Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival in Amman, you will be met at the airport by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel (35km /approx. 45 mins). Standard check-in time at your hotel is 16:00
Overnight stay in AMMAN.
Day 2 Amman – Um Qais – Jerash – Ajloun – Amman
This morning depart at approximately 07.30 for a full day sightseeing tour of some of the historic sites located just north of Amman. Start with a visit to Umm Qais (130km / approx. 2 hrs.). Known as Gadara in classical times, Umm Qais is a former Decapolis city perched on a wonderful hilltop overlooking the Northern Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. The village boasts an impressive colonnaded street, a dramatic basilica terrace and the ancient ruins of two theatres along with sweeping views over the valley.
Continue with a drive through pine forests and olive groves (60km / approx. 1hr 30 mins) to reach the city of Ajloun then proceed to the castle. Ajloun Castle (more formally known as Qal’at Ar-Rabad) was built by one of the Islamic governors under Saladin in1184 AD to control the iron mines of Ajloun. The castle enjoys a great location offering bird’s-eye views over the surrounding countryside and over three major wadis (valleys). Next head to the ancient city of Jerash (30km / approx. 35 mins), often referred to as ‘Pompeii of the East’, this is one of the best-preserved classical cities in the region. Enjoy a wander around the remarkable ancient ruins including visits to the Oval Plaza, the Temple of Zeus and the South Theatre, the larger of the two theatres, seating more than 3000 spectators.
You will arrive back to your hotel in Amman in the early evening.
Overnight stay in AMMAN.
Meals: Breakfast
This afternoon discovers the highlights of Amman. Visit the ruins of the hilltop Citadel, the impressive Roman Amphitheatre and enjoy a wander through the city’s vibrant souks before heading to West Amman. A contrast from downtown Amman, this area is home to a plethora of upmarket hotels, high-end restaurants and lively bars along with some of the city’s most attractive residential neighborhoods. Continue with a walk along atmospheric Rainbow Street which offers a wealth of dining options, cafés and quirky shops.
This morning drive out of the city to Madaba (38km / approx. 45 mins). Madaba, otherwise referred to as the ‘City of Mosaics’ is best known for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics. The most famous of these is the mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land which can be found on the floor of St George’s Church. Continue with a visit to Mount Nebo, one of the most important biblical sites where it is believed that Moses first sighted the Holy Land. A small Byzantine church was built on the site by the early Christians, and has since been expanded into a vast complex. During his visit to Jordan in 2000, Pope John Paul II held a sermon here that was attended by over 20,000 people. Your final stop today is a visit to Shoubak castle (240km / approx.3 hrs). Perched on a rocky hilltop, this imposing fort was built by the Crusader King Baldwin I of Jerusalem in AD 1115 to guard the road linking Syria and Egypt — the old King’s Highway. It successfully withstood numerous sieges until it fell to Saladin’s troops in 1189. Enjoy a wander around the remains of this old castle and admire the spectacular views across the barren landscape. After finishing your sightseeing tour continue with the drive to Petra (30km /approx. 30mins) arriving late afternoon.
Overnight stay in PETRA.
Meals: Breakfast
This morning enjoy a guided tour around one of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring archaeological sites – the UNESCO World Heritage Listed ancient city of Petra.
Start by entering through the Siq, a long and winding narrow gorge flanked on either side by soaring 80m high cliffs which will lead you to the breathtaking façade of The Treasury (Al-Khazneh). The Treasury is arguably one of Jordan’s most iconic wonders and was featured in the film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. Spend some time exploring the city’s main highlights including the Roman Theatre, Street of Façades and the Royal Tombs.
This afternoon is free for you to explore the vast network of hidden passages and fascinating tombs and palaces at your leisure. You may wish to climb up to the High Palace of Sacrifice which is located at the summit of the Attuf Ridge and offers spectacular views over the red sandstone landscapes of Wadi Araba. Or perhaps head to the Monastery, one of the largest monuments in Petra boasting an impressive façade measuring 47m wide and 49m high (please note this climb involves around 800 steps).
Your next stop today is Wadi Rum (145 km /approx. 2 hrs.). Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bedouin style dinner beneath the star-studded sky.
Overnight stay in Wadi Rum.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.
Discover the many towering sandstone mountains and narrow canyons of this magnificent desert wilderness on a 2-hour 4WD safari. There is also the opportunity to explore with a ride on the back of a camel. This afternoon you will be transferred to your Dead Sea resort. (335 kms/approx. 4 hrs.). Enjoy a day at leisure at the lowest point on earth. Why not try out the mud baths, claimed to have therapeutic qualities and float in the mineral rich waters.
Overnight stay in Dead Sea.
Meals: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred to Amman airport (50km / approx. 1hr) for your onward flight. Standard check out time at your hotel is 12:00
o Choose from a selection of hotels tailored to your preferences and budget
o Breakfast served in the Hotel is a buffet breakfast.
o If changes become necessary for any reason, a substitute hotel will be of a similar standard. While
every effort is made to reserve twin bedded rooms, a hotel may provide double beds instead of v.v.
o Our Pricing for the hotels includes room rate, taxes and Breakfast if applicable. The passengers are
liable to pay for any additional incidentals that they may incur at the Hotel.
o Our standard practice is the double-bedded room will be allocated to couples. For 2 or more
passengers we will book a room with two double beds for parents travelling with children, we will book a room with 2 beds. A rollaway bed is not allowed in a room with 2 beds.
o Please note that the standard policy is that hotel rooms are available for check-in after 3.00 PM. Early
check-in needs to be advised in advance, which may attract charges.
o Hotels will ask for Credit Card at the time of check-in towards incidentals.
o Airport transfers and Inter-city transfers will be on private basis in an air-conditioned vehicle, the type of vehicle may vary based on group size.
o Seat-in-Coach (SIC) tours are schedule tour offer an economical and great value option, ideal for
budget travelers, as you will share the vehicle with other tourists. SIC tours operate at a pre-decided
time and designated pick-up points. The service may start from a hotel or a city center location, but
please note that the cost of transportation to the city center is not included. For SIC sightseeing tours,
an English-speaking guide will be provided.
o For sightseeing if specified on private basis. There is a separate English-speaking guide accompanying. Please note that the vehicle is not at your disposal; it is available only for the pre-
arranged transfer unless other wise mentioned in the programme.
A Visa is required based on the selection of your holiday. We suggest you check with Consulate / Embassy for updated visa requirements OR consult our holiday expert for more information.
o Porterage is not included in the price.
o No responsibility is accepted for loss or damage to baggage or passenger’s belonging.
o For the comfort of all passengers, we request passengers to travel light (recommended luggage: One
carry on and One International size suitcase.
o Tipping is mandatory. Guest has to pay USD 5 per person per day.
No responsibility is accepted for loss or damage to travel documents or any of the passenger’s belongings.
No refunds will be made for any unused services once travel arrangements have commenced. Any complaints while travelling should be made immediately to the local representative, the tour manager will try out utmost best to resolve any disputes.
