zAncient Pathways to Petra

Check in to the 5-star Kempinski Hotel, ideally located in the heart of Amman.

Amman, an energetic 21st-century capital, is also one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Begin your exploration today with the ancient Citadel and the Roman amphitheater built by Marcus Aurelias. Then tour the vast ruins of Jerash, celebrated as the best-preserved provincial Roman city in the world and fondly referred to as “The Pompeii of the East.” Enter through the imposing triple-arched gateway built to honor Emperor Hadrian and then explore a wealth of ancient sites including the impressive Oval Plaza and the Temple of Zeus. Then continue to the enchanting Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Resort. Meals B

This entire day is at leisure to enjoy the fabulous grounds, fine amenities and captivating setting of your luxury resort.  Meals B

Travel along the King’s Way to Madaba to admire remarkably-preserved Byzantine mosaics including an impressive 6th century mosaic map of the Holy Land. Visit Mt. Nebo, traditional burial site of Moses, for sweeping views over the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. Then drive through the captivating desert scenery to visit the Ottoman-era village of Dana and see the imposing Shobak Castle, built by the Crusader King Baldwin I in the 12th century. Continue on to Petra and check in to the deluxe Mövenpick Hotel, ideally located across from the visitor’s entrance. Meals B

Mighty Petra was a strategic link in ancient caravan routes and is still stunningly preserved after nearly 2,000 years. Built by the Nabateans and later abandoned, it was lost to civilization for centuries until its re-discovery by a Swiss adventurer. The entire city is carved into the sides of a deep gorge, and the only entrance is through a narrow opening called the Siq. As you venture by horse-drawn cart with your private guide and enter into Petra from between these 100-foot cliffs, a remarkable vista unfolds… Temples, tombs and dwellings chiseled out of the solid, rose-hued stone. Your unhurried full-day guided exploration includes the famous Treasury, the Roman Theater, the Temple of the Winged Lion and numerous other ancient monuments. Meals B

Depart Petra after breakfast and travel into the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, immortalized in the epic film, Lawrence of Arabia, and home still to Bedouin tribes. Explore by jeep deep into this remote region, where sandstone and granite mountains rise sheer-sided from wide sandy valleys to reach spectacular heights of 4,000 feet and more. Continue your journey back to Amman where our tour services end.  Meals B