Classical Jordan

Classical Jordan Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Amman

  Depart on your scheduled direct flight to Amman where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

• Day 2: Amman

  A morning tour of Amman's historic downtown area takes in the cultural artefacts of the Archaeological and Folklore Museums and the hilltop ruins of the Citadel which sits on the highest hill in Amman, about 850m above sea level. Occupied since the Bronze Age, it is surrounded by a vast 1700m metre long wall which has been rebuilt numerous times throughout the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as the Roman, Byzantine and Umayyad periods. Two of the Citadel's most fascinating sights are the Umayyad Palace, renowned for its distinctive domed entrance known as the chamber, and the towering columns of the Temple of Hercules, believed to be the most significant structure in the historic Amman Citadel. Continue on to the ancient city of Jerash, one of the ten great Roman cities of the Decapolis League with a history of an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than 6,500 years. Hidden for centuries in the sand, the city offers a wealth of well-preserved Roman ruins. Witness its long-standing theatres, paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, and spacious public squares and plazas before returning to your hotel in Amman.

• Day 3: Amman to Petra

  This morning, set out for the city of Madaba, famous for its 6th-century map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, as well as its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, some of which are vibrantly colourful. Travel onward to Mount Nebo, renowned as the biblical city where Moses having led his people from Sinai, stood on the edge of a ridge overlooking the dead sea, and was granted a view of the 'Promised Land' that he would never enter. It is also said that he died and was buried here. In the basilica that marks the spot, beautiful mosaics portray rustic scenes which are as varied with colour as the day they were laid. From here, journey south to explore Al Karak's imposing 12th-century crusader's castle, built on a triangular plateau and an impressive example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius before continuing to Petra for your overnight stay.

• Day 4: Petra

  Today's exploration of the awe-inspiring Nabatean Red Rose city of Petra starts with a dramatic entry through a long, narrow gorge flanked by soaring cliffs. This unique city, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage site, was carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people, who turned it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Syria, Greece, Egypt and Rome. Colossal red mountains and vast tombs of a departed race which are such a far reach from modern civilization, are often considered as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Man and Nature. Pass dazzling rock formations before the final turn opens up to a view of the iconic 2,000-year-old facade of the treasury. Believed to be a royal tomb, the impressive rock-hewn site may be recognised from the film 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. Continuing deeper into this fascinating ancient city, you'll have a full day to explore its elaborate, tombs, temples, sacrificial altars and Roman-style theatres.

• Day 5: Petra to Wadi Rum

  After breakfast, visit Al Beidha, known as 'Little Petra' for the similarity of its rock-cut tombs and structures. Witness centuries-old dining halls, washrooms, fountains and rooms skilfully hewn into stone. Next, travel further south to the undulating desert dunes of Wadi Rum where you'll embark on a scenic jeep safari. Described by T.E Lawrence as 'vast, echoing and godlike', the locals refer to the untamed sea of red sand as the 'Valley of the Moon'. In a land where the sun beams over imposing rock formations, breath-taking crimson mountains and carpets of untouched sand dunes, soak in awe-inspiring vistas in this otherworldly territory. In the midst of this ethereal kingdom, enjoy a unique overnight stay in an authentic desert camp.

• Day 6: Wadi Rum to Dead Sea

  Transfer from Wadi Rum to the Dead Sea and spend the rest of your day at leisure, providing the perfect opportunity for relaxation. Alternatively, take a trip to the shores of the iconic Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley. Submerged at a dramatic 400 metres below sea level, the lowest point on the face of the earth, this vast stretch of water is 304 metres deep and is renowned as the deepest hypersaline lake in the world; by the time the waters reach the Dead Sea, they are land-locked, resulting in evaporation which leaves behind a dense cocktail of salts and minerals. A fascinating phenomenon occurs here where you can float on the salty waters and also cover yourself in its rejuvenating black mud, making for a truly unique experience.

• Day 7: Dead Sea

  Take another day to relax on the Dead Sea, or explore this area of incredible colour and beauty, before this evening's farewell dinner.

• Day 8: Dead Sea to UK

  After breakfast, transfer to back to Amman for your return flight to the UK.