In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration14 days
-
LevelConfirmed
-
DestinationMiddle East / Jordan
-
AgeFrom the age of 18
-
CO₂-Emissions2106.32 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
English
In a few words
All the jewels of the Jordanian kingdom are on the itinerary for this trip: Jerash, Ajlun, the Dead and Red Seas, Petra and Wadi Rum of course, but also the Greek city of Umm Qais in the north, the remarkably restored desert castles in the east, and the Dana Nature Reserve with its rounded limestone formations. A rich and fascinating journey , which takes the time to delve into the heart of the sites. Accompanied by expert guides , we set off to explore Jordan's ancient theater, nestled in a breathtaking natural setting. After discovering Jerash, we ascend to the Muslim Krak da Ajlun and then Umm Qais. On the King's Highway, towards Petra, the Dead Sea and the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba, followed by the Dana Nature Reserve, mark our stops. Petra finally reveals itself, sculpted from red sandstone. The majestic Nabataean city opens its doors, its hidden corners, its forgotten paths for a fascinating two-day trek. In Wadi Rum, at the pace of our camels, we journey through this stunning desert of stone and sand, where the memory of Lawrence of Arabia lingers. A rich and rewarding adventure that ends on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba, our heads underwater, face to face with the multicolored fish of the Red Sea.
The highlights
-
Our most comprehensive trip: all the major sites and time to explore them.
-
2 days to discover Petra through the back door.
-
A French-speaking guide assisted by local Jordanian guides.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 207 m
- Average daily descent: 50 m
Management
Program
-
Flight to Amman.
- Transportation Plane - 05h - 3565km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Jordan. Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Meals at your own expenseDay 1 -
Amman - Jerash - Ajlun - Amman.
- Transportation Minibus - 03h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Amman for the Greco-Roman city of Jerash, a wonderfully well-preserved site. We then visit the Arab fortress of Ajlun, built on a hill overlooking the Jordan Valley, before returning to Amman in the late afternoon.Day 2 -
Amman - desert castles - Madaba.
- Transportation Bicycle - 04h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we head east to explore the Azrak region and its "desert castles": Azraq, Amra, and Harana. We then return to Amman to visit the city, where we'll discover the Citadel, the Temple of Hercules, and the Roman Theatre. Finally, we travel to Madaba where we'll spend the night.Day 3 -
Mosaic of Madaba - Mount Nebo - Dead Sea - Kerak - Dana
- Transportation Minibus - 04h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit the city of Madaba, famous for its Byzantine mosaics. We then ascend Mount Nebo, from where Moses gazed upon the Promised Land before his death, before heading to the Dead Sea for a memorable swim. Next, we visit the fortified city of Kerak, dating back to the Crusader era. Finally, we return to the Dana Nature Reserve at the end of the day for an unforgettable night camping with panoramic views of the valley.Day 4 -
Hiking in the Dana Nature Reserve.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A beautiful day awaits us in the Dana Reserve, amidst its impressive sandstone monoliths and Mediterranean vegetation that contrasts sharply with the surrounding deserts. Dana encompasses some 308 km² of nature reserve, where we'll discover its many treasures. We'll witness the spectacular scenery of the Dana Mountains, stretching from the Jordanian Rift Valley to the desert plains of Wadi Araba. We'll be captivated by the gravel plains interspersed with sand dunes. Furthermore, we'll discover a diverse fauna, including a range of rare plant and animal species. Dinner and overnight stay in a campsite.Day 5 -
Dana - Shawbak - Little Petra.
