Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum & The Dead Sea

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1 : DEPART USA

EN ROUTE

Depart on your overnight flight to Jordan.

DAY 2 : ARRIVE AMMAN

FOUR SEASONS AMMAN

Arrive Queen Alia International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 3 : AMMAN / DESERT CASTLES

FOUR SEASONS AMMAN

Morning orientation of the white limestone city of Amman featuring the Roman Amphitheater, the ruins of citadel hill, the Royal Palace, Archaeological Museum and Ashrafia Mosque. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel in search of the famous Desert Castles of Kharraneh, Azrak and Amra. (B,L)

DAY 4 : AMMAN / JERASH / AMMAN

FOUR SEASONS AMMAN

Drive to Jerash, called the “Pompeii of the Middle East,” for its unique state of preservation. Flourishing in the 3rd century but decimated by later invasions and earthquakes, Jerash lay buried under sand and rubble for centuries. Re-discovered in 1806, this is the best example of a provincial Roman city in the world and one of Jordan’s major attractions. The city features theaters, churches, temples (Zeus and Artemis), a Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets. Continue to Umm Qais (Gadara in ancient times), another of the Decapolis League cities. Umm Qais commands a magnificent view over the northern Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River gorge and the Golan Heights. After lunch drive to the Saracen castle at Ajlun. This 12th-century castle was built by Saladin in his successful campaign to drive the Crusaders from Jordan in 1189. (B,L)

DAY 5 : AMMAN / KING’S WAY / PETRA

MOVENPICK PETRA

Depart via the King’s Way for Petra. En route visit the mosaic city of Madaba and Mt. Nebo. After lunch explore the alleged burial site of Moses spectacularly overlooking the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea, and Kerak, a 12th-century Crusader hilltop fortress featuring galleries, towers, chapels and ramparts recalling the long and dramatic history of the Crusaders. Continue to Petra for overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 6-7 : PETRA

MOVENPICK PETRA

You have two full days to explore one of the most fascinating sites in the entire Mediterranean region – the long lost Rose-Colored City of Petra, the ruined capital of the Nabateans. Sculpted from a mountain range and once a rich merchant city and stop for the camel caravans bringing frankincense, silk and slaves from Arabia to the Mediterranean, Petra was lost for a thousand years. After passing some tombs located outside the city, pass through the Siq, an immense crack in the Nubian sandstone. This winding one kilometer long fissure boasts overhanging cliffs soaring 300 feet above your head! One final turn brings you into brightness and the dramatic presence of the Treasury, 140 feet high and 90 feet wide, carved out of solid rock. Beyond the Treasury you are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved structures, soaring temples, elaborate tombs, a Roman theater, large and small houses and much more – indeed this is an entire lost city. Don’t miss the chance to hike to several of the “high places,” including the Monastery where the views are spectacular. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 : PETRA / DEAD SEA

KEMPINKSI DEAD SEA

Today drive to the Dead Sea, but not before a 4X4 excursion to fabled Wadi Rum, the desert hideaway of Lawrence of Arabia. Wadi Rum is a moonscape of ancient valleys and towering weathered sandstone mountains rising out of the white and pink sands. Stunning in its natural beauty, Wadi Rum epitomizes the romance of the desert and is home to several Bedouin tribes. Afterwards, drive to the Dead Sea for overnight. (B,L)

DAY 9 : DEAD SEA

KEMPINSKI DEAD SEA

Take a refreshing full day of leisure at a Dead Sea Spa. Part of the Afro-Syrian Rift, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, 1,246 feet (380 meters) below sea level. Rich in minerals, the Dead Sea attracts aficionados from around the world who come to enjoy the thermo-mineral springs, the Dead Sea water, bromine-saturated air and, of course,the famous black mud. The Dead Sea is extremely buoyant – a float while reading is a must! (B)

DAY 10 : DEAD SEA

KEMPINSKI DEAD SEA

A second day free at leisure to enjoy the Dead Sea and your fabulous hotel. Optional return visit to Amman today to explore the world-famous gold souk! (B)

DAY 11 : DEPART AMMAN

EN ROUTE

Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)