Sustainable Tour of Jordan and Palestine

Ahlan w Sahlan! Welcome to Jordan. Arrival via Queen Alia International Airport and meet with our airport representative to help with the VISA procedures. *Please keep an eye out for the airport representative, proceeding without him will result in paying VISA fees that are non-refundable* Proceed to luggage claim and continue to meet with your at the arrival hall. Our driver will be holding up a name sign to help you distinguish him. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Beit Sitti Restaurant. Beit Sitti is a local cooking and dining experience located in Jabal Al Weibdeh, Amman. Come learn to make a 4 course Arabic meal, then sit back and unwind with good food, the beats of the city, and the dazzling view of old Amman. (This is applicable if arrival to Jordan is prior to noon.)

Note: All drivers, representatives, and guides are local Jordanians. They have knowledge of sustainability. All transportation is private basis using a suitable sized hybrid vehicle based on each group number.

Overnight at: The House Boutique Suites (Amman) or similar: This eco-friendly accommodation implements various sustainability practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste recycling programs. Additionally, the hotel supports local communities by sourcing organic produce from nearby farms and promoting fair-trade practices.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Jerash City, the world’s best preserved Roman provincial city. There, you will meet with an English-speaking local guide (For Approx. 2 hours). This archaeological site showcases well-preserved Roman ruins dating back to the 1st century AD. Sustainable practices at Jerash include ongoing conservation efforts to protect the historic structures and promote eco-friendly tourism practices such as waste management and visitor education programs.

Then continue to Ajloun Castle. Ajloun Castle is a 12th-century fortress nestled in the hills of northern Jordan, Ajloun Castle promotes sustainable tourism by offering guided tours led by local experts who share insights into the region’s history and cultural heritage. The castle also supports community-based initiatives aimed at preserving traditional crafts and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. At the end of your day, transfer back to your hotel in Amman.

Overnight at: The House Boutique Suites (Amman) or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and meet with your driver. Our first stop will be Dana Biosphere Reserve. This protected area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Nubian ibex and the Syrian wolf. Sustainable tourism practices in Dana Biosphere Reserve include guided hikes led by local rangers who provide insights into the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. Additionally, the reserve supports community-based tourism initiatives that provide economic opportunities for local Bedouin communities while promoting environmental conservation.

Afterwards, continue to Petra for check-in at your hotel. In the evening enjoy a dinner with a local Petra family. Visit a local Petra family household, where you will prepare a delicious Jordanian meal and sit around the table with the family learning about the Jordanian culture and its people.

At the end of your day, transfer back to your hotel for an overnight.

Optional: Petra by Night. Petra by Night tours start at 8.30 PM and end at 10.00 PM (every Mon, Wed and Thu) Subject to weather conditions as it might be cancelled in winter.

Overnight at: Valentine Inn (Petra) or similar: This sustainable accommodation option in Petra implements eco-friendly practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste recycling programs. The inn also supports local communities by sourcing organic produce from nearby farms and promoting cultural exchange programs with local artisans.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet with your driver and transfer to the Petra Visitor Center. s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra is committed to sustainable tourism practices aimed at preserving its cultural and historical significance for future generations. Conservation efforts in Petra include ongoing restoration projects to protect the site’s iconic landmarks such as the Treasury and the Monastery, as well as visitor education programs promoting responsible tourism practices such as waste management and respect for cultural heritage.

Meet with your local guide and enter through the Siq and visit the Treasury, Street of Facades, Theater, Colonnaded Street etc. If timing permits, continue to the Petra Museum.  The Petra Museum provides an excellent selection of artifacts found in and around Petra, as well as interactive digital signage, audiovisuals with 3D CG animation and original size reconstruction models, all based on recent archaeological research. Experience the region of Petra over time from the Stone Ages up to the present time, where you can explore and discover the hidden mysteries of the ancient city, and the people who lived there. Afterwards, transfer to a local restaurant in Wadi Musa, Qantara Restaurant, where you will enjoy a lunch buffet.

After lunch, transfer to Wadi Rum. This stunning desert landscape is renowned for its dramatic sandstone mountains and rich cultural heritage. Sustainable tourism practices in Wadi Rum include guided jeep tours led by local Bedouin guides who provide insights into traditional desert conservation practices and promote respect for the natural environment. Additionally, the camp offers eco-friendly activities such as hiking and camel riding, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and supporting local communities. Check-in, dinner, and overnight at the campsite.

Overnight at: Sun City Camp (Wadi Rum) or similar: This sustainable desert camp in Wadi Rum offers eco-friendly accommodation options such as traditional Bedouin-style tents equipped with solar-powered lighting and composting toilets. The camp promotes responsible tourism practices such as Leave No Trace principles and supports community-based initiatives that provide economic opportunities for local Bedouin communities while preserving the natural beauty of the desert landscape.

After breakfast at your campsite, meet with your driver and transfer to the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Enjoy a 4-hour 4*4 Jeep tour of Wadi Rum, including a freshly prepared lunch. A jeep tour is the best way to discover many sites there. You will stop at each site giving you time to roam around and a chance to climb some of the beautiful naturally formed bridges in Wadi Rum. The lunch included is a sustainable lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients, supporting Wadi Rum’s communities, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Continue to Ma’In Hot Springs Resort & Spa. This eco-friendly resort overlooking the Dead Sea utilizes natural thermal waters for its spa treatments and promotes sustainability through energy-efficient practices, water conservation measures, and waste recycling programs. The resort also supports conservation efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Dead Sea while providing guests with opportunities to relax and rejuvenate in a natural setting.

