Desert and History

Day 1: Arrival in Amman

Arrive in Amman and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, there may be time to explore the city at leisure. No guided services are provided today. Overnight Larsa Hotel or similar. 

Amman

A fascinating city of contrasts, Amman is a unique blend of old and new situated on seven hills between the desert and the Jordan Valley. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to date from the Stone Age, circa 7000 BC. The city was named Philadelphia after the Ptolemaic ruler Philadelphia in the 3rd Century BC. After coming under the Roman vassal of King Herod in 30 AD, the city became part of the Decapolis League. During the Byzantine period, Philadelphia was the seat of a Christian bishop, and several expansive churches were built. After the Great Arab Revolt secured the state of Transjordan, Emir Abdullah bin-al Hussein made Amman the capital in 1921 and since the city has grown into a city of over 1 million inhabitants. 

Day 2 – Amman – Jerash (Approx. Overall Driving Time - 2.5 hrs)

After a breakfast tour briefing at the hotel, depart for a tour of Amman which includes the outstandingly preserved and restored Roman amphitheatre, the Citadel and the Jordan Museum. Visit the atmospheric souk before this afternoon continuing to Jerash to explore the incredible ruins of the remarkably well preserved Roman complex. Overnight Amman Hotel or similar (B)  

Jerash 

Considered to be one of the largest and well preserved sites of Roman architecture outside of Italy, Jerash boasts colonnaded streets, baths, theatres, plazas and arches much of which remains in exceptional condition. Within the city walls, archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of settlements dating back to the Neolithic Age, indicating human occupation at this location for more than 5000 years. The history of Jerash is a blend of the Greco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the traditions of the Arab Orient.  

Day 3 – Jerash – Kerak – Dana Biosphere Reserve – Petra (UNESCO) (Approx. Overall Driving Time - 5 hrs)

Today is a busy day and so we have en early breakfast. Travel the King's Highway, the world’s oldest continuously used communication route to Kerak and on arrival explore the fortress, a fine example of Crusader architecture. Continue to Dana and enjoy a short and easy but picturesque hike above Dana village, walking amongst terraced gardens and local craft workshops, meeting local residents, observing Ottoman architecture and learning about Dana’s rich history. We will have a picnic lunch today in this beautiful environment. Later we continue to Petra in anticipation of experiencing one of the new Seven Wonders of the World tomorrow. Overnight Petra Moon Hotel or similar (BL)  

Note – The walk is around 1 hour and is of an easy grade.   

Kerak

Kerak lies on the ancient caravan routes that used to connect Egypt to Syria and its' commanding position almost 1000 meters above the Dead Sea Valley made it a strategic asset of great importance. The city was the ancient capital of Moab and was also used by the Greeks and Romans. Kerak reached its full splendour in the 12th century with the arrival of the Crusaders. The major attraction at Kerak is the magnificent Crusader fortress of Kerak, which made Kerak the new capital of the province; superbly situated on the King's Highway where it could control all traffic from the north and the south and grow rich by the imposition of road-tolls. This castle soars above its' valleys and hills like a great ship riding waves of rock; an excellent example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius. 

 Dana Biosphere Reserve 

Jordan’s most impressive eco-project, ranges in elevation from sandstone cliffs of over 1500m to the Wadi Arabi desert at 50m below sea level. It is home to many species of plants and animals, the park is the perfect place to go hiking or just to relax.  

Day 4 – Petra (UNESCO)

Spend a full day of exploration at the incredible and wondrous site of Petra. The feeling of winding through the atmospheric ‘Siq’ to then be faced with the stunning 40 metre façade of the iconic Treasury is likely to live long in the memory. During the day you will have ample opportunity to explore the site. Continue through the Red Rose City passing by the Nabataean Theater, and other fascinating tombs, until you reach the central zone next to the Museum. For those that wish there will then be the opportunity to continue through the site ascending a nearly 800 step path (approx. 40 minute walking time) from the basin to reaching the exquisite Monastery “El Deir”, a quite astonishing building carved out of rock, arguably one of the most iconic monuments of the whole site. At the end of your visit, make your way back to the entrance. Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed! Overnight Petra Moon Hotel or similar (B) 

Petra (UNESCO)

