Jour 1: Madaba
ITALY/ AMMAN/ MADABA (-/-/-)
A program designed to enjoy Jordan on horseback even during the summer period. Available from June to mid-September, we will ride across the high plateaus up to 1600 meters in the Shobak region towards Petra. Beautiful trails with breathtaking views over Israel and Wadi Araba, where we will discover the pastoral life of old mountain Bedouin villages, Jordanian traditions, and the rich history of these unique lands, from Shobak Castle to Petra, one of the 7 wonders of the world!
We will have the unique opportunity, at dawn, to enter Petra on horseback through the famous canyon of Al Siq, arriving right in front of the Khazneh. We will then head to Aqaba, overlooking the gulf between Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, where we’ll have time to dive into the Red Sea. Then on to the Wadi Rum desert, where we will spend a night in a Bedouin bivouac under the stars... without a doubt one of the most beautiful deserts in the world for its variety of colors and landscapes; Wadi Rum is also known as the Valley of the Moon... not by chance, the famous movie "The Martian" by Ridley Scott was filmed here.
In prehistoric times, it was the bottom of the sea, and today we can see valleys and granite rock canyons carved by water over millennia. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous as the desert of Lawrence of Arabia, a renowned archaeologist and writer; with his book "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom", he gave the name to one of the most iconic rock formations in the desert.
To finish, let’s not forget the stop at the Dead Sea, where we can float effortlessly and cover ourselves with mud known for its healing properties.
Pick-up from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman and transfer to hotel in Madaba (approx. 20 min), in the central area of this Christian-influenced city (guided city tour available upon request for an additional fee).
Dinner on your own and overnight in a double room at Aitch Boutique Hotel (or similar).
Jour 2: Shoubak
MADABA/SHOBAK (B/L/D)
Early departure on the “Road of Kings”. First visit to the Kerak Castle, about 1.5 hours by car from Madaba (approx. 115 km). Visit to the Castle, one of the most important fortresses built by the Crusaders. Renaud de Châtillon, the revenge of Saladin, and the siege of Kerak—a 1000-year-old story to discover with your guide.
Then we continue to Shobak Castle, about 1 hour away. The castle, also called Montreal Krak, is perched dramatically like a ship on the ridge of a hill over 900 meters high.
Shobak Castle was the first to be built by the Crusaders in Transjordan 1000 years ago.
Lunch in Shobak, where horses and the rest of the team await you.
Departure on horseback on the trails of the Hishe National Forest Park, with breathtaking views over Israel and the Wadi Araba.
Stunning sunset over the Wadi Araba.
Overnight in bivouac.
Jour 3: Shoubak
SHOBAK (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we ride again. Caressed by the fresh mountain air, we follow the trails towards Beida.
Overnight in bivouac.
Jour 4: Shoubak
SHOBAK (B/L/D)
We continue through the cool mountains towards Little Petra, with views of the Jabal Haroun Monastery in the distance.
In the afternoon, we cross the Siq Al Barid.
Overnight in bivouac.
Jour 5: Petra
SHOBAK /PETRA (B/L/D)
Breakfast and full day on horseback in the archaeological site of Little Petra.
Overnight in hotel.
Jour 6: Petra
PETRA (B/-/D)
And here comes the most anticipated experience… before the official opening of the site, we will enter Petra on horseback via the ancient Roman road! The hooves of our horses will echo along the 1.5 km of the famous Al Siq gorge, ending right in front of the Khazneh, the most famous monument of the ancient city of Petra!
(Local authorities may restrict access to certain areas of the archaeological site).
Evening around the fire with traditional music to beautifully wrap up this extraordinary day.
Overnight in comfort camp.
Jour 7: Aqaba
PETRA/WADI RUM (B/L/D)
We leave our camp for an off-the-beaten-path tour of Petra, then return via the main trail on horseback.
The classic visit of Petra, mostly on foot, follows a legendary trail—one of the most beautiful in the world—recently renovated.
Departing leisurely from Little Petra, a 4x4 bus takes you to the Monastery. In 45 minutes, less than an hour, you'll be in front of this splendid monument.
This allows you to avoid the 3000-step climb!! which we instead descend with ease.
Free day in the site.
Transfer to Wadi Rum (2 hours), to enjoy the Bedouin night life with dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Jour 8: Wadi Rum
WADI RUM/ AQABA (B/L/D)
Transfer to Aqaba (1 hr) and free day to enjoy the beach lapped by the Red Sea.
Meals on your own and overnight in hotel.
(For those choosing the shorter version, transfer to airport – private transfer USD 180 PAYABLE ON SITE).
Jour 9: Madaba
AQABA/ MADABA (B/L/D)
After breakfast, early morning departure to the Dead Sea, where you can enjoy a swim and lunch at a 5-star resort on the beach (Holiday Inn or similar).
Once the experience is over, transfer to the hotel in Madaba.
Dinner at one of the oldest restaurants in Madaba, with 120 years of history (Adonis), just 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Jour 10:
MADABA/AMMAN/ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to Italy (if your flight is later in the day, guided city tour available upon request for a fee).
Note: The itinerary above is to be considered indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control. It is possible to add hotel nights at the Dead Sea for mud treatments, in Aqaba on the Red Sea, or in Madaba to visit the city and its Roman theatre.
A shortened itinerary (7 nights) is also available.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
DURATION: 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: hotel + comfort tented camps
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH SADDLE with pockets for necessary items during the ride
HORSES: ARABIAN and ANGLO-ARABIAN
PACE: 4 TO 6 H PER DAY ON HORSEBACK. About 20 km per day. Good physical condition and ability to control the horse in open spaces and feel comfortable at all three gaits required.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory.
WHAT TO BRING: Light and breathable riding clothing, preferably long-sleeved to avoid sunburn. Something warmer for the cooler desert nights. Riding helmet, sunscreen, headlamp, water bottle, waist bag, basic first aid medicine.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 Kg
TYPE: itinerant tour with overnight stays in hotels + comfort tented camps
ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1/9: Madaba – Aitch Boutique Hotel (3*) or similar
Night 2/3/4: bivouac Shobak & Petra
Night 5: Edom Hotel Petra (or similar)
Night 6: Seven Wonders Luxury Chalet (or similar)
Night 7: Wadi Rum, Oasis Luxury Camp (or similar)
Night 8: Aqaba Beach Hotel (3*) or similar
In the comfort tented camps, tents are equipped with comfortable cots, sheets, blankets, and towels.
Shared bathrooms and showers at Seven Wonders, while in Wadi Rum, facilities are private for each tent. Electricity is provided via solar panels or generator.
Common social area with campfire.
We suggest bringing your own alcoholic beverages, as they are not available at the camp.
Bivouac nights, being in remote areas, do not include facilities or electricity.
Meals are traditional cuisine prepared by a local cook with fresh ingredients.
Vegetarian menus or notification of allergies/intolerances available upon request.
Departure dates:
June / July / August / September – starting on Saturdays with a minimum of 2 participants.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 – MAX 10
SUPPLEMENTS AND DISCOUNTS:
Per person rate based on double occupancy for 7-night itinerary: €1,860.00
Single supplement 7-night itinerary: €210.00
Private airport transfer (7-night tour): USD 180 payable on site (up to 2 people)
