6-Day Wonders of Jordan and Petra Tour Details

Is This Tour Right For Your?

Can you enjoy traveling in a developing nation? Jordan is a developing, growing nation that has been steadily moving through a fast period of growth and change. It’s an exciting and fascinating time to experience Jordan. As a developing nation many services, systems and levels of environmental cleanliness are not the same as they may be in your home country. Jordanians are a warm, friendly people and are very welcoming to travelers.

This trip requires moderate activity level – sustained walking for 2-3 hours over rough terrain, cobblestone, and in the heat unassisted.

There will be one day of 4-6 hours of walking, sometimes uphill and up many stairs, while exploring Petra. This day is broken up with rests, stops to take in and photograph the spectacular views and to explore the historical sites. The focus of the day is exploring the sites of Petra and some of the incredible views and lookouts. Because Petra was hidden in a desert siq and built into the sides of the hills and canyons, it does take some beginning to moderate hiking to reach the different sites. This requires a moderate level of fitness, but is well worth the moderate hiking involved to see some of the most spectacular sections of Petra that few travelers visit. You don’t need to be a advanced hiker or a super fit traveler to be able to participate and enjoy this day. A good marker of the fitness required for this day in Petra is if you can walk 4-6 hours around your own hometown with minimal stops for lunch and a few coffee breaks. Some hills and many sets of stairs are required to navigate while exploring Petra, but we take these sections at a slow, steady pace enjoying the views and the archaeological sites along the way. Trekking poles are recommended for this day.

Some days you may be on your feet for the majority of the day. A few days there will be up to 6-8 hours of driving. This trip is not appropriate for travelers using walkers, wheelchairs, other mobility aids, or who cannot stand on their feet for 2-3 hours while visiting sites and walking around outdoors in the heat.

One night we camp at a luxury camp in the Wadi Rum desert. There will be comfortable, modern beds, hot showers, electricity and toilet, but no air conditioning.

Note: This tour requires all travelers to bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system to reduce our footprint and enjoy a sustainable tour free from single-use plastic water bottles.

If you do not think you’ll be able to meet this level of activity requirement, or you have any questions or concerns please email our helpful staff at [email protected].

Arrival in Amman:

Upon arrival at the Amman International Airport, you will pass through Jordanian customs. There are both ATM machines and Money Exchange booths after customs. After collecting your luggage you pass in to the arrival terminal. Look for one of our in-country partners with a sign that says “ArchaeoAdventures Tours” as you exit the arrival terminal. The sign may also list your name. We will collect all the tour members arriving at that same time and then transfer you to the hotel.

Important: Your Jordan Pass and Visa are included in the cost of this tour. You will be emailed this pass closer to the departure date. You must bring a print out of this pass with you. It’s your entry visa to Jordan, as well as your entry ticket to all sites, Petra and Wadi Rum.

Accommodations:

Comfortable, memorable hotels, guesthouses and luxury desert camps run by Bedouin families. On this tour we stay in a variety of lodging: comfortable centrally located hotels, family-run guesthouses and luxury desert camps run by Bedouin families. Not every accommodation will have all the amenities travelers may find in hotels in their home countries. Some locations will have no wifi or wifi that doesn’t work well. Some lodging may have street noise. Camels and herds of goats can occasionally be heard at night in Wadi Rum as sound travels far in the desert. We ask travelers to embrace all aspects of traveling in Jordan with a positive, flexible attitude. This is part of the ArchaeoAdventures experience and we expect our travelers to help make our tours a great experience through a positive attitude. Pack your sense of adventure, flexibility and humor.

We announce the names and contact details of the hotels, guesthouses and desert camps 30 days prior to departure.

Why doesn’t ArchaeoAdventures announce the accommodations sooner than 30 days prior to departure?

From time to time we need to change the accommodations of a tour due to property renovations, management changes or other unexpected situations. We book all accommodations over a year in advance to secure the lodgings for our tours. Our lodging choices are very carefully planned taking into consideration the location, quality of staff, clean and safe food, and traveler experience. Due to booking so far in advance, once in a while closer to the tour departure date situations can change with one of the accommodations and we may need to switch to a different hotel. As a result, we release the lodging details 30 days prior to your tour.

If you would like more details on a specific place this tour stays or the beginning or ending hotel email our helpful staff at tours@archaeoadventures.com.

Activity Level:

This trip requires moderate activity level – sustained walking for 2-3 hours over rough terrain, cobblestone, and in the heat unassisted.

If you have any questions or concerns please email our helpful staff at [email protected].  

