Travel Petra Jordan Wadi Rum Articles Dead Sea Roman Ruins Aqaba
Booking with a local tour operator has several advantages, as it offers a more personalized and authentic experience compared to booking with larger, international companies. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider booking with a local tour operator:
Local Expertise: Local tour operators have an in-depth knowledge of their region, including hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and insider tips. They can provide valuable insights that enhance your travel experience.
Cultural Insights: Local tour operators can offer a deeper understanding of the local culture, customs, and traditions. They can arrange cultural experiences, interactions with locals, and opportunities to participate in traditional activities.
Personalized Service: Local tour operators often provide more personalized service and can tailor your itinerary to match your interests, preferences, and budget. They are more flexible and responsive to your needs.
Authentic Experiences: Local operators can connect you with authentic experiences, whether it’s dining at local restaurants, staying in boutique accommodations, or participating in community-based tourism initiatives.
Responsible Tourism: Many local operators are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, ensuring that your travel has a positive impact on the local community and environment.
Direct Support: Booking with a local operator means your money goes directly to the local economy, supporting small businesses and communities rather than large international corporations.
Faster Communication: Communication is often smoother and more efficient when booking with a local operator. You can expect quicker responses and a more direct line of communication in case of any issues.
Cost Savings: In some cases, local operators can offer more competitive pricing because they have fewer overhead costs compared to international tour companies. This can lead to cost savings for travelers.
Safety and Local Contacts: Local operators are familiar with the safety concerns and local conditions of their region. They also have established contacts with local authorities and emergency services, ensuring your safety during your trip.
Enhanced Local Connections: Local tour operators often have strong relationships with local guides, artisans, and experts, which can lead to exclusive experiences and insights that are not available through larger companies.
Support for Responsible Tourism: Many local operators are dedicated to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, which can make your travel experience more ethical and environmentally friendly.
Flexibility: Local operators are often more flexible when it comes to itinerary changes or last-minute adjustments, making it easier to adapt to unexpected situations or changing preferences.
In summary, booking with a local tour operator can provide a more immersive, personalized, and culturally enriching travel experience. It allows you to explore a destination from a local perspective, support local communities, and enjoy a level of service that is often tailored to your unique preferences and needs.
Aqaba is a resort on the northeastern tip of the Red Sea in the Gulf of Aqaba, convenient for visiting Petra and Wadi Rum. It is also a great place to meet the friendly Bedouin people of Jordan; On our Jordan bike tour, you will spend the night under the bright stars of the desert in a secluded Bedouin camp.
After Petra, the ancient city of Jerash is one of the most popular attractions when traveling to Jordan. It is the number one tourist attraction in Jordan and remained unknown to Europeans until it was rediscovered in 1812. It was founded possibly as early as the 4th century BC. as the capital of the Nabatean kingdom (the Nabateans were nomadic Arabs) with a population of about 20,000. Known throughout history, its immense wealth has been amassed since being the center of ancient caravan routes that traded with China and competed with the Roman ones.
Built on seven hills, Amman is a vast city with many ancient ruins. Once you enter the “city”, you will see so many buildings and attractions that it takes two full days to pay tribute to Petra on a trip to Jordan. Wadi Rum, also known as Moon Valley, is a valley carved from sandstone and granite in southern Jordan. It is isolated from the world and hardly suitable for human life. Petra in southern Jordan is an important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We will travel from the capital of Jordan, Amman, to Petra, which has lain under the desert sands for centuries and was only reopened in 1812. We will swim in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, and explore the changing sands. Wadi Rum, where the Bedouins keep their traditions in the desert.
While on vacation in Jordan, visit the ancient lost city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travel to Wadi Rum, where you can camp under the magnificent desert sky. Historic treasures abound in romantic Jordan, and on an A&K vacation here, explore iconic sites, including the magnificent Petra, in unrivaled comfort and style. With Amman’s cosmopolitan cafés, the tranquility of Dana’s Hill, and the historic treasures of Madaba, you can come to Jordan to see the ruins of Petra, but you’ll leave after encountering so much more. From walking or cycling through stunning desert landscapes to guided tours of Crusader castles or discovering underwater treasures on a snorkeling excursion in Aqaba, these are some of our best things to see and do in Jordan.
