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Breathing Life into the Desert
Join Plastic Free Onlus on a volunteer mission in the Wadi Rum desert and the ancient sites of Jordan.We’ll explore on the front lines and actively take part in the fight against waste left behind by illegal tourism in one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Our goal: to raise funds for the construction of a water purification plant in the village at the edge of the desert.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Witness the Fragile Beauty of Petra and Wadi Rum
Experience the breathtaking landscapes and ancient wonders of Jordan while learning how to protect them from plastic pollution. From Petra’s iconic rose-colored city to the vast desert of Wadi Rum, you’ll witness firsthand the endangered beauty of these places—and discover practical ways to make a difference. - Real Impact Through Volunteering: Join the Action
Join Luisa Alesso, representatives of Plastic Free, to help safeguard a protected UNESCO heritage site from wild plastic pollution and its consequences. In recent years, due to increased tourism and the widespread use of plastic water bottles among locals, the desert has become sick... with plastic. - Live the Change Up Close: Become an Activist with Plastic Free
Discover how a real-impact non-profit works. Part of the funds from this trip will support the construction of a water purification plant in the village at the edge of the protected area, allowing locals, guides, and tourists to refill reusable containers instead of relying on disposable plastic bottles. Anyone who has seen the desert with their own eyes will understand our mission.
TRIP PURPOSE
Supporting a transformative travel initiative - beyond sustainability. This mission-driven journey has a threefold goal: to clean the environment from waste caused by illegal tourism, which periodically accumulates into actual dumpsites; to raise funds for the construction of a water purification plant; and to empower travelers to become ambassadors for a cleaner and more sustainable planet.
This trip has been designed based on the following principles:
Non-Profit commitment
Zero-Waste
Sustainable Education
Flight Info
To make your travel planning easier, here are some convenient and affordable flight options to Amman:
From Milan
Outbound: WizzAir flight from Milan Malpensa at 10:55, arriving in Amman at 15:55
Return: Ryanair flight from Amman at 14:05, arriving in Milan Bergamo at 17:15
Approx. round-trip cost: €100
From Rome
Outbound: Royal Jordanian flight from Rome Fiumicino at 15:55, arriving in Amman at 20:35
Return: Royal Jordanian flight from Amman at 10:20, arriving in Rome Fiumicino at 12:35
Approx. round-trip cost: €200
Note: Flights are not included in the trip package and must be purchased separately. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure the best fares.
What's included
- Food: 3 lunches, and 4 dinners.
- Accomodation: 7 nights in 2–3 star hotels/hostels and traditional tents with Wadi Rum Eco Tours
- Transportation: All transportation is included, including internal transfers as well as transfers to and from Amman city and Amman airport.
- Tour & Activities: Visits to the city of Petra and the capital Amman, explorations in the Wadi Rum desert, and volunteer activities focused on plastic waste collection.
- Other: Support from a Plastic Free coordinator throughout the entire trip.
- Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance.
What's not included
- Food: All meals not listed in the 'What's Included' section.
- Accomodation: Any applicable tourist taxes are not included.
- Transporation: Round-trip flight to and from Amman not included.
- Other: Trip cancellation insurance.
- Anything not specified under "What's included".
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
However, if the trip status is marked as "Confirmed" or "Last tickets", there's no need to worry - it means the minimum number of participants has already been met.
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Amman, Jordan: first stop in Madaba
Arrival in Amman in the evening and group meeting. A private transfer will take us to Madaba, the “City of Mosaics,” famous for its stunning Byzantine artworks and the renowned mosaic map of the Holy Land. For those arriving later in the evening, a dedicated transfer will still be available. After check-in, we will gather for a short introduction to the mission of the trip and Plastic Free’s commitment in the Middle East, kicking off a journey that blends discovery, culture, and environmental action.
Day 2 - Petra: a journey through time to inspire the future
In the morning, we head south to discover one of the world’s most iconic treasures: Petra, the rose-red city carved into rock. We walk through the Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to the Treasury, and stand in awe before this archaeological wonder. As we wander among tombs, temples, and ancient paths, we dive into the life of a civilization that lived in harmony with its environment. This is not just a step back into history, but also an invitation to reflect on how we can face today’s challenges with the same spirit of adaptation and resilience.
Day 3 - Wadi Rum: the embrace of the desert
We spend the morning exploring more of Petra, discovering hidden corners beyond the main sites. In the afternoon, we reach Wadi Rum, the red desert that looks like a Martian landscape. Here we settle into an authentic Bedouin camp where we will stay for the next few nights. Guided by locals, we explore canyons, natural stone arches, and ancient petroglyphs, experiencing a profound connection with nature. The silence of the desert and its fiery sunsets offer a unique moment of introspection and wonder.
Day 4 - Wadi Rum: exploring Wadi Dum
We dedicate the day to an excursion into the Wadi Dum area, one of the most fascinating and lesser-known parts of Wadi Rum. Between soft dunes, sandstone mountains, and breathtaking panoramas, we discover the geology and biodiversity that make this desert so unique. It is also a chance to learn more about the Bedouin lifestyle, rooted in hospitality, simplicity, and deep respect for nature.
Days 5-6 - Clean-up in Wadi Rum: protecting the essentials
Together with the Bedouin community, we dedicate two full days to environmental action with a large clean-up in the heart of Wadi Rum. We will remove plastic waste from the most sensitive desert areas, helping to preserve its beauty and fragility. This is not just a symbolic act, but a concrete impact for the ecosystem. Evenings under one of the clearest starry skies in the world become magical moments of sharing, reflection, and connection through this journey of discovery and change.
Day 7 - Return to Amman
After breakfast and a last goodbye to the desert, we leave Wadi Rum and transfer by bus to Amman, where we spend our final evening together. Free time to wander the city, sip tea with a view, or enjoy some last-minute shopping in the local markets.
Day 8 - Amman: farewell and departure
The journey comes to an end. A free day depending on flight schedules: those leaving early head straight to the airport, while those with more time can stroll through the capital’s streets, visit the Citadel, or enjoy one last taste of Jordanian cuisine. A farewell that leaves a lasting mark, with the awareness of having been part of an adventure that combines discovery and action.
Plastic Free is a volunteer-based organization that has been fighting plastic pollution since 2019 through clean-up actions, awareness campaigns, and partnerships. It has removed over 4.5 million kg of waste and involved more than 300,000 students in its initiatives.
Silvia Pettinicchio is the Global Strategy Director of Plastic Free and an environmental activist who has long been dedicated to finding concrete solutions to the major ecological challenges of our time. With an international profile and experience across dozens of countries, Silvia combines on-the-ground action — from plastic collection to expeditions in remote areas — with tireless awareness efforts, especially aimed at younger generations. She loves telling stories, sharing experiences, and inspiring students and communities to make more sustainable choices. As a Plastic Free delegate, she will take part in the INC 5.2 international negotiations in Geneva, bringing the voice of Italian activism to the heart of global decision-making processes.
Luisa Alesso, deeply committed to environmental protection, holds a special connection to the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During her travels in recent years, she has witnessed the growing environmental impact of tourism and human activity, especially the damage caused by plastic waste to local wildlife. Camels are known to ingest plastic strands caught in desert shrubs, which can cause fatal intestinal blockages. Determined to make a difference, Luisa turned to Plastic Free, and was appointed Wadi Rum coordinator. Every year, she travels to Jordan with the organization and works closely with local partners and young volunteers to lead multiple plastic clean-up missions. Her next goal is an ambitious one: the installation of a public water purification station at the entrance of Wadi Rum.
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Booking Info
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