Rediscover the Kingdom of Jordan as you explore ruined Roman cities, elaborate Crusader castles, desert citadels and powerful biblical sites.
Journey through the timeless desert and sleep under a blanket of stars as you learn the Bedouins way of life. Trek through some of Jordan’s lesser known landscapes to witness the raw natural beauty of a country bursting with the history of ancient civilisations.
Venture on foot through the heart of the mountainous Dana Biosphere Reserve, home to one of the top eco-lodges in the world, where you can witness first hand the efforts of the partnership between EcoHotels and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, who are devoted to the protection of the Kingdom’s finest natural landscapes.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Madaba. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
The welcoming town of Madaba is a market town best known for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics. The most famous is the mosaic map found on the floor of St. Georges Church which you will check out tomorrow. Spend the afternoon exploring the lively streets on foot, with shops offering everything from pots and pans, shoes and fresh vegetables, to skinned goats!
Overnight – Grand Hotel Madaba or similar
After breakfast, visit the renowned 6th-century mosaic map of Palestine located in St. George’s Church. This historic map offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient cartography. Next, head to Mt. Nebo (9km, 15m), the site where Prophet Moses is believed to have gazed upon the Promised Land before his death. It is also reputed to be his burial place, making it a site of great historical and religious significance.
Your next stop is Hammamat Ma’in (33km, 42m), an exceptional place in Jordan showcasing an amazing natural setting. The mineral rich waters that feed the 109 hot and cold springs in the valley originate from winter rain falls in the highland plains of Jordan. Enjoy exploring before it is time to continue to Jerash (76km, 1.5hrs). Jerash is the best example of a Roman provincial city in the whole of the Middle East. Visit the spectacular forum, Roman colonnaded streets, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. (B,D)
Overnight – Ajloun Cabins or similar
Following breakfast, it is time to set off on a hike, (approx. 12km) following a trail through wooded valleys to the lush green orchards of Orjan Village which offers you the chance to witness rural life in the area. A natural spring, lined by poplar trees, gives a wonderful contrast to the arid mountains at the beginning of the trail. Hike past dramatic rock walls and old water mills which were once used by the local people to grind their seeds. Enjoy a fresh picked traditional meal in an orchard, with fig, pomegranate, apple and apricots. In the afternoon, visit the great 12th century Islamic castle built around 1184/85 by the famous Islamic leader Salah al-Din. (B, Lunch Box, D)
Overnight – Ajloun Cabins or similar
This morning, enjoy hiking an easy 2km loop trail which begins from your accommodation and offers an amazing view over the reserve and discover an old stone wine press. Be sure to keep an eye out for a roe deer, as they are active in the early morning.
Return to your accommodation for a freshen up before driving from the north to the south of Jordan to reach Karak (220km, 4.5hrs), where you will visit the famous Crusader castle built in 1132/34 by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem. (B,Lunch Box,D)
Overnight – Dana Guest House or similar
Today you will set out on foot through the Dana Nature Reserve which is characterised by a chain of valleys and mountains which extend from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley down to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba. You will hike for 3pprox. 6 hours (14km) passing through beautiful sandstone gorges. This hike brings you downhill to Feynan where 3000 years ago copper had been mined. Enjoy an overnight stay in Feynan Eco Lodge, where you will experience the enchanting world of authentic Bedouin hospitality and natural beauty deep in the heart of the mountainous Dana Biosphere Reserve.
Hailed as one of the best 25 ecolodges in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, the award-winning, solar powered Feynan Eco Lodge offers the most developed eco-experience in Jordan; an experience only made possible by a unique partnership between EcoHotels and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a Jordanian NGO devoted to the protection of the Kingdom’s finest natural landscapes. Explore local archaeological sites or simply relax and unwind in the serene courtyards and terraces of the candle-lit complex, safe in the knowledge that your travels in Jordan are socially and environmentally responsible. (B,Lunch Box,D)
Overnight – Feynan Eco Lodge or similar
Feynan Eco Lodge offers various activities, some are free of charge, and others can be paid directly to the lodge with all funds going to the local Bedouins in Feynan. You will be advised upon check-in what is available today
This morning is yours at leisure to participate in any of the scheduled activities on offer from the property at an additional cost. Later, you will transfer to Petra (120km, 2.5hrs), the red rose city, the most famed attraction of Jordan. Petra was first established around the 6th century B.C. by the Nabataean Arabs, a nomadic tribe who settled in the area and laid the foundation of a commercial empire that extended into Syria.
