Iconic Sites and Hidden Delights: A Road Trip Through Jordan

After a hearty hotel breakfast, get set for adventure. Collect your rental car and drive for one hour and fifteen minutes to Pella, stopping en route in Salt. The perfect starting point for discovering Jordan’s rich history and natural beauty, Salt was once a major trading hub for the Ottoman Empire. Its old buildings and narrow streets are a testament to its past and history buffs can explore the Abu Jaber Museum, housed in a carefully restored mansion, and the Al-Khader Church, known for its beautiful frescos and intricate carvings. Alternatively, shop for handicrafts in the bustling souqs, then sample delicious food and soak up the local atmosphere in one of the city’s cosy cafes. Your next stop is the ancient city of Pella, home to a wealth of archeological sites, including Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, and a well-preserved theatre. After discovering the urban remains, it’s time to hit the countryside. Meet a local shepherd to learn more about the traditional way of life, then stretch your legs during a hill hike. This private, guided three-hour walk winds through dry meadows and olive groves, to a small country mosque, via stunning scenery. Spend the night in a beautiful artist's residence, in a well-equipped and comfortable apartment.

Hop in your car for the hour-long drive north to Umm Qais, a hidden gem that offers visitors a journey through time. This ancient city, also known as Gadara, will be your home for the next two nights. Enjoy a relaxed stay in a restored village house with a nice view of the Ottoman Quarter and Golan Heights. Once a thriving centre of culture and commerce, Gadara’s ruins are a testament to its rich history. Discover more during a private guided tour, which will transport you back to the days of the Roman Empire. The city’s impressive 3,000-seater amphitheatre is a highlight of any visit. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside, all the way to the Sea of Galilee.

Get ready to hit the trails. In addition to offering ancient ruins, Umm Qais is also a great starting point for hiking and biking adventures. Explore the surrounding countryside on a private guided walk on one of several scenic paths, such as the Jordan Trail, which runs from the north of the country all the way to the Red Sea. Savour the distant horizons and deep, heady aromas of this tranquil area during a relaxed two-hour walk. Just don’t forget the water! Alternatively, food lovers have the option of joining a cooking class or following in the footsteps of an expert beekeeper to sample Jordan’s liquid gold.

Today is all about the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Madaba, via Jerash – an ancient citadel also known as Gerasa. The city’s impressive Oval Plaza, once the centre of civic life, is a must-see. From here you can explore the city’s many other attractions, including the Temple of Artemis, the South Theatre, the Nymphaeum and baths. In stark contrast to your history-filled day, you’ll spend the night in a contemporary hotel. Relax in your comfortable room, enjoy a dip in the pool and tuck into a simple but expertly prepared dinner. If you’re interested in nature and agriculture we can also arrange for you to visit an ecological farm nearby.

Enjoy the scenic two-hour-and-15-minute drive to Dana. En route, keen walkers can stop for a hike in Wadi Bin Hammad. Not far from Karak, this stunning valley is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including waterfalls, rock formations and lush vegetation. With beautiful scenery at every turn, the trail winds through the valley, passing crystal-clear streams and towering sandstone cliffs. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to explore hidden caves and grottos, and take a refreshing dip in one of the many natural pools. After your hike, relax for the night in simple but supremely comfortable surroundings above the Wadi Dana. The accommodation exudes an Arabian atmosphere and boasts spectacular views of desert gorges.

Today is all about Petra. The drive takes just over an hour, via breathtaking scenery of mountains, traditional Bedouin villages and ancient ruins. Check in for one night close to Petra’s entrance, in a modern hotel with comfortable rooms boasting excellent views. The restaurant is run by a team of seasoned professionals specialising in Jordanian and international cuisine. Grab a table on the rooftop terrace, where you can eat and drink in between dips in the pool and hot tub. One of the highlights of this leg of your trip is the hike from Little Petra to Deir accompanied by an expert local guide. Your starting point is Siq al-Barid - affectionately known as ‘Little Petra’. After a brief but steep climb offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, you’ll reach the Deir monastery, dramatically cut into the rock face. Next, discover the legendary city itself. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient wonder is a feast for the eyes. Arguably Petra’s most iconic structure is the Treasury, also known as the Al-Khazneh. One of the world’s most photographed landmarks, it’s a marvel of intricate carvings and stunning architecture carved into the mountainside. Petra is also home to a wealth of other attractions, including the Royal Tombs, the Great Temple, and the Roman Theatre. Travel back in time as you wander tomb-lined streets lined and ceremonial squares. For a different take on the ‘Rose City’, don’t miss the opportunity to tour Petra by night.

