weaving, and soap making. Most importantly, the society has become a centre where tourists and locals stop by to enjoy food-related experiences.

Wine Tasting in Galilee

Like many other parts of culture in the country, Israel has a history of wine dating back to Biblical times. However, the most well-known and prolific producer – Golan Heights Winery, established in 1983 – was one of the first in the country to really put Israel out there on the world wine stage as a serious makers. There are now many vineyards dotted across the Galilee region of northern Israel, and it's well worth incorporating a visit into your tour of the area. We usually pair this afternoon excursion with a some of the more historical and holy sites of Galilee, as it's an ideal activity after a longer day of exploring the region's history. You're never too far from a winery in Galilee so it's easy to slot in a tasting! All of the visitor centres run tours so you can understand more about the production of wine in Israel, and then the best bit – sample some for yourself.

Hejaz railway

The Hejaz Railway was intended to provide a link between the capital of the Ottoman Empire and Hejaz in Arabia, however, construction was halted due to the outbreak of World War I. It then played an integral part in the Great Arab Revolt and is most famously associated with Lawrence of Arabia. To commemorate the journey and history of the railway a museum was established which displays the equipment used in running the station and the trinkets this produced, such as ticket stubs. You'll also find an old model railway which depicts the stations and the route of trains; starting from the Syrian borders to Maan station. The current state of the museum is characterful, but they are midway through construction of a larger and more substantial museum which will house far more artefacts and even an actual train. If you're lucky, as it is a little-visited gem of Amman, you will be the only people visiting the station and might even get a personal tour, to include a look inside all the trains which they have spent years upgrading and bringing back to working order.

Jordan Museum

The Jordan Museum is located in the dynamic new downtown area of Ras al-‘Ayn and is a great jumping off point for visitors exploring the sites of Jordan. The museum introduces you to Jordan’s history and culture, presenting this in an engaging, interactive and educational way. Not only do you have a detailed look into its past, but you'll also be enthralled by the countries antique and heritage property as part of the ongoing story of Jordan’s past, present, and future developments. Continuing through the museum, you find yourself in the award-winning 1001 Inventions exhibition, which celebrates the thousand year period (Arab and Islamic “Golden Age”) when pioneering scholars and scientists built and improved upon ideas of earlier worldwide scholars and made advances that helped pave the way for the European Renaissance.

Umm Qais

Umm Qais is tucked right into the north-western corner of Jordan, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Although there is some controversy, many Biblical scholars believe Umm Qais (also known as Gadara) is where Jesus cast the demons out of a man into a herd of pigs that then ran down the slopes into the Sea of Galilee. Umm Qais was one of the cities of the Graeco-Roman Decapolis federation, and is one of the more pleasing ruined cities to explore. Part of this is the imposing black basalt used in much of the construction (the theatre is almost intact and particularly impressive), part is the dramatic location with the sweeping views over Galilee and part of it is the fact that latter Arab inhabitants built their dwellings atop the Classical remains, using similar materials, making for an interesting juxtaposition of architectural styles.

Umm El-Jimal

Umm el-Jimal lies north-east of Amman and is a sizeable and significant archaeological site. It has always been a frontier town and probably began as a Nabatean trading post on the route between Damascus and Petra. The Romans and Byzantines developed it into a fort protecting their border and the town reached its apogee under the Byzantines in around the 5th/6th Century AD as a town of some 5,000 people, before the decline of the Roman Empire and an earthquake led to its abandonment. Today it will appeal to the enthusiastic amateur archaeologist as most of the site is unexcavated, with huge piles of black basalt building blocks littering the ground beneath the remains of some remarkably intact walls and arches. Excavation work has been going on in earnest and plans are in place for detailed information boards to go up around the site and for a museum and visitor centre. Once these are in place, Umm el-Jimal will become one of the most prominent and impressive archaeological sites in Jordan.

