What does this tour cover and how long is it?
The Lebanon Jordan Encounters tour is a 16-day small-group journey that starts in Beirut and ends in Amman. You spend roughly the first week exploring Lebanon, including Beirut, the Qadisha Valley, Byblos, Baalbek, and the southern coastal cities, then cross to Jordan for Amman, Dana, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea, Madaba, Mount Nebo, and Jerash.
What are the biggest highlights in Lebanon?
Lebanon highlights include the Jeita Grotto (one of the world's most spectacular limestone cave systems, 9km of caverns and towering stalactites), the Baatara Gorge waterfall (a 255-metre cascade falling through three natural stone arches into a chasm), an overnight stay in a monastery in the UNESCO-listed Qadisha Valley, the Cedars of God (one of the last ancient cedar groves in Lebanon, the tree that appears on the national flag), the Roman temples at Baalbek (among the best-preserved in the entire Middle East), and a wine tasting in the underground caves at Ksara Winery.
What are the biggest highlights in Jordan?
Jordan highlights include Wadi Rum (a vast desert of red sand and towering rock formations, with a Bedouin camp overnight, a jeep safari, camel ride, and Zarb dinner cooked underground), Petra via the back route through Little Petra and a mountain trail to the Monastery before descending to the Treasury, a float in the Dead Sea, a hike through the Wadi Mujib Siq trail (April to October), the colonnaded Roman streets of Jerash, the Byzantine mosaics of Madaba including the famous Madaba Map, and Mount Nebo with views to Jericho and the Jordan Valley.
What is the Baalbek visit like?
Baalbek is known as the City of the Sun and contains some of the most impressive Roman temple remains on earth. The site was dedicated to the Heliopolitan triad of Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. The Temple of Jupiter's six remaining columns each stand 22 metres tall. It is widely considered to be among the finest examples of Roman architecture anywhere in the world, and your guide brings the scale and history to life.
What is the Qadisha Valley monastery stay like?
You spend a night at the Kozhaya Monastery in the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into a dramatic limestone gorge. The monastery offers simple but comfortable en-suite rooms and a genuinely rare experience of staying in a working Maronite Christian religious community. The valley is home to ancient cedars, hermit caves cut into the cliffs, and dramatic views.
How does the Petra visit work on this tour?
Rather than arriving through the Siq like most visitors, this tour takes the back route. You enter through Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) and walk a mountain trail that brings you to the Monastery from above before descending to the Treasury. This approach avoids the main crowds and gives you a completely different perspective on the site. Petra by Night is available as an optional add-on.
What is the Wadi Rum experience like?
You spend a night at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. During your time there you take a jeep safari through towering sandstone formations, sand dunes, and rock bridges, go on a camel ride, and take part in traditional Bedouin activities including bread-making, coffee preparation, and (where available) sheep shearing and milking. The Zarb dinner is a slow-cooked lamb and chicken feast prepared underground. The star gazing in the desert is exceptional on clear nights.
What is the group size on this tour?
Groups have a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 18. Departures are guaranteed once 2 people are booked. This relatively small maximum size keeps the experience personal and makes logistics in narrow medinas and on hiking trails much easier.
Does the itinerary change in winter?
Yes. Between December and May, some mountain roads in Lebanon can be closed by snow. The winter itinerary is adjusted to avoid those routes while keeping all the key highlights. If your departure falls during this period, the team will confirm the exact routing in advance.
Are there any related tours if I want to focus on one country?
Yes. Encounters Travel offers Lebanon Encounters (8 days, Beirut-Beirut) and Jordan Encounters (9 days, Amman-Amman) as standalone tours. The Ancient Encounters tour (16 days, Egypt and Jordan) is also available for those who want to combine Jordan with Egypt.
What is included in the tour price?
Included are accommodation throughout (3 to 4-star hotels, a guesthouse, a monastery, and a Bedouin camp), 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, an English-speaking tour leader, transport by air-conditioned vehicle throughout Lebanon and Jordan, all entrance fees in Lebanon, the Jeita Grotto visit, Ksara wine tasting, the Petra back-route hike, the Wadi Mujib Siq hike (or Bethany in winter), the Wadi Rum jeep safari and Bedouin activities, and the Dead Sea float.
What is not included in the tour price?
Not included are international flights to Beirut and from Amman, the Beirut to Amman internal flight, travel insurance (mandatory), Jordan entrance fees (the Jordan Pass is a practical option for most), most lunches and several dinners in Jordan, personal spending, tips, and optional activities such as Petra by Night.
Is the Beirut to Amman flight included?
