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Dana to Petra. Wadi Rum. Dead Sea. May 11-19, 2018.
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Join Jackie for a bucket lister of her own! Hike the Jordan Trail to Petra and float in the Dead Sea.
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National Geographic rated the Dana to Petra section of the Jordan Trail one of the best multi-day hikes in the world. This is the exact section that we will be hiking! (About 83km = just over 50 miles total).
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You’ve seen Petra before, think Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We will end our hike in this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. (Leather Indy hat not included).
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After our long hike, we’ll go on a jeep safari in Wadi Rum followed by our grand finale at the Dead Sea. We will float, we will rub mud on our faces, we will relax in style after a week of hiking. We’ll have earned it!
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 1: Arrival in Amman, Jordan”]
You will be met at Queen Alia International Airport and transferred to our hotel in Amman. Depending on time of arrival, additional activities can be offered for the day. No meals included on Day 1, but we will do a meet and greet at the hotel restaurant that evening. Day 2 starts early!
Overnight in Amman at Art Hotel Downtown.
Meals: None
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 2: Hike from Dana Village to Feynan”]
Early morning pick up from Amman (6:30- 7:00) and head south to Dana. Our first day hiking will start from Dana Village (1,200m above sea level), and head west into Dana valley with your trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve towards the ecolodge at Feynan. The reserve, Jordan’s largest, includes four distinct bio- geographical zones, which means that Dana supports an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals. On your way down the valley, you may see Griffin Vultures overhead as well as hyrax and copper-blue lizards on the rocks; if you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of an ibex or a desert fox, or see the footprint of a wolf in the dust. Finish the hike at one of the world’s best ecolodges; Feynan Eco-Lodge.
Overnight at Feynan Ecolodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Trekking: Distance 14km (8.7 miles), elevation gain 230m (750ft), loss 1140m (3,740ft).
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 3: Hike from Wadi Feynan to Furon / Ras Al Feid”]
Today we hike from Wadi Feynan through the historic landscape around Feynan, where copper has been mined for some 3,000 years. Mining reached its peak under the Romans, when thousands of slaves died here working the mines and furnaces, and millions of tons of ore were smelted into a metal that was exported all over the empire. As we walk out of Feynan, we will see the mountains of slag left behind by this ancient industry, as well as ruined buildings from the Nabataean and Roman periods. As we pass the entrance to Wadi Ghweir, we’ll ascend up through the mountains with great views behind. This is a steep and challenging section of the route, but extremely rewarding. In the afternoon we’ll reach the camp set up by the crew at Furon.
Overnight wilderness camping at Furon.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Trekking: Distance 19km (11.8 miles), elevation gain 1360m (4,461ft), loss 480m (1,574ft).
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 4: Hike from Furon to Ghbour Whedat”]
Today we start hiking from Furon past Ras Al-Feid towards Ghbour Whedat. We will experience some astonishing views into the most remote, wildest corners of Jordan. We’ll skirt the Sharah Mountains by following Bedouin shepherd trails. The most remote sections of the trail are less traveled hunters’ paths. The peaks of black mountains towering over the trail and steep precipitous drops of the canyons below make this day absolutely spectacular. We will gradually climb up the hills, again following Bedouin shepherds paths, to uncover more of the spectacular views of the desert below.
Overnight wilderness camping.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Trekking: Distance 17.1km (10.6 miles), elevation gain 750m (2,460ft), loss 920m (3,018ft).
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 5: Hike from Ghbour Whedat to Little Petra”]
Leaving Gbour Whedat behind, we will pass many sites such as Ba’ajah ruins, siq Ba’ajah, the Nabataeans wine and olive presses, water tanks, wells and the Nabataean rock carved façades, and we will end up in Little Petra (a mini version of Petra). We then continue following the timeline markers through history to the remains of a Neolithic village.
Overnight in Little Petra at Seven Wonders Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Trekking: Distance 14km (8.7 miles), elevation gain 610m (2,000ft), loss 560m (1,837ft).
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 6: Hike from Little Petra to Petra”]
Today we enter Petra via ‘The Back Door’ avoiding most of the tourists. We’ll follow nice winding paths through Wadi Ghurab amidst sandstone mountains that guard the approaches to Petra. This way follows a Nabataean route out of the valley and skirts around the final mountain on a natural rock terrace which has been “improved” for the safety of walkers. Even so, it still narrows slightly before reaching a hidden plateau high above the impressive chasm of Wadi Siyyagh.
Just beyond, carved into the cliff face, ‘The Monastery’ suddenly comes into view, where there is a Bedouin café for refreshments if you would like. Nabataean steps then lead down into ancient Petra; through which the route goes before exiting past ‘The Treasury’ and though the famous ‘Petra Siq’ to the shops, cafés and hotels of Wadi Musa. There is another route that takes us through Wadi Muthlim (weather permitting) to Wadi Musa and the visitors center. (The Wadi Muthlim route is usually used if you have a second day visit to Petra, weather permitting).
