Wonders of Jordan

Day 1 Arrive Amman

You are welcome to arrive in Amman at any time, as today is a designated arrival day with no planned activities. Please note that there will be an important welcome meeting this evening at our joining hotel. Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-trip admin documents. After learning more about our tour and plans for the following day, you may choose to head out for an optional dinner at a local restaurant with your CEO and traveling companions. Overnight in Amman.

Day 2 Jerash, Dead Sea (B, D)

After breakfast we set off on our half day trip to Jerash, a fascinating place and one of the largest and most well preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. Its paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates remain in exceptional condition. The drive takes less than an hour each way, but will transport you some 2000 years back in time. Next, we head to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is actually a lake, without any from of life whatsoever existing in its waters. The water is so dense that it is practically impossible to sink, being five to ten times as salty as regular sea water. We base ourselves at a resort where you will have access to the beach. While swimming, cover yourself with the sea's mud, which is reputed to have special healing powers, and don't forget to take a photo of yourself reading a book while floating! You will notice that the salt penetrates any cuts on your body and has an unusual smell, but there are showers to wash off under after swimming. Afterwards, relax under an umbrella next to one of the fresh water swimming pools or enjoy the other facilities at your resort hotel. Why not indulge in an optional massage or one of the other range of health and beauty therapies available. Tonight, enjoy an included buffet dinner at our hotel. Overnight at Dead Sea in a comfortable resort style hotel. Approx travel times: Amman to Jerash, 2hrs (return); Amman to Dead Sea, 2hrs

Day 3 Mt Nebo, Madaba, Karak (B)

We depart early today for the long but very interesting drive by way of the King's Highway to Petra. Our first stop is Mount Nebo, which is believed by many to be the site of Moses' death and has thus been a center for pilgrimage since the earliest Christian times. Enjoy stunning views from the summit of the surrounding countryside and into Israel in the distance. The town of Madaba has some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world including the famous sixth century mosaic map of Palestine. We also visit several other churches, the Archaeological Park and local museum, all containing stunning mosaics and information about the history of this center of early Christianity. Afterwards, we visit Karak Castle, the largest late Islamic castle in Jordan. It was initially constructed in the Crusader period and expanded and refortified during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods. We will arrive in the early evening at Wadi Musa, the town on the outskirts of Petra, where we will spend the night. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Wadi Musa (Petra township) Approx travel times: Dead Sea to Wadi Musa (Petra), 10hrs (including stops for visits en route)

Days 4-5 Petra (2B, 1D)

We have two full days to explore this wonderful site. After breakfast at the hotel on Day 4, we depart for a full day tour of Petra. Upon arrival at the entrance to the site you will begin an unforgettable walk through the narrow canyon that forms the dramatic entrance to the city (the siq), until you round the final corner and are greeted by the unforgettable view of the dramatic façade of the Treasury building. Our guide will give a brief history of this city that the Nabateans carved from the living rock of the surrounding mountains. The site is large, but you can set your own pace depending on the weather and the interests of the group. This evening we head to a local restaurant where you will be given a cooking demonstration with some hands on demonstrations, of some local dishes, finally eating your creations as a delicious dinner. Day 5 is free for you to return and explore Petra at your own pace. You may prefer to spend some quality time relaxing around the hotel's pool. Overnight two nights in our comfortable accommodation in Wadi Musa (Petra township)

Day 6 Wadi Rum (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we make our way to Al Beidha, also known as Little Petra. This site is literally hidden away in a mountain and this miniature version of Petra contains a number of notable tombs and offers a glimpse of Petra without the crowds. Later we drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes. Now the home of several Bedouin tribes, Wadi Rum has been inhabited for generations. These hospitable and friendly desert people are settled in Wadi Rum in scattered nomadic camps throughout the area. We enjoy lunch before heading deep into the desert on a four hour 4x4 vehicle. Afterwards we enjoy a local lunch at Wadi Rum before head to our comfortable tented camp, where we will enjoy a traditional meal for our Dinner and learn more about this ancient culture. Overnight in tented camp Wadi Rum. Approx travel times: Wadi Musa to Wadi Rum, 2hrs

Day 7 Amman (B,D)

This morning we return to Amman by way of the Desert Highway. On arrival back in the capital, we undertake an orientation drive, showing you the highlights of Amman's capital, including the restored 2AD Roman amphitheater and the many layers of regional history contained atop Amman's hilltop Citadel. Tonight, we head out together to enjoy a final dinner together to celebrate the end of a wonderful journey. Overnight in Amman. Approx travel times: Wadi Rum to Amman, 3.5 hrs

Day 8 Amman (B)

You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.