Wadi Araba Feynan eco Lodge, Jordan

Jordan on Foot – Petra to Dana Valley

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

10 Days

Prices Start from

£2,645pp (ex. flights)

This holiday to Jordan does not miss the highlights but includes them, where possible, on foot. Head off the tourist trail and trek into Petra from lesser-known Little Petra. Spend a few days hiking and exploring the beautiful Dana Valley with birdlife, dramatic vistas, and wildflowers in abundance.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Ad Deir Monastery, Petra, Jordan 1

Little Petra Hike

Hike from Little Petra to Petra through the ancient Nabatean route.

Camels, Wadi Rum, Jordan 2

Wadi Rum

Explore the wild landscape of Wadi Rum and meet the Bedouins.

Dana Valley Landscape, Jordan 3

Dana Valley Trek

Trek through the Dana Valley terminating at the candle-lit retreat Feynan Eco Lodge.

Dead Sea, Israel 4

Dead Sea Experience

Time to relax on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Why we like it

The best way to see Jordan is on foot with plenty of time. Walk in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, exploring Wadi Rum and many of the iconic sites. The highlight for many is walking into Petra – the world-renowned site- from Little Petra. Along the way gain a better understanding of the Bedouin people, who are such warm and friendly hosts. We ensure you are staying at authentic lodges and camps throughout the tour and have a private guide on hand to enhance this incredible holiday.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Jordan on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1 - 2

    Amman

  • Day 3

    Amman - Petra - Little Petra

  • Day 4

    Petra

  • Day 5

    Petra - Wadi Rum - Dana Valley

  • Day 6 - 7

    Dana Valley

  • Day 8

    Dana Valley - Dead Sea

  • Day 9

    Dead Sea

  • Day 10

    Dead Sea - Amman

Day 1 - 2

Amman

Day 3

Amman - Petra - Little Petra

Treasury Temple (Al Khazneh), Petra, Jordan

Hike from Little Petra to Petra through the ancient Nabatean route.

Day 4

Petra

Day 5

Petra - Wadi Rum - Dana Valley

Day 6 - 7

Dana Valley

Dana Valley Landscape, Jordan

Trek through the Dana Valley terminating at the candle-lit retreat Feynan Eco Lodge.

Day 8

Dana Valley - Dead Sea

Jordan, Dead Sea, Below sea level sign

Time to relax on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Day 9

Dead Sea

Day 10

Dead Sea - Amman

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Kerak Castle, Kings Highway, Jordan
Jordan
View from the Kings Highway, Jordan
Jordan
View from Mount Nebo, Jordan
Amman, Jordan
Amman Amphitheatre, Jordan
Amman, Jordan

Roman and Crusader History

Explore the beautifully preserved Roman ruins of Jerash in the north of the country. Travel west from Amman through olive groves and pine forests to reach Ajloun and the castle of Qala’at Ar -Rabad. A fine example of Islamic architecture, the fortress dominated a wide stretch of the north Jordan Valley and protected communication routes between south Jordan and Syria. Today it is a fascinating warren of towers, chambers and galleries while its hilltop position offers staggering views of the Jordan Valley.

The journey continues south on the Kings Highway, passing the crusader castles of Karak and Shobak. Stopping at Mt Nebo for superb panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and towards the Holy Land.

 

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The Garden Hall, Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan
Treasury Temple (Al Khazneh), Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan
Local Bedouin Women and children, Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan
Petra, Jordan

Walk on Foot into Petra

Starting at Little Petra, hike just over 10 kilometres through the sandstone mountains to a high plateau before descending into the main site of Petra.

This track follows a Nabatean route out of the valley along a natural rock terrace which narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, the impressive Monastery comes into view. Walk down 850 steps into ancient Petra arriving at the awe-inspiring Treasury.

Petra contains hundreds of tombs and dwellings, literally hewn out of the rock face of the mighty cliffs and towering rock walls, a reminder of the one-time wealth of the Nabataeans, Arabs who ruled Transjordan in pre-Roman times. Until the early 1980s, the Bdul tribe were living in these cave-like dwellings. Petra is now the biggest tourist attraction for Jordan; despite all the visitors, this iconic destination should not be missed. There is something magical about entering the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra on foot, via a route that far fewer access, referred to as the back door entrance!

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Bedouin Tent, Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Camel in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Jordan

The Deserts of Wadi Rum and Dana Valley

Travel through the desert in a 4 x 4. This harsh landscape is home to Wadi Rum. Spend a morning in the desert wilderness of Wadi Rum where wild landscapes hide ancient rock art and nomadic Bedouin tribes.

Dana Nature Reserve is a system of wadis (a wadi is a dry or not so dry river bed) and mountains which extend from the top of the Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. Dana Village overlooks the scenic Wadi Dana and has been occupied since 4000 BC.

 

Exterior View, Feynan Eco Lodge, Dana Valley, Jordan
Feynan Eco Lodge, Dana Valley, Jordan
Wadi Araba Feynan eco Lodge, Jordan
Jordan

Dana Valley Trek

The best way to experience Dana Biosphere reserve is on foot, with some of the best hikes in Jordan. Leaving from the sleepy Dana Village, perched high on the mountainside, embark on the Wadi Dana Trail (15 kilometres) through the valleys and mountains of this area, ending at Feynan Eco Lodge. The hike is a relatively easy downhill walk through the spectacular Dana valley so don’t be put off. The highlight is spending an entire day trekking without bumping into another soul. It is pretty special to have such an incredible expanse all to yourself. Note when planning your trip in these regions, the weather fluctuates, and heat soars in the summer and freezes in the winter.

