Jordan's ancient history & culture

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman - Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman - At leisure in Amman

Tag 1: Amman

Transfer from Q.A.I. Airport to Amman
Other Transfer: After the visa formalities, you will be met by a representative at Queen Alia International Airport and enjoy a short transfer to your hotel in Amman for check in. Estimated travel time: 40 minutes.


At leisure in Amman
Excursion: Amman is one of the easiest places to experience Middle Eastern culture in all its splendour. Spend some time today exploring this vibrant city, which provides an eclectic mix of contemporary and historic attractions. If it's not planned elsewhere in your tour, head to the ancient Citadel for impressive architectural treasure. Looming over the city at the top of the Jabal (hill), the citadel is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world. You will see that Amman beautifully fuses the ancient with new, as evidenced by the downtown amphitheatre; used by locals almost as a park to mingle and relax. Elsewhere you can discover the Umayyad Palace, a Byzantine church and even an inscription from the Phoenicians. In valley of downtown, traffic roars over the sound of hawkers flogging coffee, cigarettes and trinkets on street corners, Arabic music blares from shop fronts, and food stalls draw you in with mouth-watering aromas. Amble past the hubbub of colourful souks, mosques and coffee houses. Test out musks and floral fragrances in a melange of perfume stalls, or lose yourself in the richer scents of a traditional spice shop (some local Za’atar and Sumak make fantastic souvenirs). For some respite, a cool cup of sugar cane juice is a Jordanian staple, or indulge in some Arabic coffee. Whatever you do, do make the most of Amman’s excellent street food: a popular snack is the kaek sandwich - a sesame seed bread filled with cheese, hard baked eggs, za’atar, and chilli sauce. Enjoy every bite as you people-watch and absorb the infectious atmosphere.

Tour of the Desert Castles - Qasr Amra - Qasr Al Kharraneh

Tag 2: Qasr Amra - Amman

Tour of the Desert Castles
Excursion: Explore the Desert Castles of Jordan. Built between the 7th and 8th centuries CE by the Umayyad Caliphate, these fortified palatial complexes were, and remain to an extent, ornate displays of power and wealth on this strategic trade route. The exact function of these 'qufur' buildings remains unclear; they appear to have been rural retreats for the ruling classes, in-part grand hunting lodges and farm houses, in-part bathhouses and caravanserais for hosting weary travellers. You will be shown around three of the most notable qufurs so you can appreciate their splendour for yourself.


Qasr Amra
Excursion: In Wadi Butm, the UNESCO protected Qasr Amra is renowned for its early Islamic paintings, in particular its rather risqué eighth century fresco of wine, women and revelry. Once your eyes adjust to the harsh brightness inside the main hall, the details of the frescoes start to reveal themselves: images of bathing women, hunting dogs, wild deer, and even the construction of the baths themselves are detailed across the walls. This is a far cry from the typically geometric Islamic painting at this time. The exquisite domed roof of the bathhouse is decorated with an illustration of the heavens, with signs of the zodiac identifiable among the flaking paint. This constitutes one of the earliest depictions of the universe on anything other than a flat surface. It is staggering to think these paintings predate the European Renaissance by around 500 years.


Qasr Al Kharraneh
Excursion: Perhaps the most deserving of the term ‘castle’ is Kharraneh's impressive fortification. Its interior is not geared towards military functions, as its slits are of the wrong shape to be designed for arrows (they appear to be for sunlight and ventilation). Inside you can look around its 60 rooms arranged across two floors, facing inwards to a courtyard. However, no water source has been identified nearby, so it is unlikely to have been a caravanserai. It is possible that Kharraneh was only used temporarily, perhaps for Umayyad leaders to meet with local Bedouin leaders. Whatever the purpose, you will be shown around this mysterious, remote and sturdy construction, identifying its Syrian, Sassanid and Islamic influences as you go.


