Walking Holiday in Jordan

This private walking holiday is for those who like to see Jordan on two feet. So we have designed a series of day-walks that take in all the highlights. Better still, they let you marvel at the country’s stunning landscapes along the way. You are looked after by a superb team of drivers and guides throughout. Best of all, you walk hard by day, then rest in comfortable lodges, never a tent.

Amman and Jerash

You begin with two nights in Amman. The next morning, head to the magnificent Roman city of Jerash with your guide, about three hours on foot. So you pass beneath Hadrian’s triple-arched gateway, built for his arrival in 129 AD. Then you see the Temple of Zeus and the mile-long colonnaded street. Afterwards, return for a walking tour of the Citadel, the Roman theatre and the souks. The ruins of Jerash are among the best preserved anywhere.

The Dana to Feynan Walk

Next, drive south along the historic King’s Highway. So you stop at the biblical sites of Madaba and Mt Nebo en route. You arrive at the pretty village of Dana, perched above the dramatic Wadi Dana. There you stay at the Dana Guest House and feast on traditional Jordanian fare. The next day, walk down to the Feynan Eco Lodge, about five hours. As you descend 1,500m, the geology shifts from limestone to sandstone to granite. Along the way, nomadic Bedouin often invite you in for tea.

Walks Around Petra

Then drive to Petra for three nights. On the first evening, try your hand at Jordanian cooking at Petra Kitchen. The following day brings the main sights, then the three-hour Wadi Farasa trek to hidden tombs. That night, return for the magical Petra by Night. The second day climbs Jebel Haroun, said to be the burial place of Aaron, for the finest views of all. For a gentler option, take the back door into Petra from Little Petra to the Monastery.

Desert Walking in Wadi Rum

Next, turn to the vast desert of Wadi Rum. So you set out on the three-hour Makharas Canyon hike, near the famous Seven Pillars of Wisdom. The next day mixes a jeep drive with the two-hour Barragh Canyon walk, taking in Lawrence’s Spring and the rock bridges. For the very active, we can add the ascent of Jebel Umm ad Dami, Jordan’s highest peak. You stay at the Discovery Bedu Camp or Sun City.

R&R on the Dead Sea

Finally, head back north to the Dead Sea for two days of rest. So you can soothe well-worked legs in the superb spas. For the still-energetic, the Wadi Mujib trail leads into a water-filled canyon. Otherwise, simply float in the famously buoyant water. You stay at the Kempinski Ishtar or the Hilton Dead Sea.

Where You Stay

Naturally, every lodge is chosen with walkers in mind. First, the Four Seasons Amman eases you in. Then the Dana Guest House and Feynan Eco Lodge sit deep in the reserve. Later, the Mövenpick Petra and a Wadi Rum camp follow. Finally, the Kempinski Ishtar rewards your efforts.

How Demanding Is It

The walks range from gentle to genuinely strenuous. So your guide tailors each one to your fitness. The Dana descent and Jebel Haroun are the toughest. Meanwhile, easier alternatives are always on hand. As a result, walkers of most levels can enjoy it.

A World-Class Trek

The Dana to Feynan walk is the jewel of the trip. Indeed, it forms the best portion of the Dana to Petra route. National Geographic once rated that trek among the world’s finest. So you sample a genuinely celebrated trail. As a result, it is the day most guests remember best.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, spring and autumn are ideal for walking, with mild days and wildflowers. By contrast, high summer is very hot in the desert and canyons. Winter, meanwhile, can be cold at altitude. So we plan the walking around the seasons. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits walkers who love comfort too. For example, it is ideal for keen ramblers wary of camping. Equally, it rewards anyone craving culture and big landscapes. Couples and small groups enjoy it most. As a result, it remains a firm favourite.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the walks, the pace and the lodges to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.

A Land of Contrasts

Part of the magic here is the variety. So ancient cities give way to desert and sea. Meanwhile, the scenery shifts at every turn. As a result, no two days feel the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to camp?

No. You return to a comfortable lodge or hotel each night. So you walk by day and relax in real comfort.

How fit do I need to be?

A reasonable level of fitness helps, especially for Dana and Jebel Haroun. That said, we tailor each walk to you. Easier options are always available.

Can I climb Jordan’s highest peak?

Yes. We can add the ascent of Jebel Umm ad Dami in Wadi Rum. It is best suited to experienced walkers.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The walks, the pace and the hotels are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.