Jordan - A Land of Ancient Treasures & Empires

Day 2 Amman

A good breakfast will set us up for a full day of discovery as we get to grips with the culture and traditions of Jordan. We'll begin in Jerash -one of the largest and best-preserved Roman cities that still exists today. Your tour highlights are sure to be the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, Hadrian's Triumphal Arch and a street of columns that stretches for a mile. For lunch today we'll visit Beit Khayrat, a woman-owned cafe in nearby Souf for a traditional Jordanian meal. Later we'll return to Amman for a walking tour, where we'll mingle with the locals as we step inside the King Abdullah Mosque and look around the busy vegetable market. We'll see the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, which in its heyday could accommodate 6,000 spectators, and the Nymphaeum, a Roman public fountain. We're going to head to a restaurant this evening for dinner. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 3 Madaba - Petra

A day of exploration lies ahead as we journey south to Petra today. The route we follow, along the King's Highway, gives us the chance to visit some fascinating sites. First is Madaba, where St George's Church is home to the famous Mosaic Map. Dating back to the 6th century, it is the oldest map of Palestine in existence. After you've admired this revered work of art, you've got the chance to make your own as we include a visit to a mosaic school to learn this intricate craft. After a traditional Jordanian lunch, we'll continue our journey to Mount Nebo. This elevated ridge rises 700 metres above sea level and, according to the Hebrew Bible, it's from here that Moses saw the Promised Land. We'll stand here today and take in panoramic views of the Holy Land and the valley of the River Jordan.

On arrival in Petra, we'll enjoy dinner at our hotel. We'll be heading to the famous 'lost city' of Petra tomorrow, but if you'd like to start your discoveries right away, come with us on an optional trip tonight. Following a path lit by candles, we'll walk through the Siq to view the incredible Treasury building. This is also subtly illuminated by the glow of many candles spread out before it - a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Day 4 Petra

We're going to spend today exploring Petra – a 'rose-red' city carved by the Nabateans out of vast cliffs, which we'll reach via a journey along the Siq. The excitement builds as we walk through this long, narrow gorge, which is an experience in itself as the colours and formations of the rocks that tower above us are incredible. After walking 1km, we are rewarded with the sight of the Treasury building, which is almost perfectly preserved and features ornate carvings on its facade.

One of many wonders here, we'll tour the site with a Local Guide, who will tell us about the Nabatean culture and show us highlights including intricately carved tombs and a Roman-style theatre. There's plenty of time to explore at your own pace before we return to the hotel.

Day 5 Petra - Wadi Rum

This morning we'll visit the ancient fortress of Shobak. This is one of the largest and most impregnable of the chain of forts built by the Crusaders and is an impressive example of military architecture. Every stronghold was built to be a day's journey from its neighbour, and at night, beacons were lit to signal to Jerusalem that each was safe.

We'll then head to Wadi Rum, a vast desert whose rocky landscape has been carved by the forces of nature. With sand dunes and sandstone rock formations of all shapes, sizes and colours, this magical landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression. Tonight, we are staying in the heart of Wadi Rum, where our hotel is in the guise of a Bedouin camp and you'll stay in your own Bedouin-style tent. Once you've settled in, enjoy an included dinner of traditional dishes and afterwards, maybe join an optional stargazing excursion. As you look up to the clear desert skies, an Expert Guide will tell you about the constellations you will see.

Day 6 Wadi Rum - Dead Sea

After breakfast, we'll leave the desert behind and make our way to the Dead Sea, where our hotel sits on its shores. This is the lowest spot on earth, and its waters are renowned for their buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Due to the high salt content as well as 21 other minerals, it's impossible to sink in the Dead Sea, so enjoy relaxing and floating in this natural spa.

Day 7 Dead Sea - at Leisure

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel, or dipping in and out of the relaxing waters of the Dead Sea. Alternatively you can join an optional excursion to the nearby River Jordan and the biblical site of the baptism of Jesus.

Later we'll get together for a farewell dinner.

Day 8 Departure

Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end.