Qasr Al Azraq
Excursion: Built out of black basalt stone, Azraq is one of the most distinctive castles of the region. Beside its ruins of a Byzantine church and Muslim mosque in its courtyard, Azraq is also famous for being the qusur that Laurence of Arabia visited. When you enter the castle, cast your eye down to the paving stones: some have indentations that were made by gatekeepers playing a Roman board game with pebbles to while away the hours. Look out too for the impressive tower in the western wall, with its enormous, monolithic basalt door. Laurence mentions the clang of this door in his book ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’. Incidentally, the caretaker of the castle is the third generation of caretakers to guard the castle, and will be happy to point out these unique features to you.

Transfer from Amman to Jerash and Ajloun - Transfer from Amman to Jerash and Ajloun - Tour of Jerash

Tag 3: Jerash & The Decapolis - Amman

Transfer from Amman to Jerash and Ajloun
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from your hotel in Amman to the ancient city of Jerash and the town of Ajloun, with its Islamic fortress. Amman to Jerash: Estimated travel time: 1 hour Time for visit: 1 - 2 hours Jerash to Ajloun: Estimated travel time: 45 minutes Time for visit: 1- 2 hours.


Tour of Jerash
Excursion: North of Amman lies the historic city of Jerash. Known in antiquity as Gerasa, this Greco-Roman settlement was buried under sand for centuries until its excavation and restoration in the last 70 years. Today it is recognised as one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Enjoy a tour of this ancient treasure, known as ‘the City of a Thousand Pillars’. There are a great deal of fantastic Ionic columns lining the vast oval-shaped forum and the Cardo, making up an impressive 6000m colonnaded street. Other highlights are the venerable entrance to the city, the epic Temple of Artemis and the hippodrome, where chariot demonstrations are sometimes held.


Tour of Ajloun
Excursion: Traverse through pine forests and olive groves to the Castle of Ajloun, at 1250 metres above sea level. Originally built by a commander and nephew of Saladin in 1184 CE, its commanding presence on the hilltop defended three wadis. One of the few Muslim castles of its time, it resided as an important counter to nearby Crusader castles. Its elevated position could be shrewdly used for a communicative chain of beacons and pigeons, allowing messages to be darted from Damascus to Cairo in a single day. The castle once had seven stout towers and a 15 metre dry moat as defences. It was largely destroyed by the Mongol invasion in 1260, but almost immediately rebuilt by the Mamluks. As you wonder around the ruins, you'll gain an insight into the crucial strategies used by attackers and residents alike. At the end of the tour, marvel the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Transfer from Amman to The Dead Sea - Transfer from Amman to The Dead Sea - Swim in the Dead Sea

Tag 4: The Dead Sea - Madaba

Transfer from Amman to The Dead Sea
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from Amman to the sparkling waters of the Dead Sea. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes


Swim in the Dead Sea
Excursion: Immerse yourself into Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth (429 metres below sea level) and one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth. Its deep blue waters gradually change to emerald at the shore, where rocky ridges of salt crystalise in the desert heat. The high level of evaporation here has rendered the lake nine times saltier than regular sea water. Spend some time trying to ‘swim’ in this extremely buoyant water, where you can practically sit on the surface. The salt and minerals of this lake have long been used for health and skin benefits, and even for Egyptian mummification. Cover yourself in the sticky mud and enter the water. The salt will sting cuts that you didn’t know you had; definitely don’t shave before swimming!


Transfer from the Dead Sea to Madaba, via Mount Nebo
Car Transfer: You will then be driven from the Dead Sea to Madaba, with a stop at Mount Nebo. Dead Sea to Mount Nebo Estimated travel time: 30 minutes. Mount Nebo to Madaba Estimated travel time: 15 minutes.


Ascend Mount Nebo
Excursion: Visit the sanctuary at Mount Nebo, a high ridge mentioned in the Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land. It is also here that he was predicted to die before ever reaching it, and according to Christian tradition, is buried. A church was built here in the fourth century by early Christians to commemorate the site, which has since grown into a large complex. In 2000, Pope John Paul II visited here as part of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where he gave a sermon to 20,000 faithful. You can see the olive tree he planted here next to the Byzantine chapel as a symbol for peace. From the top of the mount enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Holy Land, as well as views of the River Jordan valley. On clear days, you can see the West Bank city of Jericho, and sometimes even Jerusalem.


