The land of wonders – Jordan
Overview
Jordan is one of those countries that once existed for me solely in images in various shades of terracotta, ochre and apricot of the famous façade of Petra’s Treasury, carved into the rose-tinted sandstone, and mysterious rock formations towering above the desert sands of Wadi Rum. These images alone were enough for the country to enter my wish list, and when I finally ended up booking a trip to Jordan with my partner, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect beyond these beautiful scenes.
Jordan’s capital of Amman was a great place to get my first taste of the country. We spent a few days in the hilly city, visiting museums and art galleries, eating our body weight in mezze dishes, sampling our first Jordanian wines and getting several layers of skin scrubbed off in a hammam (Turkish bath), as well as meeting our first friendly Jordanians. While walking in the streets of the city, people would come up to us to greet us and shake our hands and welcome us to Amman, making us feel like celebrity tourists.
Program:
Day 1: Arrival Amman.
Arrival at Queen Alia international Airport. Meet and assist by our representative before immigration counter. Transfer to the hotel in Amman.
Day 2: Amman – Jerash – Ajloun.
Jerash golden age under Roman rule, during which was known as Gerasa,The site is now generally acknowledged to be one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world.
Day 3: Ajloun Reserve – Dead Sea– Madaba.
Ajloun Forest Reserve is an inviting and interesting location for visitors as it offers an exciting look into the wildlife and the landscape. Created in 1988 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the reserve offers several hiking trails which are easily accessible as well as an informative visitor center and several other attractions including a soap house and calligraphy house. Furthermore, guests can enjoy lunch and coffee in the cafe which uses local and regional ingredients. There are also several small cottages which can be rented and visitors can sleep overnight within the reserve
Day 4: Madaba – Wadi Ibn Hammad – Karak – Dana.
Kerak (Al-Karak) is best known for its impressive crusader castle, where Homeric battles took place between Saladin and Renaud de Chatillon, around 1180 A.D. But near Kerak, is also located the wonderful Wadi Bin Hammad: high sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, hanging gardens, bucolic stream
Ibn Hammad valley is one of the most beautiful areas in Jordan, and it contains very abundant and warm mineral water.
Day 5: Dana – little Petra.
Wadi Dana Reserve is a system of mountains and wadis, extending from the top of the eastern Rift Valley to desert lowlands of Wadi Araba, with an elevation drop of over 1600 meters through the reserve.
The reserve embraces 3 major bio-geographical zones and four distinct vegetation zones. This condensed variety of landforms and habitats, combined with dramatic changes in elevation, results in a vast biological diversity. The total number of species recorded so far consists of 690 plants, of which 3 are new to science, and 449 animals.
Day 6: Petra
Travel to a magnificent red rose city dating back to the 1st century BC. Ancient master builders carved palaces, temples, tombs and more into the stone cliffs.
Day 7: Petra- Aqaba -Wadi Rum.
Aqaba is the only sea port in Jordan.With the red mountains of Wadi Rum in the background and the Red Sea in the foreground, the stunning Aqaba boasts a beautiful setting. This port city is laden with luxurious resorts and hotels, ensuring a restful place to return to after a long day of touring Jordan. The main activities of Aqaba are coastal-friendly, like beach exploring, diving, snorkeling, water sports, bird watching and more.
Day 8: Wadi Rum.
After breakfast you will drive to Wadi Rum to explore the landscape of the desert by 4*4 vehicles with an option of a camel ride which makes your visit unforgettable. Dinner and Overnight at Wadi Rum camp.
Day 9: Wadi Rum – Amman – Amman visit.
Enjoy Amman City Tour, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. See the ruins of Amman citadel, Islamic and Roman ruins, including the Roman theater and more.
Day 10: Departure.
Departure Transfer to Queen Alia International Airport