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4.8
| 65 reviews

Explore Jordan and Sleep in a Martian Dome

5 nights
Easy

Marvel at ancient Petra, float in the Dead Sea, snorkel the Red Sea and count shooting stars from your bed in the desert

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides

All Accommodation

3 nights in cosy local hotels, 1 night in a spectacular guesthouse and 1 night in a Martian dome in the desert

Meals

All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 traditional Arabic dinners

Transfers

Both airport transfers and everything in between

Permits

All your permits and entry fees

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.8
| 65 reviews
Wow ! A must do trip!
May 2024
Pamela C.
Wow ! A must do trip!
May 2024
Pamela C.
Wow ! A must do trip!
May 2024
Pamela C.
Wow ! A must do trip!
May 2024
Pamela C.
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
May 2024
Manon D.
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
May 2024
Manon D.
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
May 2024
Manon D.
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
May 2024
Manon D.
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
May 2024
Manon D.
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
May 2024
Manon D.
More than I could have asked for!
March 2024
Clare C.
More than I could have asked for!
March 2024
Clare C.
More than I could have asked for!
March 2024
Clare C.
More than I could have asked for!
March 2024
Clare C.
More than I could have asked for!
March 2024
Clare C.
More than I could have asked for!
March 2024
Clare C.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Exceeded all my expectations
March 2024
Helen D.
Amazing trip!
March 2024
Danielle M.
Amazing trip!
March 2024
Danielle M.
Amazing trip!
March 2024
Danielle M.
Amazing trip!
March 2024
Danielle M.

Marvel at the Milky Way and tuck into a Bedouin barbecue feast at an otherworldy desert camp

Spend the night in a sustainable guesthouse perched above the canyons and wadis of the Dana Biosphere, Jordan’s biggest nature reserve

Bounce through the dunes of Wadi Rum in a desert jeep and catch the kaleidoscope of colours at sunset

Hike the mountains that flank the approach to Petra’s ‘backdoor’, before soaking up the secrets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site itself

Key Information

Day 1

Touchdown in Jordan

City view with mosque, Madaba, Jordan

You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the ancient city of Madaba. You're free to check in after 2pm and the evening is free for you to explore the city, your briefing will be tomorrow morning.

Day 2

The Dead Sea to Dana

Driving

3.5hrs

Hiking

2hrs · 3km · 250m up · 800m down

After breakfast, you’ll hit the road south to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, for a float in the salty water and an optional beachside scrub with the famous mud. Then it’s onto the Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve for a short hike along a circular trail that traverses Al-Barrah, through the Siq, to Shaq al Reesh. The distance is not far but the rocky trail undulates and you'll climb 250m in just 3km. Check into your lodge and soak up the scenery from your perch on the edge of the precipitous cliffs of Wadi Dana.

Day 3

The backdoor to Petra

The 'backdoor' of Petra

Hiking

4 hours · 10km · 500m up · 520m down

Today you’ll start the journey to Petra. Hiking shoes at the ready, you'll approach via the less crowded 'backdoor' (negotiating the many steps requires some physical effort but the reward is most definitely worth it). You'll cross the desert and pass through Wadi Ghurab amidst the sandstone mountains that guard the approach to Petra. Continue via a Nabataean path onto a natural rock terrace before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh. Following the steps (almost 900 of them) down to ancient Petra and The Treasury, you'll have plenty of time to soak it all in and learn about its ancient past.

Day 4

Channel your inner Martian

Driving

2hrs

Hiking

2hrs · 4km · 400m up · 400m down

Today you’ll head south to the expansive Wadi Rum desert. You’ll start with a short hike through the 5km Barrah Canyon, one of the most spectacular corners of Wadi Rum, where multi-coloured cliffs and towers flank enormous sand dunes, desert oases and gorges. You’ll pause for an al-fresco hummus-based lunch before hopping on a desert truck to your Martian Dome accommodation. The area has been used in many films such as The Martian and Star Wars so expect it to feel a bit sci-fi as you bed down in your dome for the night.

