A Week in Jordan

Welcome to Amman, the capital of Jordan, where our adventure begins. There are free transfers to the hotel from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) for all customers today. Please note, transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts. Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe or similar

This morning we drive north to Jerash, known as Gerasa in ancient times. This was one of the 10 wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis during Roman times, 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, with a dramatic oval forum, colonnaded main streets (which remarkably have the drains still intact), two theatres and the impressive temple of Zeus. After a good look around, we head back to Amman for a city tour, which takes in the Citadel, Roman amphitheatre and the old city. Accommodation: Hotel Khan Khediwe or similar

Today is a long driving day down the King's Highway which takes us up and down huge wadis (valleys). There are several stops of interest en route, including Madaba, known as the city of the mosaics, Mount t Nebo, and the magnificent fortified town of Kerak. Further south we reach Petra – Jordan's premier historic site and one of the most outstanding ancient cities in the world. Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

Enjoy two days exploring Petra. The so-called Red Rose City was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. It was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BCE. Building at Petra began in the third century BCE 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. Secondly, it is built directly into the rock – beautiful red-and-yellow sandstone carved into the most impressive facades, which glow in the sunlight. To enter Petra we must begin by walking down a narrow chasm, known as the Siq. Unveiled at the end is El Khazneh, the Treasury. This is just the first breathtaking sight of a remarkable day. Continuing to the city centre, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens and the remarkable scale of the site begins to unveil itself. An optional walk can then be done up 750 steps to El Deir, the Monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn. On the second day, your guide will take you into the site for either a hike up to the High Place of Sacrifice or for free time to explore the city further. Only a few people attempt to visit the High Place as it can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness or are uncomfortable with heights. However, those who do make it to the top are rewarded with wonderful views over parts of the site visited on the previous day. Accommodation: Standard hotel – see accommodation section for more detail

This morning there is the option to take a guided tour through Little Petra or you can relax at our hotel before we join the modern Desert Highway and make our way south to Wadi Rum. The purpose of Little Petra is not clear; however, archeologists believe it was probably a suburb of Petra where visiting traders on the Silk Road may have stayed. Today we enter the Unesco World Heritage site of Wadi Rum, where dramatic sandstone mountains rise from the sandy desert floor. It was here that 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 1962 epic film were shot. After checking into our private Exodus camp, our Bedouin hosts take us for an approximately two-hour 4x4 ride to explore some of the highlights of the protected area. We visit the highlights, have time to sample Bedouin tea, and then watch the sunset from the vantage point of a rock formation. From here we return to our camp where we enjoy Bedouin hospitality with a traditional dinner called zarb, which is cooked underground. After dinner, we learn about Bedouin culture and music through interacting with the family who run the camp. Accommodation: Exodus Private camp (permanent Bedouin camp)

We wake in the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, best known for having beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a beach with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience with optional snorkelling and lunch packages, which your leader will explain. Please note there is a cost for these extras. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together. Accommodation: La Costa Hotel or similar

Leaving the Red Sea behind, we head to the Dead Sea (approximately 4hr 30 min), which is one of the most fascinating places on earth and so called because its high salinity prevents most forms of aquatic life. There's plenty of free time to float in these waters and try the Dead Sea mud before cooling off in the swimming pool. There's also the chance to visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan, said to be the site of Jesus Christ's baptism by John the Baptist, a moment marking the new era of Christianity. This is an optional trip that can be booked and paid for locally. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the Dead Sea hotel and the entire visit usually lasts 1hr 45min in total, including the driving to/from the hotel. Those who do not wish to visit the site will check into their hotel in the Dead Sea. This evening there will be a group dinner to celebrate your time in Jordan and say your farewells. Accommodation: Holiday Inn Dead Sea or similar

Breakfast marks our final meal, an excellent chance to reminisce about an adventure packed with excitement. To make your return journey home easier, there’s a free shared transfer back to the airport.