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Walking Jordan's Spice Trails

Jordan - Trip code TP Walking and Trekking
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422Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Nabateans on this journey through Jordan. Follow ancient spice trails across the wild plateaus of Wadi Rum and trek to the rose-red city of Petra and beyond. Recoup with a rejuvenating dip in the Dead Sea before discovering bustling Amman on this walking trip that covers the country's highlights.

Why we love this trip
  • Hike through ancient Petra - Spend two full days exploring the tombs and temples of this astounding wonder of the world.
  • Trek across the dunes of Wadi Rum - Hike through desert sands and experience Bedouin living at a traditional camp.
  • Reset in the Dead Sea - Recoup in the rejuvenating waters of the lowest point on earth and indulge with mud treatments.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 4

    Dinner: 4

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Cameleers

    Camp Crew

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

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    Accommodation

    2 nights simple camping

    2 nights premium hotel

    1 nights comfortable hotel

    2 nights comfortable tented camp

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    Walking grade:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore Average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Amman

Our tour of Jordan starts in Amman, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Home to almost half of Jordan's entire population, Amman is a fascinating city of contrasts, where the ancient and the modern collide. Get lost in the bustling souks of downtown, where you'll be tempted by falafel and baklawa stalls, or visit the hillside Roman Theatre for a taster of the city's varied history.

There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive in Amman at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), a 30-minute drive from our hotel.

Due to most flights arriving late in the evening, our Explore Leader will meet you for a welcome meeting the next morning. You'll find the meeting information on the notice board in the hotel reception.

Accommodation:

Toledo Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walking in Wadi Rum

Today, we'll head south along the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum - approx. driving time 4 hours. On arrival, our bags will be taken onwards to our camp for the night, while we stretch our legs. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch before setting off on a walk through one of the most evocative landscapes in the Middle East. Home to the legend of Lawrence of Arabia (and the backdrop for the famous movie), Wadi Rum is an unreal landscape to uncover. We'll walk south, where Lawrence of Arabia once lived, and marvel at the yellow mountains towering out of the dunes, eventually reaching the highest point in the desert with a view on the 7 Pillars.

We'll continue our walk to our campsite, just as the sun begins to set. Our comfortable camp is exclusive to the Explore group and we'll share a large communal tent (with gendered compartments). There's a shared washroom with toilets and showers. You can upgrade to a private tent at no extra cost, subject to availability. Please speak to your leader about arranging one.

Today's walk covers 6.5 kilometres/4 miles and is expected to take around 2 hours. Note, we'll be walking some of the way on soft sand, so supportive walking shoes are a must.

Accommodation:

Salim Camp (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Tented Camp

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Exploring Wadi Rum further

This morning, we'll set off to explore more of the desert dunes. Walking in the footsteps of the early Nabatean traders, we'll follow the route that caravans of spices, silks and perfumes used to take. We'll explore the northern side of Wadi Rum, visiting the natural stone bridge, following camel footprints and spotting ancient inscriptions in the weathered pink granite mountains. After an unforgettable day trekking through stunning desert scenery, we'll return to our camp for a relaxing evening of stargazing.

Today's walk covers 17 kilometres/10.6 miles and is expected to take around 7 hours. Note, we'll be walking on soft sand and in direct sunlight, so supportive walking shoes and appropriate clothing are a must.

Accommodation:

Salim Camp (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Tented Camp

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Walking in the red rose city of Petra

After breakfast, this morning there's the option of a camel ride through the canyons back to meet our bus. Those who choose not to ride will be transported by 4WD across the dunes.

Once we've all met the bus, we'll drove onwards to the rose red city, Petra. Here, we'll enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site via the twisting Siq gorge before arriving at the beating heart of the ancient city, the treasury. From there, we'll explore the royal tombs and Roman theatre before heading up to our campsite in Wadi Shamassat.

Our camp tonight is completely unique - we've been given special permission by the Petra authorities to wild camp within walking distance of the archaeological site. We'll sleep like the local Bedouins in a goat hair tent, laid out with rugs and mattresses. The camp brings us back to basics, so facilities are simple - there's a portable toilet and bowls for washing.

In the evening, there's the option to return to Petra after dinner for a candlelit tour of the city.

