Jordan, At the Heart of History

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the famous Desert Castles, built by the Umayyad rulers in the 7th and 8th centuries in the eastern desert plains of Jordan. Explore Qusayr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 8th-century frescoes depicting hedonistic scenes, before continuing to the atmospheric castles of Qasr Kharana and Qasr al-Azraq, the latter serving as a military base for T.E. Lawrence, known as "Lawrence of Arabia" during World War I. Continue to Iraq al-Amir to visit the ruins of Qasr al-'Abed (“Palace of the Slave”), built by Hyrcanus, the governor of Ammon in the 2nd century BC. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Amman heading north to Jerash, one of the most impressive Roman sites outside Italy. Stroll among the well-preserved ruins, such as the Temple of Artemis and the Roman Theatre, which speak to the grandeur of Imperial Rome. Continue to Ajloun Castle, an impressive Mamluk fortress. Return to Amman for a city tour, visiting the Citadel, Roman ruins, Roman Theatre, the King Abdullah Mosque (outside visit), the bazaar, and artisan shops. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for a scenic drive along the King's Highway, once part of the ancient Silk Road. Visit the Christian city of Madaba, known as the "City of Mosaics." Here, you will visit the Church of Saint George with its 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land and the archaeological park. Then, stop at Mount Nebo, the site where Moses is believed to have been buried, offering panoramic views of the Jordan Valley. Continue to Kerak, the capital of the biblical kingdom of Moab, perched atop a hill. The Kerak Castle is a perfect example of Crusader architecture with its Romanesque stone vaults and corridors. Continue to Petra for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, get ready to explore the ancient city of Petra, the capital of the Nabateans. Begin with a guided walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge that leads to the spectacular Al-Khazneh (the Treasury) carved into the rose-red rocks. The visit continues to unveil the city's other marvels, including the Royal Tombs, funerary chambers, and sacred altars. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, head to Beida, also known as Little Petra, where the Nabateans used to entertain their guests. Continue to the enchanting Wadi Rum Desert, the "Valley of the Moon" made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. Here, enjoy a thrilling 2-hour 4x4 jeep tour to explore the most spectacular sites in the region, ending with a cup of tea prepared by Bedouins. Dinner and overnight at a desert camp.

After breakfast at the camp, head to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, for a relaxing swim in its warm, salty waters. Enjoy free time to unwind at your leisure. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast: check out from hotel and meet your airport coordinator who will drive to Queen Alia International Airport for final departure