Day 5

Wadi Rum to the Red Sea

Driving

5-6hrs

After waking up to the desert sunrise, you'll head to the Red Sea in Aqaba, a port town with views across to Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It’s relaxed today with time to swim or snorkel (rental available) in the balmy waters straight from the beach. Vitamin-D fuelled, you’ll jump back on the bus for the road trip to the capital, Amman. Be sure to wander down Rainbow Street, packed full of places to eat, drink and people watch - the perfect place to kick back with your crew and reminisce about your Jordan adventure.

Day 6

Say your farewells

After breakfast and final goodbyes with your team, you'll be returned to the airport in time for your flight home.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Queen Alia International Airport, Amman

Catch any flight to arrive on Day 1

Ends

Queen Alia International Airport Amman

Depart any time on Day 6

Transfers

Arrival transfers from Amman airport to the hotel in Madaba are included for any time you choose to arrive on Day 1 or Day 2 of the tour (some flights arrive after midnight so fall in the early hours of Day 2). Departure transfers from the final hotel to Amman airport are included for any time you choose to depart on Day 6. If you need a transfer on other days then your host can arrange a private transfer for you, at additional cost. See the Optional Extras section for prices.

Travel options

There are frequent flights to Amman from airports in the UK and Europe. Choose any flight to arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 6 - or extend your stay if you wish. Some flights arrive shortly after midnight - if you arrive in Amman in the early hours of day 2 then your room will be ready and waiting for you but if your flight arrives in the early hours of Day 1, you will need to book an extra night's accommodation before the tour as rooms are not usually available for check-in until the mid-afternoon. Your host can arrange an additional night of accommodation, subject to availability. See the Optional Extras section for more prices.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Martian Dome · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

For breakfast expect a buffet typical of hotel breakfasts all over the world. Lunches will generally be buffet style and, where not included, will cost around $10 per person. At dinner times, you'll get to experience traditional Arabic food – such as magloobah (rice with vegetables and chicken prepared with local spices) or mansaf (rice served with lamb and yoghurt). All these dishes come with the classic sides of hoummus, mtabbal (fried eggplant), and salad. Dinner at Wadi Rum on Day 4 is a real experience: here, they serve the famous dish called zarb. Consisting of rice, veggies, lamb and chicken, it's cooked for 4-5 hours underground on coals, served with salads and side dishes. On the evenings where dinner is not included, your guide will be with you to suggest which local restaurants to eat at and to arrange group meals. These will cost approximately $15-$20 per person.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for - please just let your host know on booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Dana Biosphere Reserve

You'll spend one night at Dana Guesthouse Hotel. Perched on the edge of the precipitous cliffs of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled structure offers breathtaking views of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Every room has its own terrace looking down into the reserve and you can even shower whilst keeping an eye on the skies for the often seen Lesser Kestrel. You'll stay in twin rooms by default but doubles can be requested for couples.

Dana Guesthouse contributes directly to the preservation of The Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve, an important conservation project established by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). Working directly with local villages and Bedouin communities, income-generating projects have been created that utilise the reserve's natural beauty and wildlife to generate employment opportunities. These include small handicraft enterprises and a range of tourism facilities, including Dana Guesthouse. Such ventures continue to make nature valuable and important to the lives of Dana residents and create a constituency of local support for the reserve.

Martian Dome

You'll spend one night in the heart of Wadi Rum’s majestic desert, sleeping in a Martian Dome at the Sun City Camp. Each dome allows you to marvel at the milky way from your bed - waking up to a desert sunrise is something quite special. You'll stay in twin-share domes by default (king-sized beds available for couples by request), each with air-conditioning, an external bathroom, seating area and terrace.

Madaba, Petra & Amman

During your overnight stays in Madaba, Petra and Amman you'll be tucked up in cosy local hotels. In Madaba, you'll stay in the Mosaic City Hotel or similar. In Petra you'll stay in the centrally located Petra Palace Hotel or similar and in Amman you'll stay in the Toledo Hotel or a hotel of the same standard. The exact hotel you stay in will be confirmed prior to departure based on group size and availability, all hotels are chosen for their excellent reputation, location and welcoming service.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and dome can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

This trip has been rated as Easy

This is a relaxed trip that combines cultural exploration with relatively gentle activity. The hiking sections are short and will involve being on your feet for a maximum of 4 hours but there are some ascents/descents and rocky trails involved. The longest walk is in Petra (10 km) and it's worth noting that although the pace is gentle, it involves around 1300 steps in total (both up and down) so a reasonable level of fitness is necessary to avoid 'jelly legs'. In the Wadi Rum Desert the hike is short but walking in sand makes it harder work. This trip may not be suitable for those with knee problems due to the number of steps and the sandy terrain.

