Arrival to Amman, meet, assist and transfer with local representative for check-in at hotel in Amman

  

This morning we drive to the shimmering Dead Sea, at nearly 400m.  below sea level, the lowest point on earth. Surrounded by barren hills. This unique water body has an amazingly high salt content (33%) which means no animal life survives and that it is almost impossible to sink! But don’t take our word for it, try by yourself !  We then head south following one of the oldest trade routes in the world, the Kings’ Highway, that once carried the richly laden caravans of Solomon, we reach Kerak, imposingly sited on a hilltop. Kerak became famous in the time of the Crusades as one of a chain of fortresses in the Holy War against Islam. Built in 1132 by Baldwin of Jerusalem, a Crusader king, the castle finally fell to the forces of Saladin himself, who was so impressed with the courage shown by it’s defenders that he set them free. From Kerak we continue south to Petra, without doubt one of the most famous and awe inspiring sites in the Middle East. 

Abandoned centuries ago, Petra was the rock cut stronghold of the Nabateans (and the final resting place of the Holy Grail - according to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). Surrounded by imposing mountains and approached through a deep, narrow cleft in the rocks, known as the Siq, it is a unique and unforgettable place, strange and otherworldly, enhanced by the play of light and shadow, an altogether overwhelming experience. In the morning we walk through the Siq and enter this lost city, sighting the famous temple façade of the Treasury as we approach. A guided orientation tour will take us to some of the key parts of this remarkable site, after which, the rest of the day is free to walk through one of the most impressive and exciting sites of ancient history at leisure. 

Today you have a full free day at Petra, or ‘rock’ in Greek. Returning to the city you can climb steep paths to the sacrificial ‘High Places’ (altars) and hike to the top of Jebel Haroon (1396m) for a stunning view over Wadi Araba and the Negev Desert. The Monastery is the largest of Petra’s monuments and certainly worth the steep climb up to it. Towering to a height of 40m.  it’s doorway alone measures 8m. in height, dwarfing anyone framed within it. It is a place to lose oneself in the atmosphere of the past.

 

We spend today experiencing the beautiful area of Wadi Rum. We head off south for an exciting half-day 4WD drive through stunning desert scenery. Travelling via the old Roman road, we explore the lesser-known northern areas of Wadi Rum, seeing natural rock bridges and viewing incredible rock sculptures on the way to our overnight camp. After lunch we rendezvous for an unforgettable trek, either on foot or you have the option of taking a camel.  We ride and/or walk for about 2 hours through a landscape of sandstone mountains and white and pink coloured sands. The desert is another world, inhabited by the nomadic Bedouin peoples for generations. The whole area is soaked in Lawrence’s legend and scenes of the famous film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ were shot here – deep in the fabulous purple-black mountains that rise from the sand of the desert. Before our night under the starry sky, we may be lucky enough to witness a spectacular desert sunset. Those who do not wish to walk or to take the (optional) camels may travel directly to the camp by jeep. We sleep in a single, large, traditional goat hair tent (the best protection against typical desert extremes of hot and cold) which is laid out with rugs, mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags. The evening is normally spent around a campfire, with spectacular desert stars overhead: Washing facilities and WC are available close by.

Leaving Wadi Rum,  we drive to Aqaba on the Red Sea. Aqaba is Jordan’s only seaport and has had a long history of occupation and trade. King Solomon’s ships left here loaded with copper, and the Edomites and the Nabateans used the port as part of a trade route from Damascus to Egypt. The Roman 10th. Legion was stationed here and during the 12th. century the Crusaders made good use of Aqaba’s strategic position. During World War I the Arab troops under Prince Faisal used the fort as a base for attacks on the Ottoman forces. After checking in to our hotel the rest of the day is free for you to relax. 

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) included meals: Breakfast 

Today you have a free day where you may wish to enjoy the splendid coral reefs and clear warm water for which Aqaba is famed. Aqaba has numerous water sports activities, including sailing, snorkelling and glass bottom boats for hire, so there should be something for everyone.

 

This morning we drive northwards to ancient Jerash, located in the Gilead Hills. One of Jordan’s major attractions, it is a beautifully preserved Roman city, considered to be the best preserved of the Decapolis, a confederation of ten Middle Eastern cities under the Emperor Pompeii. One of the highlights of the Middle East, a triple arch gateway gives way to colonnaded streets, theatres, temples and baths. It is estimated that this represents only about 10% of the entire city; the rest is still to be uncovered. We spend several hours exploring the site with the option to watch a Roman Gladiators’ Show before returning to Amman. 

You may like to extend your time in Jordan , otherwise this morning you will transfer to the airport for your return flight via Amman.