Itinerary Ideas: Jordan

JORDAN AND JERUSALEM

12 Nights, 13 Days

Day 1: ARRIVE AMMAN, JORDAN

Day 2: JERASH AND AJLOUN (B,L)

Visit to ancient Jerash, a 50 minute drive outside Amman, and one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Here you will tour the ruins including the distinctive elliptical forum with its beautiful Ionic colonnade, Hadrian’s Arch, the Hippodrome and the Temple of Artemis. A traditional Jordanian home cooked lunch will be provided at the house of a villager in Rassoun. Following lunch visit the Crusader period castle at Ajlun then return to Amman.

Day 3: UMM QEIS, PELLA, IRAQ AL AMIR, PELLA (B,L)

Today drive north for 2 hours to the Roman site of Umm Qeis (ancient Gadara). During the time of the Emperor Augustus (reigned 27 BC to 14 AD), northern Jordan was the politically part of the Roman Decapolis. The Old Decapolis city of Gadara (modern day Umm Qeis) with its spectacular panoramic views overlooking the Sea of Galilee, is the site of Jesus’ miracle of the Gadarine swine. Umm Qeis has both a spectacular location and fine ruins. Ancient Graeco-Roman remains are intertwined with houses of an Ottoman village. Many of these structures are built with black basalt stone, giving the city a grand and unique feel. The final visit this afternoon will be the attractive ruins of ancient Pella. Dating from the Classical period, Pella was another of the important Decapolis cities, and is now the location of several interesting Byzantine churches.

Day 4: MT. NEBO, MADABA, LITTLE PETRA (B,L)

After breakfast drive for 40 minutes to Mt. Nebo, the site from where Moses first saw the Promised Land. The church here has fine mosaics and commands wonderful views over the Dead Sea and West Bank. Close by in the bustling market town of Madaba you will have a short walking tour. The town is noted for its Ottoman houses and detailed Byzantine mosaics including a historically significant 6th century mosaic map featuring the biblically important sites in the Holy Land. This afternoon drive to Petra, a journey time of approximately 3 hours. On arrival visit the site of Little Petra (Al Beidha) with its mini Siq, then check-in at your hotel. This evening starting at 8 pm there will be a visit to see the stunning spectacle of Petra by Candlelight when the Siq and forecourt of the Treasury (El Khazneh) come alive in the light of thousands of candles. Dinner will be under your own arrangements.

Day 5: PETRA (B, L)

Today visit Petra. The extraordinary coloured rocks, celebrated tombs, and grand, carved façades of the ‘rose-red’ city are amongst the world’s most impressive archaeological treasures. Petra was the grand capital of the Nabataeans, an Arab tribe who once ruled most of Arabia. However, the city’s fortunes declined following a shift in trade routes, and it was then forgotten by the West for more than a thousand years. The site is approached via the Siq, a dramatic narrow gorge of striking beauty hemmed in by cliffs up to 80 meters in height. After 1.5 kilometres the stunning edifice of the Treasury (El Khazneh) emerges dramatically through a narrow gap. Further on the intricately carved Royal Tombs, Street of the Façades, High Place of Sacrifice, Qasr al Bint and the enormous Monastery (El Deir) all wait to be discovered.

Note: Petra is an extensive site and requires a considerable amount to walking in order to fully appreciate the site. It should be noted that the ground is uneven and that good shoes are a must. Access to The Monastery (El Deir) and the High Place of sacrifice require climbing a considerable number of stairs. Bathroom facilities are available within the site.

Optional Dinner at The Petra Kitchen. This evening there is an option to have an interactive dining experience at the Petra Kitchen restaurant, a 3 minute drive from your hotel. Here you will learn how to prepare a Jordanian meal with fellow guests and then sit down and enjoy the meal you have jointly created. Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezze, salads and a main course. This daily event is great fun and will give you an inside glimpse into the culinary traditions of the Middle East. (Supplement to be advised)

Day 6: PETRA, WADI RUM (B, L)

This morning there will be a second opportunity to visit Petra and gaze once more on its incredible ruins, then drive to Wadi Rum for lunch in the desert. The stunning desert valley of Wadi Rum, a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, is one of the most dramatic scenic attractions in the Middle East. The area is still the preserve of the Bedouin and their low black goat-hair tents can be seen dotting the landscape. During the First World War T.E Lawrence made his home in the valley. David Lean’s epic film about the exploits of Lawrence features many dramatic sequences that were shot in Rum. The valley is best experienced in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is at its best. On arrival take an hour long off-road excursion by 4WD vehicle. Please note that the desert excursion is a bumpy and dusty experience and not recommended if you have back problems. The vehicles used are all owned by a cooperative and are usually basic and have a rather battered appearance. Late this afternoon return to Petra.