What’s more important is being comfortable with heights. There will be a few exposed sections so those with vertigo may not be too comfortable. Your guide will never be far away to help you get through it though.

What will I need to carry?

You'll only need to carry a small day rucksack containing your personal items, snacks and water during the daily activities and walks. Your main luggage will be transported for you.

Jordan is a very sunny country, with over 310 days of sunshine a year. May to October tends to be exclusively sunny with temperatures from the late teens to approx 25°C in the daytime, while the nights are cool and balmy. Rain is unlikely but not unheard of, so do be prepared, especially if travelling between November and March - the plus point being that you are out of the main tourist season so although likely to be a little cooler, you are guaranteed less people at the key sights. The weather in the height of summer (July-August) can get very hot, especially in the desert, with daytime temperatures averaging between 32-36°C

Susan K.(December 2024)
Wow!

What a fab trip to Jordan! Loved all of it and met some lovely people too. We stayed in such nice places. The food was delicious and plentiful. Made even better with our fun and friendly guide Mahmoud, so knowledgeable and obviously has a real passion for what he does. From the dead sea,Dana reserve,and petra all amazing, absolutely loved wadi rum,and bombing through the desert in our truck to watching the sunset. I found it a little harder than I expected but that's because I haven't done such a lot of hiking before,and it so it was good to push myself (my 2nd trip with MBA) I got a little ill just before the end and had to have a mini trip to hospital where mahmoud and our driver waited for/with me, so thank you to them both for that so appreciated. so don't have any hesitations about booking this trip especially if you have mahmoud as your guide. And also would like to say I felt totally safe in Jordan at this time. Thank you mahmoud our driver and MBA.

Pamela C.(May 2024)
Wow ! A must do trip!
Wow ! A must do trip!
Wow ! A must do trip!
Wow ! A must do trip!
Wow ! A must do trip!

Amazing trip! Hiking, culture, good food and time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Everyday brought WOW moments and the hike to Petra via the back door is a must and manageable even in the heat. Mutaz our guide was very patient, he walked with me in Petra and I got to meet and spend time with the local Bedouin Um Lafi and Abu Rashed, definitely a highlight of the trip! Loved Wadi Rum and the stargazing but just needed more time in the Martian Dome. The last day is long but lots to see along the way. Arrive a day early, I enjoyed spending time in Madaba but return on a later flight because I missed out on seeing Amman. Get booked onto this trip, it is a must. Jordan is a wonderful country !

Manon D.(May 2024)
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing
Perfect Blend of Hiking, Culture and Relaxing

Really an amazing trip, Mutaz our guide gave us great visibility and advices on places to go through the whole trip, very welcoming, he made this experience even more amazing thanks for everything. Itinerary is really well made to have a very good blend of everything. Hikes are very accessible and fun for all. Back door of Petra is definitely the way to go, special thanks to the local guide who was great and very insightful for this more culture part of the trip. Wadi Rum is an highlight of the trip, don’t miss the sunset and if you are brave the sunrise is well worth it as well, I wish I could have stayed longer. Limited time to visit Amman on the last day, if you want to go see the Acropolis plan for a plane in the evening or come a day early.

Clare C.(March 2024)
More than I could have asked for!
More than I could have asked for!
More than I could have asked for!
More than I could have asked for!
More than I could have asked for!
More than I could have asked for!
More than I could have asked for!

I am telling everyone I know to do this trip, words can't describe how epic it was! The balance of the itinerary was just right. I can't imagine doing Petra the "normal" way round, 800 steps are definitely easier on the way down! But the long hike of this day was nicely balanced out with shorter hikes in Dana and jeep tours in Wadi Rum. There was also plenty of free time and the food was amazing and plentiful. Special highlights were our two amazing Bedouin guides who showed us so many incredible things while also being the best photographers we could ask for! But the best part of the trip was our guide, Ahlam. It absolutely wouldn't have been the same without her, she looked after us all wonderfully and was absolutely a key part of the group.

