Desert Kingdoms Expedition: Petra, Wadi Rum and Beyond

After breakfast, we head to Madaba to explore St. George's Church, renowned for its remarkable mosaic floor depicting a map of the Holy Land.

Next, we proceed to Mount Nebo, where Moses first glimpsed the Promised Land. From this vantage point, we enjoy stunning views of the steep slopes of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Jericho.

After a lunch break, we travel south to Wadi Musa. From there, we go on a two-hour downhill hike to our first overnight camping site in Wadi Sabra. (B/D)

After breakfast at camp, today’s trail takes us into the heart of Wadi Sabra, where we encounter the remains of a Roman theatre, a reminder of the area’s ancient history. The route winds through sandstone cliffs and scattered acacia trees, alternating between open stretches and shaded passages.

Along the way, shifting tones of red, gold, and dark rock create a vivid natural palette.

We enjoy a long break for lunch before continuing our gradual walk deeper into the canyon, ending the day in a peaceful campsite nestled against the cliffs.

Daily walking time is around 5-6 hours with approximately 2 hour lunch breaks.

We'll overnight in tents (B/L/D).

Our second day of hiking reveals the rugged charm of the region, with narrow footpaths leading through gorges shaped by centuries of wind and water. The terrain is varied - rolling hills of ochre, sudden drops into canyons, and quiet pockets of green where desert plants thrive.

After a few hours of walking, we pause for lunch and rest under the shade of acacias.

In the afternoon, we continue toward our next camp, accompanied by sweeping views over valleys and high ridges, each turn offering a different perspective of this dramatic desert landscape.

Daily walking time is around 5-6 hours with approximately 2 hour lunch breaks.

We'll overnight in tents (B/L/D).

The morning begins with a steady hike through changing landscapes, where sandstone walls rise above us and the path threads through clusters of desert shrubs.

By midday, we meet our support car for lunch, providing a moment of comfort and connection before heading on again.

The afternoon trek carries us over undulating ground with expansive views of the canyons. The mixture of colors in the surrounding cliffs - fiery reds, pale yellows, and deep browns - highlights the raw beauty of the area.

We end the day at a scenic camp spot chosen for its quiet seclusion under the stars (B/L/D).

Today is the most challenging and rewarding stage of the journey. With an early start, we tackle a long ascent of nearly 800 meters, climbing steadily toward Jebel Garoun. The effort is rewarded by magnificent views: rugged mountain peaks behind us and, far below, the vast expanse of the Wadi Araba desert.

Lunch is carried with us, as vehicles cannot reach this rocky ground.

By late afternoon, we approach Siq al Barid—“Little Petra” - a fascinating Nabatean outpost with tombs, carved cisterns, and remnants of frescoes.

Here we catch a first glimpse of the grandeur awaiting us in Petra (B/L/D).

Begin your journey into Petra with an expert local guide who will meet you at the Visitor’s Centre. For three hours, he will lead you along the Siq - a dramatic, winding gorge stretching 1.5 km - toward the Treasury, the iconic symbol of Nabatean craftsmanship. Along the way, you’ll gain fascinating insights into Petra’s temples, rock-cut tombs, and the ingenuity of its ancient architecture.

The day continues with highlights such as the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice, allowing you to experience the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with context and stories that bring the “Rose-Red City” to life (B).

After yesterday’s introduction, today is yours to experience Petra at your own pace. You can retrace the path through the Siq to marvel once again at the Treasury, hike up to the Monastery for sweeping views, or wander lesser-known trails where history and solitude meet. Whether you revisit the highlights or seek out hidden corners, the day offers freedom to shape your own adventure.

Later, back in Wadi Musa, you may choose to unwind with a soothing traditional Turkish Hammam, the perfect way to relax after days of exploration (B).

We bid farewell to the rose-red city of Petra and journey south into the heart of the desert.

A traditional Bedouin tent welcomes us for a leisurely lunch, where we gain insight into the daily rhythms of desert family life.

Our adventure begins as jeeps carry us deep into the Wadi Rum wilderness. Towering sandstone cliffs, wind-carved valleys, and wide open skies introduce us to the desert’s grandeur.

Later, we settle into our first desert camp, enjoying a hearty meal beneath a star-studded sky. (B/L/D)

The day opens with a steady hike across dramatic desert plateaus and through hidden canyons.

Along the way, we pause to admire mysterious petroglyphs etched by ancient peoples, silent witnesses to centuries of nomadic life. The red dunes rise before us, their shifting sands a challenge and a wonder.

By afternoon, the ruins of T.E. Lawrence’s house stand as a reminder of stories that still echo through these landscapes.

We close the day at camp, where the fire crackles and the mountains glow crimson at sunset. (B/L/D)

Today’s trek leads us deeper into the labyrinth of Wadi Rum, where colossal rock formations dominate the horizon. We climb to natural stone bridges and gaze across sweeping valleys, marveling at nature’s artistry. Vast dunes invite exploration, and the silence of the desert becomes almost tangible. With every step, the vastness of Wadi Rum reveals itself in new perspectives.

The evening is spent sharing stories and tea with our Bedouin hosts, the desert night surrounding us in profound stillness. (B/L/D)

On our final day in Wadi Rum, we walk through narrow gorges and open plains, savoring the last moments of this timeless landscape. The desert’s unique palette - soft golden sands, deep-red cliffs, and shadows stretching long in the late sun - creates a moving farewell scene.

As the trek concludes, we gather one last time around the fire, reflecting on days spent immersed in silence, history, and natural wonder.

Tonight’s camp offers a final embrace of the desert’s rhythm before we return to the outside world. (B/L/D)

Following breakfast, we take our final 3-hour walk through the desert to Diseh village. There, we bid farewell to our crew.

Afterwards, you will be taken to your hotel in Aqaba or at the Dead Sea for the night. (B/Picnic)

Aqaba at the Red Sea (Option 1)

You have the entire morning free to unwind until the afternoon. The stunning coral bays and vibrant schools of fish invite you to go snorkeling. Spend some time relaxing on the long beaches in southern Aqaba or explore the local souks for shopping. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to Amman, which takes about 4-5 hours. Overnight stay in a hotel in Amman. (B)

Dead Sea (Option 2)
Enjoy your time at a comfortable hotel. Experience the unique sensation of floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea or indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa. Due to its location, 400 meters below sea level, you can witness an incredible sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel by the Dead Sea. (B)

Transfer to the airport of Amman for departure. (B)