Day 7: KERAK, LOT’S CAVE, ARRIVE DEAD SEA (B,L)

After breakfast visit the huge Crusader and Mamluk castle of Kerak with its awe-inspiring ring of walls, a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Crusaders took 20 years to fortify the site which became the seat of the Lord of Oultrejordain, one the most important fiefs of the Crusader Kingdom. After withstanding several sieges in the 1170s Kerak came under the control of Raynald de Chatillon one of the most daring and controversial of the Crusaders who frequently broke treaties made by the King of Jerusalem with the Arab princes, and used the castle as a base to loot passing caravans of merchants and pilgrims bound for Mecca. From here drive to the ruins of ‘Lot’s Cave’ and then continue along the shores of the Dead Sea to the Dead Sea Panorama. This scenic point is located on cliffs high above the Dead Sea and commands fine views over the Sea towards the West Bank. Lunch will be served at the Dead Sea Panoramic complex, following which you will visit the ecological interpretative centre, and then will be transferred to your Dead Sea Hotel. On arrival check -in. The remainder of the day will be free to enjoy the facilities at the hotel.

Day 8: DEAD SEA

Today will be at leisure at the Dead Sea. The unique characteristics of this body of water, which at more than360 meters below sea level is the lowest dry point on earth, have attracted visitors for centuries. Here you may experience the strange sensation of floating cork like in its waters, indulge in spa treatments, and benefit from the regions special dry climate with its weakened ultraviolet radiation and high oxygen content. Lunch and Dinner will be under your own arrangements.

Day 9: Transfer to Jerusalem

QUMRAN, MASSADA, ARRIVE JERUSALEM

This morning you will be met and transferred to the King Hussein /Allenby Bridge crossing to the West Bank. Here you will cross over into the West Bank / Israel with VIP assistance. Your guide will meet you at the Israeli side of the bridge for the start of your tour. Drive down to the Dead Sea – lowest point on earth. Visit the Qumran Caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Drive south along the shores of the Dead Sea, past the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, to Massada – a World Heritage Site – ascend & descend by cable car to view the 2000-year- old fortress and palace built by King Herod. Visit the new museum where the story of Massada comes to life, "see and feel" the story behind the archaeological finds. Drive up through the Judean wilderness to Jerusalem. On arrival check in at your hotel.

Day 10: JERUSALEM

Drive to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of Old & New Jerusalem. Visit the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. Enter the Old City for a walking tour of the Christian Quarter, along part of the Via Dolorosa to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Stroll through oriental bazaars to the Cardo – the reconstructed main street of Byzantine Jerusalem. View the Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock and El Aqsa Mosques. To the Western Wall -- Judaism’s holiest site. Visit the Davidson Archaeological Center. Continue to Mount Zion to visit the Room of

Last Supper & King David’s traditional tomb.

Day 11: JERUSALEM & BETHLEHEM

Drive to the Haas Promenade for a panoramic view of the Kidron Valley and Southern Jerusalem. Proceed to Bethlehem*, to visit Manger Square and Church of the Nativity. Return to Jerusalem for a city drive through New Jerusalem, past the Jerusalem Theater, the President’s Residence and the Knesset (Israel's parliament). Visit the Israel Museum to view the Model of Jerusalem from Second Temple Period, and the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibited in the Shrine of the Book. Drive past Mount Herzl, where Israel’s founders and leaders are buried and continue to Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum for a visit. Please note: Bethlehem is under Palestinian jurisdiction.

Day 13: FAREWELL TO JERUSALEM

Transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport for departure flight via Amman to LHR.

7 DAY JORDAN EXPLORER

Day 1 – This 7-day odyssey starts with your arrival into Amman and a transfer to the Amman West Hotel. 

Day 2 – Explore the Roman ruins at Jerash followed by a rejuvenating stay at the Jordan Valley Marriot Resort & Spa at the Dead Sea. 

Day 3 – Visit St Georges Church in Madaba and then take in the wonderful views from Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have first seen the 'Promised Land' then explore the spectacular rose-red city of Petra. Overnight for two nights at the Crowne Plaza Petra. 

Day 4 – A free day for you to discover the myths and legends of Petra’s mystical location. 

Day 5 – Drive south to explore the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum and then continue to Aqaba. Stay at the Aqaba Gulf Hotel. 

Day 6 – Aqaba for some beach relaxation, or diving in the pristine waters of the Red Sea. Overnight at hotel. 

Day 7- Followed by a transfer back to Amman Airport for your onward connection. 

Tours include: 

Transfers and meet & greet services 
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary* 
All transport in air-conditioned car with 
English-speaking driver/guide 
Entrance fees to all sites listed in itinerary 
English speaking guide for 2 hours in Petra 
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