Helen D.(March 2024)
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations
Exceeded all my expectations

What a way to spend five nights. This adventure was brilliant from start to end. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the hikes were so much fun - being immersed in such fantastic landscapes - some seemingly unearthly at times! The history at Petra is absorbing and the colours of the rocks an added bonus for the senses. Wadi Rum was thrilling - racing up and down sand dunes gets the adrenaline pumping for sure! We had such a fantastic group of people who made this trip such fun - we all laughed from beginning to end. The food was plentiful and delicious throughout - having a picnic cooked by our lovely bedouin guide in the middle of the desert was a particular highlight. Our amazing guide Ahlam was so knowledgeable and fun and an all round wonderful person to be leading our time in Jordan. This trip is definitely worth it.

Danielle M.(March 2024)
Amazing trip!
Amazing trip!
Amazing trip!
Amazing trip!
Amazing trip!
Amazing trip!
Amazing trip!

Book this trip! It exceeded all expectations. From start to finish, the whole group had an amazing time and I would highly recommend to others.

Our guide, Alham, was nothing short of exceptional. Not only was she faultless in her guidance, but her extensive knowledge of Jordan's history, culture, and hidden gems made every moment enriching. Alham's fun personality and genuine passion for her country enhanced the experience, making her an all-around great person to explore with. The best guide!

The accommodations throughout the trip were great, but one standout was the Martian dome, where the setting was breathtaking. It provided a unique and unforgettable experience that added an extra layer of magic to the trip.

The trip had the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. We had plenty time to see all the must-visit sites while still having enough downtime to soak in the beauty of our surroundings and recharge. Highlights included the ‘back door to Petra trail’ which meant we saw a more authentic Petra rather than just the touristic areas, the Wadi rum desert jeep ride was so so fun, Wadi rum is breathtaking, it takes my number 1 spot for Jordan! The mud in the Dead Sea was great, as was the Dana nature reserve.

The food was excellent, there was plenty of it and lots of options for vegetarians, from the local restaurants to meals prepared at our accommodations, all of it was delicious. Special mention goes to the Bedouin cooked food in the desert, a great dining experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Jordan.

If you're looking for a trip filled with adventure, culture, and delicious food, look no further – this trip has it all. Highly, highly recommend!

Katie(November 2023)
Jordan is an incredible place

Jordan is an incredible place to visit. And doing a trip with Much Better Adventures makes sure you see as much as possible in a short space of time. Our guide Ahlam was so lovely. And the trip was really well organised. Accomodation and food was all great. The highlight for me was Wadi Rum and staying in the Martian Dome. I’ve never seen a landscape like it, feels like you are on another planet. Our group all got on really well. We felt completely safe whilst we were there. Please don’t be put off by current events. The people are so welcoming and really need tourists to keep visiting and supporting them.

Robert(November 2023)
Jordan is an amazing and

Jordan is an amazing and beautiful country, beautiful scenery and people - go see it!

Carolyn(November 2023)
I really enjoyed this trip

I really enjoyed this trip - lots packed into a short period of time and a fair bit of variety. Could have done with a bit more physical challenge on the desert walk but I enjoyed it and we had a great group

Stacy(November 2023)
Great trip, so much was

Great trip, so much was fitted into the itinerary but it didn’t feel rushed. Accommodation and food were also excellent and guides were all knowledgeable.

Janet(October 2023)

Interesting trip but needs a high level of fitness

Phoebe(October 2023)
This trip was amazing from start to finish....
This trip was amazing from start to finish....
This trip was amazing from start to finish....
This trip was amazing from start to finish....
This trip was amazing from start to finish....

This trip was amazing from start to finish. Our guide Wafa was fabulous and really helpful with everything the whole time. Even with the conflict starting in Israel just before the trip started I felt safe the whole trip and the MBA team reached out before the trip to assure us that everything would run as normal. Every day is packed with things to see and do, I was shocked at how much we fit into the 4 main days (days 1 and 6 are travel days with no organised activities). On day 1 I travelled independently to Madaba from Amman as I flew in a few days before and the hotel was able to arrange a taxi to take me to Mount Nebo and back. I would recommend doing this if you have the time and are interested as the tour drives past the site on day 2 but does not stop. I would say that the trip is an easy difficulty if you are a fit and active person. If you have any mobility issues then you might find some of the hiking more challenging. The accommodation and food are excellent throughout, as a vegetarian I was catered for really well and everything was delicious. Most of the food provided is traditional Arabic food so I would pack some snacks in case I didn’t fancy hummus for breakfast! Transport around Jordan was super easy with the same minibus and driver with us for the whole trip. The bus even had Wi-Fi which was a great bonus. Overall if you are interested in this trip I wouldn’t hesitate to book, it was an amazing adventure.