Asthma:

For some travelers, the desert sand and dust can bring on episodes of asthma. If you suffer from asthma, even only occasionally, we recommend bringing your asthma medication as it cannot be administered by your group leader and may not be readily available while you in the desert. We recommend having your asthma medication handing throughout the tour.

Cancellation Policy and Refunds:

Please see our Cancellation Policy and Refund Policy on our Terms and Conditions page.

Cancelled Tours:

Please read our Cancelled Tours Policy on our Terms and Conditions page.

Climate:

With deserts, mountains, the Red Sea and the forests of the North of Jordan, Jordan has a very diverse climate. Summer (May – September) can be hot, particularly in Petra and Wadi Rum desert. Temperatures in July and August can soar over 100 F. It’s important to drink lots of water, wear a hat for sun protection and moderate the amount of time you are outside. Winter (November – March) can be cold, rainy in Amman and even snowy in mountainous north of Jordan. Evening and overnight temperatures can drop below freezing. It is important to bring warm clothes if you are traveling in Jordan in the winter months. The shoulder seasons Spring (March – May) and Fall (September – November) are particularly good times to visit Jordan as the deserts are more pleasant and the mountain weather is more temperate. Jordan weather can still greatly vary so no matter when you are traveling it’s a good idea to plan on layering with your clothing and bring some clothes for warmer weather and a warm sweater or jacket in case it gets cold a night, particularly when we camp in the luxury camps (they do provide heavy wool blankets but we recommend, in addition to bringing a warm jacket, to bring a warm hat, gloves and good socks in case temperatures drop at night).

Currency:

In Jordan they use the Dinar (JOD). ATMs are found throughout Jordan. You get the very best exchange rate when withdrawaling money at ATMs. Amman, Wadi Musa (Petra), the Dead Sea and Aqaba also have banks and exchange bureaus, though they are often not open on weekends. While credit cards are becoming more common in Jordan, they are still not taken everywhere, especially family-run establishments. Jordan is still very much a cash culture, especially in smaller towns. In the cities, restaurants often take credit cards as well as larger stores, supermarkets and hotels. For small cafes and stores plan on paying in cash. Outside of the main cities most transactions are done in cash. As a result, we recommend carrying local currency with you in case you want to purchase a snack, water during the day, or purchase a handicraft. Foreign currency is not always accepted (some places accept euros for larger purchases) so we recommend planning on using local Dinars (plus is a fun cultural experience to use the local money). In the Wadi Rum opportunities to exchange money are limited so we recommend withdrawaling enough in Amman to last you for your entire trip and then if necessary you can withdrawal more to supplement while in Petra. Note though in Wadi Rum you won’t need to purchase anything as we are spending time in the desert and with the Bedouin. If you are changing your home currency to Dinars be sure to use a licensed money exchanger.

Deposit:

Please see our Deposit Policy on our Terms and Conditions page.

Drones:

Please note that drones are not permitted in Morocco and will be confiscated at the airport. Leave the drones at home and instead pack your curiosity and sense of adventure.

Dressing for Jordan:

Generally, you can wear the same clothes you wear at home while traveling in Jordan. There are a few exceptions that with a little savvy planning and packing can help you show greater cultural understanding and appreciation to the locals we meet. Many Jordanian women do not wear headscarves. Much of the younger generation, especially in the big cities, dress as young people do in Europe. In rural, small town Jordan and with older generations they tend to dress more conservatively. To help the locals we meet feel more comfortable and as a demonstration of cultural understanding we recommend as a general rule to dress with shoulders and knees covered; shirt with higher necklines. Wearing shorts (men and women), tank tops (men and women), low-cut tops, and showing midriff is not recommended as it will hinder your entry into religious buildings and family homes, and is considered disrespectful to the local culture.

Note: While at the Dead Sea bikinis and other swim attire is normal. You can dress as you would while swimming at any beach.

Electronic Socket Adapters:

Jordan uses sockets type C, D, F, G or J. You will find a wide variety of plugs. If your electronics has a different type of electrical socket head you will need an adapter. In Jordan, the voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Check your devices to see if you need a voltage converter.

Gifts for Families and Children:

Please refer to the Gifts for Families and Children on our FAQ page for our recommendation on what to bring for the families and children we meet along the trip.

Group Size:

This tour has a minimum of 6 travelers, maximum of 12 travelers. This lets us give you a personal, intimate travel experience.

