Classic Adventure to
Jordan
Discover the romance of desert landscapes with pastel-hued sands, unique rock formations and ruins of ancient civilizations. In the beautiful ‘white city’ of Amman and at Jerash you’ll see some of the world’s best preserved Roman cities. The ancient Nabatean civilization left its mark in the deep canyons of Petra. Within this small and diverse country you see impressive ancient crusader and Islamic fortresses and castles, the Biblical sites of Mt. Nebo and Lot’s Cave, and brilliantly colored mosaic maps of the ancient world. Competing with the man-made wonders are Dana Nature Reserve, the Gulf of Aqaba, and the limestone canyons of Wadi Rum. Share meals and visit the homes of the Jordanian people. Relax each evening in luxurious hotels and traditional villages.
Days 1/2/3 - New York/Amman
Board your overnight flight to Amman, an exotic white sandstone city built on seven hills. Spectacular views greet you while touring the ancient Citadel comprised of Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic ruins and the impressive palace, al-Qasr dating back to the Islamic Umayyad period. Tour the Jordan Archeological Museum that houses a collection of Dead Sea Scrolls. See the impressive Roman Theater, cut into the side of a hill. View costumes, furnishings and musical instruments at the Jordan Folklore Museum. Walk through colorful bazaars and the Gold Market to the Darat al Funun – a haven for Arab world modern art. Learn about Jordan’s environmental heritage at the Amman Nature Center. Stroll through a neighborhood of historic homes including where His Majesty the late King Hussien was born. Following a traditional Turkish bath and massage, enjoy dinner prepared by local cooks. GRAND HYATT HOTEL AMMAN. (Meals Aloft; B,L,D)
Day 4 - Amman/Jerash
Tucked away overlooking the Sea of Galilee are the ancient city ruins of Um Qais. Wander through impressive Corinthian columns, Ottomon village homes and a Roman basilica. After enjoying lunch on a terrace with views of Jordan, Israel and Syria, continue to the castle of Ajloun constructed in 1184 boasting views of terraced farmlands. Its rambling corridors and staircases are replete with ‘murder’ holes – through which tar or pitch greeted hapless invaders. Arrive at Jerash, one of the most complete surviving examples of a provincial Roman city with ruins dating back to the Neolithic Age. Drift back in time almost 6500 years as you walk along colonnaded streets to see baths, theaters, plazas and arches in pristine condition. GRAND HYATT HOTEL AMMAN. (B,L)
Day 5 - Amman/Madaba/Mt. Nebo
Drive to Um Ar-Rassas, a World Heritage site with the world’s only monument of the monasticism movement – the Stylite’s Tower. The recently unearthed Church of St. Stephen contains a mosaic floor decorated with Jordanian, Palestinian and Egyptian city plans. Embark on a walking tour of Madaba, where you will see the oldest map of the Holy Land laid out in mosaics on the floor of St. George’s Church. At the ruins of the Apostles Church, see the stunning mosaic entitled ‘Woman of the Sea.’ Drive to the alleged burial site of Moses at Mt. Nebo adorned by a soaring serpentine cross, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. GRAND HYATT HOTEL AMMAN. (B,L)
Day 6 - Kings Road/Kerak/Dana
Follow the King’s Highway, a route as old as Moses, as it winds through forested highlands, farmlands and the scenic canyons of Wadi Mujib to the imposing fortress of the 12th century Crusader Castle at Kerak. Dimly lit stone-vaulted rooms, massive arches and towers, reflect the military genius of the Crusaders. Continue to the village of Dana situated on the edge of the red and white sandstone cliffs where little has changed since the 15th century. Explore the terraced gardens, meet local farmers and visit a traditional bakery, jam factory and soap and silver workshops. Share in a dinner prepared for you by local women while learning about their history and traditions. Your lodgings have breathtaking views of the nature reserve. DANA GUEST HOUSE. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Dana/Petra
Set off this morning on a walk through the Dana Nature Reserve, a diverse landscape that includes wooded highlands, rocky slopes, and sand dunes. Over 600 species of plants, 190 of birds and 37 of mammals, including the rare Nubian ibex find refuge here. On the way to Petra, stop off at Shobak Castle. Enter its forbidding gate and stare down an ancient rock shaft that has 375 steps leading to a water supply. Arrive at the Nabatean capital of Petra, where just steps away lies your luxurious hotel. Nearby stands Little Petra filled with tombs, temples, water channels and painted frescoes dating from the 1st century A.D. Relax at The Petra Kitchen while learning to prepare Jordanian dishes alongside women from the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative and an experienced chef. PETRA MOVENPICK HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Petra
Spend an unforgettable day exploring the antiquities of Petra, from elaborate tombs, soaring temples, majestic monuments, to Roman theatres, burial chambers and mysterious caves. Enter the city through an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone and find your way to one of the most elegant and impressive structures you will ever witness – El Khazneh (The Treasury) – carved of solid rock from the side of a mountain. Return to Petra this evening to view the ruins softly lit by the moon and spotlights (available on Mondays & Thursdays – subject to change). PETRA MOVENPICK HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Wadi Rum
This morning enjoy another excursion to Petra or shopping. Drive to the supernatural landscape of Wadi Rum known as the Valley of the Moon and the setting for much of the film Lawrence of Arabia. Explore by 4x4 vehicle the legendary mauve sandstone rocks and ancient valleys that British officer T.E. Lawrence made famous. Return to Petra this evening or spend a night under starry skies in true Bedouin fashion at one of their camps. PETRA MOVENPICK HOTEL OR BEDOUIN TENTS. (B,L,D)
Days 10/11 - Dead Sea
Travel the Desert Highway to the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea. Dip your hands into the River Jordan at the legendary baptism site of Jesus. Stunning geological formations and hidden ravines with lush vegetation tantalize you with their beauty. Enjoy the tranquility of your resort and its natural resources. Float in the saltiest sea in the world while the ozone-rich air fills your lungs and sunshine warms your skin. MOVENPICK DEAD SEA RESORT. (B,L; B)
Day 12 - Amman/New York
Relaxed, rejuvenated and filled with incredible memories, board your flight home. (B, Meals Aloft)
Your Journey Includes:
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- American breakfast throughout and other meals as specified.
- Sightseeing in Jordan by private air-conditioned car or motorcoach with bottled water on board. In Wadi Rum via 4x4 vehicle.
- Petra Kitchen experience, Turkish Bath and dinner with local family in Dana.
- Entrance fees to all sites specified in the itinerary.
- Professional guide with a minimum of 10 travelers.
- Applicable hotel/lodge taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All National Reserves entry fees.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.