15 Days – 14 Nights
Day 1 – ARRIVAL
Meet & assist upon arrival in Amman, followed by transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 – AMMAN – MACHAERUS – DEAD SEA – AMMAN
On the way to the Dead Sea, you will discover the biblical site of Machaerus. Afterwards heading towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (400m below sea level).
Day 3 – AMMAN – DESERT UMAYYAD CASTLES
Today you absorb the sights and sounds of the bustling city of Amman. You will visit the Roman theatre, a site dating back to the 2nd century AD, and the nearby ruins of the Citadel hill as well as the Archaeological museum – all of which are excellent introductions to the archeology of the region. Continue to visit Jordan’s desert castles being the testament to the beginnings of Islamic civilization.
Day 4 – AMMAN – UMM QAIS – JERASH – DAMASCUS
Start the morning with a journey to the excavations of Umm Qais. This former Decapolis city is perched on a hilltop with astonishing views of the Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Followed by a trip to Jerash, one of the best preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. After exploring the ancient “Geresa” with its “Street of Columns”, theatre and temple of Zeus & Artemis, we are crossing the boarders on our way to Damascus.
Day 5 – DAMASCUS
Spend a full day exploring Damascus, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city which 3000 years ago served as the capital for the Aramean Kingdom. It’s charm lies inside the Roman walls of the Old City where we will discover ancient temples and mosques. We visit the great Omayyad Mosque, built on the site of the Byzantine church of St. John, the Baptist and the Azem Palace, rich example of Ottoman architecture. Further places of interest will be St. Paul’s window and the fascinating cavernous souks.
Day 6 – DAMASCUS – KRAK DES CHEVALIERS – PALMYRA
Drive to Krak des Chevaliers where you will visit the illustrious crusader castle with its dramatic setting overlooking the mountains. Then drive through the desert to the oasis of Palmyra.
Day 7 – PALMYRA – DAMASCUS
Today you will experience the impressive former capital of the Empire of Queen Zenobia. Palmyra is one of the world’s most famous caravan cities, ancient Roman center and a major link in the old Silk Road. Explore the extensively excavated, and beautifully restored ruins such as the Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, the valley of tombs & the theatre. Late afternoon return to Damascus.
Day 8 – DAMASCUS – BOSRA – AMMAN
In the morning you return back to the Syrian/Jordanian border in the south of the country. On the way, you will stop at the ancient Nabatean-Roman city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borsa. Arrival in Amman, capital of Jorda in the afternoon.
Day 9 – MADABA – MT. NEBO – KARAK – PETRA
Proceed south along the ancient Kings’ Highway, with stops at Madaba where you will see a unique 6th Century mosaic map which portrays the Holy Land. Continue to the Byzantine Church of Mount Nebo with its spectacular views over the Jordan Valley, Jericho & the Judean Hills. It was from here that Moses is said to have seen the ‘Promised Land’. Finally visit Karak to see the famous 12th century crusader castle, before arriving in Petra.
Day 10 – ‘LOST CITY’ OF PETRA
Spend a full day sight seeing in the ‘Rose-Red City’ of Petra with your guide. You can only enter the city by walking through the narrow rocky canyon of the Siq that dramatically opens up to expose the awesome façade of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) of the Nabateans. You will see hundreds of rock carved tombs and temple facades, funerary halls and rock reliefs.
Day 11 – PETRA – WADI RUM – AQABA
This morning head south to see the desert lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, made famous by Lawrence of Arabia, and take an exhilarating 4-wheel drive across the dunes. In the afternoon you are reaching Aqaba, the Jordanian beach resort at the Red Sea.
Day 12 to 14 – BEACH EXTENSION AT THE RED SEA
Enjoy days of relaxation at the beach.
Day 15 – DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport of Aqaba or Amman and journey back home. |