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• Exploring Jordan with Intrepid Travel: A Review

Disclosure : Intrepid Travel hosted me on this trip in exchange for this review. As always, all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

Home to countless sites and stunning landscapes, Jordan is an ancient wonder that has delighted visitors for centuries. Every experience in Jordan is more enchanting than the last, whether it be camping in the vast, epic landscape that is Wadi Rum or hiking your way through Petra, with its well-earned title as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It was all of these things and more that led me to book the Discover Egypt and Jordan tour, a combination of Intrepid’s Explore Jordan and Egypt Adventure tours.

I’d always wanted to visit Jordan, and jumped at the chance when I saw I could combine it with a trip to Egypt . Jordan exceeded my expectations and beyond: to date, it’s my favorite country in The Middle East – and I’ve been to several of them. Jordan is truly the gem of The Middle East: more spectacular than your wildest dreams can imagine.

So without further ado: my review of the Intrepid Explore Jordan tour, complete with a day-by-day itinerary and a side-by-side comparison to some of Intrepid’s other Jordan tour offerings.

Table of Contents

A Review of the Intrepid Explore Jordan Tour

Out of all the trips I’ve ever done with Intrepid (I’ve been to Egypt , Turkey , Peru , and Southeast Asia with them), the Explore Jordan tour was my absolute favorite. I know that’s a big statement, but it was honestly perfect: I had some awesome travelers on my tour, my guide was the best I’ve ever had (no exaggeration) and Jordan itself doesn’t disappoint.

Because Jordan is small, this tour helps you cover the highlights of the country in just over a week. Yes, we did spend a few hours in the car everyday, but our guide Muhammad kept us entertained with stories of historical, present, and future Jordan.

Because Jordan isn’t a “typical” destination compared to others, it attracts travelers who are open-minded, curious, and respectful, and that’s exactly what I found with my fellow Intrepid travelers. Honestly, if you’re on the fence about Jordan for any reason, I strongly urge you to book one of Intrepid’s Jordan tours . You won’t regret it and I’m still talking about it several years later.

Should you book a tour to Jordan?

Although you can travel to Jordan independently, it’s definitely challenging to do so. Jordan is on the more expensive side, and I often find that costs tend to add up quickly when traveling independently in an expensive country. There aren’t many hostels in Jordan, and transport, while inexpensive, can be challenging for travelers since there’s no official bus timetable. Given all of that, I highly recommend booking a tour in Jordan.

If it’s your first time visiting and you’d prefer not to worry about all the hassle of transporting yourself from place to place or are short on time, I highly recommend booking a tour. I did the Explore Jordan Tour but you can check out all the Jordan tour options from Intrepid Travel  as well.

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Why Intrepid Travel?

I’ve been on four tours with Intrepid Travel across seven countries on four continents, so I’ve been fortunate to experience how they operate all over the world. Yes, Intrepid is the world’s largest small-group adventure travel company, but that’s not why I travel with them. These are just a few reasons I love traveling with them – including why I chose them specifically for Jordan (you can also read my full review of Intrepid Travel here ).

• Small groups: As an introvert, I hate big groups with a fiery passion. Intrepid limits their groups to a maximum 12 people, which means you’ll have enough time to get to know everyone on your trip. On this group in particular, there were 5 of us in total – the smallest Intrepid group I’ve traveled with.
• Local guides: The guides are always from the country that you’re visiting, ensuring that you’re both supporting the local economy and traveling with someone who truly knows the country you’re visiting. Our guide, Muhammad, is from Madaba, and knew all the cool places to eat and hang out there.
• Responsible tourism: To Intrepid, responsible tourism isn’t just a buzzword. They carbon offset their tours, give back to communities through The Intrepid Foundation, promote gender equity within their tour guide force, and discourage all plastic usage. You can read about their responsible tourism practices here .
• Safety : Traveling in a group always makes me feel a little more relaxed about my surroundings and Jordan would have been a tad challenging to navigate on my own, especially since I don’t like renting cars abroad if I don’t have to.

Which Intrepid Jordan tour should you choose?

If you’re interested in only visiting Jordan on an Intrepid Tour, you’re in luck: Intrepid only offers two (three if you count the 18-29 year-old-tour) Jordan-only tours, making the decision on which Jordan tour you should choose relatively simple. If you’d like to visit Jordan as part of a longer tour, you have quite a few options to choose from.

I went on the Discover Egypt & Jordan Tour , which is a combination of Egypt Adventure and Explore Jordan . It was honestly the perfect way to see the highlights of both countries in two weeks. Either way, every Intrepid tour has something different to offer, depending on your budget, desired travel time, and sites you’d like to visit. I’ve picked a few of my top recommendations and broken them down below.

Explore Jordan

I did the Explore Jordan tour as part of the combined Discover Egypt and Jordan tour and I loved it. Jordan is on the smaller side, so although this 8-day trip doesn’t include a visit to Aqaba, it’s still pretty comprehensive. You’ll cover the highlights of Jordan including Petra, Jerash, The Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. Almost everything is included in the trip price (except for Petra by Night and any optional activities in Amman), meaning the majority of your expenses will go towards tips and food.

In all honesty, the main things that differentiate this tour from the Jordan Discovery tour are spending 1.5 days in Petra (instead of just one – huge bonus!), an extra day in Wadi Rum (great bonding time with travel buddies), minimal time in Amman (a bummer but easily remedied with a couple of extra days) and Madaba as the final stop instead of Amman (there are plenty of buses that go to Amman though). Psst: If you’re between 18-29 and want to travel with people your age, check out the similar One Week in Jordan tour instead.

• Duration: 8 days
• Cities visited: Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, Madaba / Jerash
• Travel style: Original
• Price: starting at USD $1,060

Jordan Discovery

If you’re keen on including Aqaba in your itinerary and you don’t mind missing out on The Dead Sea, then Jordan Discovery is the trip for you. It’s a Comfort trip (rather than the Original style Explore Jordan), which means your hotels will be nicer (think around 4*) and you’ll only camp for one night instead of two. You also get more time in Amman compared to Explore Jordan.

If I were visiting Jordan on its own, I’d personally lean towards this tour (it would have been cool to visit Aqaba). However, because I did the combined Egypt and Jordan tour, our first day in Amman actually included a guided tour to Amman (we visited the Citadel and Roman Theatre). Either way, you can’t go wrong with either tour option. Which you choose mainly depends on your preferences towards visiting Aqaba, time spent in Petra and Wadi Rum, and your hotel accommodation.

• Cities visited: Amman, Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Petra, Madaba / Jerash
• Travel style: Comfort
• Price: starting at USD $1,631

Discover Egypt and Jordan

Because Jordan is a small country (the highlights are easily covered in 7-10 days), you might want to consider combining Jordan with another country. That’s what I did when I took the Discover Egypt and Jordan Tour , a combination of the Egypt Adventure and Explore Jordan tour.

On this 15-day Original style trip, you’ll cover the main highlights of Egypt and Jordan, with about a week in each country. The Egypt portion includes two days each in Egypt’s three most popular cities (for historical sites) as well as one day cruising the Nile on a felucca.You’ll experience a good mix of optional and included activities (especially on the Egypt portion) and quite a variety of transportation. This was honestly an amazing tour of both countries and I strongly recommend it for those who want to see a lot in two weeks.

