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Airport Pickup
Upon your arrival, one of our team members will be expecting you (with a sign) at Queen Alia International Airport arrivals hall.
After initial greetings, you will be driven to your designated hotel in Amman (the drive should take no more than 30 minutes).
After check-in at the hotel, we will leave you to rest, relax and freshen up so you can be ready for the next day to embark on your journey.
Castle of Ajloun – Jerash (ancient Gerasa) – Amman Highlight:
After breakfast, we start out by heading north where we will visit our first spectacular site, Ajloun Castle. The drive should take around one and a half hours, and we will be covering 73 kilometres (passing the city of Jerash). Something that you will most certainly notice while driving towards Ajloun is how the landscape of Jordan changes from desert in the south, to lush green vegetation made up of pine tree forests and olive groves in the north. This is just one of the many characteristics of Jordan that makes it a wonderfully unique country.
A Brief History of Castle of Ajloun or Qalaat Errabadh (Arabic for “Hilltop Castle”):
The original castle was built by the nephew of the great military leader Salah ad-Din al Ayyubi in 1184–85 as a military fortress to defend against Crusaders, as well as to protect valuable trade routes between Jordan and Syria.
The castle is an excellent example of medieval Arab-Islamic military architecture. The first thing you will notice as you are approaching Ajloun Castle are the massive walls and the five looming towers.
The castle was originally constructed with four towers, and in 1215 AD extended to include a fifth tower and a drawbridge.
You will cross over this medieval bridge, which allows you access across the moat and into the castle. Once inside you will find a maze of curved passageways; winding staircases; long ramps; huge rooms that functioned as dining halls; residences; and castle stables. From the top of the castle, you will enjoy panoramic views of the hilltops along the Jordan Valley.
Overview of Sites for Ancient Jerash City:
We will now head off to our last site of the day, the Roman Amphitheatre, which can be viewed from the citadel. A large and steeply raked theatre that could seat approximately 6,000 people and was built into the hillside facing north, to keep the sun off spectators.
After your second day of discovering Jerash and Ajloun, you will be taken back to your hotel to refresh and get ready for another day full of distinctive sites.
On the way to Petra via the King’s Highway:
After breakfast, we will drive south, going around Madaba and towards Mount Nebo.
Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is where you can stand in Moses’s shoes when he first gazed upon the ‘Promised Land’. The area is located at the summit and where you will undoubtedly feel a surge of calm and peace flow through you. On a clear day, you will be able to see Bethlehem, Jericho and the Holy City of Jerusalem, as well as the Dead Sea. The view is powerful, special, and something you will surely never forget.
Mosaic Workshop
Coming down from Mount Nebo, we head back towards Madaba. Your guide will now take you to experience Jordan Jewel for Art & Mosaic. Here you will have the chance to visit their workshop and learn about the intricately detailed craftwork that goes into the production of mosaics and other interesting arts of this region.
Madaba (Saint George Church)
Travelling to Madaba only takes ten minutes and it is a city known for its spectacular Byzantine era mosaics. Possibly the most famous of these mosaics lies within the 19th century Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George. Unearthed in 1864, this map constructed in the 6th century once contained millions of mosaic pieces and depicts lands from Palestine to Egypt. Today one third of the map survives and shows the earliest surviving representation of the city of Jerusalem.
The King’s Highway
After Madaba we follow the path of the ancient trade route that began in Egypt and travelled all the way up to Damascus (a route that had been used by the Nabateans to bring spices and frankincense from southern Arabia). This route was also used for the important pilgrimage of both Muslims and Christians.
As you drive along the King’s Highway, you will notice the different geological and altitude changes. We will begin driving at 400 metres below sea level, to a point of around 1,400 metres above sea level. At the top, the land opens up before you and you are presented with spectacular views of open farmland, plateaus, and deep ravines. It is a glorious and moving sight.
Prior to our next site, Karak, you will be going around the Wadi Mujib dam on a very steep road that offers one of the best views this part of the country has to offer.
Karak Castle
Upon your arrival in the town of Karak, we visit one of the largest Crusader fortresses in the Levant region.
Karak was once a powerful kingdom situated on a hilltop 1,000 metres above sea level. Karak is surrounded on three sides by a deep valley, and a town was built on a triangular plateau around the castle. The city’s building layout has been dated back to the 19th century, specifically the Ottoman Empire Period. The narrow streets and crumbling buildings give you a sense of walking through history.
