Jordan for a Week

Greetings from Jordan’s capital, Amman, where our journey starts. Today, all patrons can take advantage of complimentary shuttles from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) to the hotel. Please be aware that you should schedule transfers with your sales agent at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Lodging: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or something such)

This morning, we travel north to Jerash, Jordan’s greatest Roman remains. The ancient building here has been amazingly well maintained despite being buried for ages under blown sand. A tour of the spectacular Temple of Zeus, colonnaded main streets, two theatres, and dramatic oval forum offers an intriguing look into ancient life. After taking a thorough look around, we return to Amman for a city tour that includes the ancient city, the 6,000-seat Roman amphitheatre, and the hilltop ruins of the Citadel, a location that was inhabited by several Bronze Age civilisations. Lodging: Hotel Khan Khediwe (or something such)

We have a long drive ahead of us as we travel the King’s Highway, which winds up and down enormous wadis (valleys). We do, however, make a number of interesting stops along the way, such as Madaba, where we see the mosaic floor of St. George’s Church, which is thought to be the earliest map of Palestine still in existence. After that, we take a quick drive to Mount Nebo, where Moses is credited with seeing the Promised Land for the first time from this 2,295-foot (700-meter) vantage point that overlooks the Dead Sea and the surrounding countries of Palestine and Israel. Next is Kerak, a spectacular fortified town that was ruled by a mediaeval castle and was a Crusader stronghold.We continue south to Petra, one of the most remarkable ancient towns in the world and Jordan’s most important historic site. Accommodations: Petra Hotel; for additional information, check the accomodation section.

Spend two days discovering the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, which is magnificently sculpted into sandstone cliffs. Construction began here in the third century BCE, but until it was rediscovered in 1812 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the Red Rose City had been buried for generations. We descend the Siq, a small chasm, to enter. The first magnificent sight of an extraordinary day is El Khazneh (the Treasury), which is dramatically revealed at the end. As we continue towards the city centre, we pass the homes and cemeteries of the wealthy residents, and the site’s astounding size starts to become apparent. The extra climb up the about 800 steps to El Deir (the Monastery), with its magnificent front crowned by a massive urn, is another option.Your guide takes you to the location on the second day, where you can either trek to the High Place of Sacrifice or use your free time to further explore the city. Few people try to visit the High Place because it can be very difficult and is not advised for anyone who are uneasy around heights or who are not confident of their physical level. Those that succeed in reaching the summit, however, are rewarded with stunning views of portions of the location they visited the day before. You might also get the chance to enjoy traditional Jordanian food that isn’t usually served in restaurants at a family’s house in Wadi Musa on one of the evenings.The host typically joins the group for meals, providing a great opportunity to learn about local culture and life in a genuine environment. Accommodations: Petra Hotel; for additional information, check the accomodation section.

You can either unwind at our accommodation before we connect with the contemporary Desert Highway and go south to Wadi Rum, or you can choose to go on a guided tour of Little Petra this morning (additional charge, payable locally). Although Little Petra’s exact function is unknown, researchers surmise that it was most likely a suburb of Petra where Silk Road tradesmen would have lived. Next is Wadi Rum, which is on the UNESCO list and features striking sandstone mountains rising from the sandy desert floor.Parts of the 1962 epic movie were filmed here, and Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal gathered the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba during World War I. Our Bedouin hosts give us a two-hour 4×4 ride to tour the protected area after we settle into our private Exodus camp. We see the main attractions, have time to sip Bedouin tea, and then stand on a rock formation to watch the sunset. After that, we head back to our camp and savour a traditional underground-cooked zarb supper while experiencing Bedouin hospitality. After that, we engage with the family that manages the camp to learn more about Bedouin culture. Accommodations: Exodus Private Camp (a Bedouin camp that is permanent)

After waking up in the breathtaking desert landscape, travel to Aqaba, a Red Sea port and resort renowned for its stunning coral reefs. After arriving, we spend three to four hours lounging on the dunes at Baranice Beach before checking into our hotel. We go on a walking tour of the old market with the tour guide from 4 to 5 p.m., after which we take a guided tour of Aqaba Castle to learn about its historical significance and its involvement in the Arab Revolt.Before an optional dinner at Dar Ne’meh, a community initiative that empowers local women by offering training and assisting them in starting their own companies, we learn more about the Arab Revolt at the nearby Bait Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali Museum. We can drive or walk back to the hotel after dinner and leisure time. Lodging: Lacosta Hotel (or comparable)

We travel (4 hours 30 minutes) from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea, where around 34% salinity keeps you afloat with ease. There’s plenty of free time to take in this amazing sight and soak in the Dead Sea mud, which is believed to have therapeutic properties, before cooling off in the pool. Additionally, there is the opportunity to travel to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which is believed to be the location of Jesus Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist, which signified the beginning of the new era of Christianity.Booking and payment for this optional tour can be done locally. The travel from the Dead Sea hotel takes around 15 minutes, and the whole duration of the visit, including the drive to and from the hotel, is typically 1 hour and 45 minutes. People will check into the hotel if they don’t want to view the location. We are celebrating our stay in Jordan and bidding each other farewell with a group supper this evening. Accommodations: Dead Sea Holiday Inn (or comparable) Ask your sales representative for additional information about upgrading to a sea-view room with a view of the Dead Sea.

Our last meal is breakfast, which is a great opportunity to reflect on an exciting journey. There is a complimentary shared transfer back to the airport to make your trip home easier. Alternatively, ask your sales agent about extending your stay if you would like more days to unwind by the Dead Sea.