The Saint George Winery

Winemaking seldom leaps to people's minds when they think of Jordan, never mind niche, high-quality, organic winemaking. But this is what Saint George have set out to achieve, and the fifteen international medals collected since 2009 would suggest they've succeeded in that goal. You can visit 'The Winemaker' in downtown Amman for a wine tasting exclusive experience. You will taste a selection of local Jordanian red and white wines accompanied by local crudités and then followed by a seated dinner accompanied by a selection of Zumot Premium wines. We can also arrange a tour up to their prized vineyard in the north of the country at Sama. It's a fascinating side of Jordan to take in and the ideal way to give your holiday a bit of variety.

The Royal Automobile Museum

The late King Hussein of Jordan was a huge fan of cars – he loved the performance, the quality and history of the car and over his life built up a great collection of cars which he drove and admired. Now housed in this unique museum, partially sunk into the earth and at the heart of the largest park in Amman, the collection makes for a great visit. You'll find everything here from a replica of Karl Benz's first car, to classic Buicks and Rolls Royces, from early military vehicles to beautiful Aston Martins and modern rally cars.

The Desert Castles

A series of ancient buildings that now lie beside the main road heading east into the desert from Amman. They could be more suggestively named the Desert Pleasure Palaces: they'd probably get more visitors this way! They were built by the Umayyad dynasty, the second Arab caliphate established in the wake of the death of Mohammed, and served no defensive purpose, as they were actually hunting lodges and bathing houses for the ruling elite. There are three main ones to visit. Kharaneh is a solid, square structure with towers on each corner. The unadorned brickwork, arched windows and doors and symmetry of the structure make it great for photographing. At Qasr Amra, you approach the building from an elevated position, allowing you to appreciate the domed roof of the bath house. Amra has been designated as a World Heritage Site, and as soon as you step inside you understand why as the walls are adorned with remarkable frescoes. Although they have been damaged by shepherds who used the buildings as shelters after they fell into disuse, the content of the frescoes is what is so remarkable: there is a real merging of nascent Islamic style with traditional Greek art; there are animals behaving like humans, an amazingly accurate star map depicting the Zodiac, and perhaps surprisingly, images of wine consumption and naked women. The final Desert Castle that most people visit is Azraq, which you can read about in our entry dedicated entirely to Azraq. You may wish to extend your tour to include Qasr Hallabat. One of the more elaborate 'Desert Castle's', it was originally built as a Roman Fort, eventually evolving into a country palace with mosaic floors, a chapel and monastery, with the monastery later being converted into storerooms by the Umayyads.

Pella

One of the members of the Graeco-Roman Decapolis federation, like its more famous neighbour Jerash, Pella lies close to the River Jordan with views over to Israel. The journey here winds through the most fertile land in the country, with orchards and fields of crops running down to the river. The site itself is spread over a couple of hillsides and is partly excavated: there are a couple of temples and an interesting odeon (theatre) built into the natural contours of the rock. Pella makes an interesting addition to a tour of northern Jordan: the site is seldom busy, the ruins are worth a look, the views are impressive and the surrounding, bountiful landscape is a welcome contrast to the seared aridity of the rest of the country.

Mujib Gorge

There are two ways to appreciate Mujib Gorge, the easy way or the adventurous way. The easy way is hard to avoid when travelling the King's Highway, as the road winds along the edge of this gorge that drains from the plateau down to the Dead Sea, affording superb views of this natural chasm, the lower portion of which is now filled with reservoir water. For the more adventurous, Mujib provides a chance to experience canyoning; in the upper reaches of the gorge the walls are narrow and steep, with a large stream flowing between them. Scrambling down the gorge, you move from deliciously cool rock pool to deliciously cool rock pool, sometimes sliding down sandstone worn smooth by centuries of water action: you have to be prepared to get wet and you'll also need to be reasonably fit.

