Best of Dana

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Dana

The 15th-century stone village of Dana lies on a precipice overlooking a wide valley, and has a fascinating collection of Ottoman-style dwellings that seem little changed over the years. While most of the village’s original inhabitants now live in nearby Al-Qadisiyyah, some of their former homes have been transformed into eco-lodges. Dana is also the gateway to outdoor adventures in one of Jordan’s most important nature reserves.

You’ll find an impressive array of plant and animal life amid the varied landscapes of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Hiking trails ranging from short jaunts to multi-day treks offer the chance to spy some of the unique wildlife, including the Sand Cat, the world’s only feline that spends the majority of its time in the desert. You can make the most of your trip by overnighting in the desert at atmospheric places like Rummana Camp.

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Hike through The Siq to reach the ancient city of Petra

Trekking Adventures in Jordan's Valleys & Deserts - 6 Days

Discover some of Jordan's most remarkable natural landscapes on foot with this action-packed, six-day adventure. You'll abseil down the river canyons of Wadi Numeira, hike through the Dana Biosphere Reserve, trek in the footsteps of Petra's ancient inhabitants, and surf sand dunes by Jeep as you explore the red deserts of Wadi Rum. The Dead Sea provides an oasis for you to recover from your epic hikes before you finish the trip with one last trek through Wadi Mujib.

Follow the Siq trail in the UNESCO-listed Petra archaeological site

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 12 Days

Get ready for a 12-day active adventure in Jordan, starting with a quick city tour in Amman before a transfer to Dana. Here, you'll set off on a five-day hike along a portion of the Jordan Trail to rugged canyons, ancient mines, and Bedouin settlements. Your trek ends in Petra, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed wonder before venturing into the deserts of Wadi Rum. Take a break in the City of Mosaics, and end the trip with an epic bike ride and an afternoon at the local hot springs.

Jordan's Natural Wonders: Amman, Dana, Petra & Wadi Rum - 7 Days

Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, this week-long active itinerary immerses you in Jordan's contrasting natural landscapes. Starting in the capital of Amman, you'll explore the lush forests of Aljoun and stroll the boardwalks of Azraq's biodiverse wetlands, then head south to hike through the breathtaking Dana Biosphere Reserve. Continue to Petra to explore its ancient carved canyons, and venture into the "Valley of the Moon" to camp under desert skies and watch the sunrise over shifting sands.

Hike the Jordan Trail: Amman, Dana, Petra & the Dead Sea - 11 Days

This 11-day adventure takes you trekking along a breathtaking portion of the famed Jordan Trail. Beginning at the Dana Biosphere Reserve and ending at the ancient carved canyons of Petra, you'll cross rugged desert landscapes by day and camp under the stars by night. As the hiking portion of your trip draws to a close, transfer to the shores of the Dead Sea for some well-earned downtime before ending your stay in the lively capital of Amman.

Spend five days hiking along a portion of the Jordan Trail

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 13 Days

Outdoor enthusiasts will thrive on this 13-day trip that includes a five-day hike along the Jordan Trail. Touch down in Amman and take a spin around the capital's landmarks, then continue to Dana, where you'll spend time with the locals before setting off on your multiday trek. Spot local flora and fauna, ancient ruins, and rugged desert landscapes and overnight in remote camps and ecolodges. Then, sit back and hop between highlights like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea with a private driver.

Jordan Adventure Trip: Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba - 14 Days

This adventure-filled itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for an active two-week vacation. Hike through Petra and explore Wadi Rum, climb over rock bridges, go diving in Aqaba, discover ancient Roman ruins and much more.

Cycle through Jordan's otherwordly landscapes

Jordan Cycling Adventure: Madaba to Wadi Rum - 8 Days

Cycle through some of Jordan's most spectacular desert landscapes on this active 8-day itinerary. Setting out from historic Madaba, you'll make your way south along the Dead Sea coast, visiting ancient landmarks like Shobak Castle and the lost city of Petra. Cross shifting sands and rugged mountains to end your adventure among the red dunes of Wadi Rum, where you'll sleep under the stars in a Bedouin camp.