Charlotte(October 2023)
This was a great trip which packed in so ma...
This was a great trip which packed in so ma...

This was a great trip which packed in so many highlights in a short space of time. Wadi Rum and the Martian domes were a particular highlight - it was great to get out in the desert and escape the crowds and this was by far the best accommodation - it is an absolutely unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to have Wafa as our tour guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and fun to be around.

A couple of small caveats: if you are looking for an active trip I would suggest booking something with more hiking as this was definitely light on the activity front and the hikes were pretty light and easy going, and in all cases shorter than billed. The trip is also quite rushed - there is virtually no free time so I would recommend tagging on a day or two at the end to relax in Amman. Finally, bring snacks! There are hardly anywhere to buy a snack and often long gaps between meals, so if you have a tendency to get hungry, come prepared!

Richard(October 2023)

Absolutely incredible trip, don’t hesitate to book. The experiences were once in a lifetime, our guide was amazing and the group were all wonderful. Personal highlight was Wadi Rum but you fit so much into the tour that there is something for everyone.

Amar(October 2023)

MBA has put together an amazing trip to see all the best of Jordan. The Martian Dome is completely worth it. Jordan surpassed all of my expectations!

Adrian(October 2023)

A truly fantastic trip that you will never forget!

Amelia(June 2023)

Incredible trip - loved every moment! Jordan is a beautiful country, which I would recommend to everyone to go and explore. The itinerary for this trip is very exciting and we felt really well looked after :)

Ash(June 2023)
A once in a lifetime experience. If I had d...
A once in a lifetime experience. If I had d...
A once in a lifetime experience. If I had d...
A once in a lifetime experience. If I had d...
A once in a lifetime experience. If I had d...

A once in a lifetime experience. If I had done Jordan alone, I wouldn't have known anywhere near as much about the country and would have missed so many sights. Exploring Wadi Rum was surreal. Doing Petra via the reverse route is something I now tell everyone to do, if they go. The tour guides were such lovely, insightful people and deserve every bit of praise for their hard work. I've recommended this trip to many since.

Birgit(May 2023)
We had a great trip with Islam,our tour gui...
We had a great trip with Islam,our tour gui...
We had a great trip with Islam,our tour gui...

We had a great trip with Islam,our tour guide. He was so helpful and friendly - there was no wish that was left unfulfilled! The tour was packed but in a good way with a little break always in the afternoon. Perfect balance of hiking/sightseeing! The bubble hotel was great, the other ones not much. For the price I would have expected something a bit more classy. All in all would book again!

Karen(May 2023)
My third trip with MBA and once again - abs...
My third trip with MBA and once again - abs...
My third trip with MBA and once again - abs...

My third trip with MBA and once again - absolutely amazing. An incredible experience. We had the perfect weather (hot, but not so we wilted) which made for stunning trekking and a fabulous boat trip on the Red Sea. And we had the perfect guide - Mutaz Jarrar who was so knowledgeable, kind, supportive and made the trip run so smoothly including organising extra activities. Food (I'm vegan), accommodation, and all the trips were fantastic. It was a full and exciting itinerary and no stress because it was all organised for us. I'm the wrong side of 50 and I managed it all no problem. I got to see and do so much, and being part of a group made it much more enjoyable too. If you enjoy stunning scenery and being outdoors then this holiday is a must

Carine(May 2023)
Unforgettable trip in Jordan. Islam has bee...
Unforgettable trip in Jordan. Islam has bee...
Unforgettable trip in Jordan. Islam has bee...

Unforgettable trip in Jordan. Islam has been the kindest, friendliest guide ever, who couldn't do enough for us. Amazing sights, all very well organised, packed so much activities in a few days, I feel like I have been away longer than 5 days. Special mention to Ahmed in Dana for his amazing outdoor cooking skills, and eye for a great photo spot!

