Arrival

After breakfast we drive to the west part of Amman to enjoy Iraq El Amir to visit an ancient palace dated back to the Hellenistic era in the second BC (between the 187 BC and 175 BC). It was built by Hyrcanus, who is linked by calligraphers to the Tobia Ammonite family of letters in the Torah. And this Hyrcanus lived during the reign of King Seleucus IV. One hour and half driving to the east of Amman to see three desert castles .we start with Al-Harana castle built during the Umayyad time in eighth century. The interior of the building contains 60 rooms arranged on two levels around a central courtyard with a rainwater pond in the middle, and may have served as meeting places for visiting delegations. Then short drive to Quseir Amra or Amra palace a small desert palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the early Islamic period. It is known for its well-preserved frescoes depicting scenes of hunting, bathing, and other aspects of daily life. The complex itself is notable for its controversial reputation during the 8th Century when it was host to many forms of entertainment. Though it is small in size, the palace boasts an interesting past and visitors will find an array of unique murals and sculptures which really captivate the charisma of this ‘little castle’. Another short drive further to the east we will visit Azraq castle one of the historical castles in Jordan built of black basalt. Azraq Castle is located in the middle of the Azraq Oasis. The castle was built mainly to be a fortress for the Nabataeans or the Romans, then the Mamluks rebuilt it again in the thirteenth century AD. Azraq Oasis contains the only permanent source of pure water in the surrounding desert, which is about twelve thousand square miles. A number of sources indicate that the Greeks and Romans were the first to establish this castle, which was used, rebuilt, or repaired and restored by the Byzantines, the Umayyads, the Turks, the Ayyubids, the Mamluks and the Arabs. The inscriptions inscribed on the stones inside the castle indicate that the castle was established for the benefit of the Emperor “Diocletian” and the Emperor “Maximian” between the years 285 AD and 305 AD. In its construction, the Umayyads.after that we drive back to Amman.

Overnight in Amman hotel

After breakfast we leave the hotel and drive for two hours to visit Umm Qais (Gadara) a Jordanian town located in the north of the Kingdom. One of the ten Greco-Roman cities (the Ten Cities Alliance) was located in a strategic location and a number of trade routes it overlooks the Yarmouk River, the Golan Heights, and Lake Tiberias. Its strategic location, in addition to its abundance of water, was an attraction for population activity. Its name in the past was a wall, meaning “fortifications” or “the fortified city.” Among the most important archaeological remains: the Western Amphitheatre. And the street of columns and the decorated church. Then an hour drive to be by Pella an ancient archaeological site in the Jordan Valley, Pella boasts ruins from various periods, including Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Jordan’s long history. We drive one hour and half to get to Ajloun Castle,a castle Situated in the Ajloun Forest Reserve, this 12th-century castle was built by the Ayyubids to defend against the Crusader threat. The castle provides a glimpse into Jordan’s medieval history and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. We drive 45 minutes to Jerash city.

Overnight in Jerash hotel

After breakfast we drive for few munities to the old site 0f Jerash the most well-preserved sites of Roman architecture in the world outside of Italy. To this day, the streets are still paved, and the baths, theatres, public squares and arches are in exceptional condition. Then we drive for an hour to As-Salt city thriving city situated 30 km North West of the capital Amman.  As-Salt is enclosed by breathtaking views and is a wonderful contrast to some of the westernized sites of Amman, thanks to its good water supply and agricultural land it had been settled at least since the Iron Age. It has been identified with Roman Gadaron; and in the Byzantine period it had its own bishop. Its name (Latin: Saltus means wooded valley).The UNESCO World Heritage Committee added As-Salt “the place of tolerance and urban hospitality” to its World Heritage List to become the sixth Jordanian landmark to be declared a world heritage site. In salt city we will visit As-salt archeological museum located in the new As-Salt commercial center. The museum, with its two exhibition halls, was opened in 1986.The main exhibition hall contains a collection of pottery from Tuleilat Ghassul, dated to the Chalcolithic (4500-3300 BC). The museum also showcases items from the Early Bronze Age (3300-2200 BC), the Middle and Late Bronze Age periods (2200-1200 BC) the Iron Age (1200-539 BC), the Byzantine period (AD 324-636) , and the Ayyubid/Mameluk period (AD 1174-1516) .and aslo we will visit Al–hammam Street The oldest and most active street in As-Salt city, named after a Turkish bath, the narrow pedestrianized street rolls around the contours of the hillside between 150 year old traditional ottoman stone architecture. Close by Al-hammam Street we pass by  Al-khader Orthodox Church – St. George church The holy shrine was built in the 17th century in a cave where it is believed that a villager received a message from God to build a church. Many believe that miracles have happened at this church. The church is visited by Muslims and Christians. Driving one hour toward the Jordan valley to Dead Sea the lowest point on earth 423 meters below sea level and a destination that beckons visitors from around the world.