• Duration: 15 days
• Cities visited: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, Madaba / Jerash
• Price: starting at USD $2,528

Things to Know Before You Go to Jordan

Most people make certain assumptions about Jordan, knowing that it’s a Muslim-majority country that borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Palestine. Well, I say throw those assumptions out the window. Instead, keep an open mind and know the following before traveling within Jordan:

• Overall, Jordan is safe and Jordanians are incredibly kind and hospitable. The only time you need to be vigilant in Jordan is in Petra – there are a few well-known Bedouin scams that could happen.
• Yes, you should dress conservatively in Jordan (covering your knees and shoulders), but no you don’t have to wear a headscarf.
• PDA is a no-no.
• Jordan is a Muslim-majority country, but Christians, Jews, and people of various beliefs all co-exist peacefully.
• When greeting people from the opposite gender, let them take the lead. Some Muslims won’t touch people of a different gender unless they’re related by blood.
• It’s okay to eat with your hands, especially if it’s the national dish, mansaf.
• Bring plenty of cash as ATMs aren’t as readily available as you’d expect.
• Want access to the internet wherever you go? Consider getting an eSIM !

If you’re from The United States or Canada, you do need a visa to enter Jordan. However, you can easily obtain it on arrival at King Faisal Airport for 40 JD (USD $56.50 at the time of writing). Be sure to check your local embassy for up-to-date information about visas.

Travel Insurance

Intrepid requires its passengers to have travel insurance, but I wouldn’t even consider going to Jordan without travel insurance anyway. You honestly never know what could happen. My go-to insurance is World Nomads for every country I visit.

Packing for Jordan

Jordan is a Muslim-majority country, and I recommend dressing more conservatively there than you would at home – both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. If you’re curious as to what sort of items I normally pack for my trips, check out my recommendations  here and check out my dressing for conservative countries packing list here . Also, be sure to bring:

• Bring a filtering water bottle to avoid single-use plastic and stay healthy.
• Always pack a scarf in case you visit a mosque or need coverage from the sun.
• Western toilets are readily available, but toilet paper isn’t, necessarily. Pack some .
• Bring sunscreen , even if you’re traveling in the winter (like I was). The sun is strong even when it’s cold out.
• Dress modestly – dresses like these ones (maxi, short or long-sleeved) are great for Jordan.

P.S. If you’re planning on using public Wi-Fi (likely), I strongly recommend purchasing a VPN subscription . A VPN (virtual private network) is a service that allows you to securely and privately route your internet through a server. Basically, it makes your internet think you’re in one place when you’re in a different one. Why do you need this? Well, if you want to access your bank account or any secure online account, the sites get super sketched out when you’re in a foreign country, making it difficult to access said sites. Additionally, you’re more liable to have your accounts hacked on an unprotected Wi-Fi network. NordVPN is powerful, secure, and inexpensive and a must if you’re planning to log in to any account using public Wi-Fi.

Explore Jordan Itinerary, Day-by-Day

Day 1: amman.

The first official day doesn’t start until the 6 pm welcome meeting, but I recommend arriving at least one day before so you can spend some time exploring Amman. Because four out of five us were in Jordan as part of the combined Egypt-Jordan tour and the fifth person was arriving late, our guide, Muhammad, gave us a city tour around Amman, taking us around downtown and to the Roman Theatre and the Citadel.

Otherwise, your welcome meeting will be at 6 pm, where you will meet your new Intrepid friends and go out for an optional group dinner. I highly recommend Hashem , the best street-food-style restaurant in Amman. It’s affordable, delicious, and loved by locals and visitors alike. Afterwards, the night is yours to do as you please – try some of Amman’s famous knafeh at Habibah Sweets , smoke some shisha (called argeela in Jordan) with your new friends, walk around Downtown, or call it an early night.

Day 2 – 3: Wadi Rum

You’ll wake up early on the first official day of the tour and start your day off with breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, you’ll board a private mini-bus and start the 5-hour journey to Wadi Rum, one of Jordan’s most impressive landscapes. You’ll be spending the next day and a half here, so bring some entertainment (a pack of cards, Exploding Kittens , or other fun card games will do) and get to know your fellow travelers. On the first day, we explored some of the surrounding landscapes, went up to a couple of viewpoints, and enjoyed the spectacular Wadi Rum sunset before enjoying a home-cooked dinner by the Bedouins.

You’ll be camping in Bedouin tents on both days two and three, complete with mattresses, blankets, and communal bathrooms and showers. On day two, you’ll go on a trek around the Wadi Rum area in the morning, and the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. All your meals are cooked by the Bedouins and they’re delicious! Some people get a bit bored on this day, so I recommend bringing a book, journal, games, etc. I was close to my fellow travelers by this point, so we had a great time just hanging out. It was also winter when I visited (February), so the weather outside was quite pleasant as well.

Day 4 – 5: Petra

After a stop at the Wadi Rum visitor’s center this morning, you’ll continue your journey to Petra, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and one of the most amazing sites I’ve ever visited. After checking into our hotel in Petra, we headed to Petra itself for a guided tour. Muhammad was honestly my favorite guide I’ve had with Intrepid for lots of reasons, but I especially appreciated his candid warnings about Petra. He mentioned that our ticket included a “free” horse ride that we would have to tip for heavily later. He told us where in Petra to purchase souvenirs and refreshments if we wanted but that he would have to make a show of asking us if we wanted to buy things near the main entrance to maintain good relations with the vendors. We all really appreciated his candor.

Another thing to note about Petra (which I didn’t experience but have heard from many female travelers): be wary of the Bedouins who invite you to a party/dinner/the back entrance to Petra / etc. I’ve heard of various scams around these offers, so just be a bit wary of overly friendly locals.

Anyway, back to Petra. On the first day, you’ll spend a solid few hours exploring the site with your group, led by your guide. You’ll get your first glimpse at the famous Treasury and be enthralled by just how majestic and impressive Petra is. It’s truly mind-blowing.

We opted to have dinner at our hotel that evening since we knew we’d be waking up early the next day for a long day exploring Petra.

On day two in Petra, you’re free to explore on your own. There are tons of amazing hikes, viewpoints, and buildings in Petra (it’s the size of a small city) so bring plenty of snacks, water, sunscreen, and some sturdy shoes , and get ready for a full day of exploring. I separated from my group at various points, met up with them again, and so on. The day is yours to explore – the site is seriously amazing beyond words.

That evening, I’d pre-planned to do a cooking class with locals with A Piece of Jordan. I was beyond exhausted from the day of hiking but I’m so glad I opted to do it (a couple of my group members joined me as well). It was a great way to meet locals, learn how to cook some delicious Jordanian food, and just chat about culture and customs. I highly recommend doing an experience with them while in Petra!

Day 6: Dead Sea and Madaba

The next morning, you’ll head to Kerak Castle, where you’ll be enchanted by your guide’s tales of battles between the Crusaders and Muslim armies in the 12th century.

Next, you’ll head to the famed Dead Sea, a lake so salty that no animals or plants can survive in it. It’s the lowest point on Earth, and the density guarantees you’ll float, so go ahead and get those classic Dead Sea photos. Did I mention that the water also has healing properties? Just be careful not to shave for a couple of days beforehand – you’ll be extra aware of any cuts you have on your body! Also, don’t forget to bring a towel .

Next, you’ll head to Mt. Nebo, the spot where Prophet Moses is said to have seen the promised land and where he’s supposedly buried. Jordan is filled with tons of historically religious sites, making it extra fascinating for those who practice Christianity, Islam, or Judaism.

Your day will end in the small city of Madaba, famed for its beautiful mosaics and Ottoman-style houses. This is actually where our guide was from, so he knew all the good places to eat and hang out.

Day 7: Jerash and Madaba

The next morning, you’ll drive an hour and a half to Jerash, one of the most impressive Greco-Roman ruins I’ve ever seen. It’s huge with tons of nooks and crannies to explore – and explore we did, after getting the grand tour from Muhammad. Jerash has an incredible collection of theaters baths, archways and more, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring.

