2024 - Jordan Discovery Tour

Welcome to Jordan! Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Amman for the start of your trip. After helping you check in and pointing you to any local shops, cafes or restaurants, you're free to explore Amman independently before our sightseeing starts tomorrow.

The tour begins with a visit to As-Salt, situated about 40 minutes from Amman. As-Salt, a historic hilltop town, was a crucial trading hub and former capital. Renowned for its Islamic architecture using yellow limestone, the town preserves numerous remarkable buildings and narrow streets bustling with shops. As-Salt epitomizes religious and cultural harmony between its Muslim and Christian communities. Exploring the 'Harmony Trail' unveils insights into local life and Jordanian culture. A local family hosts a delightful lunch, offering a taste of Jordan's cuisine, although larger groups might experience traditional Jordanian food at a local restaurant instead.
Post-lunch, the tour descends to the Baptism Site at Bethany, a newly excavated historical site believed to be 'Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan,' where John baptized Jesus Christ. This site holds significance with its Roman and Byzantine period churches, caves, and pools. Notably, it's been visited by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. An electric minibus provides access to three key sites: Tell Mar Elias, the Baptism Pools, and John the Baptist's Church.
After a busy first day, we'll return to our hotel in Amman where we'll spend the night.

We start our Jordan tour today with a drive north for a visit of Jerash, one of the largest and best preserved Roman sites outside of Italy. It is a excellent example of Roman architecture including paved and colonnaded streets, hilltop temples, amphitheatres, spacious public squares and plazas, bathhouses, fountains and a city wall pierced by towers and gates.
In the afternoon was have a city tour of Amman. We'll make our way to the Citadel - the former home of the ancient Temple of Hercules, The Umayyad Palace, the Byzantine Church before we make our way to the 6000 seater Roman theatre, which was built during the Roman Period, when the city was known as Philadelphia. The ancient theatre is still in use today, playing host to numerous cultural events.

We depart Amman for a scenic drive along the King's Highway to Petra, crossing deep Wadis, including the majestic Wadi al-Mujib, olive groves, and driving through remote rural villages. En-route we see the Roman mosaics at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Madaba, enjoy great views of Israel from Mt. Nebo, and visit Kerak Castle, one in a chain of Crusader fortresses built across Jordan in the 12th Century.

Explore Petra, an ancient Nabatean capital rediscovered in 1812 within the Wadi Aruba desert. Entry is through the narrow Siq, a passage amidst canyon walls. Admire rock-carved structures like the Khazneh (Treasury) during a guided tour and independent exploration. The Siq, rising 200 meters, reveals remnants of ancient water channels.
Wander past tombs, a Roman amphitheater, and ascend to the 'Monastery' for panoramic views. Expect substantial walking, minimum 3km through the Siq, 8km to the main basin, and extra kilometers for the Monastery, involving 800 steps. Horse carriages ease travel; donkeys aid the Monastery ascent. Later, enjoy Wadi Rum's desert scenery at a welcoming camp hosted by Bedouins. Relax, stargaze, and savor traditional Jordanian cuisine, capping off a day of historical immersion and natural wonder.

Commencing the day, we immerse ourselves in the captivating desert and mountain vistas of Wadi Rum. Embarking on a jeep safari, we traverse the stunning desert landscapes, encountering sheer cliffs and intriguing rock formations.
Later, bidding adieu to Wadi Rum, our journey heads northward toward the Dead Sea, a globally acclaimed wonder. Being Earth's lowest point at 400 meters below sea level, this area boasts unparalleled spiritual landscapes and natural marvels.
Nourished by various rivers, notably the River Jordan, the Dead Sea's unique land-locked nature causes water evaporation, leaving behind a concentrated blend of salts and minerals. The surrounding mountains and Jerusalem's rolling hills create an almost surreal ambiance, while historical records suggest it was once home to five Biblical cities, Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela).
Our stopover includes an experience in the sea's intensely salty waters, making traditional swimming impossible. Instead, floating, whether sitting or lying, is the preferred and visually stunning method.

Following breakfast, we depart Amman to explore Jordan's Desert Castles, remnants reflecting early Islamic art along Umayyad trade routes. These 'castles', more akin to forts, bathhouses, and palaces, showcase mosaics, frescoes, and carvings influenced by Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions, offering glimpses into 8th-century life.
Our itinerary includes Qasr al-Kharrana, Qal'at al-Azraq, and Qseirr Amra, followed by visits to vital nature reserves managed by the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The Aqraq Wetland Reserve, an oasis nestled in the eastern desert, hosts lush marshland and pools, a haven for migratory birds. Meanwhile, the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, initially established for the Arabian Oryx, now shelters rare species like Ostriches, Goitered Gazelles, and Persian Onagers, alongside diverse wildlife.
An option for guided safaris into the reserve before our return to Amman might be available. For a final evening, Downtown Amman offers a taste of Jordanian cuisine, perhaps Mansaf, falafel with hummus, and the delectable dessert Knafeh, a fitting end to our Jordanian experience.

Your time is free today until we transfer you to Amman airport for your departure flight.
If you wish to extend the tour, we can arrange a transfer to Tel Aviv either by by flight or overland for people wanting to connect this tour with our Biblical Israel tour departure which starts on Sunday. Extensions to spend time at a resort in the Red Sea town or Aqaba are also available.