No. The internal flight from Beirut to Amman is not included in the tour price. Direct flights are available with Middle East Airlines and Royal Jordanian. Encounters Travel will advise on the recommended flight timing, but you purchase it independently.
What is the Jordan Pass and should I get one?
The Jordan Pass is a combined visitor pass available to purchase online before you travel. For most nationalities it covers the Jordan visa fee plus entrance to over 40 sites including Petra, Jerash, Wadi Mujib, and Madaba. It is widely recommended and works out cheaper than paying separately. Check the Jordan Pass website for current pricing and nationality eligibility before you book.
Are Lebanon entrance fees included?
Yes. Entrance fees to sites visited in Lebanon are included in the tour price. Jordan entrance fees are not included, which is why the Jordan Pass is recommended.
How active is this tour?
This tour is moderately active. It involves walking tours of several hours in Beirut, Byblos, Baalbek, Jerash, Petra, and Amman, a hike in the Dana Biosphere Reserve with a picnic lunch, and the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail (April to October) which involves wading through a river gorge for 2 to 3 hours. The Petra back-route walk from Little Petra to the Monastery and then to the Treasury is a full day on rough, uneven terrain. Good walking shoes are essential.
Is the Wadi Mujib hike compulsory?
No. The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail is only possible from April to October when water levels allow safe access. Outside that season the group visits the Bethany Baptism Site on the Jordan River instead. If you have mobility concerns or would prefer to skip the Siq in season, let the team know in advance.
Is the Petra back-route walk difficult?
The back-route through Little Petra and the mountain trail to the Monastery is a full-day walk on rocky terrain with some steep sections and rock-hewn steps. Sturdy walking shoes with ankle support are strongly recommended. Most people of average fitness manage it comfortably, but it is worth flagging if you have knee problems.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Encounters Travel tours. Your policy must cover personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and trip cancellation. You must provide your policy details to Encounters Travel before departure.
Is it safe to travel in Lebanon and Jordan?
Jordan is widely considered one of the safest and most stable countries in the Middle East with a long history of welcoming international tourists. Lebanon has had periods of political instability and it is important to check current official government travel advice for your nationality before booking and again before you travel. Encounters Travel monitors the situation closely and will communicate any itinerary adjustments if needed.
What support is available on tour?
Your tour leader is with the group throughout and is experienced in managing situations on the ground. Encounters Travel also has emergency contact support available for travellers. Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation cover is essential.
What accommodation is used on this tour?
In Lebanon you stay at Gems Hotel Beirut (Hamra district), Aleph Boutique Hotel Byblos (overlooking the Mediterranean, 5 minutes from the ruins), Massabki Hotel Chtaura (a boutique property set in 16,000 square metres of forest with a river and piano bar), and Kozhaya Monastery in the Qadisha Valley. In Jordan you stay at La Casa Hotel Amman (with pool, spa, and fitness centre) plus hotels in Aqaba and near the Dead Sea, and one night in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.
What is the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum like?
The Wadi Rum camp has traditional Bedouin-style tents with beds and bedding. Shared bathroom facilities are available. The experience is what makes it memorable: sleeping under the stars in an extraordinary desert landscape, eating a Zarb feast cooked underground, and sitting around the fire with your guide and the camp hosts.
What is the monastery stay like?
The Kozhaya Monastery offers simple but comfortable en-suite rooms. It is a genuine working Maronite Christian monastery in the Qadisha Valley. Staying here is a rare alternative to a hotel and gives you time to absorb the dramatic gorge landscape at dawn and dusk.
Are hotel rooms en suite?
Yes. All hotel and guesthouse rooms are en suite with private bathrooms. The monastery also provides en-suite rooms. The Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum has shared bathroom facilities.
Which meals are included on this tour?
15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included. The included lunches are on the Baatara Gorge day, the Dana hike day, and at the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum. The 2 included dinners are the Zarb feast at the Wadi Rum Bedouin camp and the Amman food tasting. Most other lunches and dinners in Jordan are at your own expense.
What is the Amman food tasting?
On arrival in Jordan, your guide takes the group on a food tasting tour of Amman. You sample Manakish (flatbread with za'atar and cheese), falafel, Mansaf (the national dish: slow-cooked lamb in dried yoghurt sauce on a bed of rice), and Knafeh (a sweet shredded-pastry and cheese dessert soaked in syrup). It is a delicious and sociable introduction to Jordanian food culture.
What is Lebanese food like and can vegetarians be catered for?
