Petra's Backdoor and the Silent Desert

Following breakfast, go on a brief city tour of Amman that includes stops at the Citadel and the Roman Theatre.

Next, head to Jerash, located 45 km north of Amman. This city was established in the 2nd century BC and serves as an excellent representation of the impressive provincial urban design typical of Roman cities throughout the Middle East, featuring colonnaded streets, baths, temples, theaters, and public squares.

In the late afternoon, we will return to Amman for an overnight stay at the hotel (B).

In Madaba, we explore St. George Church, renowned for its stunning floor mosaic depicting the map of the Promised Land.

Next, we travel to Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have viewed the Holy Land before his death. From this vantage point, we are treated to breathtaking views of the steep slopes of the Jordan Valley leading to Jericho and our next stop, the Dead Sea. Would you like to experience floating in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, which lies 400 meters below sea level? Today presents that opportunity, offering a truly unique experience!

Enjoy your stay at a lovely hotel on the Dead Sea beach, with an overnight stay included (B).

After leaving the Dead Sea behind, we journey south along the Wadi Araba road until the mountains of Aqaba rise before us. Here our adventure begins.

The afternoon welcomes us with a short introductory hike 2 hours - just enough to feel the first crunch of desert gravel underfoot and breathe in the dry, fragrant air of the Araba.

By evening, our camp awaits us with steaming Bedouin tea and a warm fire. It’s the perfect beginning: a gentle walk, a golden sunset, and the soft silence of desert night.

Our first full trekking day begins with a slow awakening of the desert: the sun coloring the mountains rose-gold, the smell of fresh bread baking at camp.

We set off with only our daypacks, the path winding between sculpted sandstone and broad wadis.

After several hours, we rest beneath acacia trees, their scattered shade a blessing for our long lunch pause.

The afternoon carries us deeper into solitude. By dusk, the world feels infinite - just us, the desert, and the glowing fire where stories are shared.

Today the trail stretches wide, leading us through hidden canyons and open plains where the horizon seems endless. The pace settles into a steady rhythm - five or six hours of steady walking, punctuated by water breaks and a generous lunch in the cool shadow of towering rocks. The scenery shifts constantly: red sand underfoot, black basalt boulders, pale cliffs towering above.

Evening falls and our campfire sparks to life. Overhead, the stars crowd the desert sky in dazzling silence.

The landscape sharpens as we move toward higher ground. The morning brings winding paths that climb gently, revealing new perspectives of the desert below.

The trek today is both physical and meditative - each turn a new ridge, each ridge a wider view.

Midday finds us resting in a sheltered valley, savoring fresh food and cool drinks.

By late afternoon we reach camp nestled against weathered cliffs, where time feels suspended. The night is cooler, the fire burns brighter, and anticipation of reaching Petra begins to stir.

Our last day of trekking is also the most demanding and rewarding. The trail rises steadily, demanding nearly seven hours of walking and 800 meters of ascent. Yet the climb is softened by spectacular panoramas: sweeping views of the desert we’ve crossed and glimpses of the mountains hiding Petra beyond.

Every step feels like a journey closer to history itself.

At day’s end, we arrive at Um Meisre, our final camp, perched near the threshold of the legendary Rose City. The fire crackles one last time beneath the desert stars.

Our journey into the legendary city of Petra begins in a remarkable way - through the backdoor route, away from the crowds. As we make our way into the heart of the “Rose-Red City,” the landscape slowly reveals its treasures: the Colonnaded Street, the grand Royal Tombs carved into the cliffs, and the ancient Theatre that once echoed with voices of thousands.

The highlight of the day is standing before the awe-inspiring Khazneh (Treasury), Petra’s most iconic monument, its ornate façade glowing in shades of pink and gold. The trail then winds through the famous Siq, a dramatic narrow gorge that stretches for 1.5 kilometers.

By evening, we settle into our hotel in Petra after a day of discovery. (B/LB)

The second day in Petra invites us to take the lesser-known route, the so-called Al Madras or “secret tour.” Our hike ascends to the High Place of Sacrifice, offering sweeping views of the ancient city below. From this sacred spot, we follow a scenic descent through Wadi Farasa, where carved shrines, altars, and tombs line the path.

Returning to the center of Petra, we are surrounded once again by the grandeur of Nabatean architecture.

The afternoon is free for personal exploration - you may wish to revisit your favorite site, climb to a viewpoint, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this once-thriving desert capital.

Overnight stay at our hotel in Petra. (B/LB)

We head to Wadi Rum for a jeep tour that includes lunchboxes.

Wadi Rum is a breathtaking desert known for its red sand and magnificent rock formations.

After the jeep tour, we return to Amman for an overnight stay. (B/LB)

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