Back in Madaba, you’ll visit some of the iconic places in town (like the mosaic-filled St. George’s Church) and then the rest of the evening is yours. Dinner, dessert, and shisha are always a fun way to end the evening.

Day 8: Madaba

The tour officially ends after breakfast today. If you’re headed to the Amman airport, you can easily pre-book a transfer . However, I recommend taking the bus to Amman and spending an additional day or two in the city – there’s plenty to do, see, and eat!

What’s included and what’s optional?

This is an original style trip, but the majority of the activities are included – you mostly just have to cover your meals.

• 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
• All accommodation (5 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a desert camp) and transportation
• Wadi Rum – 4WD jeep safari, guided trek, and desert camp
• Petra – Guided tour of Petra, 2-day entrance pass
• Kerak – Kerak Castle
• Mt Nebo – Mt Nebo visit
• Dead Sea – Dead Sea visit
• Jerash – Roman ruins
• Madaba – St Georges Church

Not included:

• Breakfast on the first day, most lunches (except on the second day in Wadi Rum), most dinners (except both days in Wadi Rum)

To be honest, almost everything I wanted to do in terms of activities is already included in this itinerary. The only additional add-ons I paid for were in Amman (the theater and the citadel) and the cooking class in Petra , which was independent of Intrepid. You can also optionally do the Petra by Night tour, which I’ve heard mixed reviews about. The main expenses on this trip are food-related.

The Tour Leader

One thing I love about Intrepid is that they always hire leaders who are native to the country you’re visiting. Muhammad was our tour guide on this trip and he was by far my favorite Intrepid guide to date. He was incredibly and impressively knowledgeable about Jordan – both in terms of history and current issues. He also went out of his way to make sure we weren’t scammed in Petra, which I appreciated. Lastly, he was fun . He joked around with us and made us all at ease with him and each other – the five of us were all so close by the end of the trip.

Overall Muhammad, along with my fellow travelers, made this trip truly unforgettable – seriously, I can’t say enough good things.

Who travels with Intrepid?

Intrepid Travel attracts people from all over the world. In my experience, most of the travelers tend to come from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. The age range varies wildly – I’ve been on trips with 18-year-olds and 80-year-olds, and everything in between (which makes for some seriously interesting perspectives and characters)! I have to say that the majority of the time, travelers tend to be curious about other cultures and genuinely interested in gaining new perspectives and experiences. Out of all my trips, I’ve only dealt with one unpleasant passenger (it happens) but have often left the trips with plenty of new friends. On this trip in particular, I traveled with four Aussies, all of whom were awesome.

What’s the transportation like?

This was an original trip and we took private, air-conditioned mini-buses as transportation everywhere. We also did a jeep ride in Wadi Rum.

What’s the accommodation like?

This is an original style trip, which means simple, tourist-style hotels (usually around 3 stars). We also glamped in desert camps for two nights. The camps were really comfortable – we had access to bathrooms, showers, and mattresses.

Our hotel rooms were all clean and comfortable – boutique-style and budget-friendly hotels that I would be happy to stay in again. Most of them were within walking distance from the downtown area with friendly staff and all the amenities you’d need. Overall, the hotel accommodation was good – neither bad nor amazing.

What’s the food like?

Jordanians take eating very seriously and it’s no wonder: their food is some of the best in The Middle East (in my opinion). The food is fresh and flavorful, influenced by spices and cooking techniques from both Africa and Central Asia.

Ask any Jordanian what the best dish is and they’ll tell you mansaf, a spiced rice dish made with lamb and fermented yogurt. It’s not for everyone, but definitely worth trying.

Other delicious dishes include kibbeh bi laban (fried meatballs in yogurt), mujadara (a rice and lentil dish), and fattet hummus (a bread, yogurt and chickpea dish) amongst many other delicious eats.

If you’d like to get a true taste of the food scene in Jordan, consider taking a cooking class in Petra and be sure to check out this awesome food tour in Amman!

Is Jordan safe?

I know that Jordan tourism suffers due to its location, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. Jordan is at peace with its neighbors and as long as you don’t go hanging out in the border towns, you’re good. I felt incredibly safe the entire time I was in Jordan. I wandered solo in both Petra and Amman without thinking twice. Men tend to stare, but I didn’t experience any catcalling or harassment.

As a word of caution, I’ve heard of a few concerning incidents from fellow female travelers (especially those traveling solo) in Wadi Rum and Petra – especially Petra. I did not experience this myself despite wandering through Petra on my own for most of day two (it helps that I’m ethnically ambiguous and blend in). However, I’m not discounting these experiences – please do not wander off with local men in Jordan. Yes, hospitality is a thing, but use your discernment – a quick Google search will show you the common Petra scams that women sometimes face.

Overall though, I’d say that Jordan is safe for travelers as long as you follow your gut and use common sense. Be sure to  get travel insurance too – you never know when you might need it.

Would I recommend the Explore Jordan tour with Intrepid Travel?

Yes, yes, yes, I would definitely recommend the Explore Jordan trip with Intrepid. It was incredibly organized and fun and covered the highlights of Jordan. It’s nice that nearly all the activities are already included, making it easier to budget ahead of time, especially considering that Jordan is an expensive travel destination.  Jordan is a country where a local guide / organized tour is a seriously beneficial addition to a trip – public transportation is difficult for tourists and expenses as a solo traveler tend to add up.

Jordan is truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so if you’re considering a tour, book Explore Jordan (or Discover Egypt and Jordan if you have time). It’s an amazing place.

In terms of improvements, I don’t have much to critique about this tour. Some travelers online weren’t too happy with the day three itinerary (a full day in Wadi Rum), but I loved it and had no qualms about spending a relaxing day in the desert. Additionally, although I arrived in Jordan early enough to do a little tour of Amman, I think it’s a shame that an Amman city tour isn’t included as part of the itinerary. Lastly, it’s a tad annoying that the tour ends in Madaba rather than in Amman, since there isn’t much more to do in Madaba at that point. However, this is a relatively painless problem as you can always take a bus or taxi back to Amman (or book a transfer if you’re heading directly to the airport).

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Other Essential Information

The tour starts at USD $1,060 but the actual cost depends on the departure date.

Best Time to Visit Jordan

Jordan is more or less a year-round destination, but hot summers and fairly cold winters make it a country best enjoyed in the spring and autumn. For budget travelers, winter is a definite option as long as you dress properly (I went in February and it was a little cold but fine overall). Note that you can still enjoy the water in the winter since the Dead and Red Seas are warm year-round.

March – May: Springtime is the best time to visit Jordan. It’s warm but not unbearable and the country is covered in wildflowers. Because the climate varies widely depending on where you are, this is the best time to enjoy temperate weather everywhere.

September – November: Weather starts to cool slightly in autumn, but stays pleasant until November, when it starts to cool into the low 60s F – still temperate by most standards.

The official language of Jordan is Arabic, which is spoken by everyone. In most touristy places, you’ll find that many people have a decent grasp of English, but you’re better off learning some Arabic phrases  just in case you find yourself in a jam.

Jordan uses Jordanian Dinars (JD) and at the time of updating this post (January 2024), the rate was about USD $1 to .71 JD. Credit cards are widely accepted in Jordan at touristy places (but not in smaller establishments and towns). You should still bring some cash to exchange or use one of the many ATM machines while there.

Want to extend your trip?