Luke(April 2023)
There is nothing to say other than amazing!...
There is nothing to say other than amazing!...
There is nothing to say other than amazing!...
There is nothing to say other than amazing!...
There is nothing to say other than amazing!...

There is nothing to say other than amazing!! Mutaz was an amazing guide he was so helpful and he truly went above and beyond to make our trip unforgettable. Anyone thinking of doing this trip just book it you won’t forget it.

Maria(April 2023)
Fantastic trip, surpassed my expectations i...

Fantastic trip, surpassed my expectations in every way! Stunning scenery, delicious food, very smooth planning and so many once in a life time experiences! This was my first time travelling alone, and the MBA group was super friendly and got along really well. I would really recommend our guide Mutaz Jarrar, he was extremely knowledgeable and made sure every was comfortable at all times! Looking forward to joining another trip :-)

Vasanta(April 2023)

Trip of a lifetime, very well organised, fitted so much in just 5 days, without feeling rushed. Great selection of sites. Petra and Wadi Rum were amazing, and the night in the Martian domes a great experience.

Food was amazing throughout, camp meals were fun and an experience in themselves. Mutaz Jarrar, our guide, was knowledgeable, efficient, enthusiastic and caring. Although we were a much older couple, without hiking experience, Mutaz supported and encouraged us to complete all the treks, which we didn’t think we would manage. He did this while also ensuring all the others in the group had a great time and didn’t feel they were being held back. Thank you Mutaz for making this a dream holiday. Highly recommend this trip and company.

Connor(April 2023)
A truly breathtaking trip. Don't think, jus...
A truly breathtaking trip. Don't think, jus...
A truly breathtaking trip. Don't think, jus...
A truly breathtaking trip. Don't think, jus...

A truly breathtaking trip. Don't think, just book!

Our itinerary was jam-packed full of incredible experiences such as hiking the backdoor to Petra (which resulted in far fewer tourists and was much more rewarding), snorkelling in the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea & having a mud bath, a full day of exploring Wadi Rum including hikes, traditional meals in the desert, a sunset camel ride, as well as hiking in the beautiful Dana reserve.

On top of all that, the accommodation throughout was among the best I've ever stayed in - there's nothing quite like waking up at sunrise in a martian dome with the curtains wide open. Guesthouse in Dana was incredible too.

Mutaz Jarrar, our guide, absolutely made our trip. A knowledgable, kind-hearted, patient, hilarious bloke who treated our entire group like family throughout. The trip would not have been the same without him - nothing was ever too much of an ask, from arranging extra transport/activities for us outside of the itinerary to ensuring we never went hungry or thirsty by providing snacks every day. A pleasure to spend a week with him!

I would recommend you arrive 1-2 days early to enjoy more of what Jordan has to offer - including exploring Amman, Madaba and Jerash. It's a wonderful country.

Mills(April 2023)

A genuinely amazing holiday! Whistlestop tour of the highlights - all so varied and impossible to compare one day to another. Our guide Islam was absolutely brilliant, and I have been raving about Jordan to everyone who will listen since my return!

Mara(April 2023)
Itinerary completely lived up to expectatio...
Itinerary completely lived up to expectatio...
Itinerary completely lived up to expectatio...

Itinerary completely lived up to expectations, with a few added bonuses along the way! Our guide, Islam, went the extra mile in making our experience amazing and did a wonderful job of sharing his beautiful country with us. We were lucky to share the adventure with a fabulous group of people and loved every minute of it. Just book it!

Anne(April 2023)
Which part of this trip do I praise first?...
Which part of this trip do I praise first?...
Which part of this trip do I praise first?...

Which part of this trip do I praise first? Islam, our fantastic guide, had such patience, kindness and generosity of spirit that we were free to indulge our endless curiosity and enthusiasm. The site specific guides were equally excellent.

The group itself was a pleasure to be with, a great mix of positive energy, willingness to meet new people, interesting stories and a general 'let's do it' attitude.