Today's walk covers 13 kilometres/8.1 miles and is expected to take around five hours with an ascent of 270 metres/885 feet.

Accommodation:

Little Petra Baidah Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Exploring Petra and its surroundings further

Today, we'll head back into Petra and up to one of the site's greatest monuments, Ad-Deir (The Monastery). We'll set off from our camp across the windswept Alzantour plateau. Once we reach the rim of Jabel Almatalah, we'll take in the views of Petra's mountains before following a trail along the cliffs to the Monastery. High above the city, it's almost hidden in the mountains and provides a panorama across the ancient site.

From here, we'll begin the walk down the steps and visit the church, Alhabes Castle, before carrying on to the main tombs and the Nabatean Temple. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace before we make the trek back to our campsite along the Wadi Alturkmanyah paths.

Today's walk covers 18 kilometres/11.2 miles and is expected to take around 7 hours. The walk to the Monastery should take around 2 hours.

Accommodation:

Little Petra Baidah Camp (or similar)

Grade: Simple Camping

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Hike to Little Petra and journey along the King's Highway to Kerak and Madaba

This morning, we'll set off from our campsite to Little Petra via the narrow Siq Barid canyon. Once a thriving Nabatean community, Little Petra is now a canyon of carved houses, temples, and tombs.

Once we've finished up at Little Petra, we'll drive along the Desert Highway to join the King's Highway - one of the oldest trading routes in the world. Journeying onward, we'll make a stop at the crusader castle of Kerak. Built in 1896 by crusader king, Baldwin of Jerusalem, Kerak was one of a chain of fortresses used in the Holy War against Islam.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to Madaba, our base for the night. Famous for its mosaics, the town is home to the Great Map of Palestine, dating back to the 6\super th\nosupersub century.

Today's walk covers 3 kilometres/1.9 miles and is expected to take around 45 minutes along a flat route.

Accommodation:

Mariam Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Visit to Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea and Jerash

Today, we'll visit Jebel Neba, better known as Mount Nebo - the point from which Moses saw the Promised Land. We'll spend time taking in the site and the views before journeying on to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea.

Surrounded by barren hills, this unique body of water has a salt content of 33%, making it almost impossible to sink. Experience the mysterious feeling of floating on the calm waters before indulging with Dead Sea mud. There are shower facilities at the resort to freshen up afterwards.

After our dip in the Dead Sea, we'll continue to the ancient Roman site of Jerash. One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, only 10% of the city has been uncovered since excavation began more than 100 years ago but you can still get a feel for how life in the city once was. Walk the colonnaded streets, visit the hilltop temples, explore the chariot-racing stadium, and hear your voice amplified in the ancient theatre.

This afternoon, we'll return to Amman, where we might have time to visit a Hammam.

Accommodation:

Toledo Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 8 - Trip ends in Amman

Our tour of Jordan ends at our hotel in Amman.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to depart from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Jordan

Climate

During April to November days are generally sunny and hot without rain with temperatures around 32°C. In spring and autumn evenings can be cool and night temperatures can drop suddenly especially in the desert. Expect cold nights in winter (December to February) when temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees. Some rain should also be expected at this time of year.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam

Language

Arabic

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Wadi Rum - Camel trek JD20.00 pp;
Petra - Petra by night JD17.00 pp; Plus return transfer from the camp to Petra welcome centre, from JD20 for a car of upto 3 people sharing, (price depends on size of vehicle and number of people).

Clothing

Bring light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. The weather conditions can be changeable, and it can become cool, especially at night and early mornings can be very cold when camping in the desert so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier and warmer are recommended as a base layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier material such as jeans. A waterproof jacket is essential at all times in case of rain and wind.

Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Muslim towns - loose fitting trousers are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket
-T-shirts
-Long sleeved tops
-Sunhat
-Long trousers
-Warm sleepwear
-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)
-Swimwear and towel
-Midlayer Fleece/pullover
-Socks (liner and thicker pair)
-Insulated jacket
-Scarf

Footwear

We recommend you bring lightweight walking boots with ankle support, make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Also trainers or sandals for relaxing and general wear.

We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch. On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water. You will be carrying only your day bag during the walks and main luggage shall be transported between accommodations by car.