Group Travel:

Traveling on a group tour can be a fun and rewarding experience. We’ve had tours where the travelers have arranged post-tour dinners, events and travels many years the initial tours where they met. Traveling brings us together and can forge unique bonds and friendships over these shared experiences. Sharing a new country and exciting experiences with other travelers can be a real joy and build lifelong new friendships. You may also experience some of the frustrations of group travel – different perspectives, personalities, life experiences and travel styles. As an ArchaeoAdventures traveler we ask that you pack your patience and flexibility – both with the new country you’re exploring and your new travel buddies. Try to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group.

We also kindly remind all travelers participating in ArchaeoAdventures’ tours that each tour is a team effort of the Tour Leader, the ArchaeoAdventures on-the-ground team, and our tour participants. Your tour is just that – your tour. We ask you to be a good team member and participant. We ask each traveler to take on responsibility for the success of the tour. A good tour member reads all the material provided for the tour to be informed and prepared for the trip. They listen to the Tour Leader and make sure they are at any designated meeting locations at the set time. The very best trips are those where the travelers come together with the guide and work together for an amazing travel experience – this means helping each other out, showing up early so all departures are on time, and bringing a positive, can do attitude if any travel bumps and logistical challenges arise. This takes just a little effort and goes a long way in making a great trip for everyone.

Health:

A few ways to keep healthy while travel in Jordan.

Drink purified water. And lots of it. Jordan is a hot place and travelers often are dehydrated before they realize it.
Try Jordanian delicacies and local food at the excellent restaurants during the tour.
Get out of your comfort zone and try food you would not normally eat at home. It’s a great cultural experience and will give you many stories to share.
Wash your hands with hot soap and water to present the common cold and flu.
Eat a balanced diet. You’ll feel better, have more energy and stay healthier.
Bring a small med kit with basic items – pain killer, cold medication, a few bandaids, anticeptic ointment, pepto bismol. Pharmacies are not open late and on Friday or Saturday in Jordan. This small med kit will help you nip any illness in the bud and get back to feeling well quicker.
Bring salt tablets or rehydration tablets if you dehydrate easily.
Do not drink the tap water unless you have filtered it or treated it before use. Avoid ice cubes in your drinks.

Hotel Details:

30 days prior to the tour departure you will be emailed with a list of the tour hotels and their contact details. If you wish to know more about the hotels, riads and desert camps please email [email protected]

Itineraries are Subject to Change:

Traveling can come with many surprises and unexpected challenges. We do our best to follow the laid out itinerary, but sometimes unforeseeable situations arise. The itinerary is subject to change. Itineraries, transportation and hotels are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, operating conditions, government decisions or numerous other reasons beyond our control. The Tour Leader retains the right to change the itinerary for safety and convenience of the travelers. Changes to the itinerary are not cause for a refund.

Late Fees:

Please read our Late Fees Policy on the Terms and Conditions page.

Laundry:

Given the short length of the tour we recommend bringing enough clothes to not need to do laundry.

Leaving or Joining the Tour:

We try to work with traveler’s specific situations to the best of our abilities without compromising the experience of the other travelers. If you need to join a tour late or leave a tour early please contact our team at [email protected] before booking your trip.

Luggage:

You’ll want to pack light. Lighter packing inevitably makes for more enjoyable travel. We will have limited space during sections of this tour. All travelers are allowed to bring one medium-size piece of luggage (less than 23kg in weight) and one carry-on bag that adheres to airline dimension requires, plus small purse, shoulder bag or day pack. Luggage needs to be easily movable by tour participants on and off the van, up to your room, up or down flights of stairs. You are responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Medical and Dietary Limitations:

Please read our Medical and Dietary Limitations Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page.

Medical and Health Information:

Please read our Medical and Health Information policy on our Terms and Conditions Page.

Medication To Bring:

We recommend each traveler bring a small personal first aid kit. While most over the counter medications similar to what you can find in your home country can be found in Jordan, you may not be able to find the same medication easily, smaller towns won’t always have a pharmacy, pharmacies can be closed on weekends and it’s not always easy to get medication during the tour. We recommend bringing basic medication for if you get a head cold, the flu, dirrahea, constipation, rehydration tablets if you are sensitive to heat or dehydrate easily, basic pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, motion sickness tablets if you get easily car sick (some of the stretches of road can be quite twisty and turny). Medication cannot be administered by your tour leader and each traveler is responsible to have their own personal first aid kit.

The above list is only a recommendation, each traveler is responsible for deciding what is best for them to have if their medical kit. Make sure all medication is in its original container and properly labeled.

Minimum Number of Travelers for Tour:

If the minimum number of travelers listed on the tour is not met, ArchaeoAdventures reserves the right to cancel the tour. If the tour is canceled due to not reaching the minimum number of participants, travelers will be alerted 61 days prior to departure.

