Highlights
- See breathtaking ancient mosaics at Madaba
- Explore temples & tombs in the "Rose City" of Petra
- Float among the otherworldly landscapes of the Dead Sea
- Gaze across the Sea of Galilee from Nazareth
- See the golden-domed Temple Mount in Jerusalem
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Amman | Amman |
| Day 2 | Tour the Ancient Wonders of Umm Qais, Jerash & Aljoun | Amman |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo & Kerak | Petra |
| Day 4 | Explore Petra, Transfer to the Dead Sea | The Dead Sea |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Israel via Allenby Bridge, Visit Cana, Nazareth & Tiberias | Tiberias |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Jerusalem via Haifa & Caesarea | Jerusalem |
| Day 7 | Tour Jerusalem's Old CIty | Jerusalem |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Amman via Allenby Bridge, Farewell Dinner | Amman |
| Day 9 | Depart Amman |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Amman
Day 2: Tour the Ancient Wonders of Umm Qais, Jerash & Aljoun
Today you'll discover some of northern Jordan's greatest archaeological sites, starting with a transfer north to the ancient city of Umm Qais. Overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley, Umm Qais was founded by the Ancient Greeks and later settled by the Romans. Once known as Gadara (one of the frontier Decapolis cities of Rome), the site was widely believed by Christians to be where Jesus performed the Miracle of the Gadarene Swine. Umm Qais' splendor was also remarked upon by several classical poets and philosophers, with one even deeming it the "New Athens." Step back in time as you stroll column-flanked streets and take in the far-reaching views.
Then it's on to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Spend time wandering the extensive site and be sure to check out the pristine remains of two amphitheaters, the north-south Colonnaded Street, and the Hippodrome (the site of ancient chariot races).
Continue to Ajloun, in the highlands, where you can explore the 12th-century Ajloun Castle, a fortress built to ward off the Crusader armies at the vital trade and pilgrimage intersection between Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, and Mecca. Roam the ramparts and enjoy sweeping views over the Levant.
In the afternoon, your driver will bring you back to Amman, where the rest of the evening is at your leis
Day 3: Transfer to Petra via Madaba, Mount Nebo & Kerak
After breakfast at your hotel, you'll check out and meet your driver for today's journey south. Stop in Madaba to check out its intricate Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the spectacular Madaba Map, the oldest preserved mosaic map of the Holy Land. Nearby, the Madaba Archaeological Park preserves the mosaic-rich Church of the Virgin Mary and artifacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras.
Continue your journey to Mount Nebo, an elevated ridge of the Abarim range said to be where Moses took in the view of the Promised Land. Follow in his footsteps and look out at the Dead Sea and beyond, before eventually making your way to the Memorial Church of Moses, a modern structure that now houses excavated relics from the region.
Carry on south along the historic King's Highway to Kerak to visit the impressive Crusader castle of the same name. Exploring the fortress-like structure provides an opportunity to experience the vaulted halls and passageways typical of the era, a remarkable insight into the architectural and military prowess of the Crusaders. When you're ready, continue to Petra where you'll check in to your hotel for the night.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Explore Petra, Transfer to the Dead Sea
Today you'll explore Jordan's beloved archeological treasure: the lost city of Petra. Known as the "Rose City" for the area's distinctive red sandstone, it's easy to see why Petra was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Its intricate architectural design is hundreds of years old, and remarkably well maintained.
Enter through the Siq, a dramatically narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs, and spend your day wandering at your leisure through Petra's seemingly endless temples, tombs, and colonnaded streets. Navigate the impressive water conduit system of the historic Nabataean city, paying a visit to Qasr al-Bint, a grand temple that was once the population's primary place of worship.
If you're feeling adventurous, climb your way up the 800 steps to the Monastery, Petra's largest and lesser-visited monument. For a stunning view overlooking the Treasury and jagged mountains beyond, hike the steep stone-carved staircase to the top of Jabal al-Khubtha.
When you've had your fill of Petra, your driver will be waiting to transfer you north to the spectacular shores of the Dead Sea. This landlocked lake is the lowest point on earth and the world's richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years. After a scenic drive through a landscape of otherworldly, arid hills, you'll reach your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure—floating in the salty waters, enjoying a full-body mud treatment, or relaxing in the sun.
Day 5: Transfer to Israel via Allenby Bridge, Visit Cana, Nazareth & Tiberias
Your first stop is the idyllic village of Cana, where you'll visit the Church of the Wedding Miracle where Jesus was said to turn water into wine. Proceed to the biblical city of Nazareth to see the towering Basilica of Annunciation, then take a short walk to the sites of Joseph's carpentry workshop and the well of Mary. Continue to the shores of the Sea of Galilee and the historic city of Tiberias, where you'll get settled into your hotel for the night.
Day 6: Transfer to Jerusalem via Haifa & Caesarea
Stop at the ancient Roman port city of Caesarea for a quick tour of the amphitheater and aqueduct, and see the birthplace of John the Baptist as you pass the sleepy village of Ein Karem, located in a beautiful setting amid hills and a small spring. At the end of the day, you'll reach the holy city of Jerusalem and your base for the next two nights.
Day 7: Tour Jerusalem's Old City
Immerse yourself in the ancient Old City of Jerusalem today, starting with a walk along the Via Dolorosa—a winding route thought to be the path Jesus walked on his way to his crucifixion. Along the way, you'll stop to explore the Christian and Muslim Quarters with a visit to the Pool of Bethesda, the Monastery of the Flagellation, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Continue to the Jewish Quarter to explore the Cardo, an ancient colonnaded street dating back to the Roman Empire, then make your way to the Wailing Wall to see the golden domes of Temple Mount—venerated as a holy site in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity alike.
Continuing to Mount Zion, you'll explore the ancient building of King David's Tomb and visit the Cenacle (an upper room said to host the Last Supper), then pay a visit to the striking church of Saint Peter at Galicantu.
The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to relax back at your hotel or explore on your own.
Day 8: Transfer to Amman via Allenby Bridge, Farewell Dinner
Say your goodbyes to Israel today, as you head back to Jordan via the Allenby Bridge. After completing the immigration procedures, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to Amman. Get settled into your hotel, then spend the remainder of the evening exploring any city highlights you may have missed or picking up some last-minute souvenirs.
In the evening, head to a celebratory farewell dinner at a local restaurant to sample Jordanian specialties like mansaf (rice topped with lamb and pine nuts), Arabic sweets, and mint tea.
Day 9: Depart Amman
After breakfast, it's time to bid Amman farewell and transfer to the Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!
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