Jordan with Ancient Petra

Day 1 - Amman

Join your tour group at the hotel in Amman, where we’ll base ourselves for three nights. Amman, the capital of Jordan since 1921, is built on seven hills. Remains from the Roman, Greek and Ottoman empires are dotted around the city, the most impressive being the Roman theatre in the city centre.

Day 2 - Ajloun - Jerash

Vsit the 12th-century medieval castle at Ajloun before continuing along the King’s Highway to the ancient city ruins of Jerash. With its forum of colonnaded shops, temples and theatres, Jerash might seem a little daunting at first, but it is one of the world’s best-preserved classical sites. Take some time to perch on a ledge and enjoy the spectacular views. This Greco-Roman city is also famous for its ‘Triumphal Arch’, the Hippodrome and the wide street of columns, which leads to the Temple of Artemis.

Day 3 - Desert Castles - Amman

Travel to the historic desert castles of Qasr Kharaneh, Qasr Amra and Qasr Azraq, before returning to Amman for a tour that includes a visit to the Citadel and the Archaeological Museum.

Day 4 - Mount Nebo - Madaba - Shobak - Petra

Depart Amman and travel approximately an hour to visit Mount Nebo to stand on the spot from which Moses is believed to have surveyed the Promised Land. Continue to Madaba, once a flourishing Byzantine town, and the Greek Orthodox Church with its fascinating 6th-century mosaic map. Travel the three hour journey to Petra, stopping on route at the impressive Shobak Crusader Castle, before arriving at your hotel.

Day 5 - Petra

Rise early for a tour of the spectacular ancient ‘Rose-Red City' of Petra, entering the city on foot. Hidden by the golden desert sand for centuries, this is one of the world’s most treasured UNESCO sites. Visit the Treasury and the Monastery, both of which have been hewn out of solid rock. Most of this unique city was built by the Nabataean Arabs in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. It was an important link in the caravan routes, added to by the Romans who carved out a huge theatre and possibly the spectacular classical façade of the Treasury.

Day 6 - Wadi Rum - Dead Sea

This morning, depart for Wadi Rum. This protected desert wilderness, inhabited by the Bedouin tribes has been a setting to many movies including David Lean’s ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Enjoy lunch at Sun City Camp then travel down to the Dead Sea 400 metres below sea level, where the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are thought to be buried beneath its waters. The Dead Sea is rich in salt where even non-swimmers can float freely in the water.

Day 7 - Dead Sea

Today is free to indulge yourself at the hotel - the Dead Sea is famous for its relaxation and healing properties. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to Bethany, described in the New Testament as the site where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist.

Day 8 - Dead Sea

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.