Visit Madaba
Excursion: You will visit Madaba, located on the King’s Road. Known as the City of Mosaics, it is home to several Byzantine-era and Umayyad mosaics, scattered all over the busy market town. You will visit the most famous mosaic, discovered in 1884 when Greek orthodox Christians uncovered it among the rubble of an old Byzantine chapel. It depicts a detailed map of the Holy Land, stretching from Palestine to the Nile Delta, and constitutes the oldest known map of Palestine in existence.

Transfer from Madaba to Kerak - Transfer from Madaba to Kerak - Explore Kerak Castle

Tag 5: Kerak - Petra

Transfer from Madaba to Kerak
Car Transfer: You will continue along the King's Highway and drive to Kerak, an ancient Crusader stronghold. Estimated travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes.


Explore Kerak Castle
Excursion: The city of Kerak was the ancient capital of Moab, a kingdom frequently mentioned in the Bible. Whether you approach Kerak from the ancient Kings’ Highway to the east or from the Dead Sea to the west, the striking silhouette of this fortified castle town, 900m above sea level, will certainly reveal why the fates of kings and nations were decided here. An ancient crusader stronghold dating back to the 1140s, Kerak’s best-preserved halls and passageways are located underground and can only be reached through a massive door. Make sure to bring a torch to explore these darker corners of the castle. You will explore this enormous fortification with your guide. Plenty of useful information can be found displayed around the keep. Make sure to enjoy the vast views from this high point across the wadis (valleys) in all directions. If it is a clear day you will be able to make out the Dead Sea in the distance.


Transfer from Kerak to Petra
Car Transfer: You will be driven from Kerak Castle to the ancient city of Petra, nestled along ancient trade routes and hidden deep in desert canyons (siqs). Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


Explore Little Petra
Excursion: Welcome to ‘Little Petra’, a small settlement just north of Petra proper. Once an important suburb of the ancient town, this is where successful merchants entertained their counterparts from the Silk Road. Approach the ruins through a narrow gorge known as Siq al-Barid, or ‘the cold Siq’, so named because its towering cliffs prevent any sunlight from reaching it. The Siq runs for 350 metres between the immense, rust-coloured rock, and opens up three times along its length. When you reach the first opening, you will notice the higher density of buildings here compared with Petra, as well as the quaint staircases carved into the rock face, turning the Siq into a multi-storey alleyway. The second opening has several triclinia, a kind of formal dining room; and up some stairs to another dining room, where a fabulous painted fresco was found in 2010. It is the only surviving example of Nabataean interior painting, and one of very few examples of large-scale Hellenistic paintings in the world. Make sure to visit the 'Painted Room' before you leave Little Petra – it is not to be missed.

Explore the magic of Petra - full day tour with a local guide

Tag 6: Petra

Explore the magic of Petra - full day tour with a local guide
Excursion: A full day is in store to explore the iconic site of Petra, a glorious Nabataean city dating to the third century BCE. Petra is justifiably a bucket list experience - half-built, half-carved into the face of red, white and pink sandstone cliffs, the towering facades of the buildings lie hidden in twisting canyons and clefts in the rock. The Nabataeans were originally nomadic Arabs, and Petra started its development as a caravan town, however their sophisticated water collection system allowed them to permanently settle in this mostly arid region. Being situated between the Red and Dead Seas, on a crossroads of trade between Arabia, Egypt and Syria, Petra’s prosperity quickly grew into the grandeur we can still see today. You will approach the stunning ‘Red-Rose City' having crossed the desert for around 700 metres, before arriving at Al Siq- the 76 metre-high, dramatically narrow sandstone canyon. Wander through this twisting ravine before emerging upon the impressive, temple-like facade of the Treasury building (you may recognise from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade). Continue along a winding road of tombs and decorative false fronts - this street leads you into the centre of the ancient town. You will then climb high up the cliff face to explore the cavernous Royal Tombs, as well as the ruins of the High Place of Sacrifice which sits atop the mountain. As you're guided around these treasures, it is staggering to think that around only 15% of the site has been excavated, with 85% of Petra remaining untouched below ground.

