11D10N LAWRENCE'S ARABIA

Day 1: Amman Airport - Amman

Our representative will meet you upon arrival at Amman Airport and assist with your visa to Jordan.  After, meet our driver and continue to Amman for dinner and overnight. 

 

Day 2: Amman - Ajloun - Jerash - Amman

Breakfast at the hotel, then start the day with a drive to the forested area of Ajloun to explore Al Rabad Castle better known as Ajloun Castle. Though looking like a Crusader fortress, it was actually built by the Muslims in 1184 as a military fort and to protect the region from invading Crusader forces. After a short drive through the countryside, discover the remarkable Roman ruins of Jerash, so well preserved that you can almost hear the banter of the merchants and the creaking of chariot wheels along the cobblestoned streets. It was an extraordinary place in the days of Alexander the Great (332 BC) and was very prosperous - 20,000 inhabitants once lived here. There are numerous and breathtaking ruins of colonnaded streets, arches, temples and baths in a remarkable state of preservation and completeness. At the end of the day, return to Amman for dinner and overnight.
 

Day 3: Amman - Bethany - Dead Sea - Madaba

Breakfast at the hotel then continue to Bethany - one of the most important biblical discoveries in the world. Excavations began in 1996 and has already uncovered more than 20 churches, caves and baptismal pools dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Archaeologists are assured this is where John the Baptist lived, Jesus was baptized, and the first five apostles met. The path leading to the Jordan River transform from a dry desert into a tropical oasis and it becomes clear why Prophet Jeremiah described it as "the jungle of the Jordan". Next stop is the Dead Sea – the world's largest natural spa and one of the most unique spots on earth. The water and mud of the Dead Sea have been recognized for their healing properties since Biblical times. Have lunch, then experience the strange sensation of floating effortlessly - its mystical waters contain so much salt and minerals, it is impossible to sink! A truly unique experience for both body and soul. End the day in Madaba – the “City of Mosaics” with dinner and overnight.

 

Day 4: Madaba - Mt. Nebo - Kerak - Petra

Breakfast at the hotel, then visit the Church of St. George to view oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Madaba is most famous for mosaics and colorful, hand-woven carpets, but there is much more to see than that. If time permits, take the time to walk along the streets to see local craftspeople and artists crafting unique and authentic pieces of art. Continue to Mt. Nebo and retrace the steps of Moses and admire the spectacular view of the Promised Land just as he did over 2,000 year's before. It is very easy to feel that you have arrived some place special. On a clear day Jerusalem, Jericho and the Dead Sea can be seen. A memorial in Moses’ honor can be found at the entrance to the early Byzantine Christian church where Moses is believed to have died. Next stop, Kerak, to explore the 12-century Crusader castle built over the remains of earlier citadels some which date back to Nabataean times. The castle in itself is more imposing than beautiful, although it is an impressive example of the Crusaders' architectural military genius. The commanding view over the region is spectacular. Continue to Petra for dinner and overnight.

 

Day 5: Petra

Breakfast at the hotel then In the morning, explore Petra. This “Rose Red City” is the legacy of the Nabataean’s, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, today Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We will arrange your entrance fees and hire you an English speaking site to start the tour of Petra for about 3 hours covering the main attraction of the site at the lower part. You and the guide will start from the main gate all the way through the Siq to visit the Treasury, Street of Facades, the Theatre, all the way down to the Nymphium and Qaser El- Bent.  Have lunch inside Petra at Al Basin Restaurant, then you will have some free hours on your own to explore further places, such as the Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Petra.
 