Hike a portion of the Jordan Trail, ending in the UNESCO-listed Petra

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 8 Days

Lace up your hiking boots, stretch your legs, and get ready for an eight-day adventure that includes a multiday hike down the famed Jordan Trail. Settle into the capital with a guided tour of Amman's landmarks, then transfer to Dana, the starting point of your trek. Over five days, you'll cross vast deserts, explore lush valleys, and discover ancient ruins of mines and once-thriving cities. End with a dramatic hike into Petra, where you'll have free time to explore the UNESCO-listed "Rose City" before departure.

Marvel at the well-preserved Nymphaeum, dedicated to water nymphs, in Jerash

History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 15 Days

This 15-day trip gives you an in-depth look at Jordan's ancient past—with plenty of active excursions alongside the history. Tour Amman's landmarks and museums, then roam the UNESCO-listed sites of Jerash, Pella, and Gadara. Spot wildlife as you cycle around the Azraq Wetland Reserve, marvel at mosaics in Madaba, and hike remote trails in the Dana Biosphere Reserve. Spend a full day uncovering the secrets of Petra, travel the dunes of Wadi Rum by camel, and end with a dip in the Dead Sea.

Explore the lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum on foot, in a Jeep, and atop a camel

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 15 Days

Pack your hiking gear and set off on a 15-day active adventure across Jordan. Spend one day discovering Amman's landmarks, then head north to marvel at the ruins of Jerash and Ajloun Castle. Transfer to the charming village of Dana to meet the friendly locals and start your epic five-day hike down a portion of the Jordan Trail. Other highlights include a self-guided tour of Petra, a Jeep safari in Wadi Rum, a soak in Ma'in Hot Springs, and a day of buoyant bliss in the Dead Sea.

Drink tea with locals in a Jordanian Bedouin home

Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 8 Days

A feast for the senses awaits on this eight-day journey through Jordan that follows the Rift Valley. You'll start in the capital of Amman with a street art tour before visiting the ancient cities of Jerash and Umm Qais. Dive deeper into the local culture with jam-making, foraging, and calligraphy workshops, then seek out natural wonders at the Ajloun Forest Reserve and Dana Biosphere Reserve, where you'll sit down to a meal with a Bedouin family and explore the surrounding landscapes on scenic hikes.

Explore the remarkably well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash with your private guide

History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 16 Days

This 16-day itinerary features Jordan's most famous historical sites alongside plenty of immersive local experiences and outdoor adventures. Tour UNESCO-listed ruins like Jerash, Pella, and Gadara, then spend a day alongside Bedouin villagers in Dana. Reach Petra via a hike along its hidden back trail and venture into the Wadi Rum for desert camping and camel rides. End on the shores of the Dead Sea to learn about the area's ancient cultures and stop by the legendary Lot's Cave.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Petra on your own and follow a back door trail to its Monastery

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 16 Days

From the bustling capital to the serene Dead Sea, this 16-day Jordan itinerary perfectly blends outdoor adventure and cultural immersion—with a rugged five-day trek along the Jordan Trail in between. Highlights include exploring the Ajloun Forest Reserve, spending a day with locals in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, admiring Petra's rock-cut architecture, camping among Wadi Rum's desert dunes, and an epic bike ride to the Ma'in Hot Springs.

Jordan Trekking Adventure: Dana, Petra, Wadi Mujib, Aljoun & the Dead Sea - 9 Days

Trek through some of Jordan's most dramatic and diverse scenery on this active 9-day itinerary. Explore the unspoiled ecosystems of the Dana Biosphere, embark on an epic hike to the lost city of Petra, and camp with the Bedouin in the deserts of Wadi Rum. After some downtime to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea, more adventure beckons with treks through Jordan's "Grand Canyon" and the Aljoun Forest.

You'll hike a portion of the 419-mile (675 km) Jordan Trail over five days

Hike the Jordan Trail From Dana to Petra - 9 Days

This nine-day active adventure takes you from Amman in the north to Petra in the south—with an intrepid five-day hike along the Jordan Trail in between. After a whirlwind tour of Amman's landmarks, transfer to Dana and set off with a private guide to traverse verdant highlands, arid deserts, rugged canyons, and several historical sites on foot. End among the soaring sandstone facades of Petra, then put your feet up as you learn about Bedouin hospitality in Wadi Rum with a Jeep safari and camel ride.