Venture through Wadi Rum by 4x4 SUV - Transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum - Transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum

Tag 7: Wadi Rum

Venture through Wadi Rum by 4x4 SUV
Excursion: With your guide, take in the staggering scenery of Wadi Rum, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the Middle East. The otherworldly, Martian appearance of the terrain has inspired countless film-makers to use Wadi Rum as a location, such as Ridley Scott for his blockbuster, ‘The Martian’. Besides the rust-coloured sand dunes, dramatic rock formations, cliffs and narrow siqs (canyons), Wadi Rum is covered in 25,000 rock carvings and 20,000 inscriptions from centuries of trade caravans passing through this desolate region. Aramaic characters, prehistoric camel carvings, Nabataean inscriptions and even a sculpture of TE Lawrence’s bust fleck the scattered rocks and cliffs of this expanse. Please note that the tour is conducted in Bedouin-driven jeeps/trucks, which are open-air in the back and have benches, which can take up to 6 persons. The Bedouin people have lived around Wadi Rum for centuries, etching out a nomadic existence until relatively recently in the 20th century. Today, they offer expert ecotourism around their beloved region. Several Bedouin camps lie across the region, and any that you come across are sure to welcome you into their tents to try their sweet mint tea.


Transfer from Petra to Wadi Rum
Other Transfer: You will leave the legendary site of Petra and set off in the direction of Wadi Rum. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. - Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. - At leisure in Aqaba

Tag 8: Aqaba

Transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba.
Other Transfer: Set off on the next part of your journey, on this transfer from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. Estimated travel time: 1 hour


At leisure in Aqaba
Excursion: Enjoy some time at leisure in Aqaba; the city retains a relaxed small-town atmosphere despite its growing developments. Discover its major landmarks: right by the coast is a sixteenth century Mamluk castle, now commonly referred to as Aqaba fort. Originally built as a ‘khan’-a traveller’s inn for pilgrims on their way to Mecca- it became the site of one of the First World War’s most famous battles, when Arab Revolt forces successfully took the town from its Ottoman occupiers. The main draw of Aqaba is its fabulous coast, hugging the warm waters of the Red Sea. Some of the region’s best coral reefs are around Aqaba, and make for excellent snorkelling, diving and swimming adventures. If you prefer to stay dry, there are a number of glass-bottomed boat tours that reveal the wonders of the underwater world without needing to jump in yourself. Alternatively, you can grab a book and relax on one of the nearby beaches. Palm beach is a relaxing and convenient option, where the call to prayer can be heard echoing across the sand from the central mosque. There is also Berenice Beach Club further down the coast, where swimming pools, restaurants and changing rooms accompany the coastline.

Tour of Amman - Transfer from Aqaba to Amman - Transfer from Aqaba to Amman

Tag 9: Amman

Tour of Amman
Excursion: Get to know Jordan's proud capital, Amman. By exploring both the ancient and modern parts of the city, you'll gain insight into daily life as well as the historic culture. This tour is unguided but you'll have the convenience of a driver. Discover the crumbling ruins of the ancient Citadel, which overlooks Amman’s Labyrinthine downtown below. Marvel at the colossal pillars of the Temple of Hercules (larger than any temple in Rome) and wander around the remains of the Governor's Palace and Mosque. Visit the Archaeological Museum, and peruse the artefacts which date from prehistoric times to the 15th century. From the museum, there is the spectacular panorama of the sprawling city below: Romans built on top of Biblical remains, forging chaotic streets, all wedged into the valley. Descend from the Citadel into the capital’s throng where you can join locals alongside the most impressive remnant of Roman rule: a 6000 seat, beautifully restored amphitheatre. The Jordan Folklore Museum is located next door on the western side of the theatre. Here you can view items representing three different Jordanian cultures – Bedu (desert life), Reef (village life) and Madineh (city life). Then head back into the 21st century as you make your way into the city centre, a vibrant hub of sizzling kebab stalls, buzzing cafes and sensual souks.


Transfer from Aqaba to Amman
Other Transfer: You will be transferred from Aqaba to the capital city, Amman. Estimated travel time: 4 hours

Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport - Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport

Tag 10:

Transfer from Amman to Q.A.I. Airport
Car Transfer: You will be met at your hotel in Amman and driven to Queen Alia Airport for your onward flight. Estimated travel time: 45 minutes