Day 6: Petra - Little Petra - Wadi Rum

Breakfast at the hotel, then begin the morning with a stroll around Petra (Wadi Musa) exploring many of the quaint cafes, coffee shops, and stores.  After, continue on to Little Petra, which is believed to be a resting place for the ancient caravans traveling along the spice route. Enter the site through a narrow gorge called Siq al-Baird to view the tombs, temples, and dining halls. Explore the mysterious stairways leading up through the cliffs, one that leads to a dining area adorned with a colorful Nabataean painting. Near Little Petra, continue exploring at the ancient Neolithic settlement of Beidha believed to date back to 7000 BC. What is “vast, echoing and God-like”? The answer lays in Wadi Rum where you will experience the solitude and magic of the desert landscape on one of the best rides of your life – a 3 hour 4x4 safari - view the towering castle-like mountains and beautifully colored cliffs that can be seen in every direction, We will also have lunch at one of the camps. Settle into a Bedouin camp, and if the timing is right, view one of the most amazing sunsets in the world. This is without doubt a time where heaven and earth come closer together.Dinner and overnight in Wadi Rum.

 

Day 7: Wadi Rum - Aqaba

This morning after breakfast, experience Wadi Rum as the Bedouin have for centuries - by camel. During the 2-hour trek, get an up close and personal view of the mesmerizing desert scenery. Imposing, towering rocks and crags “God’s skyscraper” rise up from the desert floor and the silence seems to thunder through the canyons. You can easily imagine that Lawrence of Arabia might come galloping around the next corner on his camel. After, continue to the seaside resort community of Aqaba. The afternoon is free to discover the many coffee shops, eateries, and unique shopping areas.  Dinner and overnight in Aqaba.

 

Day 8: Aqaba

Free day to continue exploring the Red Sea Riviera.  For adventure, there is an opportunity to explore Aqaba's underwater playground.  Scuba dive or snorkel in the pristine waters and marvel at some of the most spectacular and unspoiled reefs in the region.  For a more laid-back experience, sail the shores of the Red Sea during a day or sunset cruise and view Aqaba from a truly unique vantage point. Dinner and overnight in Aqaba.

 

Day 9: Aqaba - Desert Castles - Amman

Breakfast at the hotel, then on the return to Amman, explore three of the most impressive Umayyad Castles that were build between the 7th and 8th centuries.  It is unclear the exact purpose of these ancient structures, but it is suggested they might have been used for retreats for the nobles, roadside inns for weary traveler's along the trade routes or for defensive purposes.  Whatever their use, they are an impressive example of early Islamic architecture. Dinner and overnight in Amman.

  • Qaser Kharanah:  built in the form of a castle; experts maintain that it was a palace in disguise.
  • Qaser Amra:   built as a bathhose and its existence adds to the theory that these "Desert Castles" were built mainly for leisure and not as forts.
  • Qaser Al Azraq:  the copious springs in the oasis of Azraq made this for an attractive place for settlement.  It is build entirely from local basalt stones. 

 

Day 10: Amman City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel, then start the day with a city tour of Jordan’s capital – Amman. The city is built on a series of jabals (or hills) and offers spectacular vistas at every turn. Towering above old city on Jabal Qala'a is the Citadel. This site has seen the rise and fall of most of the civilizations that have inhabited Amman for the past 7,000 years. It is most noteworthy for the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and the remains of a small Byzantine Church. At the foot of the hill lies the 6,000 seat Roman Theatre, built in 161 CE, and which to much amazement is still used for cultural events today. Continue to Jabal Amman, to explore the cozy and diverse atmosphere offering modern enjoyable hangouts, markets, and wonderful views.  Dinner and overnight in Amman.

 

Day 11:  Amman - Amman Airport

Breakfast at the hotel, then according to your flight details, we will transfer you to Amman for departure.

Rates include the following: 

Meet and assist upon arrival at Amman Airport

Visa to Jordan for non-restricted nationalities

Private transportation throughout with English speaking driver

Entrance Fees to the sites mentioned in the program

Entrance fees and lunch at the Dead Sea

Private English speaking site guide in Jerash for 2 hrs

Private English speaking site guide in Petra for 2.5 to 3 hrs

Lunch inside Petra at Al Basin Restaurant

Lunch in Wadi Rum on Day 6

3 hour 4x4 safari in Wadi Rum

2 hour camel safari in Wadi Rum

 Accommodations on HB basis

Rates exclude: 

Flights

Lunches unless mentioned

 Personal travel insurance and expenses

 Scuba Divig and Snorkelling in Aqaba

 Tips for service providers

Any other expenses not mentioned

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