Although this itinerary is pretty thorough, it lacks sufficient time in Amman and doesn’t include a visit to Aqaba.  Even if you’re short on time, I recommend spending at least an additional couple of days in Amman. Here are my recommendations if you want to spend some extra time in Jordan:

• Explore Amman on a city tour
• Learn to cook some Jordanian food or eat your way through the city instead
• Trek to Wadi Mujib Siq
• Relax in some hot springs
• Visit Eastern Jordan’s castle ruins

Final thoughts

Discover Egypt and Jordan was my second trip with Intrepid Travel (I’ve now been on four total). You can read my review about why I like the company so much here . I don’t think group tours are necessary for every country, but I highly recommend doing one in Jordan.

Although I felt safe the entire time I was in Jordan, there’s something to be said about having all the details of your trip already planned and having an awesome guide who is knowledgeable both about the history and the customs. Transportation can be a challenge in Jordan and the same goes for keeping travel costs down (especially for solo travelers).

After spending 10 days in Jordan, my resounding conclusion is this: it’s time for you to get to Jordan. With its welcoming and fascinating culture and awe-inspiring sites, Jordan will surely shatter any misconceptions you have about visiting.

More Jordan Resources

• Jordan Travel Guide
• Shattering Stereotypes Over Food With A Piece of Jordan

Tell me: Would you consider taking an Intrepid Jordan tour? Why or why not? Share in the comments below!

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2 thoughts on “ Exploring Jordan with Intrepid Travel: A Review ”

Thanks for awesome story and pictures. I’m going there next friday and I’m super excited! And what was very interesting is your suggestion to purchase a VPN. I have NordVPN myself and always travel with it, however it’s very rare to see someone recommending it in a travel context. It’s a great app, I always save some extra money on tickets he-he and never miss a chance to watch US Netflix no matter where I am at that moment. All in all, thanks for all the info!

I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Sabrina! I’m SO excited for you – Jordan is amazing! And yessss haha I know that people discount the issue of internet privacy but I’ve had a lot of issues accessing accounts abroad (and Netflix of course) so I think it’s super important to recommend it! That one’s one of the more powerful ones out there so I swear by it! Happy travels 🙂

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Jordan Discovery

Health Safety +

• You’ll never forget your first glimpse of The Treasury in Petra. Spend a day taking in the majesty and mystery of this unforgettable place on a guided tour then enjoy free time to explore.
• Experience the unique sensation of floating in the super-salty waters of the Dead Sea, then cover yourself in the mineral-rich mud for a spa treatment like no other.
• Be welcomed into a local home in Petra where you’ll chat to your friendly family hosts over a traditional meal and learn what life is like in this popular spot.
• Meet Bedouin locals, learn about their ways, and sleep under the stars in a desert camp in the far-out destination of Wadi Rum.
• Relax in the seaside town of Aqaba on the shores of the Red Sea relax around its untouched reefs and transparent waters – a spectacular spot for snorkelling.

What's this trip about?

Travel themes.

• High Adventure
• Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions.

• Historic sightseeing
• Mountaineering
• Camel Riding

Trip includes

• Complimentary Arrival Transfer
• Wadi Rum - Desert Jeep tour
• Petra - Guided tour
• Petra - Home-cooked meal
• Shobak - Shobak Castle
• Madaba - St Georges Church
• Jerash - Roman ruins
• Dead Sea - Visit and float

Popular Trips

Jordan Real Food Adventure

Explore Egypt & Jordan

Jordan & Egypt Express

Premium Egypt & Jordan

Premium Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories

Your trip comes to an end today after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around noon and you are free to leave at any time.

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Dates & Availability

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Audrey Tavares

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This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...

Do not book a tour with Intrepid

Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven month...

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Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

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Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

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Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

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• Toledo Hotel Jordan
• 37 Al Razi Street Jabal Al-Hussein
• Phone: +96 2 6 465 7777

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Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Visit the jewel of Jordan - Petra
• Enjoy a dinner cooked by Bedouin host
• Go diving or rock climbing in Dahab
• Visit Giza's Pyramids and Sphinx
• Eat some fresh seafood after exploring Alexandria
• Introduction
• Day 1 Amman
• Day 2 Petra
• Day 3 Petra
• Day 4 Wadi Rum
• Day 5 Nuweiba
• Day 6 Dahab
• Day 7 Dahab
• Day 8 Cairo
• Day 9 Cairo
• Day 10 Aswan
• Day 11 Aswan
• Day 12 Nubian Homestay
• Day 13 Nile Felucca
• Day 14 Luxor
• Day 15 Luxor
• Day 16 Hurghada
• Day 17 Hurghada
• Day 18 Cairo
• Day 19 Alexandria
• Day 20 Alexandria
• Day 21 Cairo
• Day 22 Cairo

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Customer photos.

Operated by Intrepid Travel

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and some friends. On that trip, they came up with the idea that perhaps others may be interested in this style of travel too. Just like that, Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. They use local transport, sleep in local accommodation from Cambodian stilt houses to Moroccan riads, and employ 100% local leaders. With three different travel styles including basix, original and comfort, themes ranging from cycling trips to family holidays, and itineraries crafted with the perfect balance of must-see sights and free time, Intrepid caters to every type of traveller no matter their age, budget or travel style. The company has grown but their mission remains the same: to change the way people see the world through sustainable, experience-rich travel

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Good 3.8
• Itinerary Average 3.0
• Guide Excellent 4.5
• Transport Good 3.3
• Accommodation Average 2.5
• Food Average 2.8
• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6

• RR Robert · 6th November 2017 I enjoyed the tour overall. I did not like the hotels as I would not rate any of them as even a 1 star. Didn't like the Nubian homestay at all, I mean sleeping on a porch, basically outside, with only 1 bathroom, pretty primitive. The mini buses and... Show more Trip date: October 2017

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 5 Sep, 2024 Thursday 26 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast €2,905 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 12 Sep, 2024 Thursday 3 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast €2,905 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
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• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 19 Sep, 2024 Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 English €2,905 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
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• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 26 Oct, 2024 Saturday 16 Nov, 2024 English Filling Fast €2,905 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

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Good to Know

• Currencies £ Egyptian Pound Egypt د.ا Jordanian Dinar Jordan

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M, J, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, D, M, J. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, J, G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Egypt and Jordan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Egypt and Jordan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Egypt and Jordan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Egypt and Jordan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Egypt. Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Jordan. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 17th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 17th July 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Intrepid Travelling

Intrepid Travelling Experiences, Reviews and Advice

Jordan, located on the banks of the Jordan River (and the saline Dead Sea) has a history of welcoming visitors, from the camel caravans that meandered along the Kings Way, refugees fleeing the regions warzones to Western Travellers exploring the Middle East. However organized tourism is new to Jordan compared to Egypt and Israel.

Jordan can be defined by its welcoming, relative progressive attitude, as well as its monuments such as the Roman amphitheatres and ruins of Jeresh, the crusader castles (such as in Kerek) , the red hues of the weathered sandstone desertscapes, and Bedouin people, of Wadi Rum and then there’s Petra. Known as the ‘Rose City’,

Petra draws intrepid travellers from far and wide to witness the majesty of the 2,300yr old former Nabatean capital with its tombs, temples and ancient aqueducts. Best seen in the early morning when the low light and cool air electrifies the rock walls. One look at the Treasury, undeniably Petra’s signature monument, as you exit the tight bends of the siq and all the efforts to get here are instantly repaid.

