Planning to visit Jordan? This conflict-free little gem of the Middle East is rich in many historical and natural wonders. On this tour discover the most beautiful places in the country! Jordan is a small territory forming a bridge between the Orient and the Mediterranean basin, which has seen the succession of numerous civilizations. These have left precious vestiges to the country, whose deserts were for a long time only inhabited by Bedouin nomads. Great Roman cities, Nabataean temples, Umayyad castles, Byzantine art and ancestral Arab culture: this is the diversity of Jordan! Not to mention the beauty of its desert and wild landscapes, which will mark your mind with their flamboyant colors: pink, ocher, purple, gold...
Day 1: Amman
After Immigration and Customs formalities at Queen Alia Airport, meet our representative who will drive you to your hotel. Free time until dinner to rest and relax. [D]
Day 2: Amman (Salt)
This morning, take a tour of Amman, Jordan’s capital, which stands on 7 hills. The ancient Roman theater, dating back to the times when Amman was called Philadelphia, a citadel from which you can admire splendid examples of Roman, Byzantine, and Muslim architecture. Visit the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from all over the country dating back through the centuries from prehistoric times to the fifteenth century and the Folklore Museum. Then continue to As-Salt to visit the Old & New cities. After the visit enjoy lunch with a local family. Then return to Amman for dinner & overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 3: Amman, Madaba, Nebo, Kerak, Petra
This morning, head to Madaba (along the 5,000-year-old Kings´ Highway) one of the most memorable places in the Holy Land. After passing through a string of ancient sites, the first city you reach is Madaba, known as the “City of Mosaics”. Then drive to visit Mount Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan and the place where Moses was buried. A small Byzantine church was built there by early Christians, which has been expanded into a vast complex. During his visit to Jordan in 2000, the Late Pope John Paul II held a sermon here that was attended by some 20,000 faithfuls. On your way to Petra, stop at Kerak castle with its diverse history dating from the Byzantine to the Mamluk period. Continue to Petra for dinner and overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 4: Petra
Today will be dedicated to visiting Petra, the Nabataean 2000-year-old “Rosy city” that shimmers in the morning sun, one of the most important monuments of humanity. From the “Monastery”, follow a winding, narrow gorge, along which you’ll see most famous Petra monuments: The Columnated street, Royal Tombs, Street of Facades and the Treasury, a huge rock-carved monument. On your way to the Visitors’ Center, you’ll reach a ¾ mile long gorge called the Siq, which walls can reach 330-foot high. Enjoy an Arabic cooking class and lunch. Then back to hotel for dinner & overnight. [B/L/D]
Day 5: Petra - Wadi Rum [2 hrs. Jeep]
This morning we drive to Wadi Rum about 62 miles away. The oasis is in a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan, near the border to Saudi Arabia. Enjoy the desert wilderness adventure of 4x4 Jeep tour, following the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, climbing sand dunes and rock bridges. Enjoy lunch with a Bedouin family before a drive to the camp for some resting and dinner. Stay the night under a deluxe tent at Wadi Rum enjoying an unforgettable Arabian night under the stars. [B/L/D]
Day 6: Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dead Sea
After breakfast head towards the Red Sea to visit Jordan’s seaside resort of Aqaba, located in the very south of Jordan on the very border with Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, for a short stay and relaxation. In addition to swimming, it is also an ideal place for diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. In the afternoon, continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the earth, for a deserved rest and relaxion until dinner. Overnight at the resort hotel. [B/D]
Day 7: Dead Sea, Jerash, Ajloun, Amman
This morning leave to visit the Roman ruins of Jerash, which golden age came under Roman rule, during which time it was known as Gerasa. The site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Hidden for centuries in sand before being excavated and restored over the past 70 years, Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates. After the visit continue to Ajloun for lunch with a local family before returning to Amman with some free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. [B/L/D]
Day 8: Aman, USA
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, start you drive to Amman’s airport to board your flight back home: [B]
[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/L/D] = Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
