Tailor made vacations to Jordan
“This tailor made tour of Jordan takes in the country’s top highlights, from the Dead Sea to the ancient city of Petra, in a private vehicle with an experienced driver guide.”
Highlights
Amman city tour | Sea of Galilee | Ajloun national park | Guided tour of Jerash | Mt. Neba | Dana nature reserve | Petra | Wadi Rum | Bedouin camping under the stars | Float in the Dead Sea | Optional: archaeological treasure hike, copper mines tour, Ghwayr tour, monastery climb.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary
Vouchers
Accepted
Vacation type
We offer a complete tailor made service allowing you to decide when you go, where to stay and what to do, to create a unique vacation for your individual requirements by our travel experts. We would be happy to telephone you to discuss your requirements and options. Our staff have intimate knowledge of this destination, so do please include your telephone number when you complete the inquiry form.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
RSCN RSCN is a non-government organization devoted to the protection and care of Jordan’s wild plants, animals and natural landscapes. Wild Jordan is the part of RSCN responsible for socio-economic growth projects, including all eco-tourism and handicraft enterprises that link the protection of nature with improving the livelihoods of local communities.
Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature is for the benefit of the local community, and is an important source of employment and education in the local region. Two of the reserves featured in this tour are The Dana Nature Reserve and the Wadi Rum. The RSCN also operates a handicraft center and locally produced goods as well as organically grown herbs and preserves are available in local shop.
Wadi Rum
Preserving the pristine wilderness, there are no hotels in Wadi Rum itself but many local Bedouins offer tourists an overnight stay in their tents in the middle of the desert.
Relatively few of Jordan's Bedouin still follow the ways of their ancestors. Most have settled in cities and towns and are found in every walk of life. Yet low-slung black tents and pack camels have not vanished from the landscape, and many travelers find a shared meal or coffee with traditional desert Bedouin to be their most memorable experience. Naturalists will be drawn to the desert in springtime, when rains bring the greening of the hills and an explosion of hundreds of species of wild flowers. Red anemones, poppies and the striking Black Iris, Jordan's national flower, grow at will by the roadside and in more quiet reaches.
Stay in a genuine Bedouin camp in the desert, with traditional food, accommodation in tents and entertainment around a well lit bonfire. You can also hire a local Bedouin guide who will offer you either a 4WD vehicle, or for the more adventurous a camel ride, to explore the area.
The Impacts of this Trip
Petra Kitchen
The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience allowing you to re-create some of the traditional Jordanian dishes for yourself, alongside some of the local women. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience - right down to the furnishings which are all crafted in Jordan, the tableware which is all produced by the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative and the aprons and table linens which are all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation.
Above the Petra Kitchen there is also a small fair trade shop selling handicrafts made by local artisans which are of a very good quality and are often entirely unique items. A lot of these items are made by local women in their homes or by members of charitable organisations set up to support local women so buying items here helps these women but also helps inject money into the local economy.
Feynan Wilderness Lodge, Dana
Feynan Lodge has been developed by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and opened in the summer of 2005. It is set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feynan on the western boarder of Dana Nature Reserve.
The lodge, also known as the Wilderness Lodge, has been set up as a cool, atmospheric retreat for tourists wishing to explore this undiscovered and archaeologically rich area of Jordan. It is an interesting piece of architecture built entirely of local materials and designed by a local architect. The unique arabesque desert design uses traditional adobe methods and lends a romantic feel to this remote location. The RSCN have been keen to incorporate some eco-friendly technologies, which include solar power by day and candlelight at night. The staff are all from the local Bedouin community which makes it an important asset to this remote area.
Local Guides
As a company we have a policy of staying in locally owned accommodation wherever possible and our ground agents employ local guides using transport owned and operated by local people. This provides valuable employment to the region and keeps the money you spend in the country which helps to maintain and develop the infrastructure.
Environment
RSCN RSCN is a non-government organization devoted to the protection and care of Jordan’s wild plants, animals and natural landscapes. Wild Jordan is the part of RSCN responsible for socio-economic growth projects, including all eco-tourism and handicraft enterprises that link the protection of nature with improving the livelihoods of local communities.
