Jordan: Legends in Stone
The magnificent pink city of ancient Petra is considered to be among the finest of UNESCO's World Heritage monuments. The city's royal tombs, buildings, and monuments are extraordinarily, yet almost unbelievably, were once lost to the world for a millennium until rediscovered in 1812.
This tour features two days at Petra and explores the rich cultural heritage and incredible landscapes of Jordan. You'll visit magnificent fortresses, castles, and Roman temples and encounter a truly hospitable people. Take in the well-preserved classical city of Jerash, the biblical sites of Mt. Nebo and the shifting sands of Wadi Rum, then end your journey by the shores of the Dead Sea.
Itinerary
Today arrive at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Four Seasons Hotel [deluxe room]
This morning visit the ancient site of Jerash, widely regarded as the best-preserved city of Decapolis. Here you will see the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (not Tuesdays) perform in a 2000 year old Hippodrome. The reenactment bristles with action and culminates with a Ben Hur style chariot race. Later explore various ruins including the imposing Triumphal Arch, the oval shaped forum, market place, temples and two theatres. Return to Amman for a walking tour of Amman’s old city area. Here you can see the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hercules, dating from the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD) and the restored massive Roman theater, dating back to the 2nd Century AD, the highlight of downtown Amman. (B,L)
Depart Amman today, driving down the King's Highway, visiting Madaba and Kerak. Enjoy a walking tour of Madaba including a visit to the Mosaic Art and Restoration Institute and stroll through the souq before continuing onto Petra. Madaba is home of the most famous 6th century Byzantine mosaics. See the earliest surviving original map of the Holy Lands, dating back to 560 AD at the Church of St. George. Travel through the spectacular Wadi al-Mujib canyon to Kerak and visit the famous 12th century castle built by the Crusader, King Baldwin I of Jerusalem. Movenpick Resort Hotel [Junior suite] (B, L)
Spend the day exploring the ‘rose-red’ city of Petra, built 2000 years ago as a temporary refuge by nomadic Nabataean Arabs - Bedouins - who came north out of Arabia. You will walk through the ‘Siq’, a huge crack in the Nubian sandstone, to reach el Khazneh, the Treasury, and the city beyond. A lost city for one thousand years, Petra was not fully uncovered until 1958; the rugged hills, which protect the buildings and tombs, make this an extraordinarily peaceful place. (B, L)
Depart Petra for Wadi Rum. Wadi Rum’s ancient valleys and towering weathered sandstone mountains rise out of the white and pink colored sands, offering some of the most spectacular desert scenery you are ever likely to see. This evening experience the beautiful spectacle of Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday). On these occasions the approach to the Treasury though the narrow Siq is lit by thousands of candles whose flickering light casts an eerie, moving and bewitching atmosphere. On a clear day this unique spectacle in complemented by the magnificent sparkling canopy of the desert night sky. (B)
Today drive to the Dead Sea where you will tour the Dead Sea Panorama and have lunch [payable locally]. Your hotel is a luxury property on the Dead Sea. Kempinski Ishtar [Deluxe room] (B)
Today is at leisure to relax at the lowest point on earth and enjoy the facilities of your hotel. The Kempinski Anantara Spa is one of the largest and most advanced Spa operations in the Middle East with 10000 sq. meters dedicated to pamper your senses, relax, revitalize and refresh your mind, body and soul. (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Extend Your Journey
- Travel through the spectacular Wadi al Mujb canyon
- Relax at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea
- Explore the “rose-red” city of Petra, a lost city for one thousand years recently discovered
- Relax at the Kempinski Anantara Spa, one of the largest and most advanced spa operations in the Middle East
- Experience the Ben Hur style chariot race performed in a 2000-year-old Hippodrome in the city of Jerash
8 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS
Amman, Jerash, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea
2012 Dates:
Jan - Oct
Single Supplement
Prices From:
$3,455
$1,455
Note:
Holiday supplements may apply for select travel dates. Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
Accommodation, breakfast daily as noted, entrance fees, and all transfers and touring as noted in itinerary with local English-speaking guides. Private Journeys depart daily subject to availability.