Experience Jordan & the Dead Sea

Begin your explorations of Jordan in the capital city. Amman is one of the oldest cities in the world, a place where modern meets ancient history. In western Amman you’ll find shopping malls, bars and cafes, while eastern Amman is steeped in traditional culture. Downtown reveals Roman roots, a crumbling Citadel and temple ruins. Old Arabia can be discovered in souks, and among the Bedouin jewellery and handmade crafts. Upon your arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your private driver for transfer to your hotel in the city. Settle in and then enjoy a feast of fresh mezze, an ideal introduction to the country.

This morning your private guide will bring you on a walking tour to explore Amman’s culture and history, with visits to top stops like the Roman theatre and dramatic Citadel. Downtown sits at the bottom of the city’s many hills, overlooked by the Citadel, a significant site due to its long history of occupation by many great civilizations. The majority of buildings still visible are from the Umayyad, Byzantine and Roman eras, including the Temple of Hercules which dates to the 2^nd-century AD. Afterwards you’ll continue north to Jerash to wander around incredibly well-preserved Roman ruins, the country’s largest and most interesting Roman site.

Today you’ll travel with your private/driver guide to Petra, touring along the way. The drive begins by heading south on the King’s Highway. After about 40 minutes you’ll reach Madaba, a small market town that’s home to the Church of St. George, known for its Byzantine-era mosaic of the Holy Land. Continuing south you’ll reach Montreal in about 2.5 hours. This Crusader Castle was built in the early 12^th-century, perched on the side of a rocky mountain surrounded by remote, wild landscape. From here, Petra is just over a 35-minute drive away. Your driver will deliver you to your accommodation in village nearby.

Begin your day by touring the fascinating Petra site with a local guide. The two-hour tour includes expert insight into the history of this ancient, 1^st-century BC city. You’ll make your way through the Siq, traversing the main thoroughfare, stopping to marvel at the tombs and temples. Your guided exploration is likely to finish at the Qasr al Bint temple near the Temple of the Winged Lions and Great Temple. From here you climb the 800 steps to the legendary Monastery, carved into the rock face in the 3^rd-century BC. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore at your own pace.

Leaving Petra, your private driver/guide will bring you to Wadi Rum, one of the world’s most impressive landscapes with craggy mountains, red sands and incredible rock formations. It was also famous as the base for solders, including Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence), during the Arab Revolt. Upon your arrival, a local Bedouin will take you on a Jeep tour through this extraordinary desert to visit interesting sites that include canyons with ancient Nabatean inscriptions and hidden springs. The sunsets are especially awe-inspiring here and you’ll get to witness one before heading to a local camp and enjoying some of the best stargazing on Earth.

The next stop on your itinerary is the Dead Sea, an approximately three- to four-hour journey from Wadi Rum. Before reaching your hotel, you’ll visit the very site where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist: Bethany Beyond the Jordan. The archaeological World Heritage Site lies on the east bank of the Jordan River where the remains of over 20 Christian sites have been discovered, including a sophisticated water system, baptismal pools, a prayer hall and churches dating to the Roman and Byzantine periods. Afterwards continue to the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on earth at 1,312 below sea level.

The Dead Sea contains 10 times more saline than seawater, making humans bizarrely float like corks. Floating across the salty waters is an unusual experience, but relaxing and possibly healing due to its therapeutic sea minerals. The mineral rich mud along the beach is said to be highly cleansing to reduce symptoms of respiratory, skin and even nervous system ailments. Take the day to enjoy it, floating and possibly indulging in a local spa treatment that utilizes these natural healing ingredients. By visiting the Ahava factory which produces Dead Sea skin products, you’ll get a discount to the Dead Sea Mineral Beach.

Depending on your scheduled flight, you may have time for one last swim in the Dead Sea before your private driver picks you up for transfer to the airport. Otherwise enjoy breakfast and after checking out of your hotel you’ll begin your journey home.