Madaba

Madaba is one of the centres of Jordanian Christianity, a heritage that dates back to the very early days of the religion. Before that, and another tradition that has lasted through the years, it was a major centre for mosaics. Many of the mosaic floors from Classical sites throughout Jordan, Syria and Israel were probably laid by artists who had learnt their trade in Madaba. Several archaeological sites and museums, including the Archaeological Park, are dotted across this modern city and boast stunning mosaics and artefacts from the Classical period, and a walking tour of the town is a great way to appreciate these. The major draw of Madaba combines Christianity and mosaics on the floor of the Church of St George, where there is a famous mosaic map from the 6th Century AD depicting the Holy Land in wonderful detail.

Jerash

Jerash, ancient Gerasa, is one of Jordan’s major highlights. Eclipsed by the more famous Petra, it is arguably just as an impressive well excavated ancient city. It was one of the dominant cities of the Graeco-Roman trading federation, the Decapolis, which held sway in the region a century either side of the birth of Christ. Today you enter through the vast triumphal gate built to honour Emperor Hadrian’s visit in AD 129-30, and pass the long banks of seating by the hippodrome where a modern-day re-enactment legion recreates the battles and horse-racing of the Classical era. Your route then takes you through a wonderful oval plaza, loomed over by vast temples, and then along the main road, flanked by colonnades and still bearing the ruts of chariot wheels. The site has two theatres in excellent condition and numerous temples and churches, including the Temple of Artemis, which boasts a forest of stunning, delicately carved Corinthian columns. Jerash is well worth spending at least a couple of hours to explore, and will form one of the most lasting memories of your trip to Jordan.

Iraq Al-Amir

Just west of Amman lies the village of Iraq al Amir and its mysterious ruin, known as Qasr al-Abd (Castle of the Slave or Servant). It is thought to have been built by a local governor about two hundred years before Christ and was surrounded by a canal or pool; some suggest this was a defensive feature, others that the structure was actually a country retreat and the pool was decorative. The ruin has been partially restored and is a two-story structure which boasts several unusual lion motifs and statues. It's an interesting ruin to visit, partly because of the mystery surrounding its origin and purpose, and partly because it is seldom visited by tourists. Just down the road in the village is a women's co-operative that manufactures and sells traditional hand-made paper, hand-woven cloth and clothing, and ceramics, which is an interesting addition to a visit to Qasr al-Abd.

Beit Sitti Cooking School

In one of the oldest parts of Amman is a small, unassuming house: through the doors is one of Amman's best-kept secrets, the Beit Sitti cooking school. Under the expert tutelage of a hugely experienced cook, you'll learn how to make an entire Jordanian meal, from the starter, through the main course and on to dessert. You'll learn by doing, and at the end of it all, get to eat the fruits of your labour in this intimate, historic house. Lunch and dinner options are available and in the summer cooking classes are taken outside.

Azraq

There are two main attractions at Azraq. The first is the fort, one of the desert castles. Unlike Kharaneh and Qasr Amra, Azraq actually served a defensive purpose. It was probably originally built by the Romans, and then rebuilt by successive occupiers of the land. The current form owes much to the Ayyubid dynasty who built the distinctive black basalt walls. The fort was later occupied by the Ottomans, and was then used as a headquarters by T.E. Lawrence as he built up his force of Arab irregulars during The Great War (his office was directly above the gatehouse). The fort is in good condition, and some of the rooms contain rescued carvings and friezes. The reason for the fort's existence is the nearby spring. Now a shadow of its former self, this spring once fed a huge marshland that was a critical habitat for millions of migrating birds, as well as home to herds of water buffalo. Sadly the spring has nearly dried up as Amman expands to consume ever more water, but there is still a small body of water and towering reed beds, a small herd of buffalo and a few migrating birds: it's worth visiting just to get a sense of what the desert can be like if there is some water around.

