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Operated by G Adventures
Explore Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Ancient Trade Routes
From
Price on request
Duration
12 days
Countries
Jordan, Saudi Arabia
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
Enter the wildest adventure of your travel career with this twelve-day trip through Jordan and Saudi Arabia, nestled in the cradle of human civilization. In Jordan, you’ll overnight in a Bedouin tent, dine amidst the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum, take in Petra's fascinating history, and relax in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. From there, you’re off to Saudi Arabia, a country largely untouched by the far reaches of tourism. You’ll witness the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, the carved temples of Madain Saleh (known as the second, maybe more impressive Petra), and sip tea around the red sandstone monolith known as Elephant Rock. If you’re after an adventure few have embarked on before, this is it.
Arrive at any time.
Guided visit to the ancient Roman town of Jerash followed by a visit to the Dead Sea.
Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Stop at a G Adventures- supported community cafe for lunch, then continue to Wadi Musa for the evening.
Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.
Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4x4 excursion during the day before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.
Today we leave our camp early to transfer to the Durra Border crossing south of Aqaba. Once we clear border formalities we will drive and meet our 4x4 vehicle so that we can deeply explore this rural part of Saudi Arabia. The group will explore the ancient site of Al Bad' also know as Madyan. This land is said to be the area where Moses found refuge after being exiled from Egypt, a region that has for millenniums been at the heart of the Arabian trade routes.
Travel to Jibal Hisma, a spectacular range of red sand dunes, giant sandstone mountain, and an impressive landscape that will feel like it’s all yours. Here we will travel by 4x4 and stop for a hike/walk, and to explore the landscape with interesting rock shapes.
After breakfast we continue our journey south towards Al Ula. En route we stop to explore the natural beauty in Wadi Dissa (Disah), sometimes referred to as Wadi Qaraqir. Here our 4x4 allows us to drive deep into the valley that makes this Wadi so unique and green. We'll have a picnic lunch with spectacular views again today. In the late afternoon we head out and arrive into Al Ula just as the sun starts setting.
Today our focus is entirely on Al Ula. Start off with a walk along the Heritage Oasis Trail. You'll see the beauty of this little old town, tall palms in a historic archway of a mud brick house, or the lush green farms. We spend a few hours exploring Hegra, the main site of Al Ula on a structured visit, before meeting a local farm owner and exploring their farm. We end the day at Elephant rock to enjoy the sunset and the desert night sky.
From Al Ula to Medina we drive along the desert used by pilgrims for centuries as they made their way to Medina. In Medina we'll learn about the founding of Islam and the Holy Cities. The group will have an opportunity to see the first two mosques built by the Prophet and learn about the pilgrimages. Its unique insight into local culture.
Today, go a bit more local. Start by taking the high speed train from Medina to Jeddah. In Jeddah we explore the corniche where locals go to cool off and share favourite foods. Then head into the old city and experience what the Jeddah looked like only 50 years ago. End the visit of the old town by tasting some truly local Jeddah specialties.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
12 days
Route
Amman → Jeddah
Countries
Jordan, Saudi Arabia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Jordan & Saudi Arabia
Showing Days 1-7
12-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting followed by an optional group dinner. Amman is a very big city and there is not one central area to stay - hotels are spread out across various neighbourhoods within the city. For this reason, to move around the city in your free time, you will have to take a taxi, please feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations and assistance.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting followed by an optional group dinner. Amman is a very big city and there is not one central area to stay - hotels are spread out across various neighbourhoods within the city. For this reason, to move around the city in your free time, you will have to take a taxi, please feel free to ask your CEO for recommendations and assistance.
Day 2Guided visit to the ancient Roman town…Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus' baptism.
Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy. Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus' baptism.
Day 3Start the day with a guided visit…PetraDepart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views. Enjoy lunch at Safi Kitchen. The kitchen is a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission. Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades. Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.
PetraDepart early for the first stop, Mt Nebo. Learn the ancient history of this spot and check out the views. Enjoy lunch at Safi Kitchen. The kitchen is a nonprofit organization working in the South Ghour region, south of the Dead Sea, to create opportunities for members of the local community. The mission of the company is to raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage and natural resources of the area. Their tourism program is key to the expansion of their environmental and social mission. Continue on to Madaba to see the famous Byzantine mosaics, dating back to the sixth century. After, visit Karak Castle, built during the Crusades. Arrive in the early evening to Wadi Musa, the town just outside Petra.
Day 4Start early to visit iconic Petra
PetraStart early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.
Day 5Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning…Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Arrive to the camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.
PetraDrive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4x4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Arrive to the camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.
Day 6Today we leave our camp early to transfer…
Today we leave our camp early to transfer to the Durra Border crossing south of Aqaba. Once we clear border formalities we will drive and meet our 4x4 vehicle so that we can deeply explore this rural part of Saudi Arabia. The group will explore the ancient site of Al Bad' also know as Madyan. This land is said to be the area where Moses found refuge after being exiled from Egypt, a region that has for millenniums been at the heart of the Arabian trade routes.
Day 7Travel to Jibal HismaJibal Hisma (Jimal Hisma) is the Saudi version of Wadi Rum but left undisturbed for the last millennium. The red sand dunes and giant sandstone mountain protect rock art dating back to the Nabateans. The site is only accessible by 4x4. Small farm families and herdsmen call the region home, with luck we may encounter their herds as we explore.
Jibal Hisma (Jimal Hisma) is the Saudi version of Wadi Rum but left undisturbed for the last millennium. The red sand dunes and giant sandstone mountain protect rock art dating back to the Nabateans. The site is only accessible by 4x4. Small farm families and herdsmen call the region home, with luck we may encounter their herds as we explore.
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Discover Jordan
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