This day the licensed hiking guide will add additional hikes along the way for the best views.
Overnight in Petra at Petra Moon Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Trekking: Distance 18-20km (11-12 miles).
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 7: 2nd Day in Petra – Wadi Rum”]
After breakfast, we head back into the Nabatean Red Rose city of Petra, one of the New Seven World Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This time we’ll enter the city through 1km-long narrow gorge called the Siq, which is flanked on either side by dazzling, colorful cliffs over 250ft high. The site is massive, and contains hundreds of elaborated rock-cut tombs, a treasury, Roman-style theatres, temples, sacrificial altars and colonnaded streets. We’ll have more time to visit other trails and sites inside Petra, such as the High Place of Sacrifice. After Petra, we’ll drive to Wadi Rum and spend the night under the stars in the peaceful desert, enjoying the hospitality of the Bedouins.
Overnight in Wadi Rum at Sun City Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 8: Wadi Rum – Dead Sea”]
Enjoy the wilderness adventure of a 4×4 jeep tour of Wadi Rum, following in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, climbing sand dunes and rock bridges. Then drive to the lowest point on earth to float and relax at the Dead Sea. Enjoy the sunshine and view while trying out the invigorating mud bath to cleanse the skin.
Overnight in Dead Sea at Dead Sea Spa Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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[su_spoiler title=”DAY 9: Dead Sea Experience – Depart to Airport”]
Enjoy breakfast at our hotel. Time to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, relax by the pool, and experience the various treatments in the spa! We’ve earned it.
After this relaxing finish to our tour, we’ll proceed to the Queen Alia International Airport for departures.
Tour ends with airport transfer.
Meals: Breakfast
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Traveling Jackie and Experience Jordan
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You probably know me! If you don’t, read more about me here. This will be the fourth group trip I’m hosting, and it’s the first featuring a destination I have yet to experience myself. Jordan has long been on my bucket list, and the Jordan Trail specifically has been all over my radar for the past couple years. The pieces have finally fallen into place to make this trip happen. I’m excited to take you with me on my own bucket list experience!
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In 2015, I spent five days hiking in Patagonia with Matt Loveland, co-founder of Experience Jordan. This very trip has been in the works since then. I’m proud to partner with Experience Jordan, a tour operator striving to be the best in the Middle East, committed to protecting the environment and creating a better future for Jordan’s communities.
Read more about Experience Jordan here.
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You show up. We take it from there.
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[one-fourth][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Accommodations” icon=”fa-hotel” icon_size=”36px”]From tents under the stars in the wilderness to the relaxing Dead Sea Spa, all accommodations are included. We’ll be staying in a different place each night, and this is part of the beauty of the Jordan Trail. I think you’re going to love every minute of the alternative lodging along the way (think domes in the desert!)[/iconbox][/one-fourth]
[one-fourth][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Meals” icon=”fa-cutlery” icon_size=”36px”]All meals are included from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 9. Dinner on Day 1 is on your own, to allow for various arrival times and appetites after long travel days. We will have a meet and greet at the hotel the night of Day 1. Beverages are not included, and alcohol will not always be available (this is Jordan).[/iconbox][/one-fourth]
[one-fourth][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Guides” icon=”fa-thumbs-up” icon_size=”36px”]Licensed, English-speaking guides will accompany us. Experience Jordan guides are well-trained, knowledgeable, and safety conscious. Their goal is to add a richness to the experience by giving you the stories and legends that make the place even more spectacular.[/iconbox][/one-fourth]
[one-fourth][iconbox icon_color=”#000000″ layout=”icon-title” title=”Transportation” icon=”fa-bus” icon_size=”36px”]Private transportation to and from Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is included on Day 1 and Day 9. Luggage will be transported to our next camp/hotel each day while we hike. Donkeys will accompany us for extra safety measures on Day 3 and Day 4 of the hike while we are in the wilderness.[/iconbox][/one-fourth]
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We’ll be traveling with a professional adventure travel photographer to capture our moments, big and small, so that we can focus on being fully present with ourselves, each other, and our surroundings. You are welcome to bring your own camera if you want to, and you are also welcome to put it away! Each traveler will be provided access to edited photos after the trip.
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From travelers on Jackie’s previous group adventures
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“Take a chance, ignore that voice in your head that fills you with doubt and let this new experience change you. The experiences you will have, friends you will make, food you will eat, laughs you will share, and challenges you will overcome far outweigh any negative thoughts or self doubt you had before you left.”
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“Besides the sun following her, Jackie sets a fun-loving, positive, adventurous atmosphere that inspires, just what I need out of traveling!”
