Ramadan in Jordan: Group Trip March, 2023
Group Trip to Jordan: Mystical Desert Wonders
March 3rd - 11th, 2023 (before Ramadan)
March 17th - 25th, 2023 (during Ramadan)
This small group Jordan tour will connect you with the Middle Eastern world through extraordinary people and life-changing experiences. Join this unforgettable Jordan small group tour, to one of the most underrated destinations on earth; a small country with an extraordinary range of geographic climates and attractions.
Witness the diversity of Jordan from the cosmopolitan streets of Amman to the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Leave footprints on breathtaking sand dunes, peer deep into the heart of canyons, and marvel throughout Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jordan is an extremely safe country and offers mouthwatering cuisine; spectacular star gazing; beautiful beaches; world-class mountain and trail hiking; unique Martian-like desert landscapes; fabulous snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea; and ancient Roman and Nabatean ruins. Enjoy everything Jordan has to offer, while supporting local communities and eco-friendly businesses. As the tourist industry is male-dominated in the Middle East, female guides are used whenever possible in order to highlight their experiences and perspectives.
This trip will be extra special because not only will we be there for the springtime bloom of wildflowers, we will visit during Ramadan, the holiest time in Islam. The exact dates of Ramadan are determined by the full moon cycle and have not yet been determined but we should be able to observe the celebration at least one or two days. Please note that because Jordan is a very religious country, some guides will be fasting during Ramadan (no food or water from sunrise to sunset), which may affect the availability of activities and dinners served in people’s homes. We will do our best to stick to the schedule below but if any activities need to be altered, we will let you know as soon as possible and do our best to replace them with a similar activity.
Also note that due to demand for this trip, I’ve added a new set of trip dates that will take place a couple weeks before Ramadan, March 3-11. The itinerary will be the same as the one you see below, only there will be no Ramadan-related celebrations and the weather will be just a little bit cooler. I currently have a few more slots on both trips so choose whichever works best for you.
Jerash, some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world
Enjoy Traditional Jordanian food
Jeep safari in Wadi Rum
Trip Highlights include:
Exploring the stunning tombs and monasteries carved into the red rock walls of Petra
Experiencing authentic Bedouin culture and cuisine in the desert
Roaming through the largest and best preserved Roman ruins outside of Rome
Indulging at one of the top-10 rated eco-lodges in the world
Staying in a Bedouin desert camp that is run by and benefits a local tribe
Learning how to cook authentic Jordanian food from local chefs
Relaxing in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea
Hanging out with locals who can offer a fresh perspective on life in the Middle East
Visiting female-run cooperatives & businesses that create employment for women and refugees
THIS ESCAPINGNY JORDAN TOUR WAS FEATURED IN THE FODOR’S TRAVEL 2020 GO LIST AND IN THE NEW YORK TIMES!
“This is the best trip I’ve ever been on and I’ve traveled pretty extensively. The trip was well-organized, the guides were incredible, I made new friends, and I’m already planning to join next year’s trip!”
“This has been the best trip I have taken and I’ve traveled to the Middle East several times. Everything was so well organized and there was a great balance of adventure and culture. I already signed up for next year’s EscapingNY Jordan trip and am recommending it to others. ”
“I’ve been to both Cuba and Jordan through EscapingNY and both trips have been the best experiences ever. If EscapingNY offers any new destinations, I would not hesitate to go. In fact, I have already signed up for the next EscapingNY Jordan group trip.”
“I joined EscapingNY group trips to Jordan, Mexico, and Cuba, which offered in-depth, authentic experiences. I’d highly recommend EscapingNY to anyone interested in really getting to know a country.”
Explore the colorful streets of Amman
Learn to make Jordanian food in a hands-on cooking class
Enjoy a traditional Turkish hammam bathhouse
Friday, March 17th
Arrive, settle in, get over your jet lag. Some travelers choose to arrive a day or two early to adjust to the time difference and/or explore on their own. Let us know if you’d like to do that or if you’d like to arrange a special pre-trip experience like a traditional Turkish bathhouse, which is very popular in the city.
No formal group dinner is planned since many travelers prefer to sleep straight through the night but a short group trip to a nearby restaurant with your trip leader can be arranged for anyone who is interested. Otherwise, recommendations will be given for where to grab a meal on your own nearby.
Saturday, March 18th
Start your visit to Jordan with a tour of the old city of Amman, exploring the Citadel and the Roman Theater, the most significant archaeological sites in the city, and the Jordan Folklore Museum. Afterward, have lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant then visit one of Amman’s oldest neighborhoods, Jabal al-Weibdeh, passing by several art galleries, museums, and local antiquities and handcraft shops.
Attend an evening cooking class at a female-run culinary school to learn how to prepare (and then enjoy!) several traditional Jordanian delicacies. The school is part of a larger female-run social enterprise that strives to achieve financial freedom for Jordanian women. It’s also a great place to purchase delicious spices and edible souvenirs.
Overnight in Amman.
Sunday, March 19th
Early morning pick up from Amman to head south to Dana Village (3 hour drive) and into Dana Valley with experienced trekking guides. The trail drops steeply at first and then levels into a more gradual descent through the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is Jordan's largest and includes four distinct bio-geographical zones that support an astonishing diversity of birds, plants, and animals.
The Feynan Ecolodge is considered to be one of the top 10 rated eco-lodges in the world, according to National Geographic. Enjoy a guided (and very casual) sunset walk to a nearby hilltop for freshly-brewed Bedouin tea and stunning views westwards as the sun sets over the vast Wadi Araba deserts.
Overnight at Feynan Ecolodge.
