Soft evening light on the Monastery, Petra © Patrick Syder Images
This classic Jordan tour offers a varied and comprehensive journey through the Royal Hashemite Kingdom. You will be able to visit a magnificent Crusader castle at Kerak, explore one of the best preserved Roman cities at Jerash, drive by 4WD through Lawrence of Arabia’s Wadi Rum, float on the Dead Sea, and enjoy an extended 2 day visit to Petra; the rose-red city half as old as time and the highlight of your trip. Jordan’s scenery is truly stunning, ranging from the desert sands of Wadi Rum to the green Jordan Valley and the coral rich waters of the Red Sea
ITINERARY
Day 1 Fly to Amman
Depart from Heathrow with Royal Jordanian. Evening arrival and transfer to the centrally located Geneva hotel for two nights
Day 2 Visit Amman and Jerash
We start the day at the capital’s open-air museum sited at the Citadel which houses the National Archaeological Museum, the Roman Temple of Hercules and the Roman Theatre below. We continue north of the capital to visit the fabulously well-preserved Roman city of Jerash with its evocative Theatre, grand circular Forum and the paved way leading to the impressive Temple of Artemis. Welcome dinner in typical local restaurant (B,D)
Day 3 Visit Madaba, Mt Nebo and Kerak
Depart this morning heading west and visit the monastery at Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the Promised Land. There is a visit to the Archaeological Park at Madaba that includes the church of St. George with its unique 6th Century mosaic map of Palestine. Heading south along the ancient Kings Highway we pause at Umm Ar-Rasas, where the small church of St Stephen houses some fine 8th century mosaics. We continue to Kerak for a visit to the Crusader castle built in the town in 1142 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem. We drive along the Desert highway to the fabled city of Petra for a three-night stay at the Petra Panorama hotel with panoramic views across the mountains that surround the ancient city (B,D)
Day 4 In Petra
The ‘Rose Red City’ of Petra is the highlight of Jordan’s ancient treasures. We have a guided tour this morning of the main magnificent facades, temples and architectural wonders of ancient Petra. In the afternoon there is the option to climb the steep steps to the stunning Monastery (B,D)
Day 5 In Petra
We have a day at leisure to enjoy walking in the site to marvel at the architectural wonders and stunning landscape that makes Petra so special and unique. You might want to climb the steps to the High Place to get the most outstanding views across the ancient city (B,D)
Day 6 Visit little Petra. Drive to Wadi Rum
This morning we visit Little Petra before leaving for Wadi Rum desert, which so inspired Lawrence of Arabia and where he wrote The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Here we board 4 wheel-drive vehicles for a two hour excursion into the desert and enjoy exploring the dramatic landscape of fabulous rock formations and colourful desert sands before arriving at our luxury camp for a night under the stars. (B,D)
Day 7 Drive to the Dead Sea
We continue to the Dead Sea for two nights at the Crowne Plaza hotel located along the shore. An afternoon at leisure to enjoy the floating experience in the Dead Sea or perhaps the rejuvenating properties of a mud bath! (B,D)
Day 8 At leisure at the Dead Sea and visit Bethany
An opportunity to visit the recently discovered site of Bethany where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist this morning. Free afternoon to enjoy the various relaxing options available at our luxury hotel. (B,D)
Day 9 Fly to UK
We have a morning transfer to the Queen Alia airport for our return flight on Royal Jordanian Airlines to London Heathrow (B)
Syder Travel 