Jordan's Desert Kingdom

Arrive Amman, Jordan

Welcome to Jordan. You are met on arrival into Amman, and then driven by private car to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your long flight, or explore the city on your own. 

Jerash & Amman

This morning drive north to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman provincial cities in the Middle East. The city of Jerash boasts of an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Tour through the colonnaded streets, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains, city walls pierced by towers and gates, and crowned with soaring hilltop temples. See the enormous oval-shaped Forum, the Temples of Zeus and Artemis and the Street of Columns.

Enjoy a traditional Middle Eastern lunch before returning to Amman for a tour of the city.

Amman, a city of 2 million residents, is the modern, as well as the ancient, capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is known as the “White City” because all its buildings are finished in the local white limestone. While much of Amman was built over the past 50 years, significant archaeological remains give testament to this ancient city’s place in history. Visit the Jordan Archaeological Museum, containing antiquities from prehistoric times through the 15th century, including Umayyad artwork, Iron Age coffins and examples of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Explore Citadel Hill, which offers views across the Old City and is the site of the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace (an Arab castle dating from the 7th century), a Byzantine church, and the remains of Roman walls. At the foot of the Citadel, carved into the hill, lies a 6,000-seat Roman amphitheater resembling a deep-sided bowl world. ​(B,L)

Amman to Madaba & Petra

This morning, travel along the 5,000-year-old Kings´ Highway to Madaba, "the City of Mosaics." Known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, Madaba is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Containing two million pieces of colored stone, the map depicts the hills, valleys, villages and towns as far away as the Nile Delta. Enjoy lunch at the Madaba Haret Jdoudna upon arrival, then a guided tour of Madaba.

After lunch, continue to visit Mt. Nebo, thought to be the burial place of Moses, and from where he viewed the Promised Land. See across the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem, and over the Great Rift Valley and the Dead Sea. Continue to Shobak Castle, one of the impressive castles in a chain of fortresses constructed by the Crusaders.

Late this afternoon, arrive in the ancient rose-red city of Petra. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petra was the center of the ancient world’s spice and incense routes. It is a city securely hidden by encircling mountains, and one of the most unique travel destinations and experiences in the world.

This evening you will learn the art of Jordanian cuisine at the famous Petra Kitchen, where you will work alongside local women in this special dining experience. (B,L,D)

Petra

Located on the edges of the mountainous desert of the Wadi Araba, Petra is surrounded by towering hills of rust-colored sandstone, which gave it natural protection against invaders. A compelling sight of achievement, the ancient Nabateans carved Petra from sandstone cliffs in the 3rd century B.C. Unbelievably, it was forgotten for 1,000 years, and only rediscovered in 1812. Petra captivates the imagination of any adventurer, explorer, historian and archaeologist. Explore this fascinating hidden city, set in a canyon where the only entrance is a half-mile-long, narrow siq (chasm), and the walls of which soar up over 650 feet.

Begin your excursion traveling by horseback (or walking) through the entry chasm, and then continue on foot to the Corinthian Tombs and the exquisite towering facade of the Treasury, which appears dramatically at the end of the chasm. Petra's most famous monument, you may recognize the Treasury from the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." Venture on walks and mild climbs through the myriad of archaeological wonders at Petra – there are literally hundreds of buildings, tombs, temples, a 3,000-seat open-air amphitheater, as well as an archeological museum. If you are adventurous, climb to the top of the Monastery. ​(B,L)

Petra to Wadi Rum & the Dead Sea

This morning, depart Petra and drive to visit Wadi Rum, also known as ‘The Valley of the Moon.’ T.E. Lawrence so elegantly described this region, where weather and winds shape the landscape, as “vast, echoing and god-like.” Travel by 4-wheel drive jeep to explore this maze of monolithic rockscapes that rise up from the desert floor to heights of 5,700 feet, towering between the canyons and water holes. Discover 4000-year-old rock drawings and vistas that will take your breath away.

Lunch is a special treat – an extensive Arabian picnic at a typical Bedouin camp. Savor the opportunity to sample the local cuisine while admiring the authentic and colorful presentation.

Continue your drive, arriving at your resort located by the Dead Sea by mid-afternoon. A welcome breath of fresh sea air, this area has white sand beaches and a plethora of relaxing amenities. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. ​(B,L)

The Dead Sea

You have the whole day to relax and enjoy the resort. Take a dip in the salty and mineral buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, or just walk along the shore.

The Dead Sea, actually a large inland lake, was given its name by Christian monks who noticed that nothing lived in it - because it is the saltiest water anywhere in the world, almost six times as salty as ocean water. The salts found in the Dead Sea are mineral salts, just like those found in the world’s oceans, only in extreme concentration. As far back as King Solomon, Queen Cleopatra and Herod the Great, people have visited the area to enjoy the sea’s therapeutic properties. ​(B)

The Dead Sea to Amman and Depart

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your resort before you are transferred to the Amman airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. ​(B)