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“Jackie is so personable and knowledgeable. She definitely gears her trip to be not only awesome and fun but meaningful. I think that’s the trifecta.”
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“Thank you Jackie for sharing “your church” and passion with me. I will be forever changed!”
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“Thank you, thank you, thank you! This trip was all I had hoped it would be.”
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“Your genuine interest in getting to know all of us and making sure we were doing okay and enjoying, that is what made this trip so much more special than what I imagine traveling with a large tour company would be like. It was the personal touches and personality that would make me want to travel with you again.”
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“I learned so much from the group, we meshed really well, and it is so empowering and joyful to be surrounded by good people!”
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“I’d follow Jackie anywhere.”
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Here’s what you need to know.
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[su_spoiler title=”FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION”]
Airfare is not included. I recommend beginning to research and monitor flights to Amman as soon as you book your spot on the trip. Google Flights is a great place to start.
Arrival & Departure Airport: Queen Alia International Airport – Amman, Jordan (AMM).
Transportation to and from AMM airport is included on Day 1 and Day 9. Be sure to arrive to Amman on (or before) May 11. To ensure a relaxing morning at the Dead Sea, departure flights are recommended for evening of May 19 and after.
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[su_spoiler title=”TRAVEL INSURANCE”]
Each participant must purchase travel insurance coverage, both to protect your own travel investment as well as personal luggage and medical coverage. Click here to read more about travel insurance.
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[su_spoiler title=”JORDAN VISA & SAFETY INFORMATION”]
Jordan requires a tourist visa for US citizens. It is issued upon arrival to Queen Alia International Airport and costs approximately USD $56.00. It is single entry with one month validity. Click here for Jordan visa requirements.
Safety in Jordan: There is a travel warning issued for Jordan. To put this into perspective for you, there is a similar warning issued for Mexico, but that isn’t stopping tourists to Cancun. Jordan specifically has been “lumped in with destinations located just next door that have descended into chaos. The mass news outlets don’t make the effort to show how there are actually many places that are statistically safer than most American big cities.” Click here to read that article, and then come back and grab your spot on this adventure, because now is the time. THIS is your opportunity!
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[su_spoiler title=”IMMUNIZATIONS”]
There are currently no required vaccines for travel in Jordan. Click to see the CDC recommended vaccinations for travelers heading to Jordan.
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[su_spoiler title=”SINGLE OCCUPANCY SUPPLEMENT”]
Price assumes double occupancy. Single occupancy available upon request for an extra fee of $523. If you’d like single occupancy, please let me know when you book. Instructions for this separate payment will be sent to you.
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[su_spoiler title=”PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: READ THIS!!!!”]
This is a multi-day trek on the Jordan Trail, not a walk in the park! This will be a tough trip for two reasons: 1) It’s the desert, which can be hot and harsh. We’re going in May to avoid high heat, but it’s still the desert. 2) It’s 50 miles of hiking in 5 days. If you are not an avid hiker, this is not the trip for you. We will be hiking through wilderness, and the group will need to stay together. I plan to train for this trip (hikes, runs, etc.), as should you! It’s worth it to be in shape and feel your best in life when tackling mileage like this.
Here is the description of the trek as sent from Experience Jordan:
Some parts of the hike include narrow paths, high altitude, rough or slippery footing which require attention to footwork. There may be substantial elevation gain (between 200-800m), longer distances, or steeper climbs requiring at least a moderate level of fitness. The rating of the physical challenge of this trip varies between 3 and 4 out of 5 – Moderate, with good physical fitness required and 4-6 hours activity/day. Some parts of the hike are considered difficult (esp day 2 and day 3) Some days will be easy and some days will be up hill, but no special technical skills are required.
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[su_spoiler title=”PACKING”]
A more complete packing list will be provided to participants by email.
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[su_spoiler title=”NOTES”]
WIFI: WiFi will be available at most hotels, but not in the wilderness. Plan to be off grid for at least the full day and two nights we are hiking/camping in the wilderness. #operationdetox
OUTLETS: Bring a universal travel adapter to Jordan. More about adapters/converters here. Electricity will be limited at the camps, be sure to bring a mobile charger should you need to charge any batteries mid-hike.
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If you cancel your paid booking, it will result in the following charges:
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YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT BY BOOKING THIS TRIP, YOU ACCEPT, AGREE, AND UNDERSTAND THAT TRIP DETAILS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. The itinerary is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered, nor does it form part of the contract between the client and the operator. Although the itinerary has been curated with care and details are provided in good faith, we may make improvements that stem from weather changes, local factors, and our own research, to name a few examples. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. You also accept, agree and understand that there are inherent risks associated with physical activities you may participate in. Therefore, you expressly acknowledge and assume responsibility for such risk and that you alone are responsible for your decision to participate in such activities.
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