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we are a 30-minute drive from Shawback Castle, an impressive, solitary castle dating back to the Crusader era. Built atop a mountain, it crowns a rocky cone that rises above a wild and rugged landscape dotted with fruit trees. We continue to Little Petra, part of the Nabatean Necropolis nestled in the Beidha Mountains. This visit will allow us to appreciate the spectacular views of the Beidha Mountains and give us a taste of what awaits us at the Petra site. Dinner and overnight stay in Petra.Day 6 -
Hiking and exploration in Petra.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 20 km
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Petra: a triumph of Nabataean culture. This wealthy caravan city, a hub for trade in myrrh and frankincense, cinnamon and diamonds, is home to over 800 monuments carved into the rock. Even more than its architecture, it is color that truly captivates Petra: from purple to gold, each sandstone block possesses its own unique hue. We envisioned a gradual and emotionally resonant exploration of this famous site, so we began our discovery of Petra by taking its less traveled paths, entering through the back door: from the Neolithic village of Beidha and "Little Petra," we followed the mountainside along a magnificent, elevated path. Upon arriving at the Deir ("the Monastery"), an ancient Nabataean pilgrimage site, we were deeply moved. We then descended the 800 steps that connect the plateau to the site, to further explore the lower city.Day 7 -
Hiking and exploration in Petra.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin early in the morning at the "official" and, above all, legendary entrance to the Siq: crossing this narrow gorge stirs emotions, culminating in the discovery of the Khazneh ("the Treasury"), undoubtedly Petra's most iconic monument. After visiting the Royal Tombs, we ascend, making discovery after discovery along the Wadi Farasa until we reach the High Place of Sacrifice, where the view is breathtaking. We leave the site via the less-traveled paths.Day 8 -
Petra - Wadi Rum Desert.
- Transportation Plane - 02h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Short transfer to the Wadi Rum desert, also known as the "Valley of the Moon," of which Lawrence of Arabia said: "Rum, the marvel... vast and resounding..., a processional way beyond imagination." Departure for our camel trek in the desert.Day 9 -
Hiking in Wadi Rum.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h per day
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Wadi Rum: A majestic landscape where the wind transforms rocks into grains of sand, where the sand ignites in the sunset, where the light reveals a myriad of colors as it subsides. "Rum, the marvel... vast and resounding..., a processional way beyond imagination," according to Lawrence of Arabia. We relive the epic of the desert prince during a three-day trek that takes us off the beaten track, to where Bedouins still live in tents woven from goat hair. We hike amidst these impressive mountains with their surreal profiles, immense red sand dunes at the bend of a canyon, gigantic stone staircases soaring towards the sky, and pass near the Burdah Arch, a superb rock formation sculpted over time by the elements. We reach Aqaba in the afternoon of day 12, with free time to explore the souks and dinner in town. Overnight at the hotel. 5 hours of walking per dayDays 10 to 12 -
Aqaba - Amman.
- Transportation Minibus - 04h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Aqaba is on the Red Sea coast, and we enjoy a relaxing day swimming and observing the coral and multicolored fish. In the afternoon, we return to Amman. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 13 -
Return flight from Amman.
- Transportation Plane - 05h - 3565km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to the airport for our return flight.Day 14
Note
Accommodation
- Hotel : For your comfort, we have selected two- or three-star hotels, all conveniently located in the heart of towns or villages. Accommodation is based on double occupancy, with the option of single rooms available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
- Camping in Petra: We use a well-equipped, quiet campsite ideally located in "Little Petra," at the entrance to the site. It's a Bedouin-style campsite with large traditional tents and shared showers and toilets. In some cases, such as trips in the middle of winter, and because it sometimes snows in Petra, we stay in a simple hotel instead of camping.
- Family-run guesthouse in Petra: We have an exclusive arrangement, and on certain trips at specific dates, we stay in a family-run guesthouse in Petra, with the Hasanat family. Here, we feel right at home: the location is ideal, peaceful, and very well situated in the hills above the village of Wadi Musa. The view is unforgettable, overlooking the entire Petra valley. After getting to know our hosts, their home, their life in their neighborhood (and even learning to cook Jordanian mezze!), we'll find it hard to leave... Book your trip quickly, as the guesthouse can't accommodate all groups. In this guesthouse, we stay in dormitories of 3 to 5 people, which may be mixed-gender depending on the group composition.
- Camping : In the desert, we sleep two to a tent in a dome tent or Bedouin tent, on mattresses approximately 5 cm thick (provided). Our proven logistics ensure maximum comfort. In case of bad weather in Wadi Rum, we will change our camping trip to an overnight stay with our Bedouin host in the village of Rum.
- Fixed campsite: in the heart of the Dana Reserve, with bungalows for 2 or 3 people and shared bathrooms. The campsite is well situated with a view overlooking the entire Dana Valley.
Access
Price details
The price includes
- The round-trip flight Paris / Amman.
- The entry visa for the country (in case of flight with us).
- Land transport.
- Full board except for meals not included in the program.
- Accommodation as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary.
- The local team of drivers, camel drivers and local guides.
- The tour is led by a French-speaking tour guide.
