Stones of Arabia in 14 days

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Hotel Madaba

• Pick up and assistance at the Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel in Madaba for the first night.

Day 2: Madaba - Jarash - Dead Sea – Mount Nebo - Madaba

• After breakfast we explore Jarash, the ancient Gerasa. Jerash reveals a fine example of the grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East. Enjoy the wonderful scenes of colonnaded streets, temples, theatres, baths, towers and gates.
• We continue our tour to the lowest place on Earth, the Dead Sea. More than 400 m below sea level to enjoy floating effortlessly in the super salty water while soaking up the water's healthy minerals.
• In your way back to Madaba we stop at Mount Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan and the place where Moses died. Enjoy the view to Dead Sea and the Jordan valley.
• Dinner at the hotel in Madaba.

Day 3: Madaba (Church St. George) – Karak - Dana

• Madaba is best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics and home to the famous 6th century Mosaic Map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The Mosaic Map covers the floor of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which was built in 1896 AD, over the remains of a much earlier 6th century Byzantine church. The mosaic panel enclosing the Map was originally around 15.6 X 6m, 94 sq. m., only about a quarter of which is preserved.
• We drive you to Karak, following the Kings Road and passing Wadi Mujib and the so called ‘Grand Canyon’ of Jordan with its spectacular views. Karak, the ancient crusader fortress, lies 900 m above sea level. Explore its endless labyrinth from arches and corridors.
• The castle we see today essentially dates back to the 12th century.
• In the evening we will arrive to Dana, the largest nature reserve in Jordan.
• Spend the night in a Camp (toilets, showers, bungalows or tents).

Day 4: Dana - Little Petra

• This morning we make a very nice walk in the superb Dana reserve.
• By minibus we continue towards Little Petra which is located 8 km north of Petra to explore Siq al-Barid and Beidha, a Neolithic village (about 6.500 years BC), this is one of the oldest settlements in Middle East besides Jericho.
• Walking time: 4 to 5 hours.

Day 5-6: Trekking in Petra

• Two days in the atmosphere of this famous Nabatean city, registered as a Worldwide Heritage of the UNESCO. Hidden away amidst the folds of spectacular hills, this unique site was lost to the World until it was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.
• Walk across siqs (narrow gorges) and canyons to explore hundreds of caves, tombs, temples of any styles and any dimensions carved in the colorful sandstone of the mountains. From some places you will have a breath taking view over this huge city.
• Walking time: 5 to 6 hours per day.

Day 7-11: Trekking in Wadi Rum 

• In the morning we drive by minibus towards the desert of Wadi Rum, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• At arrival the luggage will be transferred by 4x4-Jeep to the camp.
• Then we continue walking to begin the exploration of the superb reliefs of sandstone. The weather and wind have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers. Big valleys and small canyons, sands in changeable reflections, from time to time you see a Bedouin tent, you will feel the spirit of Lawrence of Arabia. From the highest mountain in Jordan, the Jabal Aadami (1.830 m), you will have breath taking views. The Sunset and the night under millions of stars will delight you.
• Accommodation: Camping.
• Walking time: 5 to 6 hours per day.

Day 12: Wadi Rum - Aqaba

• Return to Rum village and drive to Aqaba, Jordan’s only outlet to the sea.
• After this you will check-in in the hotel.
• Make a first stroll through the city at the Red Sea.

Day 13: Aqaba - Amman

• Enjoy free time with swimming, relaxing, shopping or take a trip with the glass-bottom boat at the Red Sea.
• Late afternoon we visit the Souk or traditional market, have a coffee with cardamom, a refreshing mint-tea or smoke a narghile or shisha (water pipe).
• Then return to Amman.
• According to the desire of the group, it would be possible to return earlier to Amman, to see the old city with its colorful Souks or traditional markets.

Day 14: Departure

• Transfer to the Airport

End of your Program

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