El Gouna Beach & Explore Jordan Tour

This 13-night getaway offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, starting with six nights at the Imperial Shams Abu Soma, a stunning beachfront resort on Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera.

Located in the serene Soma Bay, this luxurious resort offers an idyllic retreat with its private sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and a wealth of on-site amenities, including diving and water sports. Enjoy tranquil days by the sea or explore nearby Hurghada and its vibrant nightlife.

Days 1 to 6: Imperial Shams Abu Soma, El Gouna

Day 7: Amman

Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to Jordan’s capital, Amman – cosmopolitan and contemporary, yet steeped in biblical history. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 18:00. If you have time, be sure to head to the citadel, taking in its amazing sweeping views of Amman. The Jordan Museum (home to the Dead Sea Scrolls) and the Roman Theatre are both worth a visit. After your meeting this evening; head out with your new-found travel pals and perhaps pick up a coffee from one of the cafes and partner it with an ara’yes – a local-style toastie filled with spiced meat.

Day 8: Wadi Rum

This morning, you’ll leave Amman and head to Aqaba – the only coastal city offering a pocket of beach in this otherwise landlocked country. On arrival, you’ll get a chance to explore the bustling market and walk along the beach on a guided walking tour with your group leader. Then you’ve got a couple of hours at leisure to experience the city; you might like to go snorkelling in the Red Sea, explore the local markets further, or simply chill out and relax by the water. Then, you’ll leave for Wadi Rum and arrive just in time for dinner. 

Tonight, you’ll get a chance to sit down with the sheik of the local Bedouin tribe and get a glimpse into what life is like living in this desert environment. You’ll sleep in a simple Bedouin desert camp this evening, with the choice of sleeping under a camel hair tent or out under the stars. Enjoy dinner cooked in an earthen oven by your Bedouin hosts. Meaning ‘desert dwellers’ in Arabic; the Bedouins are a semi-nomadic people, and in Jordan up to 40% of the general population is thought to have Bedouin ancestry. Conditions are basic at the desert camp, but the hospitality of your hosts as well as the chance to sleep beneath the twinkling desert night sky will surely make up for it!

Day 9: Wadi Rum

After waking up in the unique surrounds of the camp this morning; head out on a hike around the area (approximately 12 to 15kms), with a stop for tea and a lunch break. You might scale one of the large sand dunes for sensational views of the valley – the ideal chance to capture some unbelievable pictures. Explore the distinctive rock formations and bask in its eerie silence. Wadi Rum is probably best known for its connection with the enigmatic British officer T E Lawrence; who was based here during the Great Arab Revolt of 1917–18. 

This afternoon, gear up for a half-day jeep safari through some of the most striking desert scenery on the planet. Wadi Rum is full of weird and wonderful lunar-like rock formations, and traces of ancient civilisations can be seen in the many carved inscriptions found throughout the area – from pictographs to Thamudic, Nabataean, and Arabic texts. The most enduring monuments in Wadi Rum are those carved by nature – the natural rock bridges, towering rose-coloured sand dunes, and scattered rocky peaks. After an action-packed afternoon, tonight is yours to enjoy the traditional Bedouin hospitality and the clear night skies of the desert.

Day 10: Petra

This morning you'll leave your desert camp, taking 4WDs to the main entrance of Petra; which is opposite the Seven Pillars of Wisdom – the mountain named after Lawrence of Arabia’s book. The visitor's centre here is also a great spot to buy some jewellery and handicrafts; mostly made by a women's co-operative aimed at supporting local industries. Then, continue your journey to the fabled city of Petra by private vehicle. The site remained unknown to the wider world until 1812 when it was visited by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt – a Swiss explorer. In 1985, Petra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of Petra. Squeeze through a mile-long narrow path, known as the Siq, through huge towers of rock, and get your first glimpse of the iconic Treasury complex. It’s amazing to think that this enormous, intricate building entrance was hand-carved out of the rock.

Day 11: Petra

Enjoy a free day of self-discovery as you explore Petra on your own today – free to wander as you wish. The site is surprisingly big, and so it’s up to you to choose your own route around the complex. You could explore the old Roman road, other smaller temples and several old tombs, as well as the rock-hewn amphitheatre. For those who are feeling a bit more active; there's the challenging but highly rewarding one-hour walk up the steps to the secluded yet stunning Monastery.

Day 12: Kerak to Dead Sea to Mt Nebo to Madaba

Today you’ll traverse the King's Highway to the historic crusader castle of Kerak, which stands on a cliff overlooking Wadi Karak and the Dead Sea in the distance (approximately 2.5 hours). You’ll have time to explore the ruins and discover the legends of centuries-old battles. Pack your swim gear as next you can wash off the dust in the Dead Sea – the lowest point on Earth (420m below sea level). This super-salty lake is a perfect place to spend some time relaxing and floating away your worries. For those who are game, why not cover yourself from head-to-toe in a nutrient-rich natural mineral mud bath? 

Continue to Mt Nebo – the spot where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the ‘promised land’ and where he’s supposedly buried. Explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the fourth-century church. Afterwards, continue to Madaba; famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the acclaimed sixth-century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land at St George's Church. Other mosaic masterpieces from the fifth to seventh centuries can be found throughout Madaba’s churches, museums, and homes.

Day 13: Jerah to Madaba

Today you’ll leave Madaba for a short drive to Jerash – once one of the grandest ancient Roman cities in the world. These are some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ruins around. The ancient walled town that survives today is a remarkable evocation of life 2000 years ago. It has a striking collection of archways and theatres, baths, public buildings, and colonnaded streets; and is a beautiful place to spend a day exploring. Discover Hadrian’s arch, the partially-restored hippodrome, ornate public fountains, the south amphitheatre, and see the collection of daily artefacts uncovered during excavations. Grand columns encircle the city's centrepiece, the Oval Plaza. After a full day of exploring, return to Madaba. Maybe gather your travel buddies together and share a celebratory shisha as you reminisce on your memories of majestic Jordan.

Day 14: Madaba

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to depart the accommodation in time for your flight back to the UK, provided you comply with your accommodation’s check-out times.