How to Visit the World Famous Petra, Jordan’s Best Attraction

Jordan’s most popular attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra, located in the southwest corner of the Hashemite Kingdom. Petra was once the thriving trading hub... Read more  >>

Jordan’s Amman and its Best Day Trips to Jeresh and the Dead Sea

I began my trip through Jordan by arriving overland from Damascus, Syrian’s capital, to Amman, Jordan’s Capital. Officially known as The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Jordan is a... Read more  >>

Intrepid Egypt and Jordan Tour – A Comprehensive Review

Thinking of booking a group tour with Intrepid to Egypt and/or Jordan? Here’s my honest review and what you can expect from this trip. All your questions answered!

This post will cover:

• what’s the booking process?
• what are the hotels like?
• do you really need a sleeping bag ?
• what was the food like?
• do you need to be physically fit ?
• how many people were in the group?
• what were the buses and trains like?
• do you get much time to yourself?
• how much extra did I spend on tickets, food, etc?
• what did I pack ?
• what luggage did I take?
• what were the highlights ?
• where did I stay before/after?
• benefits of taking a tour
• thoughts on the itinerary
• some final tips

Which tour did you take? How much does it cost?

I went on Intrepid’s Jordan and Egypt Uncovered trip which is 22 days long and costs from £1936 (at the time of writing).

This itinerary is actually two tours combined:

• the 9-day Jordan and Egypt Express
• the 15-day Explore Egypt

Both of these trips are Lonely Planet branded itineraries at Intrepid’s Basix comfort level (more about that below).

If you’re interested in travelling to Jordan and Egypt but would prefer a shorter trip or a higher comfort level there are several further options?

• Real Egypt and Jordan – Basix, 15 days, from £1758 (18-29s only)
• Explore Egypt and Jordan – Comfort level, 19 days, from £3511
• Discover Egypt and Jordan – Original level, 15 days, from £2084
• Premium Egypt and Jordan – Premium level, 15 days, from £4005
• Premium Egypt and Jordan In Depth – Premium level, 22 days, from £5340

I chose this particular itinerary because it was the longest trip for the least money and it was the only tour which included Dahab.

The Lonely Planet branded trips also claim to have a decent amount of free built in to the schedule. This was important to me because I’m a slow traveller and an introvert who likes my space (this was my first ever group tour).

What’s the booking process like?

The website provides plenty of information on each tour. I recommend downloading the trip information PDF which will give you a day-by-day breakdown as well as packing and climate suggestions.

There is the option to pay the total or just the deposit upfront. If you select the latter option Intrepid will include a payment schedule with your receipt.

I received an initial ‘Thank You for Booking’ email followed a few days later by the full confirmation which states:

‘After a thorough review, we are happy to advise that, at time of writing, your trip will be operating as scheduled. * * Subject to your trip meeting minimum numbers, if applicable.’ 

So you might want to hold off on booking any flights until you’ve received that full confirmation .

A quick moan : when purchasing, you can tick a box to indicate interest in help with extras transfers and additional nights. It’s also mentioned in several e-mails. But no-one ever got in touch, nor did they reply to the contact form.

Eventually I phoned only to be told I couldn’t book any extra nights through Intrepid because we were now outside the contracted booking period with the hotel. Which is fine but I wish this information was somewhere in booking info – I would have booked it sooner! It would be nice if you could just add these as part of the booking process but for now it’s still a manual step. 

What were the hotels like?

Intrepid do explain what to expect from the accommodation on different trip styles but you have to go hunting for it (you can find it here ).

On Basix trips expect:

‘… clean and centrally located accommodation to give you a good night’s rest along with a great trip price. Generally Basix trips use budget accommodation, sometimes with shared facilities and occasionally on a multishare basis… Typical accommodation types include budget hotels, local guesthouses, camping or homestays. ‘

It’s worth noting that hotels in Jordan and Egypt are not of comparable standard to Western hotels with the same star rating.

I found most of the hotels basic but comfortable enough. Expect a few hard beds and pillows, crispy/small towels, lack of wi-fi, mouldy showers, AC/heating issues, street noise – but thankfully not all at once. 

If you’re used to roughing it or staying in hostels then you’ll be fine. If you prefer a certain level of comfort, cleanliness, and convenience then you might be better off choosing a higher category.

Wi-fi is patchy and in many hotels it’s outside the lobby only. Upload/download speeds are sometimes slow. If you want to upload a lot of photos/video then it’s worth buying a SIM cards, they are pretty cheap in Egypt. Your guide can help you with this in Aswan.

Do I really need a sleeping bag?

I travelled in March which is towards the end of the winter season, and the trip information/packing notes suggested bringing a sleeping bag for the outdoors accommodation (the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and the traditional wooden felucca boat in Egypt). We were also supposed to stay in a beach camp but for this trip we were upgraded to a resort.

Most of our accommodation seemed to have plenty of thick blankets available so personally I didn’t feel the need for a sleeping bag. I did bring a sleeping bag liner but didn’t use it. Freshly laundered sleeping bags were also available to hire on the felucca.

I was colder in some of the hotels which only had thin blankets. If you’re travelling in the winter/shoulder season then I do recommend lots of thermals and layers.

The felucca deck is pictured below – everyone’s on the deck, sleepover-style.

How are the toilets?

Maybe this is one benefit of having a tour guide – they know where the good toilets are. We didn’t come across a single squat toilet in 3 weeks. Most toilets cost 5EGP to use, occasionally 10EGP. Nearly every toilet had paper but it’s worth having a small packet of tissues on you just in case.

Is there a toilet on the felucca?

Yes! But you’ll be sleeping on deck under blankets and there are no shower facilities. We were informed by our guide that most feluccas don’t have a toilet but if you’re travelling with Intrepid you should be ok.

What was the food like?

To be honest, the food was not bad but a bit samey by the end of 3 weeks. There’s a lot of falafel (especially if you’re a vegetarian) and beans , especially at breakfast. The quality varies. Bring snack bars if you think you might get bored of the same breakfast. There were a few hotels with buffet breakfasts which we swooped on.

The best restaurants were in Dahab and Luxor. 

Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth I recommend trying the doughnut balls in Dahab!

Do you have to be physically fit?

Intrepid rate this trip 3/5 active – ‘ This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.’.

As a responsible travel company Intrepid don’t recommend using the camels/donkeys/horses at the ancient sites, and sometimes the only alternative is a long walk.

Petra was the day with the most walking – we easily did 27k steps. You could cut this in half if you don’t do the hike to the Monastery which also has lots of steep and uneven steps.

Electric carts are available at the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. Coaches can drive between the main points at the Pyramids.

Balance might be more of an issue as there are several boats on this trip.

Staff at the snorkel sites are used to guiding those who aren’t confident swimming using a life ring. The life jackets will help you to float too.

How early were the mornings? And how late were the nights?

The pace of the tour wasn’t as gruelling as I expected. I found the itinerary well-planned in that respect.

The busiest bit was Cairo > overnight train > Aswan > early start for Abu Simbel . It probably wasn’t so bad for those joining the trip in Cairo who were still feeling fresh! Thankfully it was followed by the very relaxing felucca trip.

Most mornings were 7-8am. There were two brutally early starts for Abu Simbel and the hot air balloon. These are both optional but personally I wouldn’t miss either of them.

There were several days/scheduled activities scheduled in which were a slower pace, and the second Egypt week was less hectic than the first.

Nights were mostly early, perhaps because our group skewed slightly older but also everyone wanted to get the most out of the ancient sites.

Egypt and Jordan aren’t exactly known as party destinations and not all restaurants serve alcohol but your guide will point you to bottle shops (hello Drinkies!).

How many people were in the group?

There were just 4 of us doing the Jordan portion of the trip but the group size went up to 16 in Egypt.

Our group was 50% under and 50% over 60, the majority women but a few men. It was mix of people travelling together as either friends or couples, and solos.

