This trip was truly exceptional—far beyond anything I had anticipated from a country like Jordan. It surpassed all my expectations. Although I had presumed that there was little more to Petra, the Dead Sea, or Wadi Rum, I was proven utterly wrong. Jordan is so much more than that. Despite Jordan being a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol is readily available everywhere, and there are virtually no restrictions on what you may wear, although it is advisable to dress respectfully in consideration of local customs. During this trip, I experienced both my first dive and my first desert hike. Intrepid has a remarkable way of ensuring I tick off many of my 'firsts' with them. The trip begins at 6:00 pm on the first day, so I would highly recommend arriving a day earlier to explore the historical sites in Amman, such as the Roman Theatre, the Citadel, and the Jordan Museum. Do keep in mind that on Fridays, most places remain closed until 2:00 pm for prayers. You will, however, have no trouble finding establishments serving vegetarian food. Jordan can be rather chilly during the month of November, so I would suggest packing a light jacket and layering up in the evenings. From the diving experience in Aqaba, to witnessing the Bedouin-style cooking in Wadi Rum, to hiking through the Wadi Rum desert and enjoying tea in the middle of nowhere, to seeing the Aladdin Rock, the Martian Rock, and Lawrence of Arabia's house, and then marveling at the Treasury at Petra—one of the Seven Wonders of the New World—followed by visits to the other Petra sites and the Monastery, to exploring the Kerak Castle, floating in the Dead Sea, standing on the land where Moses gazed upon the Promised Land, and visiting the largest Roman site in Jerash—each day brought with it new and delightful surprises. Our tour leader, Mohammad Irshaed Ayasrah (Mo), was an exceptionally qualified individual. He was attentive and met all our needs and requests. He recommended the best places to purchase souvenirs and the finest restaurants to experience authentic Jordanian cuisine. He provided valuable tips on how to bargain while shopping and shared in-depth insights into Jordanian life. Mo’s ability to connect with diverse cultures and places made the experience profoundly enriching. He also took photos of the group, and occasionally of solo travellers, ensuring that camaraderie within the group was maintained. His energy was positively infectious. Our driver was a true gentleman. Each day, he greeted us with a warm “Good Morning” and ensured our safety throughout the tour, driving responsibly and with care. I recommend carrying small change in Jordanian dinars for tipping, though most establishments accept card payments. A few tips to remember: 1. Bring a jacket for the cooler months. 2. Pack shower gel and toilet paper. 3. Wear sunscreen and a cap/hat. 4. Wear comfortable walking shoes. 5. Budget for meals not included in the trip. 6. Never pay for the use of toilets or washrooms; they should be free of charge. 7. Carry medicines for stomach issues. Jordan is a very safe country, and the Jordanians are warm, hospitable, and friendly. Even if not everyone speaks English, you will never miss an opportunity to connect with them. You will feel completely safe at all times. I highly recommend this trip. Jordan has so much more to offer than you might imagine.

Our trip to Jordan was nothing short of incredible. Our guide Nuwar Jodeh was amazing and so helpful. Jordan as a whole is way safer than you are led to believe and the people are very welcoming. You will get your steps in at Petra but it is worth every second, go to the Monastery! Thank you Intrepid for this experience.

Everything from the trip was perfect, from the Wadi Rum desert to the old roman city of Jerash. Seeing Petra was incredible. Almost every attraction was included in the trip. We had a lot of free time and felt safe during the whole trip. Nuwar is an excellent tour leader, she really livened up our trip and her explanations were perfect. She also speaks French perfectly.

Jordan is a place everyone needs to visit at some point in their life. The landscape is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. The history is incredible as well, evidenced by the Petra facades and the Roman ruins. Intrepid puts on a great tour of Jordan!