Classical Jordan

Discover the iconic sites of Jordan in this 5-night Classical Jordan itinerary. Soak up the culture in Amman before leaving the city behind. Float in the Dead Sea, home to some of the world’s earliest known health resorts. Delve into ancient biblical history as you visit Bethany, Madaba and Mt Nebo. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra, Jordan’s most valuable treasure. Finally discover the magical desert wilderness of Wadi Rum with its moonlike landscaped.

Trip Type: Cultural

Day By Day

Day 1 – Welcome to Jordan

Upon arrival into Amman you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

A small country in the Middle East, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan played a vital role to form the  strategic location at the crossroads of what Christians, Jews and Muslims call the Holy Land. Land of wonder it is it’s home to the famed archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C. Set in a narrow valley with tombs, temples and monuments carved into the surrounding pink sandstone cliffs, Petra earns its nickname, the "Rose City."

Starting Accommodation: Ambassador, A Boutique Hotel

Day 2 – Amman City to the Dead Sea

Amman, the capital of the Hashemite Kingdom, is often referred to as the “White City” because of the white limestone used in the construction of many of the city’s buildings. The city’s heart is downtown and dates to Biblical and Roman times. The view from the Citadel over the downtown area and Roman theater is magical as you stand among Roman and biblical temples along with Ummayad built villas.  A tour of the ancient sites of Amman is juxtaposed to its more modern and commercial center. A visit to Amman would be incomplete without strolling through its crowded streets, so you can soak in the atmosphere, especially along Rainbow Street, Amman’s soho like area, full of eclectic cafes, restaurants and art galleries, and in the downtown souk and market area around the Husseini Mosque. It’s this mix of modern and traditional that brings a city tour of Amman to life. After exploring the city you will transfer to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. Enjoy some time at leisure where you can float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

Starting Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Bethany, Madaba and Mt Nebo to Petra

Depart Dead Sea to visit Bethany. For Christians, the most significant event associated with the River Jordan is undoubtedly the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. This also took place very close to Beit 'Abara, where Joshua, Elijah and Elisha crossed the river. In New Testament times, it became known as Bethany, the village of John the Baptist. This Bethany is not to be confused with the village of Bethany near Jerusalem, where the Bible says Lazarus was raised from the dead. The Bible clearly records that Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 13-17), and that John the Baptist lived, preached and baptized in the village of Bethany, on "the other side of the Jordan" (John 1: 28). The baptism site, known in Arabic as Maghtas, is located at the head of a lush valley just east of the Jordan River. It is now protected and by early 1999 it will be accessible to visitors. After Jesus' baptism at Bethany, he spent forty days in the wilderness east of the River Jordan, where he fasted and resisted the temptations of Satan (Mark 1: 13, Matthew 4: 1-11).

After the visit, transfer to Mt. Nebo, the alleged burial site of Moses overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Here Franciscans have built a structure that protects a 4th and 6th Century Byzantine church. Then transfer to Madaba. Begin with the mosaic city of Madaba, where the oldest map of the Holy Land exists on the floor of Saint George’s Church. Madaba, or Medeba in antiquity, features many famous mosaics that exist in public and private buildings. After the visits, transfer to Petra via the main road.

Starting Accommodation: The Petra Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Petra Full Day

Today you will discover the historical city of Petra, Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. Petra is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer, dusky pink rock face by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago. Located about 140 miles from Amman, it is one of the 7 Wonders of the World and an example of the engineering genius of these ancient people. Led by a local guide you will enter the city through a Siq - a narrow gorge just under a mile in length - the main entrance to the city. You will notice the dazzling colors and rock formations as well as the natural beauty of the gorge as you make your way to Al Khazneh - The Treasury. The Siq is hemmed in by cliffs soaring up to 263 feet and at the end of the siq, you will see the treasury - El-Khazneh. The natural beauty of this place and its outstanding architectural achievements are astounding. This is one of the most elegant remains of antiquity, carved out of the solid rock from the side of the mountain, is nearly 140 feet high and 90 feet wide. Beyond el Khazneh you are surrounded on both sides by hundreds of Petra’s carved and built structures, soaring temples, elaborate royal tombs, a carved Roman theater, large and small houses, burial chambers and much more. The Victorian traveler and poet, Dean Burgon, gave Petra a description which holds to this day, "Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time." You can also visit the small stalls set up by the several artisans from the town of Wadi Musa and a nearby Bedouin settlement, selling local handicrafts, such as pottery, Bedouin jewelry, and bottles of striated multi-colored sands from the area. Enjoy the day with a short horse ride around the city of Petra.  At the end of the day return to your hotel. This is a walking tour so please ensure you wear comfortable shoes.

Starting Accommodation: The Petra Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Wadi Rum Desert to Amman

Today you will visit the magical desert of Wadi Rum, home of “Lawrence of Arabia”. Upon arrival, you will take a jeep tour managed and driven by one of the local Bedouin to many of the sites in the moonlike landscaped desert. Discover clues from antiquity carved on the mountains and the fallen boulder, vestiges of human activity over several thousand years. Everywhere there are traces left by ancient civilizations – pictographs of Thamudic, Nabataean, Greek and Arabic texts, formal inscriptions and rock art depicting hunting scenes. Begin from the visitor center and drive to Rum village about a 10-minute drive on a paved road. After this you will head into the ochre-colored sandy desert as you visit the sites of Rum. Visit Lawrence’s spring, named for T.E. Lawrence, who fought in the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Continue to Khazali Canyon an iconic feature in Wadi Rum, Khazali Canyon is an easy 20-minute walk that allows you to see many Nabatean inscriptions and drawings. Lastly visit the Sand dunes, then head back to the visitor center passing by Wadi Rum Village where your Wadi Rum experience comes to an end. Continue to Amman.

Starting Accommodation: Ambassador, A Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Depart Amman

Today you will transfer to the international airport for your departing flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Pricing

Package Level: Superior

Pricing for this package is on request. Please call a Swain Destinations Specialist to customize this journey.

Terms and Conditions

Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. All highlighted savings are reflected in the price. Price does not include airfare unless otherwise stated. Travel may be limited to certain days of the week. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Pricing may increase over Holiday and special event periods and may not be reflected in price grid. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Prices are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CST #2012413-20 See our full Terms and Conditions: www.swaindestinations.com/terms