yKingdom of Jordan Private

On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Kempinski Hotel in the center of Jordan’s vibrant capital.

This morning, you and your intimate group of explorers will visit Jerash. Just 45 minutes north of the capital, Jerash is celebrated as the best-preserved provincial Roman city in the world - and is 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 Ajloun to visit the 12^th-century Saracen castle built by one of Saladin’s lieutenants in the campaign against the Crusaders. In a nearby village, under the watchful gaze of this imposing hilltop castle, a relaxing and congenial lunch immerses you in traditional Jordanian culture. Return to your hotel in Amman where the balance of your day is at leisure. Meals B+L

After breakfast, our engaging guide will be waiting to show you the old and modern facets of the capital. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and ascend one of the highest hills in Amman to tour the Citadel. Occupied since the Bronze Age, this impressive archaeological site includes the mighty Temple of Hercules and once-magnificent Umayyad Palace, which was occupied for less than 30 years during the 8^th century.
 
At the Royal Automobile Museum, you’ll see more than 70 vintage cars and classic motorbikes from the personal collection of King Hussein. Then mingle with city residents at the fragrant herb and vegetable market as our in-the-know guide offers insight into daily life and the country’s culinary traditions. At Habibah Sweets, you’ll have a chance to sample Kanafeh, a popular Middle Eastern cheese pastry soaked in syrup often flavored with rose or orange blossom water.
 
This evening, you’ll experience another facet of Jordanian culture when you dine with a local family in their lovely home.  Meals B+D

Set out this morning along the King’s Way to Madaba for a walking tour, including St. George Church. From the outside, this 19^th-century Greek Orthodox Church presents a fairly unassuming façade. But inside you’ll behold an historic treasure that was discovered in 1884 during the Church’s construction. Now on display for visitors, this incredible 6^th-century mosaic depicts Biblical sites from Egypt to Palestine. With 157 Greek captions, it is the oldest map of the Holy Land. You’ll also stroll in the lively market and see the ancient foundations of the town’s citadel.
 
Sit down to a home-cooked meal in a restored century-old residence and tour the house garden before ascending Mt. Nebo, the traditional burial site of Moses. At the summit, with its panoramic views over the Jordan Valley, there stands a Franciscan structure that was erected to protect the remains of an historic 4^th-century Byzantine Church. Continue to Dana, an ancient village that’s been inhabited for 6,000 years. Perched above the Great Rift Valley and the desert landscapes of Wadi Arabia below, you’ll pause here for a cup of tea and to enjoy the inspiring vistas. Travel on to Petra and check in to the deluxe Mövenpick Hotel, ideally located across from the visitor’s entrance.  Meals B+L

Mighty Petra was a strategic link in ancient caravan routes and is still stunningly preserved after nearly 2,000 years. Built by the Nabataeans 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 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 expertly-guided tour of Petra includes the famous Treasury and numerous other ancient monuments like the Roman Theater and the Temple of the Winged Lion.
 
This evening, you’ll venture once again through the narrow Siq to behold the ancient Treasury – a dramatic walk and visit now illuminated by over 1,500 candles!  Meals B

Though less-well known than Petra, Al Beidha is an important Neolithic archaeological site comprised of the foundations and remains of numerous stone structures that date back more than 8,000 years. Marking the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agro-pastoralist communities, this is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East.
 
Then venture into the inspiring desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, immortalized in the epic film Lawrence of Arabia. Traveling in comfortable 4WD vehicles, you’ll discover a remote region where sandstone and granite mountains rise sheer-sided from wide sandy valleys to reach spectacular heights of 4,000 feet and more. At Khazali Canyon, you’ll enjoy a guided 20-minute hike to see ancient Nabataean inscriptions and drawings. Continue to Discovery Bedu, our stylish desert encampment. Enjoy a glass of wine as the sun casts its last rays across these arid yet remarkably inspiring landscapes. Enjoy a congenial dinner including traditional Bedouin fare before retreating to your private tent for the night.  Meals B+D

After breakfast at camp, you’ll be escorted to the Amman airport for your onward journey. Or you can enhance your travels with our easy-to-add 3-day extension to the Dead Sea + Wadi Al Mujib Reserve.  Meals B