Amman City Tour

Although an unashamedly modern city, Amman does have a history dating back thousands of years, and a tour of the city takes you through this past. The Jordan Museum presents the history and cultural heritage of Jordan, flowing with comprehensive galleries that reflect the ongoing story of Jordan’s past, present, and future. Originally situated on seven hills at the heart of the present-day city, Amman was known as Philadelphia during the Greek and Roman periods, when it was a member of the Decapolis federation. The remains of the Temple of Hercules that dominates the capitol hill dates back to this period, as does the incredibly intact Roman amphitheatre, still used for festivals and performances, and the Roman Nymphaeum in downtown Amman. You will also discover atop the capitol, the Ummayed remains of mosques and palaces plus the Archaeological Museum.

Wadi Rum Trekking

For those spending a night or two in the desert and looking to be engulfed in the history and scenery of the Wadi Rum, then a guided hike with jeep support is the trip for you. This can be a five-hour trip or for the fully immersive tour, an eight hour day, but don't worry, your hike will include a number of rest stops under the shade of local Bedouin tents where you'll be offered enough mint tea to start your own stand. You visit natural and famous landmarks such as canyons and the burdah rock bridge and see evidence of those who’ve passed this way before in rock inscriptions dating back hundreds and sometimes thousands of years. It was here that Lawrence of Arabia fashioned his unique desert fighting force and there are numerous sites associated with his exploits. But more than anything else Wadi Rum offers the chance to enjoy the silence and majesty of one of the world’s great landscapes.

Wadi Rum Stargazing

Secluded away from artificial lights, the Wadi Rum is the perfect location from which to explore the night sky. Through the innovation of science and using state of the art technology and mobile Observatory apps, you will be guided through the hidden wonders of the Universe. You begin with a short presentation which takes you on a journey; shedding light on the cosmos. Stepping outside you get your first amazing look at the sky through the optics of a telescope. The night sky is filled with many wonders, most of which are invisible to the naked eye. Through these telescopes you can see the grandeur of the stars and gasses that make up the galaxies and nebulae of our skies. You leave with the knowledge to map your own stars and a memorable photo taken by a professional astrophotographer with the stars as your background.

Wadi Rum

Most people visit Wadi Rum for a few hours as part of a day's journey between one part of the country and another. Arriving at the visitor's centre you will be met by your Bedouin driver and climb aboard his trusty steed, usually a Toyota Landcruiser. You then set off into the "vast, echoing and God-like" landscape of Wadi Rum, for millennia a trading route, hiding place and open-air cathedral. Your tour will take in some of the key sights associated with Lawrence of Arabia, as well as some of the most impressive rock formations: rock bridges and canyons. At one of these canyons you'll find evidence of the wadi's history etched into the walls: ancient symbols carved by traders and herders letting those that follow them where they can find water and shelter. Wadi Rum is still the preserve of the Bedouin, and it's likely that your driver will speak limited English: luckily the towering red sandstone mountains lapped by the endless red dunes need very little explanation.

Dining with a local family in Petra

What better way to have a truly local experience than dining in a local home. Receiving guests brings great honour in the Jordanian culture and you will experience the genuine warmth and welcome that your host bestows on you. Eating in Petra with a local family will allow you to taste the love and pride that Jordanian food is cooked with, not only filling your stomachs but also your hearts. Your local English speaking host will accompany you to the location of your evening experience. On arrival, you will meet your host family and sit down with the family, eating until you think you are full. When eating in Petra, ‘Al-ḥamdu lillāh’ is a phrase you will want to remember, as saying this when your host is insisting you eat yet another serving will save your very satisfied stomach. You will be met with the response of ‘Sahtein’ (to your health) from your host. Of course, eating in Jordan is not complete without a cup of local tea.

