A Week in Jordan

Fly to Amman; transfer to Amman hotel. The hotel is approximately a 40 minute
transfer from the airport.
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 2

This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This
was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during
Roman times, and was famous throughout the Roman world for the luxury of its
lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of
the Decapolis to have survived, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main
streets which remarkably have the drains still intact, two theatres and the
impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around we head back to Amman for
a city tour including the Citadel, the Roman Theatre and the old city.
*Standard Hotel*

Day 3

Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway which takes us up and
down huge 'wadis' (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route
including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mt Nebo and Kerak, which
is a magnificent fortified town. Further south we reach the magnificent city
of Petra; Jordan's premier historic site and one of the world's most
outstanding ancient cities.
*Standard Hotel*

Day 4-5

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*

Day 6

This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra
or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and
make our way south to Wadi Rum.  The purpose of Little Petra is not clear
however archaeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where
visiting traders on the silk route may have stayed.  Today we enter the
natural world heritage site of Wadi Rum where dramatic sandstone mountains
rise from the sandy desert floor 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 1962 epic film were shot.
After checking into our private Exodus camp our Bedouin hosts take us for
around a 2-hour 4x4 jeep trip to explore some of the highlights of the
protected area. We go to the main popular sights, have time to sample bedouin
tea and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. 
From here we return to our camp where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a
traditional dinner called Zarb which is cooked underground.  After dinner we
learn about Bedouin culture and music through interacting with the family who
run the camp. 
*Permanent Bedouin tents*

Day 7

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 resort with transport and entrance
included.  You can add to the experience by hiring snorkelling equipment and
swimming over the coral reef looking out for colourful fish.  This can be
arranged and paid for on the day at the resort.  (10 JD at time of
publishing) You will walk along a jetty and get in from a small ladder to
ensure you don't walk on the coral. There are several good restaurants in
Aqaba for our evening meal together.
*Standard Hotel*

Day 8

Leaving the Red sea behind we will head to the Dead sea which is one of the
most fascinating places on earth.  Free time to experience floating and
trying the dead sea mud then cooling off in the swimming pool.  This evening
there will be a group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your
farewells. 
*Comfortable Hotel*

Day 9

Transfer directly to the international aiport for your flight home.  This
journey takes around an hour or less and does not need to pass through Amman
so it avoids the city traffic.