Of all the places we visit in Jordan, the pink city of Petra is definitely a tourist attraction. Sure, the lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum are a huge attraction, but also look out for the ancient ruins of Petra and the thriving capital of Amman, gorgeous beaches and snorkeling in the Red Sea, and ripples in the salty shores of the Dead Sea. From rugged deserts to towering mountains, fertile wetlands, coastal cliffs and urban cities, Jordan travel offers changing landscapes and varied conditions.
Modern cities filled with worldly citizens, mountainous areas dotted with small villages and deserts inhabited by Bedouin nomads – Jordan has all this diversity and more. Western influences (especially in Amman and other major cities) have permeated Jordanian society, so Jordan now combines Arab customs and modern lifestyles. All of these influences can still be seen today in Jordan’s ancient ruins, architecture, crafts and arts. Ancient Jordan fought many battles, including the Christian Crusaders who clashed with Islamic forces in Jordan in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Your off-season tour of Jordan begins in the capital Amman and ends at the Dead Sea, one of the lowest points on earth. Enjoy a guided tour of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.
Join our group tour in Jordan to explore these treasures and more, celebrate the New Year in the desert, or try something unusual on our selection of private tours. Thanks to our private group adventure, you can now experience a trip to Jordan with the most important people. Solo travelers often join our tour groups, meet and travel with like-minded adventurers, and build long-term friendships.
These tours are adjustable and can accommodate groups of different sizes, including large ones. You can endure longer walking tours (over 90 minutes), traverse dusty or uneven terrain, stand for different periods of time, altitude and temperature, and not worry about being on the road with some early departures, late nights and busy days.
Your guide will collect travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. All visitors to Jordan must hold a visa, which can be obtained through Jordanian consulates around the world or upon arrival in Jordan. You can view all the details and purchase the Jordan Pass online via the link below. We strongly recommend that you purchase the Jordan Explorer Pack instead of the Jordan Wanderer Pack so that you can log in to Petra multiple times.
Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon, is a stunning desert landscape in Jordan that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy its unique natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here are some of the top activities to do in Wadi Rum:
Camping: Spend a night under the starry desert sky by camping in Wadi Rum. Many tour operators offer camping experiences in traditional Bedouin-style tents, providing a chance to enjoy the serene desert ambiance.
Bedouin Cultural Experiences: Connect with the local Bedouin people and learn about their nomadic way of life. Participate in traditional activities, like making tea or baking bread in the desert sand.
Visit Lawrence’s Spring: This historical site is named after T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia. It’s a natural spring surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a peaceful respite from the desert heat.
Visit Ancient Petroglyphs: Explore the ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions left behind by various cultures that once inhabited the area. These rock carvings offer insights into the region’s rich history.
Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Some tour operators in Wadi Rum offer yoga and meditation retreats, allowing you to connect with the desert’s tranquil environment in a mindful way.
Camel Riding: Experience the traditional mode of desert transportation by taking a camel ride through Wadi Rum. It’s a leisurely way to explore the area and soak in the breathtaking scenery.
Stargazing: Wadi Rum is designated as a Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent location for stargazing. On a clear night, you can witness a dazzling display of stars and constellations.
Desert Photography: Wadi Rum’s dramatic landscapes, stunning rock formations, and ever-changing light conditions make it a paradise for photographers. Capture the unique beauty of the desert.
Jeep Safari: A jeep safari is one of the best ways to explore the vast desert landscape of Wadi Rum. Experienced local guides will take you on thrilling off-road adventures, allowing you to discover hidden canyons, sand dunes, and rock formations.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar above Wadi Rum in a hot air balloon to get a bird’s-eye view of the Martian-like terrain. This offers a unique perspective of the desert and its massive sandstone mountains.
Hiking in Wadi RumRock Climbing: Wadi Rum is a renowned rock climbing destination with numerous climbing routes suitable for climbers of various skill levels. Even if you’re not a climber, watching climbers scale the towering rock formations is impressive.
Hiking and Trekking: Wadi Rum has various hiking and trekking trails that allow you to explore the desert on foot. Some popular routes include the Burdah Rock Bridge Trail and the Um Fruth Rock Bridge Trail.
