After breakfast, you will continue your journey into the majestic Wadi Rum. From Amman, it is about a four-hour drive to Wadi Rum along the desert Highway. 

Once we reach Wadi Rum, our Bedouin friend Abu-Yosef will welcome us at his home with traditional Bedouin tea (tea made with fresh sage and sugar). After your brief rest, you will be set to travel the large Wadi Rum area while in the back of an old 4×4 truck. To explore a landscape that was once described by the British officer T. E. Lawrence as ‘vast, echoing and Godlike.’ This description beautifully sums the Wadi Rum experience.

You will notice how the mountains of rock appear to melt under the sun’s rays and the tracks of camels, foxes, and wild dogs spattered on the wind-swept sand. The unbelievable silence will overwhelm you, making you feel like part of the landscape around you.

Later, you will be taken to one of the highest points in all of Wadi Rum to witness a sensational sunset. Abu-Yosef will make us some more Bedouin tea, right in the desert sand, and leave us to observe the descending sun. As we greet the moon, a whole new outlook of the landscape around you surfaces, and as the darkness sneaks in, the sky glows up with millions of stars to cast a bright light upon the entire world.

Wadi rum entrance fee: 5 Jordanian dinars.

[expand title=”Things to consider while in Wadi Rum”]

BBQ chicken lunch: it is a unique experience, which is as close to what the native Bedouins used to eat while in the desert (15 Jordanian dinars per person.).*

Camel ride: who can resist trekking through the desert on the back of a camel? This is best done after sunset or during early sunrise. Don’t miss out on this authentic experience in the desert (15 Jordanian dinars per person/per hour.).*

Hot air balloon: you’ve enjoyed the magic around you, but do you want to see more? Then the hot air balloon is what you’re looking for; you will have a bird’s eye view of this stunning landscape (from 45–90 minutes).

It starts at dawn every day, but reservations normally need to be confirmed the day before. Also, please note that hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions (130 Jordanian dinars per person.).**

Mountain hiking: want to undergo the desert in a different way and feel every bit of it? Then hiking around Wadi Rum is an excellent way to truly engage yourself in your surroundings. This trip usually takes a couple of days to allow you to see the entire desert (40 Jordanian dinars/2hrs flat, for the local guide.).*

Extra night: Wadi Rum is a serene and apparently limitless place, so an extra night might be worth thinking about. You can negotiate with your guide on the price of an extra night at the time of your decision.

* can be payable directly to the Bedouin owner.
**Advance booking is required.

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The British Broadcasting Channel (BBC) has placed Petra as “one of the 40 places you have to see before you die,” and indeed, we agree.
Petra is a city lost for centuries until its founding in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. It is a city that inspired many a poet, John William Burgon being no different. Petra inspired him to write, “it seems no work of Man’s creative hand, by labor wrought as wavering fancy planned; But from the rock as if by magic grown, eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!” The rocks seem to have a mind of their own, and you can sense something enchanting as you walk down the rock-lined corridor to the magnificence that awaits you.

On this day, you will be walking the same route many have traveled before you, and you will feel as if you’ve crossed into a different world. You get to explore a city carved into stone, wander through a dim, narrow canyon called The Siq (a sacred path filled with old and ancient relics of gods); a complex water system has been put on both sides of the gorge. Much more will be unveiled to you as you walk until you enter The Treasury. And exactly like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade, you will be hypnotized by what you see.

A whole city, carved from stone, will open up before you once you leave The Treasury. Everything is formed from the rock face—houses, tombs, theatres, and facades. As the sun casts its rays on these places and you observe other travelers roam along exploring the hidden secrets of Petra, you will know what life must have been like for the people living here—peaceful, bustling, and beautiful.

Things to consider:

[expand title=”The Monastery (Al–Dair):”]

This monastery is a one hour climb up 800 rock steps from the basin museum/restaurant area. Don’t be frightened by the ascent, though; donkeys are available, but the essence of the adventure for many people is in the walk itself.

What to expect:

While it is not as well-known as the Treasury, the Monastery is rated as one of the most memorable views at Petra. It is comparable to the Treasury yet only larger (50m high x 45m wide). While including much less decoration, it is still wonderfully carved and deserving every one of the 800 steps you took to reach it.

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[expand title=”Wadi Araba Vantage Point:”]

If you are a fan of beautiful landscapes and breathtaking views, another part of your day should include this location. With just an additional ten minute walk from the Monastery, you will be pleased you took the extra time. Here you will appreciate panoramic views of the Wadi Araba Valley. This walk can be extra satisfying for the bird watchers among the group as eagles populate this area in abundance.
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[expand title=”High Places of Sacrifices:”]

This is another place that is offered that provides the opportunity for both a close look into the faith of the Nabateans priest as it was used for animal sacrifice, and also provides a very spectacular view of the city below. Get yourself ready for 700 steps into the mountain (again, donkeys can be hired for those looking for a ride up). Your trek up will begin in the area by the theatre near the Treasury.
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Petra entrance fee: 50 Jordanian dinars.

Things to consider while in Wadi Musa town/Petra:

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What better way of seeing the Treasury than to see it lit up by hundreds of candles? Picture the rose-colored rock sparkling with hundreds of tiny dancing flames lighting your way throughout. You will enjoy sipping traditional Bedouin tea while traditional Bedouin music plays softly in the background.
The walk starts at the visitor center, with candles lining the way to the Treasury. The candles give the journey a playful effect, while the only sound you hear is that of your own breath echoing in the Siq (gorge).

Petra by Night runs three times a week. Tours start at 8:30 pm and finish at 10:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Ticket: 17 Jordanian dinars.
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[expand title=”Turkish bath:”]

Whether you are tired after a long day of exploring the city of Petra, or if you are preparing for your night tour, a Turkish bath is a must for a true visitor’s experience. Trust us, every muscle in your body will thank you. A renowned local family owns the baths where we will be taking you, so you are guaranteed an authentic Turkish bath experience. Feel free to bring your suit with you, or if you have forgotten yours, one can be provided.
As you enter the first chamber, your masseur will greet you. You will then be cleaned with warm soapy water and rinsed off by pouring warm water over your head. Next, it’s off to the steam room. The steam is mixed with a special blend of local herbs that will help your breathing and break down those sore muscles. It’s a unisex bath so you and your friends can enjoy each other’s company while in the steam room.
Afterward, we’re off to the hot stones where you can put your tired feet up, aiding your blood circulation (definitely needed after all those steps!) Once you’re ready, you can head back into the steam room to prepare for your massage. We end our time at the Turkish baths with a cool down, followed by some local herbal tea, before we head back to your hotel or off to dinner. This experience will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated like never before!

Price: 24 Jordanian dinars for the full works.
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After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport, where we will say goodbye; a staff member will take your baggage inside for you and wish you a safe and relaxing trip home.