Hidden Treasures of Jordan

Start Amman.
*Comfortable Hotel*

After breakfast we depart for a visit to Iraq El Amir. Set in the desert to
the east of Amman is the much-famed Desert Loop, consisting of numerous
palaces and minor forts dating back to the Omayyad period 661 AD to 750 AD.
Our first stop is Qasr al- Hallabat. Originally Roman, this castle was
rebuilt during the Umayyad period when it was elaborately decorated in
mosaics, carved stucco and fresco paintings, thus transforming the castle
into a palatial residence. There are about 150 inscriptions within the
castle, mostly in Greek. The vast majority of these inscribed stones, which
were reused as building material, belong to an edict issued by the Byzantine
Emperor Anastasius (491-518 AD). A few kilometres away is the Hammam
as-Sarakh, a bathhouse and hunting lodge. The buildings have been almost
completely restored, and here we can see the channels that were used for hot
water and steam. One hundred kms east of Amman, the oasis town of Azraq has a
large castle built from black basalt, which was Lawrence of Arabia's
headquarters during the Arab Revolt. Heading back towards Amman, the Qasr El
Kharraneh and Qusayr 'Amra are the best preserved of the desert castles,
Qusair Amra is noted for its extensive fresco paintings which cover virtually
all the interior walls. The paintings include themes such as hunting,
dancing, musicians, bathing scenes, cupids, and personifications of history,
philosophy and poetry. We drive back to the hotel in Amman.
*Comfortable Hotel*

Today we begin early as we have a long day heading north. We visit Irbid,
which hosts an interesting museum. The most remarkable artefacts are the Ain
Ghazal statues dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period; between 7500-5500
BC. In addition the museum contains a number of artefacts from the later
periods. Umm Qais, in the north of the country has fantastic views of The Sea
of Galilee and was once a centre of culture and arts. As one of the cities of
the Decapolis, it was a centre for arts and culture and with its amazing
setting it is an enchanting place. Later we proceed to Pella, once an
important city in Roman times; most of the remains actually date back to the
Byzantine period. Overnight in Jerash.
*Standard Hotel*

After breakfast we visit the ancient 'Gerasa'. In Roman times this was one of
the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis, and was famous
throughout the Roman empire for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for
centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have
survived to any extent, with an outstanding forum, colonnaded main streets
with the drains still intact, two theatres and a most impressive temple of
Zeus. Our journey continues on to the only Arabic castle in Jordan, Ajloun.
It is perched on a hilltop and has fantastic views of the surrounding
countryside. Originally constructed in 1184 AD, it was destroyed and rebuilt
over the centuries following numerous wars and earthquakes. Drive for
overnight stay at the Dead Sea.
*Comfortable Hotel*

We start the day by visiting Bethany beyond the Jordan, the site where Jesus
Christ was baptised by John the Baptist marking the beginning of the new era
of Christianity. We then head to Madaba, 'The City of Mosaics '. Best known
for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, it is home to the famous
6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land.  We see this
historical map in the small Church of St George.   Made up of small pieces
of coloured stone, the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as
far as the Nile Delta during the 6th century.  From here we head to the
biblical Mount Nebo where Moses was shown The Promised Land before his
death.  There is a purpose built church which houses some wonderfully
preserved mosaics. After a good look round we head south back to the Dead Sea
in time for a 'float' in the thick saline waters.
*Comfortable Hotel*

Leaving the Dead Sea behind us we drive through the deep gorge of Wadi al
Mujib. This massive canyon is impressive and is now a huge nature reserve,
covering 212sq km. We arrive at Al Karak and Al Shawbak, two castles that
played an important role in the Crusades. Built in mediaeval times Al Karak
is the larger of the two castles, its well-preserved fortifications towering
over the town offer incredible views. Al Shawbak, though not as well
preserved is equally as notable. Late afternoon we drive on to Petra.
Overnight Petra.
*Standard Hotel*

Two days to explore Petra, the so called rose-red city, 'half as old as
time'. Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt
made his great discovery in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab
tribe that arrived here in the 6th century BC. Building at Petra began in the
third century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes
levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it
is a city made defensible by being built down a series of chasms, rather than
on a hilltop. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red
and yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades which glow in
the brilliant sunlight. 
To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the
Siq, surrounded by high cliffs on either side. Unveiled at the end of the Siq
is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a
remarkable day. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and
tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to
unveil itself.  A optional walk can then be done up 750 steps to El Deir,
the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn. 
On the second day your guide will take you into the site for either a hike up
to the High Place of sacrifice or for free time to explore the city
further.  Only a few people attempt to visit the High Place as it can be
quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their
fitness or are uncomfortable with heights. However, those who do make it to
the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on
the previous day.
*Standard Hotel*

Explore Little Petra with its well preserved ruins which are hidden away in
the mountains, before continuing to the Wadi Rum desert, a stretch of
beautiful sand and rock desert. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince
Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World
War, and also where sections of the film of 'Lawrence of Arabia' were shot.
We take a four-wheel drive vehicle far into the area for an exciting desert
adventure before arriving to our permanent camp and destination for the
night.
*Full-service Camping*

We wake amidst the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba,
Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for beautiful coral reefs. There is
time to relax on a local beach with transport and entrance included. You can
add to the experience with optional snorkelling and lunch packages which your
leader will explain. Please note there is a cost for these extras. There are
several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.

*Comfortable Hotel*

After breakfast, drive from Aqaba to Amman to explore the ancient city. Amman
has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. It is one of the
oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation
uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age,
circa 7000 BC. The earliest written records refer to the city as Rabbath
Ammon, the capital of the Ammonites in the 12th century BC. Later the city
was named Philadelphia under the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus 283-246BC. As
one of the cities of the Decapolis under King Herod in 30BC major building
works were conducted. The 6000 seated Roman Theatre on the citadel is
testimony of Roman architecture, although extensively restored it remains a
classic example. Also on Citadel Hill, just northwest of the Temple of
Hercules, is the Jordan Archaeological Museum. This small museum houses an
excellent collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the
15th century.  From here we head to the Roman Theatre in the old town.
*Comfortable Hotel*

Trip ends after breakfast in Amman.