Jordan's Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature is for the benefit of the local community, and is an important source of employment and education in the local region. Two of the reserves featured in this tour are The Dana Nature Reserve and the Wadi Rum. The RSCN also operates a handicraft center and locally produced goods as well as organically grown herbs and preserves are available in local shop.
Wadi Rum
Preserving the pristine wilderness, there are no hotels in Wadi Rum itself but many local Bedouins offer tourists an overnight stay in their tents in the middle of the desert.
Relatively few of Jordan's Bedouin still follow the ways of their ancestors. Most have settled in cities and towns and are found in every walk of life. Yet low-slung black tents and pack camels have not vanished from the landscape, and many travelers find a shared meal or coffee with traditional desert Bedouin to be their most memorable experience. Naturalists will be drawn to the desert in springtime, when rains bring the greening of the hills and an explosion of hundreds of species of wild flowers. Red anemones, poppies and the striking Black Iris, Jordan's national flower, grow at will by the roadside and in more quiet reaches.
Stay in a genuine Bedouin camp in the desert, with traditional food, accommodation in tents and entertainment around a well lit bonfire. You can also hire a local Bedouin guide who will offer you either a 4WD vehicle, or for the more adventurous a camel ride, to explore the area.
Community
The Impacts of this Trip
Petra Kitchen
The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience allowing you to re-create some of the traditional Jordanian dishes for yourself, alongside some of the local women. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience - right down to the furnishings which are all crafted in Jordan, the tableware which is all produced by the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative and the aprons and table linens which are all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation.
Above the Petra Kitchen there is also a small fair trade shop selling handicrafts made by local artisans which are of a very good quality and are often entirely unique items. A lot of these items are made by local women in their homes or by members of charitable organisations set up to support local women so buying items here helps these women but also helps inject money into the local economy.
Feynan Wilderness Lodge, Dana
Feynan Lodge has been developed by Jordan’s Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and opened in the summer of 2005. It is set among the arid mountains of Wadi Feynan on the western boarder of Dana Nature Reserve.
The lodge, also known as the Wilderness Lodge, has been set up as a cool, atmospheric retreat for tourists wishing to explore this undiscovered and archaeologically rich area of Jordan. It is an interesting piece of architecture built entirely of local materials and designed by a local architect. The unique arabesque desert design uses traditional adobe methods and lends a romantic feel to this remote location. The RSCN have been keen to incorporate some eco-friendly technologies, which include solar power by day and candlelight at night. The staff are all from the local Bedouin community which makes it an important asset to this remote area.
Local Guides
As a company we have a policy of staying in locally owned accommodation wherever possible and our ground agents employ local guides using transport owned and operated by local people. This provides valuable employment to the region and keeps the money you spend in the country which helps to maintain and develop the infrastructure.
Climate
14 Reviews of Tailor made vacations to Jordan
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 31 Mar 2019 by Dorothie Jones
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Petra, despite the hailstorm!
Petra kitchen
Wadi Rum including the bubble tent for stargazing
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get to all the tourist sites as early as possible in the day. Especially Petra 7.00am latest!
Try to get a Wadi Rum driver who's English is better than rudimentary! Look up what you want to see and make sure he knows.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people yes as tourism is Jordan's major economy. You do need to tip, but not extortionately.
Environment and conservation. Certainly if you stay at Feynan Eco lodge or one of the Dana lodges. Jordan has several nature reserves and is doing it's best to
preserve the environment. However inevitably there are environmental costs to all the road travel, aircon in hotels etc. Single use plastics still in evidence
and recycling not always possible. Solar and wind power is on the increase however.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant! Such a diverse country and lovely people.
Our driver/guide was fantastic but you could easily drive yourself.
