DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Amman
Overnight: Amman
Overnight: Amman
DAY 5, Thursday - Jerash, Ajloun
After breakfast, travel north of Amman to the city of Jerash, the best preserved example of Roman civilization in Jordan. Jerash, part of the Decapolis (the ten large Roman cities of the East) has been called the Pompeii of the East for its unique state of preservation. The city features theaters, churches, temples of Zeus and Artemis, a Nymphaeum and colonnaded street. Later, visit Ajloun to tour the 12th century Saracen Castle. This castle was built by one of Saladin's lieutenants in the campaign against the Crusaders. Later, return to Amman
Overnight: Amman
DAY 6, Friday - Mt Nebo, Madaba, Kerak
Today, drive south along the Kings' Way towards Petra. En route, visit Mount Nebo, the reputed burial site of Moses, overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Afterwards, visit a mosaic school and workshop where you will have the opportunity to learn about these incredible crafts. Continue to visit the mosaic city of Madaba, where an ancient map of the Holy Land is set into the floor of Saint George's Church. After lunch, travel to Kerak Castle. The striking silhouette of this fortified Crusader town and castle will instantly make you understand why kings and nations utlized the structure for centuries. Arrive in Petra for overnight
Overnight: Petra
DAY 7, Saturday - Petra City Tour
An astonishing day exploring Petra! Enter the "rose red" city hand-sculpted from a mountain range by the Nabateans in the 3rd century BC. Begin your walk (or ride) through the "Siq", a winding canyon road. At the end, you’ll gaze in total amazement at Petra’s most extraordinary monument - the towering Treasury building rising over 140 feet. Beyond, discover soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a theatre, burial champers and water channels - all remnants of a once great Nabatean culture. Today, Petra is both a Jordanian national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience! There will be time on your own to further explore Petra before returning to the hotel with a stop at Moses Springs
Overnight: Petra
DAY 8, Sunday - Wadi Rum Desert, Travel to Dead Sea
Morning departure to Wadi Rum, a surreal desert terrain of ancient river beds, wind-sculpted mountains, vast desert vistas and pastel colored sands. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often described as the "Valley of the Moon", served as inspiration (and site of the filming) for T.E. Lawrence’s novel, Lawrence of Arabia. Ride in a 4x4 vehicle to explore the valley, with its looming rock faces that seem to grow directly out of the sand and endless skies. Cross the huge red sand dunes, and the eroded pillars of sandstone rock known as "The Seven Pillars". Then, a fabulous lunch in an authentic Bedouin tent in the midst of the desert, where you’ll be introduced to "Zarb" -a selection of foods cooked in an oven with hot coals beneath the desert floor. Afterwards, travel to your hotel in the unique Dead Sea area. Here, you can float in the buoyant, salty waters at the lowest spot on earth. Take time to relax and enjoy the benefits of the mineral-rich therapeutic waters. Later this evening, a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Manager and travel companions
Overnight: Dead Sea
DAY 9, Monday - Full Day in Dead Sea
On your last day in Jordan, enjoy all of the delights of the Dead Sea. Pamper yourself with fabulous treatments, sample the Dead Sea’s renowned restorative powers, or just savor the beautiful surroundings and natural beauty of this area. Or, join an optional tour to the village of Bethany, the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. As it was also where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven via a chariot of fire. The sites that make up Bethany were part of early Christian pilgrimages between Mt. Nebo and Jerusalem
Optional: Half Day Bethany (AM)
Overnight: Dead Sea
DAY 10, Tuesday - Depart Jordan
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight and hope that my camera and iPad make it home - having to be in my checked luggage.