Following the two-hour drive from Petra to Wadi Rum, you’ll enjoy two nights in a Bedouin camp, a singular and unforgettable experience. In the heart of the desert, surrounded by stunning rock formations and open spaces, goat hair tents provide a comfortable and cosy night’s sleep. After a traditional breakfast of hummus and labneh, a rewarding challenge awaits. Climbing Jebel Um Ad Dami – the highest peak in Jordan – offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Accompanied by a private guide, the experience takes about three hours, depending on fitness levels. At the summit, there is a small stone marker and panoramic views across the entire region. In the evening, the camp comes alive with traditional Bedouin music and dance, and you’ll get to indulge in a delicious meal, the centerpiece of which is a dish called zarb. This Bedouin barbecue is an ancient technique of slow-roasting food, traditionally goat, in underground pits. The meat is served on large communal plates, accompanied by rice, salads and various dips. After the feast, enjoy the famous hospitality and stargazing talents of your Bedouin hosts, as you immerse yourself in their culture and way of life.

Another day, another adventure. Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a desert landscape that has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries. With its towering sandstone cliffs, vast open spaces, and otherworldly rock formations, it’s a destination that’s both awe-inspiring and humbling. One of the most iconic landscapes in the Middle East, Wadi Rum has featured in countless films, books and works of art. For those who venture into its heart, the experience can be transformative. The vast expanse of sand and rock seem to stretch forever, with staggering cliffs and jagged peaks rising from the desert floor. Enjoy optional camel trekking and Bedouin tea as you learn more about the vibrant community who have lived in this harsh and unforgiving environment for generations.

Prepare for a completely different experience as you arrive in Wadi Feynan, around three hours from Wadi Rum. Hop into a 4x4 for a private 20-minute transfer to the Dana Biosphere eco-lodge, your home for the next two nights. The lodge features discreet solar panels which provide it with the little electricity required for light and hot water. After sunset, the rooms and common areas are lit by candlelight, and evenings are spent on the rooftop terrace, gazing at the starry sky. Enjoy simple but succulent vegetarian meals and share stories with your hosts and fellow travellers. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep though – adventure awaits.

A range of activities can be enjoyed at the lodge. Nature lovers will particularly appreciate the host of guided hikes provided. Whether you choose a sunrise or sunset ramble or a mountain bike tour, all are equally informative and entertaining. Your Bedouin hosts will offer tailor-made itineraries, depending on your desires. Enjoy their legendary hospitality and warmth as you learn how to make and apply kohl, how to bake bread, and how they weave the fabric for their tents. A lesson in roasting and making authentic Arabian coffee and herbal tea is a nice touch too. You’ll also have the option to join a guided hike in Wadi Ghuweir – a stunning desert valley known for its rugged terrain, towering cliffs and crystal-clear pools. It’s home to a wide variety of desert wildlife, including ibex, hyrax and several bird species. Alternatively, there is the singular pleasure of lazing in the shade while admiring the remote and rugged landscape.

Following your private transfer from Wadi Feynan, you’ll collect your rental car and drive for two-and-a-half hours to the Dead Sea, staying in a traditional settlement that has been transformed into a luxury hotel. The facilities here are top notch, with impeccable rooms, attentive service and varied cuisine. Relax and unwind by taking a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the sea, or with a therapeutic treatment at the world-class spa. You can also wander down to the private beach to float in the legendary healing waters. Grab a table in the gardens, on the terrace or in the restaurant, and enjoy sublime views stretching to the horizon.