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Day 1 – London/Amman
Fly London to Amman with Royal Jordanian and transfer to the comfortable fi rst-class Jerusalem Hotel for two nights. At dinner tonight our expert will give an overview of the complex history of Jordan. (D)
Day 2 – Jerash
This morning we depart for the atmospheric ruins of Jerash, a very complete example of an ancient city of the Decapolis and wander among the arches, temples, forums, theatres and baths and the evocative Street of the Columns. After lunch we return to Amman and have a special opening of the archaeological museum. (BLD)
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Day 3 – The King’s Highway
We depart for Petra via the King’s Highway and enjoy a full day’s sightseeing en route. Our fi rst stop is Mount Nebo for spectacular views over the Jordan Valley. Next we visit the fi ne Byzantine mosaics at Madaba. After lunch we investigate the great ramparts and defences of Kerak, built on Moabite foundations and crusader castle par excellence and once home to the treacherous Raymond de Chatillon. Continue to Petra for four nights at the comfortable fi rst-class Panorama Hotel specially chosen because of its proximity to the site. (BLD)
Day 4 – Petra
Petra has often been described as the eighth wonder of the world (and is offi cially one of the seven “new” wonders) and no amount of historical background can prepare you for the majesty and sheer mystery of the site hidden for centuries in a fold of the red mountains. Today we begin with a leisurely guided tour that will take us down through the entrance to the canyon, a narrow gorge with dazzling rock formations, and an experience in itself. The tombs facades, theatre, city centre and museum will keep us busy today. (BD)
Day 5 – Petra
We return to Petra and start with a slow climb past obelisks and fortresses to the High Place of Sacrifi ce and return to the city down Wadi Farasa and more unforgettable tombs. After free time in the main city and a lunch break we will climb again to the largest tomb of Petra at Deir. (BD)
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Day 6 – Petra
Today we will explore the nearby site of Beida and little Petra. The Nabataean Tombs are perhaps less impressive but they are also less visited and very atmospheric. Nearby are village remains dating back some 10,000 years and a reminder of Jordan’s Neolithic importance. This afternoon is free for us to return to Petra for private contemplation and further exploration. (BD)
Day 7 – Amman
This morning we have a fi nal opportunity to make an early visit to the wonderful site of Petra, before departing for Amman. We will visit Shobok crusader castle en route and take lunch at a resort of the Dead Sea. Our fi nal night is at the Jerusalem Hotel in Amman. (BLD)
Day 8 – Amman/London
After Breakfast we fl y Royal Jordanian from Amman to London. (B) Travelling from the pillars of Jerash to the great crusader castles we concentrate on Petra with several visits to the Rose Red City, half as old as time.
Expert: John Ruffle, lecturer, author and widely travelled authority on the ancient world was formerly Keeper of The Oriental Museum at the University of Durham. |