We will meet early in the evening to review our trip itinerary and answer last minute questions before adjourning for dinner, our first meal on the trip. Overnight Amman (2 nights). D

Our first full day in Jordan will start out exploring Jerash, a city that was allegedly built by Alexander the Great and is famous for its archaeological importance with significant Roman sites such as the Hadrian’s Arch (129 CE), temples (Artemis and Zeus), and amphitheaters. The history of Jerash goes back over 6,500 years, and it is one of the world’s best preserved Roman cities, which typically can only be found in Italy. We will then round out our day at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea (approx. 1 hour drive). Known for its supersaturated salinity (~34%), you cannot sink if you try. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the buoyancy as well as the Dead Sea’s famous therapeutic mud. Overnight Amman. B,L,D

After breakfast at our hotel, we head out for daytime sightseeing to the ancient city of Madaba (40 min drive), known for its history going back to the 6th Century and its Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land in St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church (Madaba Map). Revered for being the oldest known map of the Palestinian Territories (~560 CE), it is incomplete and its entirety may never be known. The city also has various archaeological sites that celebrate the religious significance of the city. From Madaba we’ll move onward to Mount Nebo (15 min drive), where it is believed Moses gazed upon the Promised Land before his death at the age of 120 years old. On a clear day, the Dead Sea and the Palestinian Territories are clearly visible. Although there is not a consensus of where Moses was buried, Mount Nebo is also known as his final resting place. To finish our day, we’ll make the 3 hour drive down to Petra. Overnight Petra (3 nights). B,L,D

Known as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of UNESCO’s finest heritage sites, we will get to enjoy a walk through the Siq (~0.7 miles long), a narrow natural gorge leading to the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the guiding entrance to this ancient Nabataean city. Originally built as a royal tomb for Nabataean King Aretas IV in the 1st Century CE, it was later used as a place of worship and possibly served as a tomb for other high-ranking dynastic members. Most movie-goers will recognize it from “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” We will spend the rest of the day enjoying the various monuments in Petra. Overnight Petra. B,L,D

After breakfast we’ll give you the opportunity to explore Petra on your own. Beyond the Treasury  and along the Main Trail in Petra is an old city center, Roman Colonnaded Street, and many tombs etched into the surrounding sandstone formations. Within the visitor’s center complex is the Petra Museum, which contains artifacts highlighting the Nabataean’s way of life. For dinner we’ll get to enjoy a cooking class and learn more about Jordanian cuisine. Later in the evening,  we will stroll back down the Siq and enjoy a 3D light show near the Treasury (additional fee). Overnight Petra. B,L,D

Today we bid goodbye to Petra and venture to the Wadi Rum desert (approx. 1 hour 40 min drive). Famous for its striking redstone mountains and rock formation, movie-goers also recognize it as the backdrop for various films (“Star Wars”, “Prometheus”, “Dune”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, etc.). We will get to explore deep into the heart of Wadi Rum via a guided 4x4 Jeep tour. If we are lucky we may get to enjoy blooming flowers in the desert. You will also have the option to check off a bucket list item and go on a camel ride (additional fee). For the night, we will get to enjoy the unique opportunity of staying at a modern camp and stargazing before turning in for the night. Overnight Wadi Rum (Bedouin Camp - 1 night). B,L,D     

Also known as Jordan’s seaside escape, we’ll head down to the city of Aqaba, the portal to the Red Sea’s wonders (approx. 1 hour drive) Here we will enjoy a 4 hour boat ride and we’ll get a chance to snorkel or SCUBA dive (additional fee for diving) in the Aqaba Marine Reserve. Not far offshore are various wrecks and natural coral outcrops attracting over 500 species of fish, sea turtles, and eagle rays. Overnight Aqaba (1 night). B,L,D

For our last full day, we’ll head back to Amman (approx. 4.5 hour drive) and visit the Amman Citadel, a historical and archaeological site located on one of the highest hills in the heart of Amman. Here we’ll enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the downtown area alongside the Roman ruins. It is also considered one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places, with evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period (before 5000 BCE) and fortifications from the Bronze Age (~1800 BCE). From here, we’ll take a short 5-10 minute drive to the awe inspiring Roman Theater. Likely built in the 2nd century, the 6,000-seat theater is a famous landmark and dates back to the Roman period when the city was known as Philadelphia. Overnight Amman. B,L,D

Our trip ends after breakfast. As you head home or onto your next destination, we hope the memories you’ve made stay with you forever. Until the next adventure, safe travels. B