Lebanese food is widely regarded as one of the best cuisines in the Middle East. Meals typically feature meze dishes such as hummus, fattoush, tabbouleh, baba ghanoush, and kibbeh, along with grilled meats and fresh flatbreads. Vegetarian options are plentiful throughout Lebanon and Jordan. Let the team know your dietary requirements when booking so your guide can brief restaurants in advance.
Is the wine tasting at Ksara Winery included?
Yes. The visit to Ksara Winery in Lebanon includes a tour of the underground caves (around 2 miles of tunnels) and a wine tasting. Ksara is one of Lebanon's oldest and most celebrated wineries. If you do not drink alcohol, you are still welcome on the cave tour.
Can I join this tour as a solo traveller?
Yes. Many solo travellers join this tour. You will be paired with another solo traveller of the same gender to share a room unless you prefer your own room, in which case a single supplement applies. If no same-gender roommate is found before the balance payment date, the supplement is charged but refunded if a match is made.
Is this tour suitable for solo female travellers?
Yes. Both Lebanon and Jordan are popular with solo female travellers. The group tour format and having an experienced guide at all times provides structure and confidence. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees) is advised in religious and rural areas. Many women travel this tour solo without issues.
What is the group mix typically like?
Groups on this tour tend to attract travellers curious about the Middle East and interested in history, food, and culture. Ages typically range from the late twenties to the sixties, with a mix of solos, couples, and small groups of friends. The 16-day length and variety of shared experiences encourage genuine connections within the group.
Do I need a visa for Lebanon and Jordan?
Most Western passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Lebanon. For Jordan, the Jordan Pass includes the visa fee for most nationalities. Check current requirements for your specific nationality well before you travel, as entry requirements can change.
What currencies are used in Lebanon and Jordan?
Lebanon uses the Lebanese Pound (LBP), though US dollars have been widely used for transactions in recent years due to the local currency situation. Jordan uses the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Your guide will advise on the best current approach to cash on arrival. Cards are accepted at most hotels in cities; carry local cash for smaller restaurants, souks, and tips.
What vaccinations are recommended for this tour?
Recommended vaccinations typically include Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. No Yellow Fever certificate is required for Lebanon or Jordan. Malaria is not generally a concern on this itinerary. Consult your GP or a travel clinic well in advance for personalised advice.
When does this tour operate?
This tour operates year-round. The itinerary adjusts in winter to account for mountain road closures in Lebanon. The Wadi Mujib Siq Trail in Jordan is only accessible from April to October. Spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather in both countries.
What should I pack for this tour?
Pack modest, lightweight layers. Cover shoulders and knees at religious and heritage sites. A warmer layer is useful for higher altitudes in Lebanon and cool desert evenings in Jordan. Sturdy walking shoes with grip are essential for the Petra back-route, the Fes-style walking tours, and hiking. Bring a water bottle and reef-safe sunscreen for Aqaba.
What optional activities are available on this tour?
Optional activities include Petra by Night (a candlelit walk to the Treasury after dark), snorkelling or diving at Aqaba, a sound and light show at Baalbek, and a camel ride at Wadi Rum (if you want more time than the included ride). Your tour leader will brief you on locally available options at each location.
Can I add nights in Beirut or Amman?
Yes. Extra nights in Beirut before the tour or in Amman after it can be arranged. Beirut rewards extra time for its exceptional food scene, nightlife, and coastal day trips. Amman is a comfortable base for a day trip to Jerash or Madaba if you want more time there. Contact Encounters Travel when booking.
Can this tour be combined with Egypt?
Yes. Encounters Travel's Ancient Encounters tour covers Egypt and Jordan (16 days). If you want to add Egypt before or after this trip, speak to the team about options for combining tours or adding an Egypt extension.
What is the minimum group size to confirm a departure?
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people booked. The maximum group size is 18. If you are the only person booked on a particular date, Encounters Travel will contact you to discuss transferring to an alternative date or arranging a private departure.
Can this tour be run as a private departure?
Yes. The Lebanon Jordan Encounters itinerary is available as a private departure on any start date. Private groups can also discuss customising certain elements. Contact the Encounters Travel team for pricing and availability.
What is the cancellation policy?
Standard Encounters Travel booking conditions apply. A deposit secures your place and the balance is due closer to departure. Cancellation charges increase as the departure date approaches. Full details are provided in your booking confirmation. Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation is strongly recommended.
When is the balance due?
The balance payment date is shown on your booking confirmation and is typically due around 8 to 10 weeks before departure. If you book close to the departure date, the full amount may be due immediately. Encounters Travel will confirm the exact deadline when you book.