Money:

ATMS can be found throughout Jordan and they accept all types of debit cards. Outside of hotels and higher-end restaurants, most establishments still take only cash due to the high visa rates charged vendors. Hotels, higher-end restaurants, and higher-end shops often do take credit card. Even though most activities, meals, sites, and guide fees are covered by the tour, it is recommend to carry spending cash in case you wish to purchase a memento or handmade craft, order a coffee, or tip someone. Small little expenditures often come up each day and there may not always be an ATM around, so it’s a valuable practice to carry a bit of cash with you. We recommend carrying a very small amount of cash in an internal, zippered pocket. There are pick pockets in Jordan, though it is not very common for travelers to be pickpocketed. Remember, to let your banks know of your travel plans, so they don’t block your credit card or debit card when you make your first charge in Jordan. Banks typically block credit and debit cards on foreign transactions if they don’t know of your travel plans. We have never had a traveler lose or have their wallet stolen, but it does happen from time to time to travelers. It is prudent to never leave your purchase or wallet unattended. Don’t put it under your seat at a café or a restaurant. It is also good to have a backup credit card and debit card that are tied to a second bank account. If you have to cancel a lost debit or credit card then you will still have a second card which works and it will decrease the disruption on your trip.

Jordan Sim Cards:

You can purchase a Jordan sim card and pay-as-you go plan at many local shops throughout Amman. Ask the hotel receptionist for directions to the nearest mobile serivce carrier. Sim cards and calling/data plans are very cheap starting at less than $20. If you wish to purchase a sim card, it is the travelers’ responsibility to do this prior to the tour. Once the tour begins we will not be able to stop to mobile carriers as we have a set itinerary to follow.

Participation and Expulsion from Tour:

Please read the Participation and Expulsion from the Tour Policy on our Terms and Conditions page.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions:

Please read the Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page.

Prices in Jordan:

Travelers often perceive Jordan as an inexpensive destination, but this no longer the case. Tourism is thriving in Jordan – especially from Europe, China and India. With the increase in cheap flights from Europe, Jordan has seen a large and constant influx of travelers from Europe. Jordan has also become a popular destination with middle-class Chinese and Indian travelers. It’s wonderful to see so many travelers from around the world curious to explore Jordan. But it does mean the cost of goods and services has increased. Staying at mid-range hotels, eating at trendy restaurants and visiting sites like Petra can cost the same as traveling at home or in Europe. While every traveler has their own personal budget and cost expectations, please keep in mind that Jordan is not a budget or cheap destination.

Rates:

Rates are based on tariffs, U.S. exchange rates, hotel rates and vendor fees at the time of tour reservation. Our tour rates are subject to change due to unpredictability of costs, exchange rates, and tariffs. Once you book your tour and submit your deposit the price of your tour will not change.

Recommended Books and Movies:

Check out our Recommended Books and Movies page to explore books and movies that feature Jordan.

Returning Tour Member Discount :

Please read the Returning Tour Member Discount Policy on our Terms and Conditions page.

Re-usable Water Bottle Required for this Tour:

We require all travelers on this tour to bring a re-usable water bottle or hydration system.

Single Supplement:

Please read the Single Supplement Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page.

Smoking:

Please read the Smoking Policy on our Terms and Conditions Page.

Suggested Packing List for Jordan:

You can read our Suggested Packing List for the Jordan tour here.

Sustainability:

We run low impact, eco-friendly, sustainable tours. We leave no traces behind, reduce plastic use and leave as small a foot print as possible with our tours. And we ask our travelers to join us in this effort – contributing to the efforts of protection of the local land, its people, wildlife and culture. All our local guides and staff are properly employed, licensed and properly equipped and trained. We utilized local products and focus on economic benefits to local communities, as well as always considering and minimize the negative impact our tours have on the land and local communities. We are growing our efforts to reduce plastic water bottle use, working with our in-country teams to find creative ways to explore countries sustainably and with as little plastic waste as possible. This is an on-going process and easier to implement in some countries compared to others due to logistic, single-use plastic water bottle alternatives and local education around recycling and reducing plastic waste. Over the next 5 years you will see our tours become ever increasingly plastic-waste free. We look forward to helping you travel and explore the region in a sustainable, plastic-free style.

There are a few ways you can help make this tour sustainable and eco-friendly:

Bring a reusable water bottle and don’t buy one-time-use plastic water bottles. (We will provide a large jug of clean, purified water for you to fill your bottles from).
Throw away all trash in properly designated trash bins.
Recycle where we are able to.