It truly was an Intrepid bunch – most were well travelled and had been on at least one Intrepid trip before. Some had been on upwards of 10!

I must say that 16 felt a bit too many people for me – although it’s still much smaller than many other tour companies. In the future I would look for trips with a max size of 12.

I was very lucky with my roommate who was lovely. A single supplement is available if you’d rather have a room to yourself.

Do you get much time to yourself?

If there’s one thing I was really worried about before taking a tour it was was having enough time to myself.

When we did have free time I mostly spent it chilling in the hotel rather than doing any extra activities or sites. But I need plenty of time to recharge, your mileage may vary.

I ate with the group most nights but it’s another opportunity to go off by yourself if you’re craving some alone time. 

If you’re still concerned then I recommend getting a single supplement.

What were the buses and trains like?

One bonus of having a bigger group is a bigger bus. In Egypt we mostly travelled on private coaches . We used different buses in different places rather than one bus for the whole trip.

In Jordan we were a smaller group so used minivans . This can feel more tiring for long trips.

The longest drive was 6 hours, most were 2-4 hours.

Don’t be surprised if you get the odd bus which smells of smoke, it’s still very common in this region.

At most stops we were able to leave ours things on the coach and I felt perfectly safe doing so. There was no scary driving, all of our drivers were safe and careful .

How much extra did I spend on meals, tips, and tickets?

Intrepid do give guidance in the Trip Information PDF on how much to put aside for the tipping kitty and tipping your guide. Neither are compulsory but they are the done thing, so to speak. 

However they don’t provide much guidance on how much extra to allow for your personal spending. The Trip Information PDF gives a long list of prices for extra sites and activities but it’s really hard to work out how many you’ll be able to fit in, if any.

I had a quick look on competitor website G Adventures and found that for Egypt they suggested $250 per week. I found this to be roughly accurate for me if you exclude shopping but include food and the main optional extras (guided tours of the Egyptian Museum, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, a few extra tombs and smaller sites, and the hot air balloon).

Jordan is more expensive, I spent around $330 in 5 days including a private driver for Jerash.

What was on my to-do list before flying out?

• Book flights
• Travel insurance (check if your government advises again all but travel in Egypt as this can invalidate your insurance and you’ll need to find a specialist company, I used Battleface as Intrepid suggested)
• Book any extra hotel night in Amman and Cairo plus transfers
• Scan your travel documents and save them somewhere you can access from abroad like Google Docs
• Apply for any visas that you need and can’t get on arrival
• Check vaccination/test requirements
• Check in for your flight and print your boarding pass if necessary
• Download Google Maps offline for your starting city with your hotel saved in it
• Get cash if you need it (I mostly use ATMs but took some Jordanian dinars for my transfer and first day)
• Charge anything that needs charging
• Check that you have the right adapters
• Let your bank know you’ll be travelling abroad
• Take a photo of your luggage before checking it (I also like to keep a packing list with all my items, and make sure your contact details are easily found inside.

What did I pack/wear? And what did I take but not need?

I was expecting a mix of hot and cold weather in March so I packed two outfits of jeans/sweaters plus thermals and fleeces for extra layering, a few maxi dresses, and tunics/leggings.

Unfortunately it turned out to be a cold month with only one or two days warm enough for dresses.

So I wore my packable down jacket a lot. My sandals didn’t get a look-in.

I wish I’d packed an extra couple of pairs of jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies.

It wasn’t too much of an issue being a bit cold during the day but some hotels were very cold at night. I slept in a sweater and thermals most nights. I’m a cold soul so I also  brought a mini hot water bottle which I was very thankful for in Alexandria in particular.

If you’re travelling in warmer months then lots of light loose layers will be most comfortable.

You’ll need a scarf for visiting religious sites (every tourist shop will have them for sale). In more conservative places it’s appropriate to cover your knees, shoulders, and elbows.

A big water bottle (mine is 1.5L) is handy.

What about luggage?

Nearly everyone in our group had at least one rolling suitcase and one carryon . There were a few places we would have to walk with our bags for 5 minutes to reach the hotel so if you’re packing extra make sure you can carry them.

It’s recommended that you bring padlocks for your bags. We didn’t have any issues but better safe than sorry. Not all of the places we stayed had safes in the room.

What were the highlights of my trip?

So many! Petra was a stand out. The site is so much bigger than I had expect and the landscape is totally stunning too.

Everything in Luxor was amazing – Karnak Temple , the Valley of the Kings , and the hot air balloon at sunrise. We had a fun surprise when we checked in and realised we could see the Avenue of the Sphinxes from our balcony!

I loved the chaos of Cairo and the lush beauty of Zamalek , our neighbourhood base.

I’ll never forget the night train to Aswan and the felucca – the Nile scenery took my breath away.

My favourite food was the baba ganoush in Jordan. The best restaurant was Al Sahaby in Luxor.

And my favourite place was unsurprisingly Dahab with its relaxed boho vibe and endless cafes.

Where did I stay before/after?

In Amman I booked a few extra nights at the hotel Intrepid used. This was my least favourite of the hotels and if I was doing it again I’ll book myself into a nicer hotel to make the ease myself in gently.

It’s worth getting to Amman at least one day early because the itinerary does not include anything in the city, nor does it include the huge Roman site Jerash which is undoubtedly one of the country’s highlights. The easiest way to see it is to organise a private driver through your hotel, although it is possible to get the bus if you’re feeling adventurous. I paid 35JOD.

If you only have the one day then it’s worth booking a driver for longer to incorporate any sites you want to see in Amman itself (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Citadel), because Amman is super hilly and it’s attractions are spread out.

I choose not to stay any extra nights in Cairo because I thought we would see enough on the tour. However all of our time there felt rushed. 2 or 3 extra days at the end would be perfect for extra tours to Saqqara, Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and extra shopping time.

I really liked the neighbourhood we were staying in (Zamalek) but I would probably move somewhere with a pool like the Hilton Zamalek which is just down the room.

Is it worth booking the transfers?

I think so yes. I’m a big fan of taking the stress out of arrival in a new place. Although Uber is popular (and cheap) in Cairo we had some problems getting them to actually turn up at the hotel.

Benefits of taking a tour

I’m so glad I went on a tour can’t even imagine trying to do all that by myself!

This point should really be at the top of this page because it’s really the most important – it’s so amazing to have a local guide in Egypt in particular. One who not only can introduce you to Egyptian culture but also has a degree in Egyptology and can translate hieroglyphics for you! Who can help you out with logistics, the tipping, the police permissions, SIM cards, tout hassle, cultural differences, shopping tips, and where to find the best falafel sandwich.

It certainly makes sense for an itinerary that includes a lot of historic sites.

As someone used to travelling solo, it was a real treat being able to leave all the organisation up to someone else. I felt quite relaxed by the end of it (if a little bit passive).

Both my Intrepid guides were amazing and really made the trip special.

Also some of the experiences would not have been possible travelling on my own – like the Nubian homestay and the felucca.

I would happily to return to Jordan, Cairo and Dahab on my own and hire drivers where needed, but I was thankful to be on the Intrepid tour for Egypt’s major sights.

Some thoughts on the itinerary

The Jordan and Sinai section of the trip was perfectly balanced, I loved it.

The middle bit was busy but packed with riches.

But second week in Egypt felt like it was missing a focus. Alexandria was refreshingly untouristy but dedicating a whole day to the war museum didn’t feel like the best use of time. 

On the flip side, I could easily have spent more time in Luxor and Cairo – there were plenty of extra sites that we didn’t have a chance to squeeze in such as Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Saqqara. If your main priority is the Ancient Egyptian sites then consider an itinerary which spends longer in these areas.

