Jordan: Hike, Bike & Snorkel

Set off on an active 8-day adventure through Jordan’s diverse landscapes and ancient monuments. Tick off UNESCO-listed sites like Petra and natural wonders like the Dead Sea, but don’t just see them like everyone else. Instead, cycle the trails up to the ancient site of Umm Qais, hike the backdoor paths to Petra’s Treasury and snorkel the waters of Aqaba. Start by seeing the capital from a new perspective, stopping at an Aljoun Reserve eco-lodge to hike and dine al fresco in the orchards. Then, take to the desert in a 4WD, awake to see a Wadi Rum sunrise and end your adventure with a sunset float in the Dead Sea.

Day 1: Amman
Ahlan Wa Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Start your multi-active adventure in Jordan’s capital city, Amman – known for its ancient ruins and blend of old and new culture. Your trip begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, you might like to visit some of Amman’s ancient sites, like the Citadel ruins or wander through one of the many engaging museums found around the city.
Day 2: Ajloun Reserve
Hit the ground running with your first full day spent exploring Amman and the Aljoun Reserve. In the morning, you’ll be joined by a local guide who’ll show you the lesser-known side of Amman – its hip-hop and street art scene. Spend two hours on a guided walk through the city’s thriving creative scene. Part of the funds from your tour are reinvested into the community for art and culture. Then, drive to Aljoun Reserve, check into your ecolodge and put on your hiking shoes before heading out for your first trek. Set off on the Roe Deer Trail and along the way, pass one of Jordan’s old stone wine presses and if you’re lucky, you may spot a roe deer. Aljoun Reserve has an onsite restaurant but ask your leader if you’d like to eat elsewhere.
Day 3: Ajloun Reserve
Enjoy a free morning but be sure to get in a good breakfast because an afternoon of hiking awaits. Take off from Rasoun village and trek through wooded valleys until you reach Orjan village. Walk a trail framed by trees, arid mountains and the occasional water mill once used by local people to grind seeds. Along the way, you’ll sit down to a traditional brunch made by a local family in an orchard of fig, pomegranate, apple and apricot trees. Finish your hike with a walk through olive trees so old that they date back to the Roman Empire. Spend a final evening at your eco-lodge.
Day 4: Petra
Say goodbye to the Aljoun Reserve and gear up for a day of exploring on two wheels. Today, you’ll be led by a local guide on a bike tour through the villages of Umm Qais. Enjoy the fresh air and views of the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley before you stop to see the Umm Qais archaeological site. Your cycling guide is an expert in all local trails and terrain and will tailor the day’s ride to the ability and interest level of the group. Expect gentle climbs and scenic paths that let the landscape of Umm Qais shine. After the ride, continue to Petra.
Day 5: Petra
Today’s active adventure begins with a quick 4WD to Siq al-Barid, also known as ‘Little Petra.’ Here, you’ll start the backdoor hike to Petra, beginning with the 800 stairs up to the Monastery – Petra’s largest monument. Take in this impressive feat of architecture before you make your way down to the basin and out through the Siq canyon. The hike will move at an easy pace with plenty of time to rest, stop for tea and moments to soak up the rock-carved views. Enjoy a free evening in Petra.
Day 6: Wadi Rum
Enjoy another morning exploring the historic grounds of Petra with a guided hike of the Main Trail and the High Place of Sacrifice. This walk takes you through the main entrance known as the ‘Siq’, the iconic Treasury building and the grand Nabatean Theatre before climbing 800 steps to reach the High Place of Sacrifice. Then, spend the afternoon kicking back on a jeep safari through Wadi Rum. Known for its unique geographical features, golden dunes and carvings from ancient civilisations, you’ll get plenty of time to look out over the lunar-like rock formations with your night spent enjoying Bedouin hospitality at your desert camp.
Day 7: Dead Sea
Rise and shine early this morning to see the sunrise over the sand dunes of Wadi Rum. Set out on a moderately difficult hike with your leader and a local Bedouin guide to get the best vantage of the brightening skyline – this is one early wake-up you won’t want to miss. Then, leave the desert behind and set out for the water, arriving at Aqaba for a snorkel at the Aqaba Marine Reserve. Search for a range of local Red Sea marine life, including clownfish, lionfish, sea turtles and sea goldies. After snorkelling, travel to the Dead Sea for a sunset swim.
Day 8: Dead Sea
After breakfast, your active adventure through Jordan ends at your accommodation in the Dead Sea. There are no activities planned and you are free to depart the accommodation at any time.