Reviewed on 13 Oct 2019 by Hazel Parker
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Tour around Petra & hiking away from the crowds
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Appreciate hotels no matter what star are quite slow in service & maintenance doesn’t seem to be thought about
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great experiences. Just let down by quality of hotel rooms & service
Reviewed on 18 Mar 2018 by Scott Cupp
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Interacting with the people of Jordan will be the first memories we keep. The beauty and majesty of the country, combined with the living history was exciting to experience. From the green fields of the north to the southern desert, preserved roman Jerash to Nabatean Petra, all beautiful to see.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don’t be in a hurry, absorb what comes your way. Take time with the daily interactions (skipping over the souvenir sellers though) and enjoy the genuine hospitality. The history has many layers, so try to relate to the history, past and that in progress.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The vacation benefits the local populace in two ways, first by staying in the preserves and in the Wadi Rum camps, jobs are created where none existed a few years ago. Second, many of the shopping opportunities are at sites created to benefit the Queen Noor foundations employing and giving skills to locals that do not have traditional schooling opportunities or good jobs in remote locations. So skip the cheap imported goods and buy the hand crafted items where many times you can meet the artist too.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Extremely satisfying. We found what we were looking for. A great diversity of locations and activities allowing personal interaction with many of people of Jordan. In eight days we ranged the length of the country, visited many interesting sites, yet never felt rushed, allowing us to linger and enjoy each moment.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2018 by Louise Carrier
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There are so many... Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum, Feynan Ecolodge... but most of all it is the friendliness of its people that made the biggest impression.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
1) Book an extra day in Amman... we were so busy everyday that in the end we didn't have time to visit Amman itself. 2) If you like to do some hiking book an extra day at Feynan Ecolodge to fully make the most of it. 3) We could have used an extra day in the desert to do some camel riding. The days are so busy that although the possibility is there with the travel time from one place to another we ran out of time. 4) In Wadi Rum, choose a Bedouin camp that is smaller rather than large. Captain' s Camp could accommodate over+ 120 guests at a time (read busloads); there are smaller camps. We were lucky as we were only five guests on the night we stayed but i could see how overwhelming it could get... In summary, 8 days may not be enough to fully enjoy Jordan! If you can ask for a specific driver we were very please with our driver Mr. Jihad Jaber.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I do believe in eco tourism and Jordan is in great need of our help to support conservation efforts. I was very impressed by the Feynan Ecolodge and its staff!
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a wonderful time, felt very welcomed and secure. We unfortunately lost our driver mid week (unforeseeable interruption); he was very knowledgeable about his country and had a great personality. He was a great fit with our small group.
Reviewed on 05 Dec 2013 by ali king
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Singing round a campfire in Wadi Rum
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go!!! Its an amazing time to visit Jordan and its a fascinating place to visit. Go now before the crowds return.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everyone was very pleased to see us and we tried to stay and to eat in places owned and run by locals. Sadly I fear that we were nothing but a drain on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Magical. Loved every minute. 4 days that felt like 2 weeks they were so full of sights and sounds and wonderful people. A brilliant short break.
Reviewed on 07 Mar 2013 by Alan Graham
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Feynan Lodge - would like to have spent longer there or done walk bewteen the two lodges.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not sure staying in Amman worth it. Amman Citadel could be visited from Dead Sea.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - although Feynan seemed a much better experience than Captains Camp in Wadi Rum.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2012 by Carol Seaforth
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My visit to Petra. Although I was suffering from terrible flu, I will always remember Petra. The history is incredible and our guide was very informative.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wear comfortable shoes. Take water and something to eat as the food at the site is not so good! It’s a long walk to the Monastery, so be fit if you take it on. I didn't go but I watched the faces of those who did when they returned. Tired! Grueling to climb the umpteen steps!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think my visit helped local people; about the environment I would'nt know!
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! If I could afford it, I would go again.
Reviewed on 30 Oct 2012 by Isabel
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Floating in the Dead Sea as the sun came up on the last day of the vacation; walking through the Siq at Petra, then climbing to the Monastery and exploring the tombs late in the afternoon.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with a sense of humour and an open, curious mind.
And to get the most from the ancient sites, read up on the historical significance of the region.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Many Jordanians rely on tourism so yes, local people did benefit. And the Feynan Lodge in the Dana reserve is a world class example of eco-tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great experience in a beautiful country!
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2012 by Janette Brown
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole trip was exciting only enhanced by the guide who was very knowledgeable and shared his knowledge with humour and patience.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't miss Jerash and take very comfortable shoes.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, most certainly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was excellent with more help than expected from being met at the airport to leaving. The first hotel left a little to be desired cleanliness wise, but overall it was a great vacation.
