Jordan Highlights

Land Tour

13 days

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Jordan Highlights
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 361 per day

Departure: Amman, Jordan

Adventure

Discover all the must see places on this tantalising journey including breathtaking archaeological treasures, Roman ruins, grand mosques and the delightful Desert Castles. At Um Qais we gain a sense of what Moses saw with views of the Jordan Valley, Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee; and enjoy cooking a traditional meal with locals. The rose-red city of Petra is revealed through a narrow gorge, where you'll be awe struck by the structures that were carved into the soaring sandstone walls by the Nabataean civilization in the third century B.C. A short walk in the Dana Nature Reserve is preceded by our foray into the Wadi Rum, a spectacular desert landscape and the backdrop for our camel, jeep and foot explorations. In the south we relax on the beautiful shores of Aqaba at the Red Sea. Our final days include visits to the Baptism site of John the Baptist with some time to relax on the Dead Sea, Madaba known as the 'City of Mosaics' and Mount Nebo with its prized monastery.
About
12 breakfasts and 2 dinners
airport transfers (day 1 and 13 only)
10 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twinshare basis
1 night in local guesthouse on a twinshare basis
1 night in Bedouin camp on a twinshare tent basis (option to upgrade in Wadi Rum to a Martian Dome Tent - additional supplement applies; subject to availability)
English speaking local driver
English speaking local guides at the major sites visited (English speaking guide throughout for 6 or more guests)
Wadi Rum 4WD tour
entrance fees and sightseeing as listed in itinerary
private transport
Hightlights
Indulge in breathtaking archaeological treasures, including the Red Rose City of Petra
Explore the spectacular desert landscape of Wadi Rum
Enjoy a camel trek in the desert and traditional Bedouin dinner
Visit the historic Roman ruins of Jerash
Relax on the Dead Sea
Discover Desert Castles and Muslim mosques and fortresses
Revel in the local hospitality whilst cooking a traditional meal

