Day 1: Sheikh Hussein Border - Umm Qais - Jerash - Amman
At 9.00 AM meet our tour guide/representative who will meet you at Sheikh Hussein Border on the Jordanian side and assist with your Jordan visa. Then continue to Umm Qais, site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine. In earlier times know as Gadara, it was renowned in its time as a cultural center. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a rhetorical school in Rome. Perched on a splendid hilltop overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias), Umm Qais boasts impressive colonnaded streets, vaulted terrace and the ruins of two theatres. After taking in the sites, you have the option to dine on the terrace of a fine restaurant with a breathtaking view of three countries. After we continue to Jerash, so well preserved that you can almost hear the banter of the merchants and the creaking of chariot wheels along the cobblestoned streets. With a 2 hour guided tour, explore the breathtaking arches, temples, and baths in an amazing state of preservation and completeness. At the end of the day, continue to Amman for dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Amman City Tour - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Mukawir - Ma'In
Breakfast at the hotel, then our day begins with a panoramic view of Amman, capital of Jordan and formerly named Philadelphia by the Macedonians. With our tour guide, we will explore the center of downtown, traditional markets, some of its churches and mosques, Roman Theater and some of the suburbs of the city and explore the Citadel of Amman as well. Also, we will visit the New Museum of Jordan. After, continue to Madaba to visit the Church of St. George and the oldest mosaic cartographic map of the Holy Land. We will then have lunchtime in Madaba before continuing to Mt. Nebo to retrace the steps of Moses and admire the spectacular view of the Promised Land just as he did over 2,000 years before. It is very easy to feel that you have arrived at someplace 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. At the end of the day, we transfer to Ma'In, check in to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Ma'In - Umm Al Rasas - Kerak - Shoubak Castle - Petra
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and then meet our tour guide and drive to visit Umm Al Rasas. Most of this archaeological site, which started as a Roman military camp and grew to become a town from the 5th century, has not been excavated. It contains remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD) and a fortified Roman military camp. The site also has 16 churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors. Particularly noteworthy is the mosaic floor of the Church of Saint Stephen with its representation of towns in the region. We then continue along King’s Way to Kerak. Along the way, observe the daily life of the surrounding area. Shepherds with red and white-checkered headscarves herd sheep and goats, camels roam seamlessly through the countryside, and Bedouin tents dot the landscape. Upon arriving in Kerak, visit 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. Wander through underground corridors with huge kitchens, stables and sleeping quarters with several floors. The top of the castle offers magnificent views in all directions. Next stop is Shoubak the location of yet another famous Crusader castle. Constructed in 1115AD, by Baldwin I, the castle is perched on top a small hill. Within the fortress, lies great insight into how the day-to-day living must have been during this time. There are ruins of two churches, cisterns, and rainwater pipes, in addition to millstones for pressing olives. A set of stairs cut into the rock tunnels down 375 steps to a spring below the castle. We end the day in Petra with dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Petra
Breakfast at the hotel, then we continue to the legendary Rose Red city of Petra for a day of exploration. Upon arrival at the Petra Visitor's Center, your guide will arrange your entrance fees the start to explore the main attractions of the lower part of the city starting from the main gate all the way through the kilometer-long Siq to visit the Treasury, Street of Facades, the Theatre, all the way down to the Nymphaeum and Qaser El- Bent. Have lunch inside Petra at Al Basin Restaurant then continue on a self-guided hike to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice. The Monastery can be reached after a steep climb of 800 steps. This impressive structure is the largest of the rock-cut facades and so large that the door itself is bigger than a house. The High Place of Sacrifice thought to be the holiest site of the Nabataeans and is one of the most thrilling walks in Petra. Climb up the steep steps of the ancient route with its wide views over the monuments of the Petra basin. Pass beautifully carved tombs and monuments and marvel at the work involved in creating this ancient site. Dinner and overnight in Petra at 4* hotel.
Day 5: Petra - Wadi ibn Hammad (seasonal) - Wadi Al Mujib Siq Trail (seasonal) - Sheikh Hussein Border
Breakfast, check out and then meet our tour guide and driver who will drive you to Wadi Ibn Hammad for an amazing adventure trek for 2 to 3 hours. Hiking in the wadi is like hiking in a subtropical rain forest. Water seeps from every crevice while an abundance of plants and palm trees grows vicariously from the canyon walls displaying all different hues of green. The dripping water paints the underlying rock surfaces various shades of red while crystal-type stalactites dangle from above. Around every corner, there is another breathtaking view to be discovered. We then continue to Wadi Mujib for some fun and adventure on the Siq Trail. This lowest nature reserve on the planet is surrounded by massive multi-layered rock walls. During your hike, clamber up and over rocks against the river's current while holding on to the embedded rope for support. This water trail winds its way through a spectacular gorge ending at a large, rushing waterfall. After your water adventure, in the late afternoon, we transfer you to Sheikh Hussein Border for departure.
Seasonal = such sites trails are subject of closing without prior notice; due to water level increases in the canyon (Nov. – Mar.), and it is advisable to avoid doing such program within mentioned months.
Meet and assist upon arrival on the Jordan side of Sheikh Hussein Border
Visa to Jordan for non-restricted nationalities
Private transportation throughout with English speaking driver
Entrance Fees to the sites mentioned in the program
Private English speaking site guide throughout
Accommodations on HB basis
Border departue tax
Personal travel insurance and expenses
Tips for service providers
Any other expenses not mentioned