The view from the top of the fortress is stunning. Far below, you’ll glimpse blocks of farmland of various colours. In the distance, the Dead Sea sparkles; a cool breeze caresses your face as you look out and try to imagine a world of long ago.
Dana Village
As we approach higher land, we reach the village of Dana. Here, we will stop at a vantage point that overlooks a 500 year old village, the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and Wadi Araba.
Moses Springs
We will continue our drive to Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses) and stop by the Prophet Moses’s spring that comes from underneath a rock. History claims that Moses’s staff struck this rock, and the Nabateans then built channels and brought the water down into Petra.
Petra visit
The British Broadcasting Channel (BBC) has listed Petra as “one of the 40 places you have to see before you die,” and indeed we agree.
Petra is a city that was lost for centuries until its discovery by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt in 1812. It is a city that inspired many a poet, John William Burgon being no different. Petra inspired him to write, “it seems no work of Man’s creative hand, by labour wrought as wavering fancy planned; But from the rock as if by magic grown, eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!” The rocks seem to have a mind of their own, and you can sense something enchanting as you walk down the rock-lined corridor to the magnificence that awaits you.
On this day, a special guide will take you along the same route many have travelled before and you will feel as if you’ve journeyed into another world. You get to explore a city carved into stone, walk through a dim, narrow gorge called The Siq, (a holy path filled with old and ancient relics of gods); a sophisticated water system has been placed on both sides of the gorge. Much more will be revealed to you as you walk until you reach The Treasury. And just like Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade, you will be mesmerised by what you see.
A whole city, carved from stone, will open up before you once you leave The Treasury. Everything is built from the rock face—houses, theatres, tombs, and facades. As the sun casts its rays onto these places and you watch other tourists stroll along discovering the hidden secrets of Petra, you will understand what life must have been like for the people living here—tranquil, bustling, and exquisite.
Things to consider:
The Monastery (Al–Dair):
This monastery is a one hour climb up 800 rock steps from the basin restaurant/museum area. Don’t be intimidated by the ascent though; donkeys are available, but the essence of the experience for many people is in the walk itself.
What to expect:
While it is not as famous as the Treasury, the Monastery is considered one of the most impressive views at Petra. It is similar to the Treasury yet only larger (50m high x 45m wide). While containing much less decoration, it is still beautifully carved and worth every one of the 800 steps you took to reach it.
Wadi Araba Vantage Point:
If you are a lover of scenic landscapes and breath-taking views, another part of your day should include this location. With just an extra ten minute walk from the Monastery, you will be happy you took the extra time. Here you will enjoy panoramic views of the Wadi Araba Valley. This walk can be extra rewarding for the bird watchers among the group as eagles populate this area in abundance.
Petra night tours:
What better way of viewing the Treasury than to see it lit up by hundreds of candles? Imagine the rose-coloured rock sparkling with hundreds of tiny dancing flames lighting your way throughout. You will enjoy drinking traditional Bedouin tea while traditional Bedouin music plays softly in the background.
The journey starts at the visitor centre, with candles lining the way to the Treasury. The candles give the journey a whimsical effect, while the only sound you hear is that of your own breath echoing in the Siq (gorge).
Petra by Night runs three times a week. Tours start at 8:30 pm and finish at 10:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Wadi Rum
After breakfast you will continue your excursion into the majestic Wadi Rum. From Petra, it is around a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Wadi Rum along the King’s Highway. You will be taken on a mountain road, up to an elevation of 1,600 metres above sea level where you will be able to observe valleys dotted with Bedouin settlements and their herds of livestock.
Once we reach Wadi Rum, our Bedouin friend Abu-Yosef will greet us at his home with traditional Bedouin tea (tea made with fresh sage and sugar). After your short rest, you will be set to explore the immense area of Wadi Rum while in the back of an old 4×4 truck. To discover a landscape that was once described by the British officer T. E. Lawrence as, ‘vast, echoing and Godlike.’ This description wonderfully summarises the Wadi Rum experience.
You will notice how the mountains of rock just seem to melt under the sun’s energy, and the tracks of camels, foxes, and wild dogs sprinkled on the wind-swept sand. The incredible silence will engulf you, making you feel like part of the landscape around you.
Later, you will be taken to one of the highest points in all of Wadi Rum to witness a spectacular sunset. Abu-Yosef will prepare us some more Bedouin tea, right in the desert sand, and leave us to watch the descending sun. As we welcome the moon, a whole new view of the landscape around you emerges and as the darkness creeps in, the sky lights up with millions of stars to cast a silvery light upon the entire world.