Exploring the city with your guide, you will pass the canyon known as the Siq to see the most beautiful monument in Petra, the Treasury, continuing via the Street of Facades to the Royal Tombs and Pharaoh’s Castle. Your guide will farewell you at the restaurant area allowing you time to meander through the streets on your own and then walk back the same way to the entrance. This evening, enjoy the hospitality of a modern Bedouin family. Experience true Jordanian culture with a home cooked meal, at the home of a Jordanian family. Taste traditional dishes like Maqlouba or Mansaf (vegetarian and special diets can be certainly catered for) and learn about the traditions and the daily life of the local people. (B,Lunch Box,D)
Overnight – Petra Guest House or similar
It is now time to see Petra from above! Early this morning with your guide will lead you on foot to the Al Madras area, where you will see the upper and lower halves of a single monument, the Obelisk Tomb and Bab as-Siq Triclinium and the Roman Theatre from above. Continue to the High Place of Sacrifice and pass the Roman Soldier Tomb via Wadi Farasa to Qasr Al Bint. From here, walk back via the regular trail through the Siq to the entrance of Petra. Please note that this hike features uneven terrain, including some steep sections and many natural ‘staircases’ to climb. A good head for heights is essential. (B,Lunch Box,D)
Overnight – Little Petra Seven Wonders Desert Camp or similar
Breakfast is early this morning as you set off on foot and hike to Petra and to the Treasury, Amphitheatre, to the Monastery El Deir. Trek along the lesser-known back trail across mountain ridges to the Baida region which provides spectacular views of the Rift Valley of Wadi Araba before entering the bizarre landscape of Little Petra. This route takes a minimum of 5 hours to complete and forms part of the Jordan Trail. Overlooks rugged wadis and cliffs, breathtaking scenery and archaeological monuments that portray the layers of Jordan’s rich history, heritage, and religious relevance. You need an average level of fitness.
Little Petra is fondly named due to the similarities of Petra but on a much smaller scale. It is thought to have been an important suburb of Petra and is also accessed through a narrow entrance, similar to the Siq but, as the name advises, on a much smaller scale. The site includes tombs, temples, water channels and cisterns carved out of the rock as well as the remains of frescoes on plaster. This is where many religious activities were held, including the Feast of Drink, when the king of the Nabataeans hosted celebrations and provided drinks for his guests. There is also a cave with the remains of a fresco painted by the Nabataeans that represented grape vines, which shows that this was the area for wine production. In the Siq Al Barid the Nabataean irrigation system, which distributed water through long channels, reservoirs carved into the rock, and dams, is evidence of the greatness of this system.
Drive to the protected area of Wadi Rum (approx. 1.5hrs), one of the most impressive desert landscapes in the world. See the natural rock bridges in Jebel Burdah and Um Fruth, with the opportunity to climb them if you are feeling energetic. You will then explore Abu Khasheba canyon on foot, your guide will wait for you at the end of the canyon, where you will drive to a spectacular location for sunset before continuing to your camp. (B,Lunch Box,D)
Overnight – Rum Stars Camp or similar
End your stay in Wadi Rum with a memorable camel ride. Arabian camels, also known as dromedaries, are perfectly adapted to desert life with their single hump and ability to go without water for days. Historically, they were essential for Bedouins and caravan routes across the desert. Riding a camel is easy, with a Bedouin handler guiding you through the experience. Enjoy the unique perspective and leisurely pace as you traverse the stunning landscape of Wadi Rum. After approximately an hour, your camel ride concludes at Rum Village.
From Wadi Rum, embark on a four-hour drive (333km) to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, situated 400 metres below sea level. The Dead Sea has attracted visitors since the time of Herod the Great due to its remarkable therapeutic properties. The area is known for its high temperatures, low humidity, and rich atmospheric oxygen. The Dead Sea is famed for its mineral-rich waters and therapeutic dark mud, which have been used for over 2000 years for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
From here, transfer to Amman (60km, 1hr15m) for the night. (B)
Overnight – Al Qasr Metropole Hotel or similar
Today is yours at leisure until it is time for you to be transferred to the airport for your onward destination. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Contact our team to learn more or subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our upcoming tours.
**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Back to Jordan Tours
