dossier

Jewels of Jordan Discovery

Day 1: Arrive in Jordan
Arrive in Amman, then a short transfer (30 mins) to the Al Waleed Hotel.

Day 2: Temples of Jerash
Jerash is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman sites outside Italy, with its 2000 year old temples, theatres and triumphal arches. Stroll the ‘Street of Columns’ or take your seats at the top of the vast South Theatre to enjoy the acoustics and the view.

Day 3: Mosaics of Madaba
Madaba is best known for its intricate Byzantine mosaics. Most famous is the Madaba Map, a 1500 year old depiction of the Holy Land which would have originally measured a staggering 15m x 5m. Drive to Mount Nebo, which Moses climbed to see the Promised Land before he died - spectacular views. Time for a relaxing float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea before dinner.

Day 4: Karak and Wadi Mousa
An early start brings us first to Karak where we’ll visit the imposing castle that formed part of a long line of crusader defences stretching from Aqaba to Turkey. It’s then on through rugged mountain country via Tafila where Lawrence fought his only pitched battle against the Turks. We continue on to Wadi Mousa in time for a short rocky hike to a summit where we can watch the sunset behind the jagged peaks of Petra.

Days 5/6: The astonishing city of Petra
Described by Edward Lear as “A magical condensation of beauty and wonder”, we enter Petra through a narrow 3km long gorge flanked by 100m cliffs carved with ancient inscriptions. The once-lost city is over 2000 years old, its magnificent temples, monasteries and houses hewn by hand from pink rock to create a spectacle more dramatic than any film set.  The following morning, before breakfast, we savour the solitude of a dawn visit to Al-Beidha, a hidden gem that few tourists ever discover. The rest of the day has been left free for you to explore Petra further (it is an amazingly large site!).

Day 7: Across the desert to Aqaba
Drive to Aqaba across the spectacular Nagb ash-Shtar Pass, arriving in time for an authentic Arab lunch at one of the best restaurants in the region. Aqaba is a popular diving centre on the Red Sea, and there is also plenty of historical interest. Afternoon free to explore the bazaars, before a gentle stroll along the shore and dinner at the Hotel Aqaba.

Day 8: In the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia
Drive to Wadi Rum, an unforgettable desert landscape of wind-sculpted rocks in every shade from golden ochre to deepest crimson. At Beau Geste Fort we meet Salim, our Bedouin guide, for the short walk to Lawrence’s Well. Continue by jeep or camel to Lawrence’s House and the Khazali Canyon. At dusk enjoy the full glory of the desert at sunset, when the rocks turn a thousand shades of pink before darkness falls. Return to Aqaba.

Day 9: At leisure in Aqaba
A free morning to explore the Mamluke fort and museum. In the afternoon, time to relax by the roof-top pool before a special farewell dinner at a super local Arab restaurant.

Day 10: Leave Jordan
Leave for Amman airport and your flight home.


Room upgrade: Hotel Aqaba Gulf, Aqaba Suite $36 per person, per night, based on 2 sharing.

Extra nights: Hotel Aqaba Gulf, Aqaba 4* $112 half board, singles $156.

All extra night prices are per person, per night based on 2 people sharing a double room.