Explore Jordan & Saudi Arabia: Ancient Trade Routes

Enter the wildest adventure of your travel career with this twelve-day trip through Jordan and Saudi Arabia, nestled in the cradle of human civilization. In Jordan, you’ll overnight in a Bedouin tent, dine amidst the dramatic desert scenery of Wadi Rum, take in Petra's fascinating history, and relax in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. From there, you’re off to Saudi Arabia, a country largely untouched by the far reaches of tourism. You’ll witness the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, the carved temples of Madain Saleh (known as the second, maybe more impressive Petra), and sip tea around the red sandstone monolith known as Elephant Rock. If you’re after an adventure few have embarked on before, this is it.

Day 1 Amman
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman
Guided visit to the ancient Roman town of Jerash followed by a visit to the Dead Sea.

Day 3 Amman/Karak/Petra
Start the day with a guided visit to the intricate Madaba mosaics, enjoying the panoramic views from Mt Nebo and a visit to the crusader castle at Karak. Stop at a G Adventures- supported community cafe for lunch, then continue to Wadi Musa for the evening.

Day 4 Petra
Start early to visit iconic Petra. Enjoy a guided walking tour with your CEO, then opt to hike up to the top of the treasury or explore on your own. This evening, opt to visit a Turkish bath or visit Petra by night.

Day 5 Petra/Wadi Rum
Opt to visit Little Petra in the morning before continuing to Wadi Rum. Head out for a 4x4 excursion during the day before a traditional dinner and overnight at a Bedouin desert camp.

Day 6 Wadi Rum to Al’Bad and Tabuk
Today we leave our camp early to transfer to the Durra Border crossing south of Aqaba. Once we clear border formalities we will drive and meet our 4x4 vehicle so that we can deeply explore this rural part of Saudi Arabia. The group will explore the ancient site of Al Bad' also know as Madyan. This land is said to be the area where Moses found refuge after being exiled from Egypt, a region that has for millenniums been at the heart of the Arabian trade routes.

Day 7 Jibal Hisma
Travel to Jibal Hisma, a spectacular range of red sand dunes, giant sandstone mountain, and an impressive landscape that will feel like it’s all yours. Here we will travel by 4x4 and stop for a hike/walk, and to explore the landscape with interesting rock shapes.

Day 8 Tabuk to Al’ Ula via Wadi Dissah
After breakfast we continue our journey south towards Al Ula. En route we stop to explore the natural beauty in Wadi Dissa (Disah), sometimes referred to as Wadi Qaraqir. Here our 4x4 allows us to drive deep into the valley that makes this Wadi so unique and green. We'll have a picnic lunch with spectacular views again today. In the late afternoon we head out and arrive into Al Ula just as the sun starts setting.

Day 9 Al’ Ula
Today our focus is entirely on Al Ula. Start off with a walk along the Heritage Oasis Trail. You'll see the beauty of this little old town, tall palms in a historic archway of a mud brick house, or the lush green farms. We spend a few hours exploring Hegra, the main site of Al Ula on a structured visit, before meeting a local farm owner and exploring their farm. We end the day at Elephant rock to enjoy the sunset and the desert night sky.

Day 10 Al’ Ula to Medina (Medinah)
From Al Ula to Medina we drive along the desert used by pilgrims for centuries as they made their way to Medina. In Medina we'll learn about the founding of Islam and the Holy Cities. The group will have an opportunity to see the first two mosques built by the Prophet and learn about the pilgrimages. Its unique insight into local culture.

Day 11 Medina/Jeddah
Today, go a bit more local. Start by taking the high speed train from Medina to Jeddah. In Jeddah we explore the corniche where locals go to cool off and share favourite foods. Then head into the old city and experience what the Jeddah looked like only 50 years ago. End the visit of the old town by tasting some truly local Jeddah specialties.

Day 12 Jeddah
Depart at any time.