Things to consider while in Wadi Rum
BBQ chicken lunch: it is a unique experience, which is as close to what the native Bedouins used to eat while in the desert
Camel ride: who can resist trekking through the desert on the back of a camel? This is best done after sunset or during early sunrise. Don’t miss out on this genuine experience in the desert
Horse ride: want to experience Wadi Rum as T.E. Lawrence once did? Then horse riding is something that you cannot miss out on
Hot air balloon: you’ve enjoyed the magic around you, but do you want to see more? Then the hot air balloon is exactly what you’re looking for; you will have a bird’s eye view of this beautiful landscape (from 45–90 minutes).
It starts at dawn every day but reservations usually need to be confirmed the day before. Also, please note that hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions
Mountain hiking: want to experience the desert in a different way and feel every bit of it? Then hiking around Wadi Rum is a great way to truly immerse yourself in your surroundings. This trip usually takes a couple of days to allow you to see the entire desert
Extra night: Wadi Rum is a peaceful and seemingly limitless place, so an extra night might be worth considering. You can negotiate with your guide on the price of an extra night at the time of your decision.
Aqaba
After breakfast we drive to Aqaba, which is approximately 45 minutes away from Wadi Rum. Today we will be focusing on leisure and relaxing after five days of continuous adventure.
Aqaba is a coastal city best known for its luxurious resort beaches and water sport activities. Situated along the Red Sea, its waters harbour a rich and diverse ecosystem with almost 1,200 species of fish. Roughly 10% of these fish cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Aqaba offers many options in the way of activities, or you can choose to relax at your hotel and enjoy the beach. For those that are looking for more to do you can choose from the list provided below.
Things to consider while in Aqaba:
Snorkelling trips: you will be given all the equipment that you will need—mask, snorkel and fins. Transportation will be provided for you, and you will be given a briefing by professional staff on the beach that will include the location of coral reefs, and the best snorkel practices.
Discover scuba diving: this is a great experience for people who would like to discover the beauty of the sea, but do not have a certified license to dive on their own. This package includes:
– Equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, tank, etc.)
– Transportation
– Highly experienced staff that will give you instructions before you start your dive
– Constant staff assistance during the entire experience
Certified diving: if you are already certified with a diving license you can enjoy a variety of dive sites in Aqaba. This package includes:
– Equipment (wetsuit, fins, mask, tank, etc.)
– Transportation
– Highly experienced staff who will give you instructions before you start your dive
– Staff will act as guides, ensuring an enjoyable experience
Diving courses: a wide variety of diving courses are available such as:
– Open Water Courses (introductory course)
– Advanced Open Water Courses
– Rescue Diver Courses
– Master Diver Courses
Other services that are offered:
– Underwater photos (put onto a CD)
– Underwater videos
– Other water activities such as Jet Ski rides, boat trips (glass boats, submarine, sunset cruises, etc.), parasailing and travelling out to Pharaoh’s Island (one of the most picturesque spots in the entire gulf).
Important Note: only five-star hotels have access to the beach in the city of Aqaba; four-star hotels are located outside the city, just 15 minutes away and free shuttle services are available between the hotels and the city.
Via Wadi Araba – Jordan Valley – Mujib Bridge – Dead Sea
After breakfast we will embark on a four-hour drive to the Dead Sea. Driving along, you will observe another side of Jordan and see the diversity of the land around you as we pass by Wadi Araba. Sand dunes will emerge on both sides of the road as we progress towards the fertile land of the Dead Sea. The rich land of the Jordan Valley, which has been plentiful for the last 10,000 years, will start to unfold before you.
We continue our journey by descending quickly towards the lowest point on earth (423 metres below sea level), driving along the Dead Sea Highway we will pass by the Wadi Mujib Bridge, which faces an enormous gorge.
Dead Sea: words can hardly describe this magnificent place, being one of the world’s first health resorts for kings like Herod the Great and many others.
Today all you have to do is relax and float on your back, read your favourite magazine and take a selfie for your facebook profile.
Things to consider:
When sun baking at the Dead Sea, it is popular for guests to cover themselves with mud and forget to use any sun protection. The sun’s harmful UV rays are filtered due to the high atmospheric pressure in the area; therefore, we’d like all our guests to be careful so that they can enjoy their entire experience.
Dead Sea – Amman A/P Departure
