Itinerary for: Jordan Experience (I888W)
Day 1 - AMMAN
Welcome to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, reputedly one of the friendliest countries on earth! Layered in antiquity, Jordan was once an important trading centre of the Roman Empire and part of the ancient Holy Land. Remarkably, the landscape has changed little in the last 2,000 years. On arrival at Amman Airport, you will be met by your Jordanian Tour Director and transferred to your conveniently located hotel.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (D)
Day 2 - AMMAN- PETRA
The trip to Jerash reveals the most beautifully preserved example of a Greco-Roman city in existence. Because of its size, extent of excavation and level of preservation, Jerash is sometimes referred to as the 'Pompeii of the Middle East'. Explore the grand ruins of the temples of Artemis and Zeus, where you can listen to the Whispering Column, and take in the vast oval Forum, Hadrian's triumphal arch and the mile-long Street of Columns. Travel on to Mt Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan, where Moses stood and saw before him the Promised Land. At Madaba, visit the Greek Orthodox church of St. George to see the amazing 6th Century Byzantine mosaic map depicting the entire region from Jordan and Palestine in the north, to Egypt in the south. Continue to your hotel in Petra in plenty of time for dinner this evening.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,D)
Day 3 - PETRA SIGHTSEEING
Much has been said about Jordan's most famous attraction; John William Burgon christened it 'a rose-red city half as old as time', it was voted as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' and chosen by the BBC as one of "the 10 places you have to see before you die". This is why the whole day is devoted to this amazing UNESCO world heritage site. Hidden behind an almost impenetrable barrier of rugged mountains, the approach to the lost city is through a narrow gorge, the Siq, whose walls rise up 200 metres. In ancient days, the Siq was Petra's protection from surprise attack. Emerge from the path to gaze upon the Treasury, the most magnificent of Petra's sights, carved out of solid rock and standing over 40 meters high. Wind your way through the canyon to explore the imposing Roman Amphitheatre which once seated 3,000 spectators, and the ancient tombs. (BB,D)
Day 4 - PETRA- AMMAN
Visit an authentic 12th century crusader fortress whose galleries, chapels and ramparts recall the gallantry of the Crusaders themselves. Shobak is perched on the side of a rocky mountain, standing guard over a barren and desolate land. Explore inside the walls to see what remains before driving along the famous Kings Highway back to Jordan's capital city. Amman is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city's modern buildings blend with the remnants of ancient civilisations. Under the influence of the Roman culture, the city was reconstructed in typically grand Roman style with colonnaded streets, baths, and a huge Amphitheatre which you can still see. Towering above downtown Amman, is the Citadel Hill, site of the earliest fortifications is now the subject of numerous excavations. Return to your hotel now for your final night in the capital.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,D)
Day 5 - DEPART AMMAN
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your onward flights. Alternatively, why not extend your stay with a short drive to the lowest spot on earth? The Marriott Resort and Spa at the Dead Sea is 1,312ft below sea-level. (BB)