I could also happily have spent more time drifting down the Nile!

Any final tips?

• Make sure you read the detailed itinerary and trip information and are happy with the group size and standard of transport/accommodation before booking. 
• Be prepared for a lot of sad looking animals in Egypt.
• Make sure you have the Uber app on your phone for Cairo (but always have a backup plan).
• Keep an eye out for Black Friday and post-Christmas sales on the Intrepid website, you can usually bag yourself a chunky discount!

All images © The Mediterranean Traveller

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Home » News » Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan.

Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond.

Zina Bencheikh, managing director EMEA, said: “Opening a hub in Jordan is a significant milestone for Intrepid.”

“We see this step as a mark of confidence in the country. Despite the current crisis, Jordan has so much to offer our global travellers and we consider it a key destination for our business.

“Having our own DMC will allow us to take the destination to the next level, diversify our product and introduce new purpose initiatives.”

Yvette Thompson, general manager – Sales & Marketing ANZ, said: “Our extensive DMC network ensures that in more places than ever before, our local teams are creating sustainable and authentic experiences for our travellers.”

“It also means that our agents can work with our Tailor Made team on a wider range of destinations and know that they will get the same Intrepid service.”

Intrepid currently brings 6,000 travellers from Europe, North America and Australia to Jordan each year and aims to double that number by 2030.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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What to Know About Travel to Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon

The israel-hamas war has affected tourism in neighboring middle eastern countries. local tour operators and travel companies report on the current conditions on the ground..

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Travelers to Egypt are likely to experience fewer crowds these days.

Photo by Fynn Schmidt/Unsplash

Pia Abboud’s tour business, Discovery Beyond Borders , was already hurting after a trifecta of crises hit her native Lebanon. “Worldwide we had COVID, but in Lebanon, we also had the economic crisis , the Beirut explosion [in 2020], and now the war [in] Gaza and Palestine, which is affecting the south of Lebanon and the region in general,” she said via WhatsApp.

Abboud hasn’t led any tours since October 7, when the war between Israel and Hamas began . Seven months in, she isn’t sure how long she’ll be able to stay in business. “How resilient should we be? Every year there is another surprise that hits, and each time we think it can’t get any worse, and yet it does,” she said.

Jordanian guide Ahmad Alomari had just gotten home from a hiking-guide training in Utah and Wyoming when the war started. What was expected to be a busy high season amounted to cancellation after cancellation. Alomari said he’s seen a 90 percent drop in bookings compared to 2022. “I was thinking of selling my farm and investing out[side] of tourism, but at the same time, everything in Jordan is impacted, and no one is interested in buying,” he said.

Basem Salah, co-founder of Great Wonders of Egypt Travel , has also seen his bookings plummet since October. “The Gaza conflict has affected our cultural as well as beach tourism badly,” said Salah. In all three countries bordering Israel, the war is having a ripple effect on an important pillar of their economies: tourism.

Tourism had been on the rise

When the war began, Lebanon was still coping with one of the worst economic crises since the mid-19th century , which was brought on by a confluence of factors, including mounting debt, political instability, and financial mismanagement. But things had been improving in summer 2023 thanks in part to a “ tourism boom .” A couple of months later, visitors stopped coming, and the World Bank predicted that Lebanon’s economy could reverse into further recession .

Egypt was also seeing travel pick up. After its economy suffered from a spike in grain prices related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 2023 was one of the country’s best years for tourism on record, the government said, though visitor numbers aren’t as high as predicted and aren’t expected to return until U.S. and European travelers do.

Jordan’s tourism industry was skyrocketing in 2023 as well, but in November, travelers from the United States dropped by 90 percent, and British, French, Italian, German, and Spanish visitors all but stopped coming as well. According to Hakim Al-Tamimi, Jordan tourism board’s representative for Western Europe and adventure travel, 4,531 Spanish travelers came to Jordan in September 2023, while just 747 visited the country in February 2024. The decline in visitors is especially significant for an economy like Jordan’s, which receives 14.6 percent of its gross domestic product from tourism (for context, the United States reached 2.9 percent in 2023 ).

Tour operators and hotels have had to lay off staff, leaving workers with few options for employment in Jordan’s fragile economy. “A lot of the things that, with all due respect, Western people take for granted, we just simply don’t have,” said Al-Tamimi. “We don’t have the concept of unemployment checks.”

A journalist who recently traveled to Wadi Rum reported that she had the glamping outpost entirely to herself.

Photo by Hanna/Unsplash

What it’s like to travel to Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon now

Recent visitors and operators on the ground say world-famous sites like Petra in Jordan, Lebanon’s Baalbek Roman Ruins, and the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are rather empty. “It is a recommended time to travel actually,” said Salah of Great Wonders of Egypt.

Yulia Denisyuk , a freelance journalist who visited Jordan on multiple occasions in the past seven years, said that when she was there in February, there was barely anyone in Wadi Rum and no one else at her favorite accommodation, Rum Planet Camp . “It was very surreal: Jordan is always calm but was even more so now without tourists there,” she said. “But it was also eerie and heartbreaking to know that [war] is happening so close to where we stood.”

Karolanne Emery, a teacher who embarked on a weeklong dive trip from London to Egypt in February, said she had a great time in Hurghada and Dahab, and she plans to return this October. “Honestly, apart from the Palestine flags, you would never know that there was a war happening in the next country,” she said.

Travel journalist Dayvee Sutton visited Lebanon on a 33-hour stopover in mid-October near the beginning of the war and said a short trip wasn’t nearly enough. “I only had two days and wish I stayed a week,” she said.

As of press time, the U.S. State Department lists a travel advisory for Jordan as a Level 2, or “exercise increased caution,” while Lebanon and Egypt are listed as Level 3 or “reconsider travel.” The highest level is 4, which is a “do not travel” advisory.

The Baalbek Roman Ruins in Lebanon have traditionally been a popular cultural attraction for visitors.

Photo by Chloe Christine/Unsplash

Travel to the Middle East isn’t expected to return en masse as long as the war continues, but some in the industry are seeing signs that not all travelers are staying away.

Tour operator Intrepid says bookings for its tours to Egypt and Jordan “are strong,” and Alexandra Baackes of Wander Women Retreats said her 14-woman trip to Jordan for May 2024 was sold out. “We definitely have done a lot of guest reassurance around traveling to Jordan at this time, even offering to speak directly to some of our guests’ families who had hesitations,” she said. “As heartbreaking as the situation is right now across the border, I feel confident that our guests in Jordan and Egypt will not be impacted. If anything, they will find thinner crowds and even wider open arms than usual.”

The situation is different in Lebanon, which sees frequent missile fire over its southern border (Beirut, Egyptian Red Sea towns, and an U.S. Army base in northeastern Jordan on the border with Syria have also experienced strikes). Abboud of Discovery Beyond Borders in Lebanon doesn’t expect business to pick back up for at least a year—though her booking calendar is no longer empty. “I’m hosting three groups in the next two months,” she said. “But I still cannot deny that I am nervous every day that something is going to happen and they might cancel.”

“Honestly, we live day by day with no predictions or long-term plan,” she said.

South Korea Tours & Holidays

South Korea has emerged from history as a dynamic destination full of spirit and surprises.

Enchanting travellers with temples full of mystique, markets brimming with divine handicrafts and some of the most beloved cuisine in the world - isn't it about time you surrendered to South Korea's charms?

Our South Korea trips

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South Korea at a glance

Capital city.

Seoul (9.9 million)

51.385 million

(GMT+09:00) Seoul

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about South Korea

Geograhy and environment.