Dana Valley Landscape, Jordan
Jordan

The Jordan Trail

The Jordan Trail can be considered by energetic travellers looking for their next challenge. This is an epic cross country hike from Jordan’s north to Aqaba in the south. The full trail is 400 kilometres and will take around 40 days. So, perhaps consider the trail in bite-size chunks. The Dana to Petra hike is by far the prettiest and can be arranged for you, over four days.

The Jordan Trail lets you connect with locals and make friends along the way. In this lies the true adventure of Jordan. Spectacular scenery and natural beauty will greet you every step of the way.

The walking in Jordan can be across stony or sandy desert trails, narrow trails through wadis, and rocky mountainous terrain. The walking is, therefore, best suited to the regular, and experienced hill walkers with a good level of fitness and stamina.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Feynan Eco Lodge £££££

  • Jordan

Located in the heart of the Dana Valley Reserve, Feynan Eco Lodge is a charming retreat that really offers the chance to escape the trappings of modern day life and immerse yourself in Bedouin culture and beautiful mountain terrain. The hotel is solar powered and the 26 guestrooms are simple but comfortable. Some have private terraces which make the most of the views. At night the hotel transforms into a vision in candlelight and the rooftop terrace makes the perfect spot from which to enjoy the night skies, unpolluted by artificial light. Staff at the hotel are from local communities and the candles used at the hotel are all made on site by local women.

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Intercontinental Amman £££££

  • Jordan
  • City

Situated at the top of one of Amman’s seven hills, the Intercontinental is in the heart of the business district, within walking distance of the city centre and a short taxi ride from popular sites such as the Citadel. The guestrooms are contemporary and comfortable, and many have views of the city. Facilities include a choice of restaurants plus a spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, both heated.

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Movenpick Resort Petra £££££

  • Jordan

Located at the entrance to the site of Petra, the Movenpick Resort combines Arabic and oriental styles with beautiful mosaic features and original antiques and artwork throughout. Some of the 183 rooms have balconies and some have views of the mountains or pool. For the ultimate view over the site of Petra, request the Royal Suite. The hotel includes a wellness centre with indoor pool, steam bath and gym plus several restaurants and bars.

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Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea £££££

  • Jordan
  • Wellness and Spa

The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is made up of three properties set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools. Designed in tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon it is built using local stone and the 345 rooms and suites all have sea views with either a balcony or terrace. In total, the hotel has nine freshwater swimming pools including Infinity Edge Pools, a children’s pool, a gymnasium and the longest private beach in Jordan. The keystone of the hotel is the Anantara Spa which is considered one of the largest spas in the Middle East.

View Property

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £2,645 Per person

When to travel

Jordan in January

December to February is winter across the country. Snow is common around Petra and Amman and the mountainous central spine. This period has 70% of the average annual precipitation, although it is a very dry country. It is a good time to visit the coast around Aqaba and the Dead Sea, as it remains pleasantly warm and dry in the day.

Jordan in February

December to February is winter across the country. Snow is common around Petra and Amman and the mountainous central spine. This period has 70% of the average annual precipitation, although it is a very dry country. It is a good time to visit the coast around Aqaba and the Dead Sea, as it remains pleasantly warm and dry in the day.

Jordan in March

March is a good time to visit Jordan, with the main sites remaining fairly quiet and spring on it’s way. Nights in the desert remain cold, but it is very pleasant in the day.

Jordan in April

April and May are the most popular times to visit Jordan, as the wildflowers carpet the country’s otherwise desolate slopes. It is a good time for hiking as it is not too hot generally. Temperatures are warm across the country, with it starting to get hot around the Dead Sea and Aqaba. We recommend getting up very early to see Petra at sunrise, before most tourists arrive.

Jordan in May

April and May are the most popular times to visit Jordan, as the wildflowers carpet the country’s otherwise desolate slopes. It is a good time for hiking as it is not too hot generally. Temperatures are warm across the country, with it starting to get hot around the Dead Sea and Aqaba. We recommend getting up very early to see Petra at sunrise, before most tourists arrive.

Jordan in June

June to August is the height of summer, with stifling temperatures across much of the country. However, it is a dry heat, with pleasantly warm evenings and mornings. By avoiding the middle of the day and taking lots of water, Jordan can still be enjoyed at this time of year. It is a quieter time of year so it is easier to reserve a spot in your favourite accommodation.

Jordan in July

June to August is the height of summer, with stifling temperatures across much of the country. However, it is a dry heat, with pleasantly warm evenings and mornings. By avoiding the middle of the day and taking lots of water, Jordan can still be enjoyed at this time of year. It is a quieter time of year so it is easier to reserve a spot in your favourite accommodation.

Jordan in August

June to August is the height of summer, with stifling temperatures across much of the country. However, it is a dry heat, with pleasantly warm evenings and mornings. By avoiding the middle of the day and taking lots of water, Jordan can still be enjoyed at this time of year. It is a quieter time of year so it is easier to reserve a spot in your favourite accommodation.

Jordan in September

September to November is generally a very good time to visit Jordan, although autumn is often indistinct. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September, and the first signs of rain appear towards the end of October. It is a perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.

Jordan in October

September to November is generally a very good time to visit Jordan, although autumn is often indistinct. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September, and the first signs of rain appear towards the end of October. It is a perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.

Jordan in November

September to November is generally a very good time to visit Jordan, although autumn is often indistinct. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September, and the first signs of rain appear towards the end of October. It is a perfect time to visit Aqaba, with warm waters accommodating turtles and eagle rays.

Jordan in December

December to February is winter across the country. Snow is common around Petra and Amman and the mountainous central spine. This period has 70% of the average annual precipitation, although it is a very dry country. It is a good time to visit the coast around Aqaba and the Dead Sea, as it remains pleasantly warm and dry in the day.

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