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Join Amman
If you are arriving into Queen Alia International Airport, Amman, on Day 1 you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. If you are not arriving on Day 1, please make your own way to the hotel or ask us for private transfer details (additional cost applies). Amman is the capital of Jordan, and was known in biblical times as Rabbath Ammon, and under the Ptolemies, as Philadelphia. It is situated on a series of Jebels (meaning hills) and is divided by wadi’s (or dry river beds) into modern and ancient quarters. Remainder of day at leisure to explore Amman. Please check at hotel reception for the time to meet your guide tomorrow.
Day 2 - Jerash, Ajlun, Um Qais (275 km)
After breakfast, we drive to Jerash, where we visit one of the largest and best preserved Graeco-Roman ruins in the Middle East. The grandeur of Imperial Rome is evident from the extensive remnants of this ancient city. We then continue to the village of Ajlun with its fortress and magnificent view into the Jordan Valley. Afterwards we will drive north to Um Qais, a city rich with basalt ruins and perched on a hilltop with excellent views overlooking the Jordan Valley, Golan heights and Lake Tiberius (the sea of Galilee). We will enjoy cooking a traditional meal with locals at Beit Khairat Souf. Dinner and overnight local guesthouse.
Day 3 - Desert Castles, return to Amman (320 km)
After breakfast we will visit Um Qais Castle, and afterwards transfer to the Desert Castles. We will visit Kharaneh, Qasr Amra, and Azraq. Scattered throughout the black basalt desert these temples stand as testament to the beginnings of Islamic civilisation and are widely considered the most spectacular monuments to early Islamic art. We return to the group hotel in Amman for overnight.
Day 4 - Mujib Nature Reserve, drive to Petra (300 km)
After breakfast we transfer to Mujib Nature Reserve for a hiking tour.
NOTE: Depending on trail conditions and water levels, we may alter the trail chosen on the day. Generally the Siq trail in Wadi Mujib is only available from 1 April - 31 Oct. During the colder months from 1 Nov - 30 Mar, the Ibex trail will usually be used instead.
(a) The Siq Trail - a moderate hike into the main gorge of the Mujib River (the Siq). It starts at the visitor centre near the Mujib Bridge, from where we take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. Depending on the seasonal rainfall levels, the gorge may contain pools deep enough for swimming. It's an ideal walk to take slowly and enjoy the cool water and shade, especially in the warmer months. Be prepared with walking shs with good grip, water shs or sandals, and a change of clothes as you will be going into the water and getting wet. There is also some scrambling and use of ropes to get up and over large rocks, and walking along narrow paths. Should you have any concerns - please discuss these with your guide prior to the walk.
(b) The Ibex Trail - this hike takes 3 to 4 hours. The trail begins at the visitor centre near the Mujib Bridge, from where we head south for a short distance (3 Kms) along the Dead Sea highway before turning onto a steeply ascending trail into the nature reserve. After the first steep climb, we hike along a wide track running parallel to the Dead Sea, which provides a startlingly blue backdrop throughout the hike. About one third of the distance along the trail, there is an optional detour up the mountainside to the castle ruins of Qasr Riyashi. The climb to the castle is strenuous but offers beautiful breathtaking views over the Dead Sea. There are an amazing variety of rock colours and formations along the route, with a chance of spotting Nubian Ibex.
Afterwards we drive to Petra, where we check into our hotel for overnight.
In the summer months (and time permitting during the colder months), we may be able to visit the well preserved crusader castle of Kerak on the way to Petra.
Day 5 - Explore Petra
Chief among Jordan’s archaeological sites is the soul-stirring, rose-red city of Petra, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in south Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. This morning our visit of the ancient Nabatean Capital starts with a short walk to the entrance of the Siq, a long narrow fissure between two overhanging cliffs. We then walk through the Siq, with the sudden view of Petra’s most spectacular monument, the Khaznah (or Treasury) appearing dramatically at the end. Our tour gradually explores the mysteries of the ancient city with its Royal Tombs and burial chambers. No matter how many pictures of the Rose Red City you have seen, it will surpass your wildest expectations to see it for real. We return to our hotel in the evening.
Note: Your entry ticket into the city of Petra includes a horse ride into the site and you will have the option to ride a donkey to the end of the Siq. In line with our commitment to animal welfare in tourism we encourage you to walk, rather than ride a horse and donkey. There have been a number of instances where travellers have been upset by the treatment of the horses and donkeys by their handlers.
Day 6 - Explore Petra
Today we have our second visit to the ancient city of Petra, this time visiting the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifices. There are many steps involved today as these specific sites are located at the top of ridgelines but the climbs are worth it. We overnight again at the same hotel.
Day 7 - Beidha and Wadi Rum (125 km)
Our first stop this morning is Beidha, also known as Little Petra. This is the place where the Nabateans used to entertain their guests in the 1st and 2nd centuries BC but it is believed this ancient settlement had its origins in the 11th century BC. After a short visit here we drive south to the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan's largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. It is a unique valley of colored sand dunes surrounded by beautiful rugged mountains. We enjoy a jeep safari inside the Wadi to our Bedouin campsite and delight in a traditional dinner.
NOTE - At the time of booking, there is an option to upgrade to a Martian Dome Tent - additional supplement applies; subject to availability.
Day 8 - In Wadi Rum, drive to Aqaba
After an early breakfast we will enjoy a 1 hour camel trek and do some exploring on foot in Wadi Rum, depending on the interests of the group. In the afternoon we transfer to Aqaba (approx 1 hour) where we check into our hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Overnight hotel.
Day 9 - Aqaba
Day at leisure in the beautiful gulf city of Aqaba, Jordan’s only outlet to the sea. Those interested in scuba diving or snorkeling can enjoy the sport at one of the world’s most conserved coral reefs (own expense). Alternatively there are many cafes and restaurants and some colourful market places to explore. Overnight hotel.
Day 10 - Dana Nature Reserve and the Dead Sea (390 km)
After breakfast we transfer to the Dana Nature Reserve. Apart from its wildlife the reserve is rich with archaeological sites and culture. We visit for 2-3 hours and can do a short hike to some spectacular viewpoints above Dana Village, exploring the terraced gardens and local community craft workshops. From here we drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the surface of the earth, where we check into our hotel for overnight.
Day 11 - Dead Sea
Today is free for relaxing and swimming in the Dead Sea with its famously buoyant, warm and salty waters. Overnight hotel.
Day 12 - Baptism site, Mt Nebo, Madaba, and return to Amman (70 km)
After breakfast we drive to the Bethany region, about 10km north of the Dead Sea along the Jordan River. This is the place where John the Baptist lived and is believed to have baptised Jesus Christ. It is also thought to have been on the early Christian pilgrimage route between Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and Mt. Nebo and hence has significant cultural importance. From here we visit the Monastery in Mount Nebo, a high hill overlooking the Dead Sea from where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. Next we stop to visit the Christian Town of Madaba, "The City of Mosaics", best known for its beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the ‘Madaba Map’, a 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Afterwards we continue to Amman for our final night in Jordan.
Day 13 - In Amman, trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude in Amman after breakfast. If you are departing Jordan today, you will be transferred to the airport. If you require additional nights in Amman or a private transfer on any other day, please ask your Reservations Consultant for details. Additional cost applies.
Location

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