Forage for ingredients like fresh almonds in the fields surrounding Umm Qais

Culture & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 9 Days

Immerse yourself in Jordan's rich culture and culinary delights over nine days, starting with a street art tour in the capital, Amman. Transfer to Umm Qais, where you can forage for edible plants and produce, then move on to Ajloun for an Arabic calligraphy class. Stop at a farm in As-Salt to make jam and yogurt, tour a women's cooperative back in Amman, and sip on local wine at Jordan Vineyards & Winery. Break up all the eating and drinking with three days of hiking in Dana and Wadi Feynan to end your trip.

Jordan Trekking: Dana to Petra & the Dead Sea - 10 Days

Trek your way through some of Jordan's most breathtaking landscapes on this adventurous 10-day itinerary. Experience the pristine nature of Dana Biosphere Reserve, then set out into the rugged countryside for five days of trekking towards Petra. A dramatic final climb takes you to the sandstone city's hidden entrance, where you'll have plenty of time to explore its carved temples and tombs before transferring to the Dead Sea for some well-earned rest.

Go on a three-hour hike in the lush Mujib Nature Reserve

Hike Jordan's Valleys & Canyons: Amman, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea - 11 Days

Get off the beaten path and into some of Jordan's most spectacular scenery on this adventurous 11-day itinerary. Scramble along the sandstone cliffs of Wadi Numeira, explore the ecosystems of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, trek the back route to the sandstone city of Petra, and climb desert dunes to watch the sunrise over the Wadi Rum. After some soothing soaks in the Dead Sea, you'll be ready to hit the trails one last time with a memorable hike through the soaring river canyon of Wadi Mujib.

Follow your guide down the Siq Trail in the Mujib Nature Reserve

Jordan's Natural Wonders: Amman, Dana, Petra, Wadi Rum, Aqaba & Dead Sea - 11 Days

Outdoor adventures abound on this 11-day exploration of Jordan's most spectacular deserts, forests, and canyons. Go bird-watching in the wetlands of Azraq, hike through the unique ecosystems of Dana and Ajloun, camp on the red sands of Wadi Rum, and trek along the river canyon of Wadi Mujib. In between active excursions, you'll tour iconic cultural sites like Petra, Jerash, and Umm Qais—then relax and unwind on the beaches of the Red and Dead Seas.

Stop at the 12th-century Kerak Castle on your way to Dana

History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 11 Days

Discover Jordan's cultural, historical, and natural highlights on this far-reaching 11-day trip. Start in Amman for a tour of the capital's landmarks, then move onto the Azraq Wetland Reserve to go on a guided walk and bike ride. Spend a day discovering Madaba's mosaics before heading further south to Dana to hike in the nature reserve and visit the locals. A self-guided exploration of Petra, a camel ride in Wadi Rum, and a leisurely afternoon in the Dead Sea will close out your trip.

See UNESCO-listed Petra's greatest treasures, like the rock-cut Monastery

History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 12 Days

Discover the varied landscapes, rich history, and diverse heritage of Jordan on this 12-day trip, starting in Amman with a traditional Jordanian dinner and two city tours. Spend one day up north to wander through the ancient ruins of Pella and Gadara, then transfer to the Azraq Wetland Reserve to look for wildlife on a guided trek. Head south to the City of Mosaics, Dana Biosphere Reserve, and UNESCO-listed Petra before ending with a float in the Dead Sea and a visit to the Ma'in Hot Springs.

Experience Bedouin culture as you camp among the desert dunes of Wadi Rum

Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 12 Days

Uncover the beating heart of Jordanian life with this 12-day itinerary that takes you from the bustling capital to rural landscapes and remote deserts. Tour Amman's modern street art before stepping back in time at the ancient ruins of Umm Qais, Jerash, and Petra. Head deeper into the countryside to explore more of Jordan's roots through craft-making in rural communities, dive into the culinary scene via your taste buds at breweries and wineries, and experience Bedouin hospitality at a desert camp.

Experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality with this 11-day journey through its culture and cuisine

Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 11 Days

Follow the Great Rift Valley from north to south on this 11-day tour that reveals Jordan's culture through its delicious food, spectacular nature, and mesmerizing experiences. Starting in the capital of Amman and culminating with a grand finale at the "lost city" of Petra, you'll learn more about the country's heritage through visits to ancient sites, cultural activities, hikes in distinctive landscapes, and culinary adventures, both in the kitchen and around the fire pit.

