Grandeur of Petra, Splendors of Jordan

Day 1: Depart the United States

Depart the United States on our archaeological tour on our flight to Amman.

Day 2: Arrive Amman

Arrive Amman. Overnight for four nights in the al Qasr, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

Day 3: National Archaeological Museum/Omayyad Palace/Jordan’s new National Museum

Nestled in a green and fertile valley in the biblical land of Gilead, the remains of Jerash are impressive. Stroll along the city’s colonnaded streets and through ancient marketplaces, and visit imposing theaters sitting beside Roman, Christian and Muslim houses of worship. Return to Amman and to the city’s citadel. Here, in the National Archaeological Museum, the Dead Sea Scrolls found in 1952 are one of the most important exhibits as are the unique figures found at ‘Ain Ghazal by Dr. Rollefson. Continue to the nearby 8th century Omayyad Palace, the Temple of Hercules dedicated to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd-century, and a small Byzantine church. Learn of the Roman city while viewing the amphitheater that seats 6,000 people and is still used for performances today, and the recently-restored odeon. Finally, visit Jordan’s new National Museum. Gather this evening for our welcome dinner party. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Umm Quais

One of the best-preserved examples of medieval Arab military architecture in the Middle East is the 12th-century Ajlun Castle. Explore the fortress before driving to the dramatically located ancient city, Umm Quais, perched on a high plain overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. At Pella, see mud-brick houses and defense walls dating from the Bronze and Iron age, and later remains from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. This afternoon's visit is to the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR), where the director will give a private tour including seeing the Petra Scrolls. Dinner is on your own to enjoy one of Amman's superb restaurants. (B/L)

Day 5: Hammam al-Sarah/Azraq Castle/ Qasr Amra

Today travel east of Amman along ancient desert tracks to explore several dazzling Umayyad palaces. Qasr al-Hallabat began as a Roman fort and ended as a luxurious country estate under the Umayyads. Nearby is its bathhouse, Hammam al-Sarah, constructed of fine limestone. Crafted of the area’s black basalt, Azraq Castle is located in an oasis and takes advantage of the important strategic position of the region’s four springs. The fortress was probably begun in the second century AD by the Romans, and was still in use when T. E. Lawrence used it as a base in the winter of 1917-18. The audience hall at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Qasr Amra is covered with charming, vividly painted frescoes. And the mighty fortress of Qasr al-Kharaneh is the most complete of the Umayyad castles. Even though the steep walls rising abruptly from the flat plain create a feeling of strength, archaeological excavations show that the building was probably used as an elegant palace. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Umm ar-Rasas

Today is filled with history. Madaba was inhabited for nearly 3,500 years, and contains a most impressive work of art to survive from the mid-6th century - a mosaic map of Palestine. Bible references speak of Mt. Nebo as the place where Moses died. Visit the ruins of the 6th-century basilica, the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, and the monastery. Finally, visit Umm ar-Rasas, recently proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The perfectly preserved mosaic floor in the Church of St. Stephen, created in the 8th century, is the largest one in Jordan. Overnight two nights in Petra at the Petra Movenpick, a five-star hotel conveniently located at the entrance of the park. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Petra

Early this morning, walk through the siq, the fissure that is the gateway to the splendid UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Our first view of the Rose City is the dazzling Al-Khasneh Farun, or Treasury. From here walk along the Streets of Facades and view the magnificent tombs, theatre, markets, the Petra Byzantine Church with its glorious mosaics, and the Great Temple, under excavation by Brown University. If desired, climb to Ed Deir to view a temple with the largest façade carved at Petra. In the afternoon, visit “Little Petra”, or Siq al-Barid, where several immense cisterns are carved into the rocks. After walking through a miniature siq, a splendid collection of tombs, temples, houses, and staircases will appear. In the evening, enjoy a zarb, a traditional Bedouin meal of roasted lamb cooked in a hand-built mud oven. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Qasr al-Bint Temple/Habees High Place

This morning is for the hardy as we climb into the more remote areas of Petra. Begin in Qasr al-Bint Temple, dating from the time of Christ, and the Habees High Place, one of the easiest of the climbs overlooking the city. Pass the Unfinished Tomb and the Columbarium, a former tomb, and finally the 12th-century Crusader fortress on the summit of al-Habees Mountain. For those who want to continue climbing, visit the Lion Triclinium guarded by two feline reliefs, Qattar ad-Deir to see the Nabataeans’ water source. In the afternoon, return to Amman and the al Qasr Hotel. Our festive final dinner party will be in an elegant local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 9: Transfer to the Airport

Transfer to the airport for our flight for the USA. (B)