Bread making in Petra

Baking bread in Jordan is an integral part of Jordanian life. No meal is considered complete without bread. Join the locals in Petra and let them show you the traditional techniques of making bread that have been passed down the generations. From baking taboon in clay ovens that have been in use for hundreds of years, to watching the skillfulness of shrak being stretched and thrown over skillets that have been seasoned with fires too numerous to count, your experience of baking bread will be one you'll never forget. On arrival, you will meet your Chef and be served the obligatory Jordanian tea. Then it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get ready to make some bread. After you have tried your hand at the art of baking bread in Jordan, you will get a chance to eat the product of your labour. Sitting down with your host and any of the Chef’s family members that are around, you will be served a traditional meal of Galayah Bandoora. You will be shown how to tear the bread you have made and use it to scoop up the Galayah. Other traditional sides such as labeneh, zait and zaatar will accompany the Galayah and the freshly made bread. Please note: Taboon bread is made early in the morning at sunrise and only available from April to the end of September and the meal you share will be breakfast. Shrak can be made the whole year round, and either in the morning for a lunchtime meal, or the afternoon for an evening meal.

Petra Musem

Five years in the making, the Petra Museum is now open to visitors. Built near the entrance to the archaeological park, you step into the past with archaeological finds from the 2,000-year-old capital of the Nabataeans. The galleries start with the Stone Age and continue onto the present day, opening with a focus on the sophisticated engineering that supplied water to the ancient desert city. The museum's sophistication continues with their installation of an animated floor projection, which traces the emergence of the Nabataeans. A real treat for visitors is to view the second-century stone block inscribed “Petra Metropolis”, which is one of the few surviving mentions of the Greek city name. With this new lease of life inside the gateway to Petra, visitors now come away with a more intimate understanding of this significant historical site.

The Tunnel Siq

For the adventurous, this is a superb little diversion, an alternative entrance or exit from the site to the Siq. Near the start of the Siq, a watercourse disappears off into a large tunnel, constructed by the Nabataeans. Following this takes you into a network of ever more narrow canyons, scrambling over boulders and marvelling at the sandstone, beautifully striated and sensuously shaped by millennia of flash floods. Along the way are small shrines carved into the canyon sides: such is awe inspired by the silence and beauty of the place that you can see why the Nabataeans saw it as a place of worship. Eventually you will be spat out near the tomb of Sextus Florentius, carved into soft and banded rock, and not far from the Roman street at the heart of the city.

Petra's Secret Back Door

The Siq is a hugely impressive and dramatic entrance into this fabled city, but there is a path less trod which is just as impressive and is worth considering on your second day at the site. It begins near Little Petra and involves a climb up the mountains that shield the city. You will need to be reasonably fit and have a head for heights! As well as the spectacular views of the ever-expanding horizon as you climb, your real reward comes as you approach the top. At first you can glimpse a strange, but obviously man-made carving poking above the skyline; as you walk further it slowly reveals itself to be The Monastery Tomb, towering above you. If you set off fairly early in the morning, you will reach The Monastery well before any of the crowds who have used the main entrance, giving you plenty of time to absorb the view, accompanied only by the local Bedouin.

Petra Kitchen Cooking School

Set up and run by local women, Petra Kitchen is a fun, interactive and engaging evening spent in the company of eager fellow students and experienced teachers. You'll learn how to prepare traditional mezze (appetisers) and a main course with salads, trying your hand at all the techniques as you go along. Afterwards you'll all sit down to dine on your efforts, feeling like you've richly earned the reward!

Petra by Night

You've seen Petra as the sun rises and the rays highlight the intricacies of this imposing man-made masterpiece, now see the beauty of the treasury under candlelight. You'll meet outside the gates in the dark, before starting down to the Siq Canyon. Once in the canyon, you're asked to remain silent as you progress between the lanterns marking the sides of the path. You emerge, gasping, in front of The Treasury, which is lit by a sea of flaming lanterns – an entrance arguably even more spectacular than arriving by day. You can then relax and take in the amazing site as you are serenaded by local musicians playing traditional Arabian instruments, haunting melodies drifting up and over the top of the towering, flickering tomb.

