Day 2 Amman
A full day of discovery begins with a morning tour to Jerash, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman cities in existence. Highlights here are the Temples of Artemis and Zeus, Hadrian's Triumphal Arch and a street of columns a mile long. For lunch today we'll visit Beit Khayrat, a woman-owned cafe in nearby Souf for a traditional Jordanian meal.
This afternoon we will see some of Amman's other great sights on our Panoramic coach tour passing by the old and modern vistas of the city, including a Roman amphitheatre, the magnificent citadel, which towers above downtown Amman, and the King Abdullah Mosque.
This evening we will head to a restaurant for dinner.Meals included: B,L,D
Day 3 Amman - Petra
We're heading south today, to Petra, and on the way we'll visit many interesting sites. Our first stop is Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge that rises more than 700 metres above sea level and is cited in the Hebrew Bible as the point from which Moses saw the promised land. As you stand on this revered spot, you can take in panoramic views of the Holy Land and the valley of the River Jordan.We'll then head to Madaba, to visit St George's Church, the home of the Mosaic Map. This treasure of early Christianity dates back to the 6th century and is the oldest map of Palestine that exists today.
A further highlight of our journey is the ancient fortress of Shobak. This is one of the largest and most impregnable of the chain of forts built by the Crusaders and is an impressive example of architectural military genius. Every stronghold was built to be a day's journey from its neighbour, and at night, beacons were lit to signal to Jerusalem that each was safe. The rose-red city of Petra is our final destination. Meals included: B,D
Day 4 Petra
Today's the day you will get to explore Petra on a guided walking tour. This extraordinary city carved into the sandstone is concealed beyond a long, narrow gorge – the Siq – and your Local Guide will lead you through this corridor of rock. Get ready for your first glimpse of the magnificent Treasury Building, it will not disappoint. There will be opportunity for you to explore the area at leisure before returning to the hotel.
This evening why not join our optional excursion which offers a dinner with a difference. We'll head to a restaurant where we'll actually work alongside the chefs as they create typical Jordanian dishes, eating what we have prepared.
Day 5 Petra - Wadi Rum
Start the day with a visit to Siq al-Barid, a northern suburb of Petra known as 'Little Petra'. Here you'll see houses, temples and staircases all carved out of rock and hidden away in the centre of a mountain.We then head to the desert of Wadi Rum, home to the nomadic Bedouin people and immortalised in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. With sand dunes and sandstone rock formations of all shapes, sizes and colours, this magical landscape is sure to leave a lasting impression.
You'll stay tonight in the heart of Wadi Rum, where your hotel is in the guise of a Bedouin camp, and you will stay in your own authentic Bedouin-style tent. Once you've settled in, enjoy an included dinner of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. After, maybe join an optional stargazing excursion in the company of an expert guide who can tell you about the formations you will see in the clear desert skies. Meals included: B,L,D
Day 6 Wadi Rum - Dead Sea
Your journey continues today as you head towards another famous destination, the Dead Sea. This is the lowest spot on earth, and as you stay here for two nights in a hotel right on its shores, you'll have the chance to experience its unique waters, renowned for their buoyancy and therapeutic qualities.
Meals included: B,DDay 7 Dead Sea - at Leisure
You can spend today at leisure, or you might choose to join an optional excursion to the nearby River Jordan and the biblical site of the baptism of Jesus. Meals included: B,DDay 8 Amman - UK
This morning we will transfer you to Amman for your flight back to the UK.
Meals included: B