Join us for a journey through the wild beauty of Jordan. Visit the rock-hewn city of Petra and the wadis and granite crags that so inspired Lawrence when he wrote ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’. We also spend a night in the deserts of Wadi Rum, snorkel in Aqaba and float in the Dead Sea.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Amman
Arrive Amman and check-in at hotel.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Drive to Jerash
This morning we travel northwards to ancient Jerash. Located in the Gilead Hills, it is considered to be the best preserved city of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Roman cities. One of the highlights of the Middle East, a triple arch gateway gives way to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples and baths. Particularly striking is the elegant forum. This afternoon we head south to Madaba, a small Christian town with its collection of extraordinary mosaics, including the Great Map of the Holy Land (6th century). Discovered in 1896, and only fragmentary, it contains a good picture of Jerusalem. Moving on we investigate Jebel Neba (808m). Better known as Mount Nebo, it is a pilgrimage centre for Christians principally because Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land from this summit. From here we journey back to Amman for our overnight stop.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
To Petra via Kerak
This morning we head south to Kerak, imposingly sited on a hilltop. Kerak became famous in the time of the Crusades as one of a chain of fortresses in the Holy War against Islam. The castle was built in 1132 by Baldwin of Jerusalem, a Crusader king. We continue south to Petra. Abandoned centuries ago, Petra is unique and unforgettable: a strange otherworldly place, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. Here a guided orientation tour will take us to some of the key parts of this remarkable site before our free day tomorrow where we can explore in some more detail, its beautiful and awe inspiring buildings and scenery.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
In Petra
A full free day at Petra, or ‘rock’ in Greek. You can climb steep paths to the sacrificial ‘High Places’ (altars) for a stunning view over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert, trek up to the impressive ‘Royal Tombs’ or Monastery or simply enjoy Petra, a place to lose oneself in the atmosphere of the past.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
By Four Wheel Drive to Wadi Rum
We spend today experiencing the beautiful area of Wadi Rum. We head off south for an exciting half day drive along a 4WD drive route to Wadi Rum. Via the old Roman road, we explore the lesser known northern areas of Wadi Rum, seeing natural rock bridges and viewing incredible rock sculptures on the way to our overnight camp. During the afternoon you may take an optional camel trek through the dramatic Siq al Barrah. We ride or walk for approx 2 and 1/2 hours through a landscape of sandstone mountains and white and pink coloured sands. The desert is another world, inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin peoples for generations. Before our night under the starry sky, we may be lucky enough to witness a spectacular desert sunset. We sleep in a single, large, traditional goat hair tent (the best protection against typical desert extremes of hot and cold) which is laid out with rugs, mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags. The evening is normally spent around a campfire, with spectacular desert stars overhead: Limited washing facilities and WC are available close by. Overnight in Bedouinstyle tent.
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
By Bus to Aqaba
Leaving Wadi Rum we walk a short distance to our bus and then we drive to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Here your tour leader will be on hand to arrange optional activities including the chance to swim or snorkel in the Red Sea or view coral and marine life from a special reef viewing boat.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Drive via the Dead Sea to Amman
We drive on to the shimmering Dead Sea. Surrounded by barren hills, this unique water body has an amazingly high salt content (33%) that means no animal life survives and that it is almost impossible to sink! Finally we drive on to Amman and spend our last night in the bustling capital.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8:
Tour ends Amman
Included meals: Breakfast