Overnight in Dead Sea hotel

We leave the hotel to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ  which is 20 munities from the hotel, the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ “Bethany Beyond the Jordan”, is an archaeological World Heritage Site on the east bank of the Jordan River, considered to be the original location of the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist And in a later reference to the same location on the eastern bank, the Gospel of John (10:40) says that Jesus Christ also traveled through the Jordan, where John the Baptist was baptizing in the beginning, and went again to the same place and resided there. The place venerated as such since at least the Byzantine period. The baptism site includes two principal archaeological areas: the remnants of a monastery on a mound known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) and an area close to the river with remains of churches, baptism ponds and pilgrim and hermit dwellings. The two areas are connected by a stream called Wadi Kharrar. the visit is almost an hour then we go back to the hotel to spend the whole day in the Dead Sea the lowest point on earth 423 meters below sea level and a destination that beckons visitors from around the world for extraordinary saltwater and enjoying the rich, black, stimulating mud and floated effortlessly on backs while soaking up the water’s healthy minerals along with the gently diffused rays of the Jordanian sun.

Overnight in Dead Sea hotel

After breakfast we drive for 45 minutes to Mount Nebo which is one of Jordan’s most important Christian holy sites. It is place where Moses saw the Promised Landed before he died, according to the Old Testament. By the 4th century AD, Mount Nebo had already become a pilgrimage site and a church and sanctuary were built to honor Moses. In the 6th century AD, monks constructed a Byzantine monastery with a magnificent mosaic pavement. Short drive to Madaba a combination of rural home life and a hot spot for religious tourism. Known as the “City of Mosaics”, Madaba is the cultural epicenter for mosaics. And also well known for tens of old and new churches, and archeological complexes. Here we visit St. George’s Church or the church of the map from the 6th century with magnificent mosaic floor showing a map of the holy land and Egypt.Via kings way we visit karak castle to cross by the Mujeb canyon stunning scenic landscapes. Then Visiting karak castle the largest and most important castles in Jordan, with an area of 25,300 square meters and a height of about 1,000 meters above sea level. Its construction dates back to the era of the Moabites, and the Nabataeans used it, as evidenced by the presence of Nabataean statues engraved in the first foundations of the castle.  When the Crusaders established the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem in the year (1099 AD), they occupied the southern region of Jordan in the years (1115 and 1116 AD) and established the Barony of Karak and Shobak. In the year (1142 AD) the Crusaders seized the Karak fort and started the construction and strengthening of this fort, to protect the southern side of the kingdom and secure the road between Damascus and Egypt during the Crusades.Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi imposed a severe siege on the castle for a period of time, then managed to seize it in the aftermath of the Battle of Hattin. The rule of the castle was later transferred to the Mamluks and then the Ottomans.After karak .we drive 3 hours to Petra.

Overnight in Petra hotel

In this beautiful morning we have full day to enjoy the most famous archaeological sites in the world and one of the new world wonders.  Petra is an ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs. It was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom 2300 years ago and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Petra from the main gate to enjoy all the must-see sites in Petra enjoy  including the Siq,the Treasury, the Street of Facades, the Roman theater, the Royal Tombs, and the Great Temple, and enjoying the breathtaking rock-cut architecture. Petra is also well known as the “Rose-Red City” because of the stunning red-rose sandstone cliffs that surround the site. The city was carved into the rock faces of the mountains, creating a unique architectural marvel.

Another beautiful day in Petra and exploring more trails like high place of sacrifice and khubtha trail to view the treasury from the high top.

Overnight in Petra hotel

After breakfast we drive for few kilometers to the north of Petra to visit little Petra a rock-cut buildings which line the 350-metre long gorge which was a resupplying and caravan station. After little Petra two hours drive to the south of Petra, to  Aqaba, Jordan’s idyllic coastal city which attracts travelers with its unique fusion of ancient history, sun-soaked beaches, and exhilarating adventure. Aqaba Marine Park is one of the best Aqaba activities. The park is a protected area that is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish and corals. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or go snorkeling to explore the underwater world. With its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse range of marine species, the marine park offers a truly unforgettable snorkeling experience. Scuba diving is another popular activity for visitors to Aqaba. The Red Sea’s warm waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a popular destination for scuba divers of all levels.  

Overnight in Aqaba hotel

After a late morning we drive 45 minutes to Wadi Rum incredibly vast and beautiful desert full of unique rock formations, red dunes. This desert is among the world’s best stargazing locations Perfect visibility most of the year! Wadi Rum Protected Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011  in addition to be the most similar place to MARS it is one of the best attractions for movies makers. Experiencing the desert in a jeep tour for hours and see the most beautiful parts of Wadi Rum then end up by the camp for dinner and enjoy lovely night with millions of stars.

Overnight and dinner in the desert camp

After breakfast we have 4 hours drive to Amman for a tour starting with the citadel to wander through the remains of Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad civilizations, marveling at the preserved architecture and artifacts that tell the story of Amman’s diverse history in addition to its rich museum.Driving down to the town to see the Roman Theater which was built in honor of Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161 AD). Built into the hillside, it was oriented north to keep the sun off the spectators. The large and steeply raked structure could seat about 6,000 people.End our day with an hour wonder in down town the old part of Amman, beckons with its lively markets, known as souks. The air is filled with the lively chatter of vendors and the tantalizing scents of spices and traditional street food. Bargaining and haggling are part of the experience as visitors browse through a myriad of colorful textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Overnight in Amman hotel

Departure