Jordan History Lesson for The Family: 6 Days – 5 Nights

Day 1: Amman Arrival

You will be met and assisted at Queen Alia International Airport before being transferred to your hotel in Amman. Check-in, then the rest of the day is free-time. Overnight: Amman.

Day 2: Umm Qais – Jerash – Amman

This morning travel to the far north of Jordan to the ancient city of Umm Qais (Gadara). This is where Jesus performed the miracle of the Swine and the basalt basilica was built at the location the miracle was performed. We then visit Jerash, the best preserved Roman provincial city in the Middle East. With your guide explore the ruins of this amazing city. At the conclusion of the 2-hour tour, continue exploring the city on your own. Look for the chariot wheel tracks worn into the stones along the colonnaded street and if time permits, watch the Roman Army Chariot Experience (RACE) in the hippodrome. Return to Amman Overnight: Amman.

Day 3: Madaba – Mt Nebo – Karak Castle – Petra

Today we visit Mt Nebo where God permitted Moses to see the Promised Land before he died. From the lookout you can see Jericho, the Jerusalem Mountains and the Dead Sea. The Byzantine Church contains lovely examples of mosaic floors. Just a 10 minute drive away is Madaba where the famous mosaic map of the Holy Lands can be found inside the 6th Century St George Church. Further along the Highway we will make a brief stop above Wadi Mujib, a magnificent canyon with extraordinary geological formations. At Karak we stop at the Crusader castle overlooking the town and the surrounding countryside. It was built by King Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1132/34. Continue to Petra. Overnight: Petra

Day 4: Petra – Wadi Rum

Today will be the highlight of your holiday as you visit the rose-red city of Petra, lost to civilization for over 1,000 years. With your English speaking guide walk the 1.2km long Siq (chasm) passing tombs, shrines and carvings along the way. Look for the Cameleer and his camels. See the Treasury, carved from the rock face, as you exit the Siq. Explore the Street of Facades and the Royal Tombs. Look into the homes carved out of the rocks, some with beautiful coloured walls and ceilings. Climb the mighty staircase to the Great Temple or over the ruins of the Temple of the Winged Lions. The rest of your day is free-time. Do you still have energy? Then take the 800+ steps up to the awesome Monastery, hidden from view in the mountains. Climb to the High Place of Sacrifice and get wonderful views down into the city. At the museum your guided tour ends. Return to your hotel via the Siq before meeting your driver and travelling to Wadi Rum, a superb desert landscape in southern Jordan. Settle in and enjoy a traditional Jordanian dinner (zarb) cooked in the ground. Overnight: Wadi Rum desert camp

Day 5: Wadi Rum – Dead Sea

After breakfast, climb into the back of a 2 hour 4WD jeep and hold on tight as you are driven across large open areas and between towering mountains. See huge red sand-dunes and ancient Nabataean rock inscriptions. Stop and ride a camel – pretend you are a cameleer heading off along the Silk Road, loaded with frankincense and oils to trade. Return to the campsite and then drive to the Dead Sea. At 420m below the sea level, it is the lowest point on Earth. Along the way stop at Lot’s Wife’s Pillar. On the northern foreshore of the Dead Sea is your hotel. Check-in and then enjoy the strange sensation of floating in the water, 7 times saltier than regular sea water. Overnight: Dead Sea

Day 6: Dead Sea – Airport (departure)

After check-out transfer direct to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departure flight.