Note: This tour requires all travelers to bring a reusable water bottle or hydration system.

Safety:

Please read the information on Safety on our FAQ page.

Tipping:

Tipping is a common cultural practice throughout the entire Middle East and North Africa. It’s a cultural practice throughout the region to tip small amounts for a variety of services. On your travels, notice the locals tipping each other for everything from opening a tomb to helping with carrying a fridge up flights of stairs. It’s an exchange of resources, a way to connect with a local community, and a way to show gratitude. Tipping is usually small amounts of money, but it’s deeply appreciated by the individual – more for what it symbolizes.  For your Jordan Tour we have provided the following tipping guidelines. What you tip though is at your discretion. These are guidelines of rates if you were happy with the service provided. Tips can be given in USD, Euros or local currency.  

Note: On this tour, ArchaeoAdventures Tours takes care of the tipping for all the small services – hotel staff, waiters, camel guides, camp staff. And we leave the tipping for day guides, main guide and driver to the traveler’s discretion. 

Tips (amounts below are per person). Tips can be given in USD or JOD (Jordanian Dinar): 

Day Guides, Site Guides, Bedouin Guides: $5-$10 USD (Dependent on service and duration of guiding. For example you could time a guide at Jerash $5 who only guides a few hours. And then tip the Petra local day guide, if they do a great job, $10 for guiding the entire day.) 
Main Guide: $10/day for a great job 
Driver: $6-$7/day for a great job. 
Camel Guides, Camp Staff, Hotel Staff, Restaurant Staff do not need to be tipped.

Traveling in Jordan – What to Expect While On The Road:

Jordan isn’t a large country, but there a still are a few days with 4-6 hours of driving. There will be mornings where we depart early to ensure we reach our destination on time. We ask all travelers to be flexible and patient with the travel days. Away from the main tourist routes, the roads can be windy, involve mountain passes, some roads may be undergoing construction, some sections of road may have bumpy rough surface which can make for challenging experiences for some travelers. Please pack your patience, good humor and flexibility – this will make the travel days feel like and adventure. If you are prone to car sickness or motion sickness bring some motion sickness with you easily accessible in your day bag.

Our long driving days are well worth it as we will navigate some of Jordan’s most breathtaking scenery – the spectacular mountains around Petra, the breathtaking deserts of Wadi Rum, the famous Kings Highway, the rolling hills of middle Jordan, and much more. Along the way we will stop for photo opportunities, to stretch our legs, take in the breathtaking views and enjoy tea/coffee at local roadside cafes.

Travel Check List:

Booked your tour to Jordan tour? Review our Travel Check List to prepare for your trip.

Traveler’s Insurance:

Please read the Traveler’s Insurance Policy on our Terms and Conditions page. Note: This tour requires every traveler to purchase traveler’s insurance.

Tour Payment:

Only the deposit is due at the time of booking to secure your spot on this tour.   Our tour prices are an excellent value and a good investment, while also reflecting our beliefs in responsible travel. We believe that part of responsible tourism, of traveling with intention and being accountable for our choices, is using the economic power of travel to employ qualified and talented local women guides, tourism professionals and help local communities through good tourism jobs. When you book a trip with ArchaeoAdventures you are actively helping economically empower local communities and local tourism professionals in Jordan.

Payment is due in full 60 days prior to the departure date. No refunds on full tour payment will be issued once tour payment is due in full.  

Visas:

Visas for Jordan vary depending on your country which issued your passport. Make sure you have a few empty pages in your passport and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the tour.

Note: Your Jordan Visa is included with your Jordan Pass in the price of this tour. Closer to the tour departure date we will email you your Jordan Pass which includes your visa.

Water:

We do not recommend drinking the tap water in Jordan.

Water Consumption:

Jordan is a hot, dry climate. We recommend drinking about 2-3 liters of water per day to stay hydrated.

Weather:

Jordan is a desert climate. Expect temperatures to range between 75F – 90F, with cooler temperatures at night (50F – 65F). While in the desert, walking around cities, or exploring temples and sites it can actually feel hotter than the real temperature because the sun and heat radiates off the rocks, pavements, buildings and structures. It is recommend to wear loose fitting cotton or polyester clothing, wear a sun hat and lots of sunscreen, and drink more water than you think you need.

Wifi and Internet Access:

The guesthouses and hotels we stay at will have wifi access throughout the trip. Though in some places the wifi is not as strong or may not work. There will be no wifi when we are in the Wadi Rum desert. Some hotels will have business centers where you can use a computer for a small fee.

Contact Details:

Further questions? Contact our helpful staff at [email protected]

Archaeo Adventures