The itinerary was superb; we saw and did so much in a very short period of time. For me, however, the true magic of this trip (and it was magical) was in the detail. I hesitate to give too much away, as the surprise is a good part of the fun, but the unexpected cooking class, the freshness of the food (is that what a mango really tastes like?), the beauty of a camel in a sunset, a sunken plane, and most of all, the ability to just be in an awe-inspiring landscape, to stand quietly and take it in. This was a very special trip indeed. I will be basking in its glow for a long time to come. Thank you.

Tim(April 2023)

A1trip. A1guide. A1 food. A1 pace and planning. Highly, highly recommended

Damask(April 2023)
Incredible trip. Every day exceeded our exp...
Incredible trip. Every day exceeded our exp...
Incredible trip. Every day exceeded our exp...
Incredible trip. Every day exceeded our exp...
Incredible trip. Every day exceeded our exp...

Incredible trip. Every day exceeded our expectations more than the last, which is no small feat. Islam and the local guides were all fantastic. I can’t say enough good things about this trip - just book it!

Itinerary Activities

  • Visit the Dead Sea for a swim
  • Guided circular hike in the Dana Biosphere Nature Reserve
  • Guided hike to Petra
  • Guided hike through the Barrah Canyon
  • Swim in the Red Sea at Aqaba

Guides

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

  • 3 nights in cosy, local hotels
  • 1 in a spectacular lodge in the Dana Biosphere Reserve
  • 1 in an unforgettable Martian dome in the desert

Meals

  • All (5) buffet breakfasts
  • 3 buffet-style lunches
  • 2 Arabic dinners including zarb, a traditional dish cooked underground on hot coals

Transfers

  • Arrival transfer from Amman Airport at any time on Day 1
  • Departure transfer to Amman Airport at any time on Day 6
  • All transfers during the trip

Permits

  • All permits and entry fees

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

Some small tips are included in your trip cost, and your guide will handle these on your behalf, although tips for your guide and driver are not included - we suggest budgeting in the region of at least $50 per person (in total). These are entirely at your discretion, but there is an expectation in Jordan to tip for good service. Your guide can help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline:

  • Guide: $5+ per person, per day
  • Driver: $3+ per person, per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - while often expected, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

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In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

  • Main bag (duffel bag or small suitcase)
  • Day pack (15-25 litres +) - to carry your personal belongings on the walks
  • Light rain or windproof jacket
  • Dry fit t-shirts or tops (shoulders covered)
  • Hiking trousers or long shorts
  • Buff or neck scarf (for windchill/sand on the jeep)
  • Hiking boots or shoes (worn in)
  • Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)
  • Pyjamas/something to sleep in
  • Swimwear
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Walking poles (optional)
  • Water bladder or 2 water bottles
  • Sun protection (sun hat, sunglasses and suncreen)
  • Earplugs (optional)
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal first aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Toiletries (inc. travel towel and hand sanitiser)
  • Snacks

No optional extras are available for this trip.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 278kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

We recommend booking more than 31 days in advance to guarantee your spot on the trip. If requesting to book less than 31 in advance the host will need to check accommodation availability before accepting your booking (please do not book flights until your booking has been confirmed by the host). Due to high demand in Jordan, if requesting a spot within two weeks of departure chances are that there won't be any availability – so the sooner you can make plans, the better.

Yes. Trips to Jordan have been running as normal since the Israel conflict escalated in October 2023 – check out our latest customer reviews! Much Better Adventures operate trips in line with the British FCDO travel advice and also consult with security advisors, both of whom have confirmed that trips are safe to run. We continue to receive real-time updates from the FCDO and our local host in Jordan will also inform us immediately should anything change locally. In case you have any questions, we have prepared some additional information about travel to Jordan during the Israel Conflict.

For current Government advice about travelling in Jordan, have a read of the FCDO pages here.

Ramadan will take place from 22nd March to 20th April 2023 and 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. However in hotel restaurants and tourist areas food and drink are served as normal and Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip. Liquor stores are likely to be closed for the month but in tourist enclaves bars stay open (although some may not allow alcohol outdoors - but inside is generally okay).

As you will be travelling with a vehicle, your luggage will need to travel with you so we advise keeping it reasonably small and light.

Some small tips are included in your trip cost, and your guide will handle these on your behalf, although tips for your guide and driver are not included - we suggest allowing in the region of at least $50 in total per person. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:

Guide: $5+ per person per day Driver: $3+ per person per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - while often expected, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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