Jordan Program 1

This morning we drive the short 30-mile journey north of the capital to the ancient Jerash. Populated for over 6,500 years, the city's golden age was in Roman times when it was conquered by General Pompey and became one of a confederation of ten important Middle Eastern cities, known as the Decapolis League. Now, because of the way it has been preserved in the sand before its excavation last century, it is widely acknowledged as one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Walking around the colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, and the chariot-racing stadium, it is easy to imagine Roman life carrying on around you. Most shockingly, it is estimated that only about 10% of the city has been uncovered.

Traveling back into Amman, we'll delve deeper into the life of the city on a walking tour. Our explorations start out with a panoramic view across the city enjoyed from its highest point, the Citadel - Jabal al-Qal'a perched on a hill near the center of the city. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.

Head to Madaba - a town with a strong Christian heritage and aptly dubbed the 'City of Mosaics'. Around 90 minutes from the capital, Madaba is home to hundreds of Byzantine-era mosaics, the most famous of these is the 6th-century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Created with two million pieces of vividly colored local stone, it is believed to be the oldest surviving map of the holy land. Arrive at Mount Nebo; referenced in the Old Testament as the place where Moses once stood to look over the Promised Land. This sacred location is important to many devoted pilgrims and on a clear day offers views out across the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Travel along the impressive 5,000-year-old King's Highway to Petra, Jordan's most valuable treasure. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.

You can look forward this morning to begin exploring the rose city that was abandoned centuries ago. This other-worldly place is enhanced by the play of light and shadow to create an altogether magical experience, giving us the chance to truly explore this jewel in-depth. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the new wonders of the world. This ancient city carved in the rocks has retained its grandeur throughout the centuries and although much has been written about it, nothing really prepares you for the impact of this unique site. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.

Today is all about embracing the Wadi Rum desert experience in its authenticity, as we have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live the lifestyle of the nomadic Bedouin people. Wadi Rum occupies a region of 74,000 acres and as described by T.E. Lawrence, is 'vast, echoing and God-like...'. Monolithic outcrops of granite rock and sandstone rise out of the desert with a drifting blanket of sand between them. It is at its most impressive at the beginning and end of the day when the soft light and blue sky create a coppery effect on the sand. This morning we will leave Petra and head to Wadi Rum Visitor Centre where we will transfer to 4WD vehicles for an exhilarating two-hour jeep drive through the desert. This is a great chance to see the most spectacular and untouched parts of Wadi Rum. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.

After all the exploration of the last few days, today we can enjoy a relaxing day in Aqaba on the Red Sea. Famed for its preserved coral reefs and unique sea life, your Leader will be on hand to arrange an optional snorkeling trip. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.

This morning we depart Aqaba and travel for around four hours to the Dead Sea. Officially the lowest point on the earth's surface, this unique water body has an amazingly high salt content (33%+) which means that no animal life survives and it is almost impossible to sink. The experience of floating naturally is magically unique and relaxing on the calm sea. We'll spend a couple of hours this afternoon at a tourist beach, where food and drink can be purchased and we use of showers facilities.

Finally, we drive on to Amman and spend our last night in the bustling capital with free time to do some last-minute shopping and sightseeing. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.

Transfer to the airport. Assistance with formalities and departure.