Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1
Start Madaba.

Day 2
This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. In Roman times this was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis, 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 to any extent, with an outstanding oval forum, colonnaded main streets with the drains still intact, two theatres and a most impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around we head south to the Dead Sea in time for a ‘float' in the saline waters. In the evening we return to Madaba.

Day 3
A long driving day down the King's Highway which winds its way up and down many wadis (dry river beds). There are many stops of interest en route including Mt Nebo and Kerak. Departing from Mujib, we head south to reach Jordan's premier historical site, Petra - one of the world's outstanding ancient cities.

Day 4-5
Two full days to explore Petra. The 'Rose-red city, half as old as time' - Petra was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burkhardt made his great discovery in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth 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; and 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 mystical Petra we must begin by walking down the Siq, the narrow chasm which is the only entrance to the city, and we come out directly in front of El Khazneh, the Treasury. (Please note that due to current Jordanian group regulations the journey to the Siq on horseback is part of the ticket price - it costs US$10 and is included in the price. It is possible to walk this section for those who would prefer but the cost of the ride is part of the entrance fee and therefore cannot be refunded.) Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens, and the amphitheatre. A long walk beyond the centre is El Deir, the monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn (the walk up is by a series of steps). Some of the exploration can be done on horseback - your tour leader will be able to assist if needed. On one of the days we take a walk to the high places where few people visit. This can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness. However, for those who do make it to the top, you will be rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site you will have visited on the previous day.

Day 6
This morning we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way to Wadi Rum, a huge stretch of beautiful sand and rock desert. This 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 film of 'Lawrence' were shot. Night skies are spectacular here and we take a four-wheeled drive vehicle far into the area for an exciting desert adventure. We camp here for the night after enjoying Bedouin hospitality. We experience the desert at its best. Selected departures are non-camping for those who do not wish to sleep under the stars - please check our website and brochure for dates. On arrival in Wadi Rum we have tea with a local Bedouin family before taking a four-wheeled drive vehicle into the area for an exciting afternoon desert adventure. We then continue on to Aqaba via more dramatic scenery, where we spend the night.

Day 7
The road drops sharply through dramatic scenery to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for some of the most beautiful coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world. We have free time to lounge on the beach, swim, or go snorkelling. Your leader will be able to advise you on which are the best private beaches to visit as the public beaches generally do not have as many facilities. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.

Day 8
In the morning we travel back to Amman on the fast Desert Highway. The afternoon is free to explore Amman: the famous Roman amphitheatre, the citadel and the National Museum, or to just do some last minute shopping!

Day 9
End Amman after breakfast.

Departure Dates

05/12/2009
06/02/2010
13/02/2010
13/03/2010, Non-camping dates see trip notes for full details
20/03/2010
27/03/2010
03/04/2010
10/04/2010, Non-camping dates see trip notes for full details
01/05/2010
08/05/2010
29/05/2010
26/06/2010
03/07/2010
24/07/2010
28/08/2010
04/09/2010
18/09/2010
25/09/2010
09/10/2010
23/10/2010
06/11/2010
20/11/2010
04/12/2010, Non-camping dates see trip notes for full details
18/12/2010
26/12/2010
05/02/2011
12/02/2011
26/02/2011
12/03/2011
19/03/2011
26/03/2011
02/04/2011

Prices

Date: Base Price
05/12/2009: £789
06/02/2010: £599
13/02/2010: £599
13/03/2010: £649
20/03/2010: £599
27/03/2010: £649
03/04/2010: £649
10/04/2010: £649
01/05/2010: £649
08/05/2010: £649
29/05/2010: £599
26/06/2010: £599
03/07/2010: £599
24/07/2010: £599
28/08/2010: £599
04/09/2010: £649
18/09/2010: £649
25/09/2010: £649
09/10/2010: £649
23/10/2010: £649
06/11/2010: £649
20/11/2010: £599
04/12/2010: £599
18/12/2010: £649
26/12/2010: £699
05/02/2011: £679
12/02/2011: £679
26/02/2011: £699
12/03/2011: £699
19/03/2011: £699
26/03/2011: £699
02/04/2011: £699

Optional single supplement from: 155 GBP

Trip Information

Trip Profile
Travel by air-conditioned midi or minibus.

Accommodation
7 nights hotels, 1 night camping (on selected departures 8 nights hotels).

Food
All breakfasts and 1dinner included.

Group Size and Age
Min. 7, max. 18, plus leader and appropriate local guides.