Transfer to the Dead Sea for check-in and overnight.

Optional: Hot Air Balloon ride for 1 hour: Explore the mystic Wadi Rum desert with a Hot Air Balloon ride

Overnight at: Dead Sea Spa 4* or similar – The Dead Sea Spa Resort, owned by the Jordanian family: the Nazzal family, was the first hotel built at the Dead Sea in Jordan. Located 420 meters below sea level, the hotel is situated at the Dead Sea cove thus currently houses largest private beach in the Jordan Valley.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, meet with your driver and transfer to Allenby Bridge for Holy Land crossover. Go through customs and immigration, then meet with your driver at the arrival hall, Holy Land side. Transfer to Jericho for check-in and overnight at your hotel. (If this day is a Friday or Saturday, must be at Allenby Bridge at 8 am.) Jericho is the oldest city in the world having the lowest point on earth which is the Dead Sea. Jericho, the world’s oldest city with more that 10,000 years of continuous civilization, and the worlds lowest city; ” Around 400 meters below sea level.

Overnight at: Jericho Resort or Bab Al Shams Resort or Al Bayara resort or similar.

The above-mentioned hotels are owned by Palestinians who hire Palestinian staff, they support the Palestinian community by buying the local products which are being produced in Palestine.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit a date factory and land in Jericho, Jericho is very famous of planting dates and exporting to countries abroad due to its hot climate. Hear the story and know how people plant, produce and sell the dates. For those, who are interested in biking, there is a possibility of doing a short bike in the streets of Jericho. Proceed to Tel Al Sultan, a shot hike in the archeological site which is known as the ancient Jericho there we can see the remains of the oldest city in the world. Proceed to Mount of Temptation, use the cable car to ascend to Mountain, see the site where it is believed that Jesus was tempted by the Devil up the hill. Pass by Hisham’s palace Representing a sample of early Islamic architecture.  Short stop viewing St. George’s Monastery & Wadi Qelt which is a natural rift in the hills with high, sheer rock wall. Proceed to Bethlehem for overnight at hotel.

Overnight at: Dar Sitti Aziza Guest House, or Hosh Al Serian Guest House or similar

Palestinian Christian guest houses, Azziz is the grandmother of the family which owned the place and now run by her grandchildren. https://darsittiaziza.com/en/the-story

Hosh Al Serian located in the heart of Bethlehem, offering Palestinian breakfast and Olive Oil base and Cotton products https://www.hoshalsyrian.com/

After breakfast at your hotel, meet with your driver for another eventful day. Visit of the Church of the Nativity which is the most important landmark in Bethlehem and marks the site where the nativity took place. It was in Bethlehem just over 2,000 years ago that Mary gave birth to baby Jesus. Today Bethlehem is a thriving city in the Palestinian Authority West Bank approximately 10 km south of Jerusalem and the Nativity Church is the city’s top attraction. Walk with our guide towards the old city and market of Bethlehem, The Old City farmers’ market, where every day, farmers from nearby villages gather to sell their fresh products. A crossroads for the Bethlehem region, you are sure to find the best and most surprising products. Enjoy walking inside the market surrounded by local sellers, food and old shops. We can try the famous Falafel , a traditional light meal which contains Hummus and local spices, enjoy seeing it done in front of our eyes. We continue our day and proceed to Banksy Museum, visit the place have a tour in the hotel there. Traditional dinner with a local family in Bethlehem.  Back to hotel for overnight.

After breakfast, proceed to visit Herodium Palace, or what we call the Mountain as it has a hall in the middle of it, it was a place for King Herods back in the old days. Those who are interested in Glass products, proceed to visit a glass factory in Hebron which is owned by Palestinian people,  to see how they produce  products, glasses, plates, souvenirs hand craft with different shapes and colors of glass. We either visit Bethlehem University, meet with students , have a small chat and hear the story of living in a Palestinian city.  Or visit an elderly house in Bethlehem, meet the women of the house, sing, dance the traditional Arabic dances, and have local lunch there. Visit Cremisan Valley, Cremisan has a winery and vineyard, it exports different kind of wines to all over the world. Meet with the staff, have small explanation of the history of the place and the conflict with israel in terms of Land ownership. Enjoy a wine tasting !!

After breakfast, we will drive to Ramallah. Today, Ramallah is seen as the cultural and political centre of Palestine. With its lively town centre, museums, art galleries, theatres, parks, a booming restaurant scene and a bustling nightlife, Ramallah is a fast-growing cosmopolitan.  We will visit Al Qasaba Theatre to watch a short movie about Palestine (subject to availability), then we have an Optional visit to Yasser Arafat Tomb. Enjoy Coffee or Ice Cream at Rukab shop which is the oldest Palestinian ice cream producer, proceed to visit Taybeh, a Palestinian village ,Today, the villagers are particularly proud of the Christian tradition. Visit The al-Khader church, originally Byzantine, then rebuilt by the Crusaders.  We will continue to visit the beer factory (Taybeh beer – taybeh means “delicious” in Arabic) is a high quality natural beer, and is found in all Palestinian cafés serving alcohol.

Overnight at the hotel of Taybeh which is owned by a local family living in the same area.

After breakfast,  check out from hotel transfer to Allenby Bridge to cross to Jordan, cross the border to reach Jordan side, meet our representative there, proceed to Amman for overnight stay at hotel.