Clear night skies in the desert
Tea time with local Bedouins
Optional mountain biking
Monday, March 20th
The morning is free time for resting, relaxing, and enjoying this one-of-a-kind desert eco-lodge.
Depending on who’s available in the community, we may head to the tent of a local Bedouin woman to learn how to make traditional bread or participate in a time-honored Bedouin coffee ceremony. Additional activities may available for a slight additional cost (such as mountain biking in the desert) and all activity proceeds benefit the local Bedouin community. Since Ramadan will be beginning, it’s possible the guides will be fasting and these activities will be more limited than usual.
Depart Feynan in the early afternoon and drive past the stunning Shobak castle on the way to Petra.
At night, we’ll stay in a desert camp hidden in a spectacular amphitheater of sand and hills that’s run by a local Bedouin tribe. Accommodations will be in traditional Bedouin tents that have been upgraded to include proper beds, electricity, and bathrooms.
Overnight in Little Petra.
Our desert camp near Petra
Inside Petra
The lesser-known path to Petra
Tuesday, March 21st
Explore a masterpiece half as old as time, the Red Rose city of Petra. Marvel at the beauty of the ‘Lost City’, exploring massive caves and tombs, intricately carved directly into the stone. Walk through the Siq, explore the Royal Tombs, and be astounded at the magnificent Treasury, the entrance guarding the ancient Nabatean city. Step aside as camels and donkeys pass by carrying people and products, while herds of goats go about their day amidst the bustling tourists.
We’ll hike into the lesser-known back entrance of Petra, with spectacular mountain and canyon views and far fewer tourists than you’d find at the main entrance. Arrive to the breathtaking monastery before the crowds and enjoy a cup of sweet Bedouin tea in a cafe carved directly into the mountains. Expect about 9 miles of walking throughout the day. If you’re tired after exploring, you can hire a donkey or bicycle chariot to take you the final 2 miles from Petra to the main exit.
After a full day in Petra, we’ll drive to Wadi Rum (2 hours) and spend the night under the stars in the peaceful desert. Enjoy Bedouin hospitality at its finest at one of the most luxurious desert camps in the country, complete with private baths and an additional luxury “cave suite” upgrade option.
Overnight in Wadi Rum.
Breathtaking views at every turn
Bedouin camel guides
Spectacular desert landscapes in Wadi Rum
Wednesday, March 22nd
Today we head out for a full-day jeep tour in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Rum. We’ll follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, traveling through Wadi Rum’s valleys, canyons, sand dunes and deserts. You’ll discover rock inscriptions, take in majestic views of mountains, desert landscapes, and narrow gorges where you’re sure to spot a camel. At each stop, you’ll have the opportunity to stretch your legs, go for a short hike, and/or scramble around rock formations that resemble melting chocolate. During the full-day tour, we’ll stop for hot tea and a picnic lunch in the middle of the desert.
Overnight in Wadi Rum.
Picnic in the Wadi Rum desert
Our desert camp in Wadi Rum
Deluxe “cave room” upgrade available
Thursday, March 23rd
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the camp, enjoying your last few views of the desert landscape before heading north on the Dead Sea Highway (a 4-hour drive) to the world-famous Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. Relax in the sea by floating in the salty waters and trying out an invigorating and nourishing mud bath. You can rest by the pool or pamper yourself with spa treatments at the resort hotel.
Overnight in the Dead Sea.
Jordanian musicians playing the bagpipes in Jerash
Forge lifelong friendships
Floating in the Dead Sea
Friday, March 24th
After another morning dip in the Dead Sea (or an extra hour in bed at the resort), we’ll head north (a 2-hour drive) to walk through history in Jerash. regarded as one of the most important and best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East.
In the late afternoon, we’ll visit Ajloun castle, built to ward off Crusader armies at the key trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus and Mecca.
For dinner, we’ll visit the home of a local family and savor an amazing Jordanian meal as we join them for the evening iftar as they break their fast.
Overnight in Amman.
Saturday, March 25th
Collection from your hotel in Amman and transfer to Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.
Airport departure.
Price per person*:
Beginning in summer 2022, credit cards will be accepted. Until then, payments are accepted via Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, personal check, and direct bank transfers.
$2899, if booked by May 15th, 2022
$2999, if booked by August 15th, 2022
$3099, if booked by November 15th, 2022
*For an additional $199/person, you can upgrade to a luxury “cave room” for two nights in the desert.
What is included:
Round-trip taxi transfers to/from airports in Jordan
English-speaking guides
Transportation between and within cities to all activities on the itinerary
Admission to all activities included in the itinerary
Accommodations in 3-star hotels in Amman and the Dead Sea, a luxury eco-camp in Dana, and comfortable desert camps (Petra and Wadi Rum)
All meals, including one non-alcoholic beverage at each meal
All tips and gratuities
*These prices are based on per person double-occupancy. If you wish to have your own room, please add $499. In the past, guests have enjoyed inviting friends and family to share a room, though I will try to pair up interested singles looking for a roommate.
A 50% deposit is required by the indicated date to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due by December 1st, 2022.
What’s NOT included:
Travel insurance
Admission and transportation to activities not included in the itinerary
Alcohol
Airfare (Though flight suggestions will be provided. Look out for Royal Jordanian, the country’s amazing airline with loads of flights into Amman and Aqaba every day).
IMPORTANT: Proof of travel insurance is required for this trip. Read my article Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance to learn why it’s so important. You may chose your own travel insurance provider but I recommend World Nomad's. I've used their insurance for many years, as have many of my clients, and they offer comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service at a reasonable price. Cancellation policy applies, find more in my Terms and Conditions.