Equipment

-Sunglasses
-Sun cream
-Head Torch / Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)
-Camera
-Walking poles (if you usually use them)
-Travel mug
- Reusable water bottle with filter
-Personal toiletries (including anti-bacterial hand sanitiser and/or wash)
-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit, supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.
-Insect repellent
-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)
-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore
-Sleeping bag liner (fleece will add warmth)
-Pillow case
-Water shoes are recommended for the Dead Sea
Sleeping bags, blankets and mattresses are provided

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £25 to £30 per person per week as a guideline.

It is also customary to tip private bus drivers throughout the tour, please allow around £13 per person throughout the tour.
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a standard part of service in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of services provided. To make things easier for you, your leader might organise a group kitty to cover tips throughout the trip. This will go towards staff at hotels, the Bedouins who welcome you in Wadi Rum and included activities and meals. Accordingly, you should allow JD25.00 (Jordanian Dinar) per person to contribute to the kitty.

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
International Departure Taxes
The Jordanian government levies on all travellers a departure tax of JD8.00 per person. For travellers departing by air this is usually included in the taxes on the airline ticket and thus nothing will be collected from you at the point of departure. For those travellers departing by land, this will be collected by the immigration authorities at the port of departure from Jordan.

Jordan

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£15
Dinner price
£20
Beer price
£5
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Jordanian Dinar
Recommended Currency For Exchange
Sterling and US$ are widely exchangeable though exchange rates tend to favour the US$. It is worth taking some money in cash. You may be able to order Dinars from your bank although the rate will usually be lower than purchasing currency in country.
Where To Exchange
Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available, but do not always work.
Credit Card Acceptance
In hotels and some larger shops/restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD

Accommodation notes

Jordanian hospitality is second to none and we choose our hotels to reflect that. However, due to the recent rise in tourism, many hotels are experiencing high demand and can become full very quickly. This can unfortunately lead to lower levels of service and quality. While we try our best to make sure our chosen accommodation is available to us, it is subject to change. Refer to your final document for your departure's confirmed hotel list.
Our camp in Wadi Rum is located deep in the desert. We sleep in a communal tent (with gendered compartments) that's furnished with beds and bedding. You can upgrade to a private tent at no extra cost, subject to availability. Please speak to your leader about arranging one. The camp has a toilet and shower block.
At Little Petra, we have special permission to wild camp within walking distance of the archaeological sites. We're not permitted to have permanent fixtures, so there are no wash facilities, but filtered and heated water is provided for washing and there are portable toilets.

Jordan

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Jordan: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the time you arrive.
Visa fees are waivered for tourists of British, American, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationalities on arrival at an international Jordanian airport. There are however, certain conditions that each tourist of these nationalities must meet in order to gain the free visa. Most of these are already met by Explore trips; however flight information, passport details and arrival date into Jordan all have an effect on qualifying for the free visa. Please see below for the category that is applicable to your flight arrangements:

The following information relates to the above nationalities travelling on flights to Jordan arranged by Explore arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, the above nationalities must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process, this is already arranged by Explore as part of the transfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour.

The following information relates to the above nationalities with Land Only arrangements arriving on the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, these tourists must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process. Land Only customers of the above nationalities arranging their own flights to arrive in Jordan on the first day of the tour must advise their full flight details to Explore at least 16 days prior to your departure date. We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements from the airport to the start of the tour.

The following information relates to the above nationalities arriving in Jordan prior or after the first day of the tour: In order to qualify for the free visa, tourists of the above nationalities must advise their passport details at least 16 days prior to your departure date to Explore and must be met by a representative who will assist with the visa process. To qualify for the free visa, you must contact Explore at least 16 days prior to your departure date to arrange and purchase a private transfer. We will then arrange for the representative to meet you as part of the transfer arrangements.

Please Note: For all tourists of the above nationalities that do not advise their passport details and for all above nationalities that arrange their own travel arrangements and do not advise their flight details to Explore within the above specified timelines, the Jordanian visa fee of JD40.00 (approximately £45) will be applicable. This must be paid on arrival at an international Jordanian airport in order for individuals to gain a visa to enter the country.

All other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate to determine if they are applicable for the above free visa on arrival or must gain a visa prior to departure.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Maximum altitude (m)

1800

Jordan

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

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