Designated a World Heritage Site since 1985, Petra is one of the world's greatest historical sites and one of the world's seven New Wonders - an ancient rock city that was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Built around 2,300 years ago, the imposing rose-stone palaces are an impressive testament to the power and influence of the Nabateans who controlled trade around the area in the 3rd century BC. Petra is surrounded by hills in which tombs have been carved into the pink sandstone. The site includes some 800 structures. Petra is sometimes referred to as the ‘Lost City’ as after the 14th Century it was completely lost to the western world. It was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss traveller, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who tricked his way into the fiercely guarded site by pretending to be an Arab from India wishing to make a sacrifice at the tomb of Prophet Aaron.   

Day 5 – Petra – Wadi Rum Protected Area (Approx. Overall Driving Time - 2 hrs not including Wadi Rum jeep tour)

Travel to the timeless desert space that is Wadi Rum, also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’. The beauty of this place is breathtaking, natural sunlight offering an every changing kaleidoscope of colour against the remarkable rock formations. On arrival we will meet a local Bedouin native and enjoy the local hospitality over some tea. Later soak up the desert by way of a 4WD jeep tour where we can take in some of the astonishing natural vistas of the protected area culminating in what hopefully will be an unforgettable sunset. Overnight Luxury Rum Magic Camp (BLD)

Note – The Wadi Rum camp in this magnificent desert wilderness comprises of Bedouin style tents which are furnished and comfortable inside but basic. It is possible to have your own tent if you are paying the single supplement but bathrooms facilities are in a separate unit and are shared.  

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south-west Jordan. It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times and is dotted with massive rock formations. It is virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as “vast, echoing and god-like”. Much of David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum.  

Day 6 – Wadi Rum – Madaba – Mount Nebo – Amman (Approx. Overall Driving Time - 5hrs)

Travel this morning from Wadi Rum to Madaba and visit the Church of St. George in the middle of town. The church is the home of the Mosaic Map of Palestine, which represents the Holy Land and its surrounding regions. From here we then drive to Mount Nebo (the spot from where Moses is believed to have been shown the Promised Land just before his death). Continue to Amman. Overnight Larsa Hotel or similar (B)  

Madaba

Located 30 kilometres southwest of Amman, Madaba is most famous for its exquisite 6th-century mosaics. Its history dates back at least 3500 years, however. Madaba, which was known in the Bible as the Moabite town of Madaba, is mentioned in the Old Testament account of Moses in Exodus (Numbers 21: 30). The most well-known mosaic lies on the floor of St George’s Church, depicting a map. However, the city is home to a number of tiled art displays, which many believe are even more complete and vibrantly colourful than the latter. Join a walking tour of the market town to discover these rarely visited works of art and listen to the bells summoning Christians to pray before dawn and bid Orthodox Christians to rise at first light, in this surprisingly religiously tolerant town.  

Day 7 – Amman – Dead Sea – Iraq Al Ameer Cooking Experience – Amman (Approx. Overall Driving Time - 2 hrs)

After a leisurely breakfast continue to the Iraq Al Ameer Women Association and take part in preparing traditional dishes which you will then enjoy for lunch. After lunch, continue to the area known as al Aghwar reaching the lowest point on earth at around 410 metres below sea level. Take the opportunity to float in the exceptionally salty water in this most dramatic of barren landscapes.  Return to Amman where any remaining time will be at leisure.  Overnight Larsa Hotel or similar (BL)      

Dead Sea

Without a doubt one of the world’s most amazing places, the Jordan Rift Valley is a dramatic, beautiful landscape which, at the Dead Sea, is over 400m (1,312 ft.) below sea level. The lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers, including the River Jordan. Once the waters reach the Dead Sea they are land-locked and have nowhere to go, so they evaporate, leaving behind a dense, rich, cocktail of salts and minerals that supply industry, agriculture and medicine (The Dead Sea is thought to contain curative properties) with some of its finest products. The Dead Sea is flanked by mountains to the east and the rolling hills of Jerusalem to the west, giving it an almost other-worldly beauty. Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela).  

Day 8 – Depart

The final day is at leisure until your airport transfer. If you flight is late evening do let us know if you require any further additional guided services. (B)