The Ancient Kingdom of Jordan 2012/2013

Luxury Jordan Holiday - 9-day Escorted Tour

The ancient world is so impressive, and so much a part of Jordan, that it can make you feel an incredible bond with civilisations past, and a sense of speechless awe at their astounding achievements.

Tour highlights

• Sightseeing in the Roman city of Jerash and the magnificent lost city of Petra.
• Experiencing a thrilling, open-top drive through the desert and canyon at Wadi Rum; the landscapes of Lawrence of Arabia
• Soaking up the culture during an authentic dinner, served in a lamp-lit Arabian Tent.
• Sailing aboard the splendid Aladdin Yacht at Aqaba on a magical dinner excursion.
• Unwinding in the Jordanian sun, amidst incredible scenery, and bathing in the natural mineral waters of the Dead Sea.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
In the executive lounge at Heathrow, you’ll meet your Tour Manager before your flight to Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Amman Marriott.

Day 2 Amman
Your morning tour begins at the ancient Citadel, perched above the city, with panoramic views. You’ll visit the ruins of the Temple of Hercules, dating back to 161AD, a 5th Century Byzantine Church and the Persian-influenced Umayyad Palace. At the Archaeological Museum, you’ll see a fascinating collection of exhibits, including 6,000 year old plaster statues and the famous Dead Sea scrolls. Continuing back down to the foot of the Citadel, you’ll visit the 2nd Century Roman Theatre which is still used for cultural events today. Heading north to Jerash, one of the world’s largest and best preserved Roman cities, you’ll get an impression of the sheer scale of a Roman city at its peak. You’ll enter through the monumental South Gate, view the lovely Oval Plaza, the Temple of Zeus and the impressive South Theatre, then explore the Market Place, the Omayyad residential quarter, the large hippodrome, the Nymphaeum – an ornate public fountain decorated with lions heads – the North Theatre and the impressive Hadrian’s Arch, dedicated to the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129AD. In the evening, you’re invited to a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Amman Marriott.

Day 3 Amman to Petra
An exhilarating drive along the 5,000 year old Kings Highway takes you to Petra, passing many ancient sites along the way, including Mount Nebo, believed to be the burial place of Moses and now one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan. En route, you’ll visit Madaba, a small East Bank town famous for the mosaic map of the known world in the Greek orthodox church of St George, dating back to around 560AD. Later in the afternoon you’ll arrive at your hotel near the ‘Rose Red City’ of Petra. Described as Jordan’s most valuable treasure, this archaeological desert city is regarded as a ‘new’ ancient wonder of the world. A cultural treat awaits this evening, with a Bedouin dinner around a camp fire.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Movenpick Resort Petra.

Day 4 Petra
Nothing quite prepares you for your experience today. Petra is simply astounding. This mesmerising city, carved into the giant red mountains by Nabatean Arabs 2,000 years ago, was lost for centuries until its dramatic rediscovery in 1812. Your tour takes in Petra’s magnificent sights, including the huge Treasury, the hilltop monastery and the ancient 8,000 seat theatre. Many of our travellers feel that wandering the colonnaded streets, gazing up at these ancient marvels, is one of the most moving and meaningful experiences of their life.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Movenpick Resort Petra.

Day 5 Petra
Today you’re free to explore the many hidden corners of Petra and absorb the unique atmosphere. You might also like to visit Little Petra, which is generally quieter and has lovely views. Little Petra was a suburb of the main city and features a mini siq (an entrance through a narrow gorge) as well as ruins of domestic quarters. In the evening, you can experience Petra by candlelight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Movenpick Resort Petra.

Day 6 Petra to Wadi Rum and Aqaba
After a leisurely morning at the hotel, you’ll drive out to Wadi Rum, made famous by the film Lawrence of Arabia, then take an exhilarating jeep ride through the dramatic desert scenery, with huge sandstone granite mountains towering over narrow canyons and wide sandy valleys. This is where some of the world’s most magnificent sunsets can be seen, with subtle changes in daylight caressing the extraordinary terrain, creating a spectacle of gleaming shadows across its rugged rocks and mountains. Now it’s time to relax and enjoy the ambience under a lamp-lit Arabian Tent for a traditional Bedouin dinner, before transferring to Aqaba on the coast.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Movenpick.

Day 7 Aqaba
You have a full, free day to get to know Aqaba; a delightful Red Sea resort with a mild climate and gentle waters which are home to a plethora of marine life. Your Tour Manager can suggest ways of making the most of your time, and can book any excursions for you. In the evening, you'll board a wonderful wooden yacht for a cocktail dinner, capturing the stillness of the region's night sky.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Movenpick.

Day 8 Aqaba to the Dead Sea
No journey to Jordan is complete without a visit to the Dead Sea; the lowest point on earth, and the world's richest source of natural salts. This region has a particular beauty, with the hills of Jerusalem to the west and the region’s commanding mountains to the east. Ancient visitors include Cleopatra and King Herod the Great, and the region is now associated with health and wellbeing. One of the main attractions of your full day visit is to float in the salty, mineral-rich water, which is incredibly buoyant.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Jordan Valley Marriott.

Day 9 Return to London Heathrow
After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to Amman Airport for your flight home, with plenty of memories to take with you.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616