Little Petra

Little Petra is about five kilometres from the main site and believed to be a retreat for the rich Nabataeans of Petra. It is almost like a scale model of the main city, complete with a short, narrow canyon, or Siq, to enter through, opening out into a wider valley with tombs and ritual dining areas carved into the rock. There are some remarkable cave paintings in the Hellenistic tradition, and if you continue through to the end of the site, a narrow path takes you out to a ledge with great views over the surrounding mountains and canyons. Little Petra is a fascinating addition to a visit to Petra and is also the starting point for the back entrance to Petra over the mountains.

High Place of Sacrifice

If you are a glutton for steep climbs, then the aptly-named High Place of Sacrifice should be on your schedule. Located atop a shoulder of high ground in the central area of the city, it enjoys fabulous views over the Roman street and surrounding temples. The second part of the name of this spot comes from the altars carved into the rock, complete with channels and drains for taking away the blood from the animal sacrifices the Nabataean priests made up here.

Extended Petra Tour

Your guided Petra tour takes you from the gates of the site down the 800-metre path to the start of the Siq Canyon, past the first small, intricate examples of Nabataean tomb construction. You then enter the 1.2 kilometre Siq, which is so much more than just the access point to the hidden city. Geologically it is hugely impressive, with the towering sandstone walls rising high above you; in places the canyon is so narrow the walls almost seem to touch. All along the Siq are altars and carvings in the rock, and in places, the original cobbled paving has been excavated as well. Evidence also remains of the intricate drainage systems the Nabataeans used to convey water into the city. As you approach the end of the Siq, the excitement mounts as you wait for that first famous glimpse of The Treasury tomb, a narrow sliver visible, framed by the mouth of the canyon. No matter how many times you have seen it on film and in photographs, it still doesn't disappoint. The Treasury is one of the most impressive tombs in the city, the detailed carving and relief climbing most of the way up the vast rock wall. It's the perfect place for your guide to explain some of the principles of Nabataean architecture before you continue on into the city itself. After passing along the Street of Facades, the facades being several imposing tombs, you come to the amphitheatre. Built in the Roman style by the Nabataeans, it takes advantage of a natural bowl in the rock, into which the seating has been carved. As you continue, you move into a large, open area sandwiched between the two mountain barriers that kept Petra hidden from the world for so long. This flat section is the heart of the Roman city, where you will find their triumphal arch, paved street and temples. Your tour finishes at the foot of the vast Qasr El-Bint temple, itself dwarfed by the mountain it nestles against. After refreshing yourself with a drink at the restaurant found nearby, you can continue to explore at your leisure.

Exploring Petra on Your Own

Assuming you have done the extended Petra tour, you'll have a good idea of the layout of the city and are ready to get off the beaten track a bit. If you've just finished the tour, then straight ahead of you, you will see steps leading ominously steeply into the mountains. It's a tough climb, taking anything from 15-45 minutes depending how fit you are, but it is absolutely worth it. You climb out onto a plateau which drops off dizzyingly into the rift valley, home of the Dead Sea, and your views stretch far into Israel, and take in Aaron's tomb, a white dot atop a distant peak. But there is just as much drama behind you, where The Monastery Tomb rivals The Treasury for sheer scale and the way it imposes itself on the landscape.

Arron's Tomb

Rumours of a lost city in the mountains of modern-day Jordan began to intensify amongst European travellers towards the end of the 18th Century. One of those travellers, Jean Louis Burckhardt, a convert to Islam, used the pretext of a visit to Aaron's Tomb to get the local tribesmen to lead him to Petra. Aaron was the brother of Moses, and Jebel Harun is believed to be the Biblical and Koranic Mount Hor, where he was buried. The day-long hike to Aaron's Tomb starts with a walk through the city of Petra, before taking precipitous paths higher and higher into the surrounding massif. The tomb itself is a simple affair, in the style of Islamic tombs with a whitewashed dome. The views are absolutely spectacular, over the fissured mountains and under huge skies. The trek can be undertaken on foot, or with the support of camels or donkeys.