Trek along the Jordan Trail towards Petra

Trek the Jordan Trail: Dana to Petra & Wadi Rum - 13 Days

Check one of the world's greatest trekking routes off your bucket list with this 13-day adventure along the Jordan Trail. Setting out from the lush valleys of the Dana Biosphere Reserve, you'll hike your way along the scenic route to Petra—spending your evenings surrounded by nature in comfortable Bedouin-style tents. After an epic climb to the hidden back entrance of the sandstone city, transfer into the red sands of Wadi Rum to end your adventure with an unforgettable desert experience—camping, hiking, and riding camels across the "Valley of the Moon."

Go on two camel rides across the red desert landscape of the Wadi Rum

History & Heritage Tour of Jordan: From Amman to the Dead Sea - 13 Days

Uncover thousands of years of history and culture with this 13-day itinerary, beginning with a local dinner and city tours of the Jordanian capital. Experience the ancient ruins of Pella, Gadara, and Jerash, then explore the Azraq Wetland Reserve on foot and bicycle. Admire the colorful mosaics in Madaba, spend a day with Dana's residents, and wander through Petra on your own. Two Jeep tours, a camel ride in Wadi Rum, and a float in the Dead Sea await before your return to Amman.

Learn about Jordanian culture through its food and its people on this 13-day tour

Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 13 Days

Experience Jordan's rich culture and delectable gastronomy on this 13-day journey that's perfect for adventurous travelers. You'll discover flavorful Levantine dishes and scenic hikes with landscapes both lunar and leafy. Learn about Bedouin culture through homestays and crafts, explore the ruins of ancient Roman and Byzantine cities, and explore desert landscapes by camel and Jeep. Of course, famous sites like Petra, Jerash, and a few spins around the capital of Amman are included too.

Off the Beaten Path in Egypt & Jordan: Cairo, Luxor, Petra, and More- 14 Days

This 14-day itinerary through Egypt and Jordan takes you to places off the beaten path. Explore Siwa, an ancient and isolated urban oasis on the border of the Sahara, hike through the Dana Biosphere Reserve to one the world's best eco-lodges, and stroll through ancient alleyways in the village of Salt. Of course, there'll be plenty of time dedicated to visiting cultural and historical attractions like Cairo and Luxor, the Dead Sea, Petra, and Wadi Rum.

Explore the Dana Biosphere Reserve and visit the stone village of Dana

Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, & More - 14 Days

This two-week tour of Jordan covers cultural highlights and lesser-known attractions. Start in Amman and travel the length of the country from the hills of Umm Qais down to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Along the way, you'll discover the ancient city of Petra, camp in Wadi Rum, and float in the Dead Sea. You'll also tour Crusader-era castles, hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and visit the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba.

Experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality with this 15-day journey through its culture and cuisine

Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 15 Days

Explore Jordan from top to bottom on this 15-day journey for thrill-seekers, foodies, and culture hounds alike. Kick off the trip in the capital of Amman and end in Jordan's famous deserts of Wadi Rum. Everywhere you go, from cities to villages, you'll be immersed in Jordanian culture and cuisine, learning how to make Arabic coffee and traditional dishes by hand, exploring ancient ruins and modern markets with local guides, and crafting artisan wares that Bedouin peoples have used for centuries.

Dig in to delicious Jordanian dishes and roll up your sleeves as you cook alongside locals

Cultural & Culinary Tour of Jordan - 16 Days

Get to the heart of Jordanian life through its culture and cuisine with this immersive 16-day itinerary. From modern city life in the capital to ancient traditions at a Bedouin desert camp, you'll run the gamut of cultural experiences. Learn about regional gastronomy with cooking classes, foraging tours, and wine tastings, then set off for more active adventures in the Dana Biosphere Reserve and a full-day exploration of Petra. End in relaxing fashion with free time on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Desert Yoga Escape in Jordan: Wadi Rum & Little Petra - 9 Days

On this nine-day retreat to Jordan, you’ll connect with the elements with outdoor yoga and equine therapy. Take in the desert surroundings in Wadi Rum and Little Petra, a beautiful backdrop for your daily yoga practice. Bedouin camps will provide a home to chant, meditate, participate in fire gatherings, and sleep under the stars. Take a camel ride, explore the iconic Monastery in Petra, and take a therapeutic float in the Dead Sea to end this enlightening trip.

Other popular travel destinations in Jordan
Petra · Amman · Wadi Rum · The Dead Sea · Aqaba · Madaba · Feynan · Ajloun · Umm Qais · Little Petra

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