South Korea is located at the south end of the Korean Peninsula, between the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea. Separated from   Japan   by the Korean Strait and demarcated from the state of North Korea by Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), South Korea's terrain is a mix of flat lowlands and forested mountains. The coasts of South Korea are rocky and jagged, with thousands of islands (mostly inhabitable) scattered off the coastline.

Culture and customs

South Korea draws some traditions and customs from other neighbouring countries in Asia with a culture that stems from Confucianism. This system of philosophical and ethical teachings was introduced to South Korea in the 4 th century through Chinese scholars and was quickly embraced by the wider population until it officially became the state ideology in the early 1900s.

Confucianism emphasises respect for aging, elders and ancestors, an intrinsic hierarchy that runs through work and social life, and upholds traditional family roles so you’ll often see families living together in one house.

During your travels around South Korea, you’ll also see plenty of traditions such as the act of bowing when greeting people, women wearing traditional dress (hanbok) and the practice of taekwondo (Korean martial arts). As well as ancient beliefs, new generations of South Koreans are embracing a modernised culture, one full of K-pop, Korean cosmetics and popular foods like kimchi and tteokbokki.

History and government

South Korea’s had an often turbulent history dating back to around 8000 BC when it was known as just Korea, but the country’s most impactful conflict began in the 1500s with the attempted Japanese invasion. Korea went on to become a Japanese colony in 1910 following its annexation of the Korean Empire, which ended in 1945 at the conclusion of World War II.

The country was then divided into two parts, the northern part which was protected by the Soviet Union and the southern part which was protected largely by the United States. Both the northern and southern parts of Korea officially became North and South Korea in 1948 when the two regions failed to agree on forming one, united government.

In 1950, North Korea set in motion the Korean War which was intended to unify the two countries under communism. But after much destruction to infrastructure and loss of human life, a cease-fire was called in 1953 with both countries signing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. The two countries have since agreed to work towards a final settlement (The Peace Treaty on the Korean Peninsula) to formally and officially end the Korean War.

South Korea now enjoys a fully prosperous economy with a similar capital economic standing to countries such as the United States, Japan and various countries in Western Europe.

You can’t go to South Korea for shopping and not stop in Seoul – the country’s premier destination for all things fashion, electronics, street food and skincare. In this shopper’s paradise of a city, you’ll find traditional Korean items perfect for souvenirs to tech gadgets not yet available on Australia’s shores.

Some notable districts/destinations where you can shop ‘til you drop include:

• Myeongdong (shopping district)
• Dongdaemun Market (shopping centre)
• Cheongdam-dong (luxury boutique area)
• Pyeonghwa (wholesale market)

Top 5 culinary delicacies of South Korea

1. bibimbap.

As one of Korea's standout dishes, bibimbap is a tasty concoction of meat, vegetables, egg and rice. Soy sauce, chilli paste, garlic and sesame oil all add flavour to this amazingly colourful dish found everywhere in Korea.

Kimchi is hailed as a nutritional powerhouse - packing a healthy punch of nutrients, vitamins and beneficial bacteria that makes it one of the world's healthiest superfoods. But most people don't eat these fermented vegetables for health reasons - it's the uniquely, tasty flavour and versatility that makes kimchi so popular in Korean cooking.

These delicious, savoury pancakes are a standard of Korean cuisine. With hundreds of different varieties, jeon can be served with red meat, chicken, seafood, vegetables, tofu and even edible flowers.

Similar to sushi, these highly popular rice-based morsels feature fish, beef or crab, wrapped in seaweed with pickled or fresh vegetables. Available all over Korea, they are the perfect snack on the run or quick, cheap lunch to enjoy between sightseeing.

Arriving in Korea by the way of Mongolia, mandu are essentially boiled, steamed or pan-fried dumplings. A cheap, street food favourite, mandu can be filled with everything from pheasant to tofu, cucumber, beef and beyond.

Try out these foods on our 8 day South Korea Real Food Adventure.

Top places to visit in South Korea

Whether you want to take a street food tour of the renowned Gwangjang markets, go shopping among the vibrant streets and check out some high-tech gadgetry or admire this city's soaring skyscrapers from Naksan at nighttime, Seoul can't be missed.

Explore the bustling city of Seoul on our 8 day South Korea Family Holiday.

Visit the fascinating Haedong Temple, explore the colourful Gamcheong Culture Village and take in the all 'round beauty of the second largest city in South Korea.

Travel to Busan on our 9 day South Korea Highlights tour.

Experience Jeonju like a local as you wander the Hanok Heritage Village in search of souvenirs, tasty treats, traditional houses and craft shops.

Admire the culture (and food) in Jeonju on our 9 day Essential South Korea tour.

4. Jeju Island

Wander South Korea's first ever UNESCO World Heritage listed site, Jeju Seongsan Sunrise Mountain/Castle, on the beautiul Jeju Island. And with volcanic landscapes and coastal rock formations, this laidback slice of heaven is well worth a visit.

Marvel at the beauty on Jeju Island on our 9 day Premium South Korea tour.

Festivals and events

Public holidays that may impact travel include:.

• New Year's Day
• Movement / Independence Movement Day
• Buddha's Birthday
• Children's Day 
• Memorial Day
• Liberation Day
• Chuseok / Korean Thanksgiving
• National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol)
• Hangeul Day

*Please note dates of  South Korean public holidays may vary.

Further reading

Similar destinations.

Thinking about a trip to South Korea but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighbouring locations:

South Korea travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit South Korea?

Autumn and spring are considered the optimal times to holiday in South Korea, as the extreme temperatures that are present during summer and winter can make travel uncomfortable at times. During autumn and spring expect moderate temperatures, a mild climate and less rain and humidity than at other times.

Do I need a visa to travel to South Korea?

SOUTH KOREA Australia: No - not required Belgium: No - not required Canada: No - not required Germany: No - not required Ireland: No - not required Netherlands: No - not required New Zealand: No - not required South Africa: No - not required Switzerland: No - not required United Kingdom: No - not required USA: No - not required

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into South Korea. . Most travellers do not need visas for Korea for stays of up to 30 days. You must also have an onward or return ticket.

If you are a male of Korean origin whose name appears on the Korean family register, you may be liable for military service even if you are travelling on your foreign passport.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 20/11/2023

Is tipping customary in South Korea?

Tipping in some establishments (particularly more traditional ones) is considered impolite, and is sometimes indicated with a 'no tipping' sign! Western-style, tourist-orientated places, however, usually welcome and receive tips. Use your discretion.

What is the internet access like in South Korea?

With one of the most developed internet infrastructures in the world, accessing the internet is easy in South Korea. Wi-Fi hot spots and cyber cafes are easily found in the cities, although when travelling in remote areas please be aware that internet access may be harder to find.

Can I use my mobile phone while in South Korea?

Travellers should be able to use their mobile phones in South Korea's cities and urban areas, as coverage is good. As in other countries, rural and mountainous areas may have less mobile phone receptivity. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in South Korea?

South Korea has a combination of squat toilets and western-style flushable toilets. It's a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitiser or soap while on holiday, as these are rarely provided in public toilets.

Can I drink the water in South Korea?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in many parts of South Korea unless otherwise marked. Ask your leader for guidance if you are unsure whether to drink tap water in the area you are travelling in.

Are credit cards accepted widely in South Korea?

Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels and large retailers. Smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards, so always carry enough money to cover purchases, as paying with a credit card may not always be an option in South Korea.

What is ATM access like in South Korea?

ATMs are plentiful in large cities and urban centres, although not all ATMs accept foreign cards. Look for Global or Citibank ATMs, which usually accept cards from other countries.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation