Jordan Active Adventure – 8 Days

Travelers craving a mix of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes will find this Jordan Active Adventure tour hard to beat. With a combination of hiking, biking, and exploring, it offers a dynamic way to see some of Jordan’s most iconic sights while staying physically engaged.

What makes this trip particularly appealing? First, the expert guides like Furat and Mutaz are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, ensuring you’re both informed and comfortable. Second, the off-the-beaten-path routes — like the back entrance to Petra and the mountain trails — promise a more authentic, less crowded experience. Lastly, the balance of active days and relaxing moments, especially at the Dead Sea, caters well to adventurers and leisure travelers alike.

One consideration? The tour involves a fair amount of physical activity, including hiking and cycling, which requires a moderate fitness level. Travelers should be prepared for some challenging climbs and off-road biking.

This journey suits those who love outdoor pursuits, are eager to see Jordan beyond the usual tourist spots, and want an immersive, energetic way to explore. It’s perfect for active travelers, couples, or groups looking for a blend of adventure and cultural discovery.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Guides like Furat and Mutaz are highly praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Authentic Experiences: Off-the-beaten-path routes give a more genuine view of Jordan.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines hiking, biking, cultural sites, and relaxation, making it suitable for active travelers.
• Stunning Scenery: From Petra’s rock façades to Wadi Rum’s desert vistas, visuals are truly spectacular.
• All-Inclusive Value: Entrance fees, bike and helmet hire, and many meals are included, enhancing convenience.
• Moderate Fitness Needed: The activities, especially the hikes and off-road biking, require a certain level of physical ability.

An In-Depth Look at the 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Amman

Starting in Jordan’s ancient capital, Amman, the tour begins with check-in at your hotel. If your flight arrives early, you might have time to explore the city’s vibrant streets and historic sites. Amman’s blend of modernity and history is fascinating — you’ll find Roman ruins next to bustling markets. The city acts as a great gateway before heading into the more remote and rugged parts of Jordan.

Day 2: Wadi Musa & Little Petra

Travel begins with a transfer to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra. The highlight here is the Back-Way Hike via Little Petra, which lets you enter Petra through a less crowded route. This hike skirts a sandstone mountain into a high plateau, offering lovely views and fewer travelers, perfect for photos. After the hike, visit the Monastery, a colossal façade, and the Roman Amphitheatre carved into the mountainside. These sites are iconic, but with fewer crowds, you get a more personal experience.

Day 3: Petra Exploration & Trails

The day involves a mix of guided hikes and free exploration. Starting on the main trail, you’ll zigzag through Petra’s historic alleyways, then veer off to the Madras Trail in the hills south of the Siq. Climbing to the High Place of Sacrifice offers sweeping vistas, and passing sites like the Renaissance Tomb and Soldier Tomb makes for a deeper dive into Petra’s layers. The Colonnaded Street marks the heart of the Roman city, a must-see, but many reviewers appreciated the chance to explore at their own pace.

Day 4: Crusader Castles & Bike Ride

Shobak Castle kicks off the day — a well-preserved Crusader fortress that once controlled trade routes. The highlight is the bike ride from Shobak to Little Petra, a scenic route mostly on dirt tracks with some paved sections, taking in mountain views and the Jordan Valley. Lunch, provided by a local family, offers a taste of regional hospitality. The day ends at a Bedouin camp, for a night under the stars surrounded by characteristic sandstone formations.

Day 5: Wadi Rum Desert & Jeep Safari

Wadi Rum is the star of this day. Starting at 1600 meters elevation, a descent leads into the sprawling desert. The off-road cycling across the sands offers a unique way to see the rock formations, canyons, and dunes. After cycling, a jeep safari reveals Wadi Rum’s wild beauty, from narrow gorges to towering mountains. Expect to stop frequently for hikes, scrambling, and photo ops — the landscape is utterly mesmerizing.

Day 6: Summit & Explore Wadi Rum

The adventure continues with a mountain hike up Jabal Umm Ad-Dami, the region’s highest peak at 1854 meters. The 2-3-hour trek offers panoramic views of the desert and beyond. Afterward, enjoy a traditional desert cooked lunch. This day emphasizes active exploration and appreciation for Wadi Rum’s geological grandeur.

Day 7: Dead Sea & Return to Amman

Time to unwind at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Floating effortlessly on the salty waters, smearing the mineral-rich mud, or simply lounging poolside — it’s an iconic experience. It’s also the perfect recovery day after days of hiking and biking. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Amman for your final night, reflecting on the trip’s highlights.

Day 8: Departure

The tour concludes in Amman, with options to arrange an airport transfer. The trip ends on a high note, with a wealth of memories and stunning photos.

Why This Tour Works

This 8-day journey through Jordan offers a fairly balanced mix of physical activity and cultural sites. The guided hikes and biking routes are thoughtfully chosen, allowing travelers to see Jordan’s iconic landmarks while staying physically engaged. The off-road biking and hikes on trails like the Madras Trail and the ascent of Jabal Umm Ad-Dami are particularly praised for their spectacular views and authentic feel.

Reviews reveal that guides like Furat and Mutaz are well-informed and attentive, often sharing insights that unlock deeper layers of Jordanian history and culture. Their enthusiasm and local knowledge turn what could be a standard tour into an engaging experience.

Transportation is comfortable, with transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and the biking days include support trucks, making it manageable even for those who aren’t professional cyclists. The inclusion of entrance fees, some meals, bike and helmet hire, and support guides adds value, making it easier to budget and focus on enjoying the scenery.

The accommodation options, including nights in Bedouin camps and Wadi Rum, offer a taste of local life, and the final day at the Dead Sea adds a much-needed relaxation element.

What We Love and What to Consider

We love the way the tour combines active pursuits with cultural highlights—no sitting around for days here. The itinerary is packed but not rushed, giving you enough time to absorb each site. The guides’ local expertise is a huge plus, often shared through stories and tips that travelers wouldn’t get on their own.

The scenery is undeniably stunning — from Petra’s carved façades to the vastness of Wadi Rum, every day offers unique vistas that are hard to forget. The off-the-beaten-path routes, like the hike into Petra via Little Petra, provide a quieter, more personal experience.

However, the physical demand may be a hurdle for some. The activities are active — expect challenging climbs, mountain biking on rough terrain, and long hikes. A moderate fitness level is advisable. Also, the trip’s cost of $1,495 per person, while including many extras, still requires a good value assessment based on personal preferences for active travel.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Jordan Active Adventure is best suited for travelers who love outdoor adventures combined with cultural exploration. If you’re eager to see Jordan’s iconic sites but want to do so with energetic activities woven into the experience, this tour offers a fantastic fit. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate guided insights from knowledgeable locals and enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path.

Couples or groups who don’t mind a bit of sweat and dirt — in exchange for authentic, scenic moments — will find this trip rewarding. The inclusion of cultural highlights like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea ensures a well-rounded experience, balancing adrenaline with relaxation.

In short, if you’re after a lively, immersive trip with excellent guides and unforgettable scenery, this active Jordan tour is a compelling choice that delivers on its promise.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to hiking, biking, and walking activities. Some climbs and off-road rides can be challenging, but support trucks and flexible routes help make it manageable.

Are the entrance fees to attractions included?
Yes, the tour covers entrance fees for all the attractions listed in the itinerary, making it convenient and straightforward.

What kind of bikes are provided?
You’ll be riding a Scott Aspect 740 27.5 mountain bike, with helmets included. The bike support truck ensures assistance during cycling days.

Is there free time to explore Petra individually?
Yes, on Day 3, after guided hikes, you have the option for free exploration in Petra, allowing you to linger or discover additional sites at your own pace.

Can I customize the trip or cancel if needed?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, with full refunds available. Customization isn’t specified but discuss with the provider if needed.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, the reviews mention travel in December and May, suggesting spring and fall are likely ideal for favorable weather and outdoor activities.

This detailed review underscores why the Jordan Active Adventure tour offers an active, authentic, and scenic way to experience Jordan’s highlights. Whether you’re cycling through desert landscapes or wandering ancient cities, the trip combines adventure with cultural richness, making it a memorable journey for those ready to move.