- Entrance fees to the sites on the program (€161).
- Institutional tips (~ €39).
The price does not include
- Personal expenses.
- The drinks.
- Meals are not included as indicated in the daily itinerary. Allow approximately €15 per meal for two meals.
- A tip for your tour guide.
Options
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF77.76 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF109.78 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF77.76 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF109.78 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
We provide both individual and group cooking equipment and group bivouac equipment, as well as mattresses on the ground.
No need to bring your masks and fins to the Red Sea, we will find what you need there.
Equipment to bring
- Earplugs or Hears, your choice.
- A notepad and pen, a good book, a deck of cards...
- Small inflatable pillow for added comfort.
- A laundry bag, so you can separate your dirty clothes from your clean clothes in your travel bag.
- Comfortable sleeping bag, adapted to your size, rather mummy-shaped (closer to the body and with a hood that closes) with a side zip closure for opening at your convenience.
It's essential to choose a sleeping bag that's suitable for the temperatures you'll encounter, which depend on the time of year you're traveling and the region you're visiting. We recommend choosing a sleeping bag rated to be at least 10°C cooler than the lowest average temperature you'll experience (for example, if you're traveling to Petra in December (see Climate), you'll need a sleeping bag rated to: 6 - 10 = -4°C). A sleeping bag rated to -10°C will also be comfortable at 0°C or 10°C; simply open it to allow air to circulate inside. Conversely, if you already have a sleeping bag rated to 0°C, for example, a fleece sleeping bag liner will provide an additional 5 degrees of warmth.
- Cotton sleeping bag liner.
- Toiletry bag and towel.
- Small personal pharmacy.
- Sunscreen cream and stick (face and lips).
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulbs.
- A water bottle with a minimum capacity of 1.5 liters, lightweight and insulated.
- Pocket knife, preferably multi-purpose (note: this must be placed in your checked baggage on the plane).
- Toilet paper + lighter for destruction.
- Mask and snorkel if you want to enjoy the corals in the Red Sea.
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots: we recommend high-top boots that offer two qualities: sturdiness and good foot and ankle support (high shafts). Avoid new shoes, as blisters could ruin your trip: if necessary, try to break them in before you leave. In Wadi Rum, walking sandals may be sufficient.
- Lightweight shoes (like sneakers) and/or sandals are recommended for walking through towns or in the evenings at camp. Sandals, which allow for good ventilation, are ideal for evenings when the temperature permits.
- Socks: light for the day and warm (wool or looped) for the evening.
- Canvas trousers and/or Bermuda shorts.
- Swimsuit.
- Cotton shirts or T-shirts.
- Warm sweater or fleece: the latter has the advantage of being durable, warm, lightweight, and quick-drying, with the added benefit of being soft to the touch. The best-known fibers are Polartec, Carline, and Ulfrotté.
- Windbreaker.
- Rain cape.
- A hat or cap with neck protection, and/or a shemagh: the first two offer the advantage of also protecting your face from the sun, which the shemagh (long veil scarf) does not do: however, it is very useful for protecting yourself from the cold, the heat, the sand and the wind.
- Category 3 sunglasses.
For the coldest evenings in the heart of winter (late November, December, January and February), you will also need:
- Warm jacket: down or Gore-Tex jacket. The most effective jackets against wind and rain are made of Gore-Tex or Micropore, "breathable" materials that allow for rapid wicking of perspiration while maintaining perfect insulation.
- Cap.
- Gloves.
They traveled with us
The Paulin team
We are sorry to hear that.
Help us improve this page. Tell us what information you would have liked to see.
Have a question about this trip?
Select the type of request, and we will get back to you shortly.
- Valid for a first booking on our site, with no minimum purchase required.
- Can be combined with any other current promotion.
- Not valid on air transport, carbon offsetting and insurance.
- All you need to do is subscribe to our newsletter.
- You will receive your promo code by email immediately after registering.
- ✅ A 100% identical offer: Same dates, same services, same sales conditions.
- ✅ A public and accessible price: The offer must be proposed by a French professional website, in euros.
- ❌ Flights and transport in your name: Airline or train tickets already issued in your name are not refundable under this guarantee.
- ❌ Specific named services: Certain personalized services (such as a special permit or a named registration for a race or accommodation) may be excluded.
- You pay a 30% deposit today to reserve your stay.
- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.