Reviewed on 29 Mar 2012 by Stewart Berry
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting Petra - the realisation of a long standing dream.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take longer at Petra and Wadi Rum - we felt to only scratch the surface at both.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - but the use of the Ramada Hotel in Amman is not recommended as the service standards were very poor. The Dead Sea Spa, whilst giving good service, is in a "tourist ghetto" along with 3 or 4 other 5 star international hotels. There was no means of benefitting local people or experiencing local life within about 5 km. A misunderstanding with one member of the group caused an extra minibus and guide to be provided from Wadi rum to Aqaba and on to the Dead Sea, whilst 5 of us booked through this operator travelled on the 47 seater coach in comfort - but not very environmentally friendly!
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - the guide (Ra Ed) from Amman through to Wadi Rum was fantastic. His enthusiasm, experience, friendliness and helpfulness, together with a constant flow of facts and anecdotes really made Jordan come alive for us.
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2012 by Mary-Anne Malloy
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Petra was truly amazing!!! Magdi our guide was so informative and knowledgeable - a truly educating experience in his presence!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Ensure you have small note change to ensure you always have tips handy. Check out all hotels in the Dead Sea area and choose which one you would prefer.... there are not many and you need to ensure you have your taste and style accounted for. Jordan is expensive, especially in restaurants - prices are equivalent to London prices. Also very pricey at the Dead Sea as there are no independent restaurants separate from the few hotels on the hotel stretch. Not as many ATM's outside of Amman as guide books say. Aqaba is worthwhile visiting, I was there only for an hour and wished I had more time there. A bit chilly in February - I would go later in March-May next time.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The local travel company were amazing ... all local people benefited from our visit.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A really amazing vacation! Magdi made it such an informative and enlightening visit! The travel company made everything so easy, from disembarking the plane at Amman to leaving and going through customs at the end.
Reviewed on 14 Oct 2012 by Laurence Villard
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Fenyan Lodge. Good balance of local interest, committed staff, good service and no unecessary frills.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The expectations of staff everywehre to be tipped for actaully just doing the job they are paid for in the 1st place, is out of control. It was rather unpleasant and excessive.
Jordanian people throw their rubbish everywhere and beatufiful places were spoilt by this unfortunate habit. Tourist agencies should pressure locals to get this under control.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes reasonably, whenever possible.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good itinerary and organisation.
Reviewed on 23 Sep 2011 by Leyla Okhao
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it! But particularly Feynan Eco Lodge, watching the stars and the Dead Sea. Jordan is amazing country that will change your view on life.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
That you need to keep a lot of small notes for tips. They tip far more and more generously in Jordan. Also, I would also recommend covering from head-to-toe in light fabrics to keep cool and be respected. Keep a scarf with you to go inside mosques to cover your hair, shoulders etc.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, the driver was local and spoke a lot about his life and local people. Staying at the Eco Lodge and camping at the Captain's Camp you could see that this had an impact on local people. People are very open and kind, so do chat to them.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing, fantastic and am highly recommending to all!
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2011 by Rob Haslam
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
No one thing was most memorable (Petra and Jerash were both very memorable of course) - but every day was full of interest, and having the opportunity to meet local Jordanians at each of our destinations was a real pleasure. We were made to feel so welcome and everyone we met was prepared to talk about their culture.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Perhaps to take a vacation earlier in the season before the heat is too intense. On our trip we went on some treks that were shorter than those that had been planned in our itinerary on the advice of our guides, because they felt we would find them too long and too hard in the heat.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We definitely felt our visit benefited the local Bedouin communities since we were made aware that tourism was greatly reduced at present due to the troubles in neighbouring countries.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A most interesting and different experience to any others we have had.
Popular similar vacations
Jordan vacation, a week in Jordan
A week to explore the spectacular sites and scenery of Jordan
From US $1799 - US $1949 9 days excluding flights
Adventure vacation in Jordan
The very best of Jordan
From US $1690 - US $1740 9 days excluding flights
Petra and Wadi Rum trekking vacation
Some of the most spectacular desert scenery in the world
From US $1749 - US $1849 8 days excluding flights
Jordan small group biking vacation
Ride through deserts, roads and mountains
From US $2095 - US $2285 9 days excluding flights
protection
