Classic Jordan

Meet your English-speaking chauffeur and set off on an orientation of the Jordanian capital Amman. Drive to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. Jerash, which is also called the ‘City of 1,000 Columns’, was visited by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD. Its stunning remains are the equal of Ephesus in Turkey and are prized by UNESCO as an ‘ancient meeting place of East and West’.

Drive south along the Desert Highway to Wadi Rum. On arrival, head out on foot across the desert sands with your Bedouin guide on the Makharas Canyon hike (3 hours). This scenic walk near Rum’s famed ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ combines a magical canyon, red sands and grand views of Jebel Barrah and Umm Nfoos. Following your walk, check in at your luxury desert camp.

Explore the stunning desert valley of Wadi Rum by 4WD vehicle (90 minutes). TE Lawrence described Wadi Rum as ‘vast, echoing and God-like’ and is sometimes likened to the moon’s surface. Then, drive north and visit the Nabataean site of Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) before checking in at your Petra hotel. This evening, witness the magical site of Petra by candlelight.

A full day to discover the rock-hewn ruins of ancient Petra, Jordan’s foremost tourist attraction. Once the capital of the Nabataean Arabs, who controlled the lucrative trade routes between Arabia and the Mediterranean coast, Petra or ‘Rekem’ as the Nabataeans called it, was ‘lost’ to the outside world for a thousand years until its rediscovery in 1812. The site is approached through a hairline crack in the mountain known as the Siq. On emerging into the ancient city, you are greeted by the breathtaking sight of the vestiges of long-forgotten kings and once a fabulously wealthy empire – a spectacle unequalled in the Middle East.

Journey north along the ancient trade route known as the King’s Highway. The first stop will be Kerak, where you will visit the huge Crusader and Mamluk castle, then admire the view over Mujib Canyon before having lunch in the Ottoman town of Madaba. This afternoon, enjoy the view from Mt. Nebo, from where Moses first saw the Promised Land, before continuing to the Dead Sea.

Today will be at leisure by the Dead Sea. Here you may experience the unique sensation of floating cork-like in its waters, indulge in spa treatments, and benefit from the region’s special dry climate with its weakened ultraviolet radiation and high oxygen content.

Transfer to Amman International Airport and check in for your onward flight.