Carob House farm to table experiences

With the world looking to save energy and people more conscious of where their food has come from, Carob House is on a mission to showcase how you can live off the land and produce an abundance of food to create nourishing meals. The Carob House experiences are organically created to connect you with wholesome food, passionate farmers and food artisans through fun and meaningful activities. There is a selection of farming activities available, including those for children where they are immersed in the origins of food and a farm tour to show you how they work with nature to grow nourishing food, and then celebrate this food with an artisanal 5-course meal around Carob House’s communal table. For something truly immersive and a far cry from the 'typical' Jordanian holiday experience, why not join them for an afternoon of farming and learn the processes that go into creating this regenerative farm. Your visit to Carbo House will go towards supporting their native plants nursery which produces 20,000 seedlings a year to support reforestation community projects, and the research they carry out on the farm.

Umm ar-Rasas

Jordan only has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Umm er-Rasas is one of them. Although not as visually impressive or intact as somewhere like Petra, the historic significance of the place is substantial. It was a major Byzantine and Ummayad settlement, straddling the change from Christian / Western domination to Arab rule. There are the remains of several churches, and the Church of St Stephen has an amazing mosaic floor. There is also a tall, square tower which is one of the most complete examples of a stylite column. Stylites were Christian ascetics who spent large portions of their lives atop columns or towers for isolation and to remove themselves from society.

Shobak Castle

Although not as famous as its neighbour, Kerak, Shobak was still one of the principal Crusader castles. Known as Montreal it was built to defend the pilgrimage, trade and military routes between Syria and Arabia for the young Crusader kingdoms. It was captured by the Arab armies within a century of being built after a torrid siege: the defenders were able to hold out so long because of a deep well that provided them with water: you can descend the hundreds of steps into this well, but be warned – it is absolutely pitch-black! Nearly all the remains you see today are Mamluke Arab, with some beautiful Koranic inscriptions running in decorative bands around the towers. Little excavation has been done, making it a great castle to explore and let your imagination fill in the blanks.

Mount Nebo

A pilgrimage site revered by Christians and visited by the last two popes on their travels to the region. The hilltop location offers amazing views over the Jordan river and towards the Holy Land, and it is the spot from which Moses is said to have first glimpsed the Holy Land as he led the Exodus from Egypt. It is also believed to be where he is buried. There is an ancient church here that boasts superb mosaics, which has recently been resorted and this coupled with the amazing views makes this a worthwhile stop.

Kerak Castle

Kerak Castle, along with Krak Des Chevaliers in Syria, mark the apogee of Crusader military architecture. Vast castle walls following the contours of the slopes have augmented the sheer rock sides of the outcrop on which it is built. It truly must have presented a fearsome sight to the Arab armies, and indeed many of them dashed themselves against those walls before the garrison eventually succumbed to a siege, decades after much of the surrounding territory had fallen to the Arabs. As well as the amazing views and the sheer scale of the place, there are two huge vaulted halls that are particularly impressive and some remarkably well-preserved kitchens where you can still clearly see what function each part of the room served.

Scuba Diving

The reefs of the Dead Sea are rightly famous, and whilst those off Aqaba are not as impressive as those off the tip of Sinai in Egypt, they are worth considering if you enjoy your diving. As well as reefs to explore, there are also a handful of wreck dives, and there are dives for everyone from the beginner to the expert seeking more challenging dives. If diving is something you are interested in, let us know and we can incorporate some into your trip.

Pharoah Island

Boat trips from Aqaba can be arranged to nearby Pharaoh's Island, which is actually in Egyptian waters. The island defends the approaches to Aqaba and was fortified by the Crusaders to protect their supply lines into the port at Aqaba. The remains of the citadel are in good condition and make for an interesting visit; the clear blue waters and coral reefs off the island also make for good snorkelling on your boat trip.

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