The Antiquities of Jordan

This itinerary is designed to give an in-depth view of the notable sites of Jordan. You will see the sights, enjoy Bedouin hospitality, and eat in small, authentic Jordanian restaurants specializing in delicious dishes. 

Day 1-We board our widebody jet for Amman. Dinner served on board.

Day 2-When we arrive in Amman our guide and driver will take us to our first class hotel for check in. The remainder of the afternoon is free for relaxation before dinner. As we walk about we will be greeted with the familiar "Welcome to Jordan," by the hospitable natives.

Day 3-Amman is at once an ancient and a modern city. Today we will enjoy a tour visiting: the Roman Theatre;  the suq, the bazaar area; the Citadel; Temple of Herakles; archaeological museum; and sights of the modern city. Overnight Amman. 

Day 4-Off to Jerash.  This extensive Roman ruin will awe us with its vastness and with the very well preserved forum and Street of the Columns,  extending 1 km to the north. We will see the north and south theatres, both in good condition; agorá, baths, and temples.  We'll wander around and appreciate the Roman genius for construction and city planning. As we return from Jerash, we'll visit Ajlun Castle, built by the Arabs in 1185; everyone's prototype of a great castle. Overnight Amman. 

Day 5-Enjoy a day of adventure and romance as we explore the desert castles: Qasr Kharanah with its towers is one of the best preserved examples of Umayyad castles; Qasr Amra is known for its 8th century wall frescoes and mosaics; Qasr El-Azraq was an oasis settlement on the caravan route from Syria to Jordan; Qasr El-Hallabat was built in the 2nd century and renovated by the Umayyads. Overnight Amman.

Day 6-Driving south we reach Madaba to visit the Church of St. George, whose floor is a map of Palestine in the form of a mosaic (2.3 million tiles). Next, Mt. Nebo where Moses stood and looked down into the "promised land." On a clear day we can see the Dead Sea and Palestine. On down the mountain to the Dead Sea. We continue to Kerak and visit impressive Kerak Castle, the largest Crusader castle in Jordan. Overnight Petra.

Day 7-Petra  is without doubt one of the most magnificent sites in the world. We will walk or ride a horse a mile between narrow defiles 300 feet high, and then, open sesame! We come to the opening of the Treasury. It was a royal tomb 295 feet wide by 426 feet high hewn from the rose colored cliffs of sandstone from which several of the monuments are carved. The sun causes most unusual effects as it plays across the stone at different times of day, creating various shades. Just down the way and on our left from the treasury is the theatre, still in good condition. Around the site are tombs carved everywhere. We'll climb, explore, enjoy. Bring plenty of film. Overnight Aqaba. 

Day 8-Aqaba is the meeting place on the Red Sea of four countries (Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel), and boasts 360 days of sunshine annually. The wonderful climate makes this an attractive spot to spend a few days. King Hussein maintains a villa here. What does that tell you? This area is reputed to be the best in the world for scuba diving. We will visit the aquarium, museum, and medieval castle. We can take leisurely strolls around the market; swim; windsurf; relax. Overnight in Aqaba. 

Day 9-From Aqaba we will travel the short distance to Wadi Rum.  This is the desert valley which Lawrence of Arabia made famous. Stone crags jut up from the valley floor of the desert, and here too, sunlight practices its legerdemain on the landscape. We will explore the desert and wonder at the bluffs of this national park as our Bedouin guides drive us in their desert vehicles. Bring even more film. Overnight Aqaba.

Day 10-This morning we will be driven to Aqaba airport for our flight to Amman, and to the U.S., bringing with us visions of natural splendor and Bedouin hospitality. 

---

Possible extention to Israel

Day 9-After breakfast we will fly to Amman, then drive through the magnificent hills of Jordan to the Allenby Bridge, where we will cross to the West Bank. With our guide we will drive to the Dead Sea, the lowest region on earth. We continue to Masada and ascend by cable car the mountain to explore the impressive ruins of the fortress built by King Herod. On to the Dead Sea and Qumran, where the 2000 year old Dead Sea scrolls where discovered. Finally, we will drive to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 10-We start the morning by climbing the Mount of Olives for a breathtaking panoramic view of the old city of Jerusalem. Walk down to the Garden of Gethsemane, passing the Dominus Flevit Church. As we enter the old city at St. Stephens Gate, we will walk along the stations of the via Dolorosa, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. On to the Western Wall, the last remnant of the Great Temple which stood in the days of Jesus. Visit the Temple Mount with the Dome of the Rock. Then continue to Mount Zion, where the room of the last supper and King David's Tomb are situated. Free time in the colorful bazaar and back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 11-We begin the day with a visit to the city of Bethlehem and visit the Church of Nativity. Then visit the Yad Vashem, the emotionally moving memorial to the victims of the holocaust. We will see the model of Jerusalem, a miniature re-creation of the city during the time of Christ. Drive through the new city past the Kneset, the home of Israel's Parliament to view the Menorah, the emblem of the state of Israel. We will have free time in the new city, then back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 12-Drive from Jerusalem through the Jordan Valley to Nazareth and visit the Church of the Annunciation, then drive via Cana to Tiberias and visit Capernaum, the town where Jesus made his home after leaving Nazareth. We will visit the remains of the ancient Synagogue in which he taught. Overnight Tiberias.

Day 13-After a tour of Tiberias, we will drive to Sheikh Hussein Bridge and cross into Jordan. The balance of the day will be free in Amman. We may visit familiar sites and walk again through the bazaar. Overnight Amman.

Day 14-We will be driven to the Amman airport and assisted with check in for our flight home.